Private Lessons

[scratchs]

I've heard nothing but GREAT things about Randy's school, but again, I just dont think that kind of $ is feasable for me. Is there anyone around the Dallas Texas area anyone could reccomend for me to at least look into? I'd just like someone to look at my fundamentals for starters and see if there is anything that sticks out that could be hindering me.
I am just beginning my DVD collection and have a few of the early Byrne DVD I'm working on. I'll continue to grow that library and try to soak up all I can.
Thanks for the comments!

Theres tons of info here on Az..like Lou recomended seek out a few stronger players,an work something out.
If you have a pool hall in your area,speak with the owner about what your looking for,he/she may be able to point you in the right derection.
Good luck on your quest.

 

[JoeW]

I had been playing for about ten years before I attended Randy’s three day pool school. It was worth while. I think that Randy’s most significant contribution to my game was to teach me to take a more structured approach to playing pool. I had read many books and watched several DVDs etc before taking instruction from Randy. He is not only a good teacher he has an approach to the game that is worth learning.

After his classes I find that my playing is different and that the approaches I have taken to improve are more useful. It is an elusive thing to try to explain what good teachers do. They inspire but there is also more than inspiration, some ineffable quality that is communicated. He is among the best of teachers.

 

[robleyf7]

Mister Randy is a good pool instructori have not went too him *Yet* i had a chance too go meet mister Denny Stewart for 6 hours anhe fixed 3-4 things i was doing wrong i come out 5th at the white diamonds tournament full of road players an pro,s 128 man field but i am sure any pool instructor around your area is good checkem out

 

[scratchs]

Spin CAN be your friend, or can be your worst enemy. Mosconi embarassed me in front of a crowd in 1965, by saying, "You'll never be a player kid, till you learn how NOT to use spin!" I teach students how to play the game well WITHOUT spin, and THEN teach them how to use it. (When I miss, it's almost always either because I didn't focus on an easy shot, or I over-spun the CB.)
Stay away from bar tables? Many pros got their start on bar tables, and many of us have won substantial amounts of money on the BB. If you're a serious amateur player, you won't find many national events that aren't played on bar boxes. I used to practice a lot on 8-footers, so it was easy for me to adjust to both 7 and 9-footers when I needed to.
Donny L
BCA/ACS Instructor
Gainesville, Fl

Good stuff..an spot on.

 

[poolhalljnkie]

PM Sent :thumbup:

 

[8JIM9]

Man you hit the nail on the head. This is my first season of APA and really first year to play (seriously). I'm about 10 games in, ranked a 3, (cuz i cant go any lower) getting spanked by everyone. Some people in the bar's are very helpful and I'm very appreciative of those folks. Some are pure Aholes. But I have often thought of the "bad" advice i may be receiving.

I just got a my first table at home. I am hitting around 150 ball's a day. Most of the "drills" i see on you tube are just too difficult for my skill level right now. I like the progressive drill where you randomly throw out 3 balls and try to run. Then 4, and so on. Miss 4, go back to three. I also like just filling the table and trying to sink as best I can in no certain sequence.

I guess I'm just kind of looking for what the things are that I need to focus on primarally to make the most of my time and try and speed the learning curve up as much as possible.

For instance is hitting balls ever night a waste of time if I'm not doing the right "drills"??

thanks guys!

By hitting a50 balls a night, you'll eventually gain a concept of aiming, but you're still not going to learn how to play pool. There are scores of books and dvd's out there, but they all have the same drawback; if you have a question about any of the material covered, you need to buy another book or dvd and hope it has the answer. The only exception I've found is "the Owner's Manual for the Complete Poolplayer" by Jim Rydell. On the first page of this manual he list his "snail-mail" address, his "e-mail address and his phone number. If you have any questions about any material in this manual, you are encourged to contact the author and he will help you through it.
8JIM9

 

[Scott Lee]

ChadK...We find a way to SAVE for the things that are most important to us. The best things in life, including top quality pool instruction, are neither free nor cheap. Do you negotiate with your doctor? How about your attorney, plumber, electrician or car mechanic? While Randy may "negotiate" something with you, your best option is to attend the 3-day pool school in Dallas. Countless numbers of posters here have attended pool school, or had private lessons with one of our top SPF instructors. Nearly all of them report an excellent experience, along with surprising results (when practiced correctly, for the right amount of time).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

How many of you have had any type of formal instruction with your playing. I'm interested in Randy's school but probably wouldnt be able to swing the $ for the 3 day course. Is the one day, one on one, experience worth the $, or are there other options for personal instruction? (Dal, Tx)

 

[Rich R.]

Randy's 3 day school is definitely the best and if you break it down into an hourly rate, it really isn't a bad price for top notch instruction. However, it is an awful lot of information to absorb in those 3 days.
I'm not really sure if Randy does hourly lessons for locals.

Also in the Dallas area is Carl Oswald and, per his web site, he gives lessons by the hour. Carl has worked with Randy and is also a great instructor. Since you live in that area, maybe an hour or two every month or so, as you can afford it, would be a better option than a 3 day intensive school. It would be easier to absorb the information and easier on your budget.
http://www.billiardstudio.com/

 

[Scott Lee]

Oz is a SUPERIOR instructor (one of our best). All of us have our own personalities and teaching styles. Matching up the student's needs, with the best personality style is definitely a goal for many students. That's why many potential students rely on feedback posted here, on other forums, and through word of mouth. Neither Randy nor I are fans of the "hour" lesson plan. You just cannot get enough information passed in such a short time span (it certainly can be different if the student can visit the instructor weekly, for further instruction). Oz may or may not feel the same way.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Scott Lee

Randy's 3 day school is definitely the best and if you break it down into an hourly rate, it really isn't a bad price for top notch instruction. However, it is an awful lot of information to absorb in those 3 days.
I'm not really sure if Randy does hourly lessons for locals.

Also in the Dallas area is Carl Oswald and, per his web site, he gives lessons by the hour. Carl has worked with Randy and is also a great instructor. Since you live in that area, maybe an hour or two every month or so, as you can afford it, would be a better option than a 3 day intensive school. It would be easier to absorb the information and easier on your budget.
http://www.billiardstudio.com/

 

[KRJ]

Find the best player in your local room and offer to play him cheap if you can ask questions. If he's the articulate sort, offer him $50 or $100 for an hour or two of instruction. Another good idea is to buy some Accu-Stats matches. You get to watch two great players and the commentary of two more -- great stuff. Personally, I've taken lessons from Steve "The Cookie Monster" Cook and Dallas West. Getting to ask great players anything you want about the game is priceless. I hope to take a lesson next year from Ray Martin.

Lou Figueroa

Great advice for a Master level player or local shortstop caliber player.... But kinda crappy advice for a newbie, banger, or intermediate player (which most players fit into)

Your local shotstop or Accu Stats tapes are not going to diagnos the poor mechanics of a players stroke just because he developed a perfect one by himself....

Lou, offer the best player in the room $50 to $100 an hour ?? LMAO on that one..... Geez, I can train with a HOF player or a top notch instructor like Stan or Randy for that kinda money !!!

 

[lfigueroa]

Great advice for a Master level player or local shortstop caliber player.... But kinda crappy advice for a newbie, banger, or intermediate player (which most players fit into)

Your local shotstop or Accu Stats tapes are not going to diagnos the poor mechanics of a players stroke just because he developed a perfect one by himself....

Lou, offer the best player in the room $50 to $100 an hour ?? LMAO on that one..... Geez, I can train with a HOF player or a top notch instructor like Stan or Randy for that kinda money !!!

I said an hour or two as in: for a while.

And if you ask the local to play -- almost any decent sized city has a few top quality players -- you'll save time, gas or airline tickets, expense money, food, time off work, etc. Plus, you won't have to sign up for a whole big honkin' load of undigestible instruction. You'll be able to take it in in more consumable bites and if you like it the quality of instruction, you can go back for more and not have to travel, or wait however long for the next lesson. If you don't like it you haven't wasted hours and hours and more dollars. Some instructors are not for everyone -- if you travel or sign up for days of instruction, its too late to get your dough back if the instructor and you don't sync up, instruction-wise.

Lou Figueroa
oh yeah, lmao
I'm thinking you just pulled up in car
with a lot of other clowns in it, RJ ;-)

 

[KRJ]

I said an hour or two as in: for a while.

And if you ask the local to play -- almost any decent sized city has a few top quality players -- you'll save time, gas or airline tickets, expense money, food, time off work, etc. Plus, you won't have to sign up for a whole big honkin' load of undigestible instruction. You'll be able to take it in in more consumable bites and if you like it the quality of instruction, you can go back for more and not have to travel, or wait however long for the next lesson. If you don't like it you haven't wasted hours and hours and more dollars. Some instructors are not for everyone -- if you travel or sign up for days of instruction, its too late to get your dough back if the instructor and you don't sync up, instruction-wise.

Lou Figueroa
oh yeah, lmao
I'm thinking you just pulled up in car
with a lot of other clowns in it, RJ ;-)

Or maybe train with an instructor in the area in which you reside.... and avoid donating your money to the local shortstop Thus, you can train for a few hours, or a day, or whatever fits your budget, and if you are not "learning" you can quit at any time.

Still amazes me that you are so down on "instructors" but you have sought out others to obtain instruction to help your game.... so why does it bother you so?? Not a whole lot of guys getting rich giving lessons, certainly nobody I ever met

 

[Rich R.]

Oz is a SUPERIOR instructor (one of our best). All of us have our own personalities and teaching styles. Matching up the student's needs, with the best personality style is definitely a goal for many students. That's why many potential students rely on feedback posted here, on other forums, and through word of mouth. Neither Randy nor I are fans of the "hour" lesson plan. You just cannot get enough information passed in such a short time span (it certainly can be different if the student can visit the instructor weekly, for further instruction). Oz may or may not feel the same way.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Scott Lee

Scott, I understand why you and Randy would not be fans of the "hour" lesson plan and your desire to get more information to the student.

From a students perspective, after 2 hours I think a student runs into information overload and just can't process the information any longer. Frankly, I think a "2 hour plan would be perfect if done on a regular basis. Speaking for myself, if one of you guys were in my local area, I would be more inclined to take a 2 hour lesson every month or so rather than attend a 3 day pool school. I need time to process information and work on what I have been taught. I also can't spend hours and hours at the table practicing so I need the time between lessons to work on stuff.

You said you all have your own teaching styles. I can say that everyone has their own learning styles too.

 

[lfigueroa]

Still amazes me that you are so down on "instructors" but you have sought out others to obtain instruction to help your game.... so why does it bother you so?? Not a whole lot of guys getting rich giving lessons, certainly nobody I ever met

What is amazing to me is that you are such a rabid instructor supporter that you'd first rag on me, having failed to recall, or comprehend, or even bothered to read the OP question (emphasis mine):

"How many of you have had any type of formal instruction with your playing. I'm interested in Randy's school but probably wouldnt be able to swing the $ for the 3 day course. Is the one day, one on one, experience worth the $, or are there other options for personal instruction? (Dal, Tx)"

Yes, his question could be taken to be about shorter time with Randy, but it could also be that he's asking about instruction beyond that, particularly since later on he asks, "Is there anyone around the Dallas Texas area anyone could reccomend for me to at least look into?"

Later, he says he's an APA3 -- any semi-compentent player, in an hour or two, could easily give him tons of stuff to work on for months, if not years. Personally, I have helped out a ton of guys, for free, when they come up and ask for help. On several occasions, it was after they had been to an "instructor" and they couldn't figure out why what the *instructor* had told them was not working for them. This *instructor* is considered one of the best in the business. I'm usually able to help them out in a few minutes ;-)

Lou Figueroa

 

[KRJ]

What is amazing to me is that you are such a rabid instructor supporter that you'd first rag on me, having failed to recall, or comprehend, or even bothered to read the OP question (emphasis mine):

"How many of you have had any type of formal instruction with your playing. I'm interested in Randy's school but probably wouldnt be able to swing the $ for the 3 day course. Is the one day, one on one, experience worth the $, or are there other options for personal instruction? (Dal, Tx)"

Yes, his question could be taken to be about shorter time with Randy, but it could also be that he's asking about instruction beyond that, particularly since later on he asks, "Is there anyone around the Dallas Texas area anyone could reccomend for me to at least look into?"

Later, he says he's an APA3 -- any semi-compentent player, in an hour or two, could easily give him tons of stuff to work on for months, if not years. Personally, I have helped out a ton of guys, for free, when they come up and ask for help. On several occasions, it was after they had been to an "instructor" and they couldn't figure out why what the *instructor* had told them was not working for them. This *instructor* is considered one of the best in the business. I'm usually able to help them out in a few minutes ;-)

Lou Figueroa

I would not call it "ragging", it was more laughing as you mentioned the OP should offer $50 to $100 to the local shortstop for instruction for one or two hours. I guess you are the only one on this forum that can point out faults and laughable moments to others I also guess it kinda sucks that anytime you get into an instruction thread that I"m gonna be right there knocking you all the way hmmmm, that sounds somewhat familiar ??

And it's great that the world renown local shortstop helps all students in just "a few minutes"..... Heck, why didn't you just come out and say that before instead of beating around the bush ?? I mean, I didn't know you were an expert player and INSTRUCTOR. Congrats. I'm glad you can help folks..... but don't think the next shortstop knows what you know either... they might now have went to "others" for the same type of training you did just saying...

 

[lfigueroa]

I would not call it "ragging", it was more laughing as you mentioned the OP should offer $50 to $100 to the local shortstop for instruction for one or two hours. I guess you are the only one on this forum that can point out faults and laughable moments to others

And it's great that the world renown local shortstop helps all students in just "a few minutes"..... Heck, why didn't you just come out and say that before instead of beating around the bush ?? I mean, I didn't know you were an expert player and INSTRUCTOR. Congrats. I'm glad you can help folks..... but don't think the next shortstop knows what you know either... they might now have went to "others" for the same type of training you did just saying...

You don't have to be an expert or instructor to help an APA3. Even you might be able to help

Lou Figueroa
lmao, and all that

 

[KRJ]

You don't have to be an expert or instructor to help an APA3. Even you might be able to help

Lou Figueroa
lmao, and all that

I dunno know, it might take me more that just a "few minutes" like you. I might have to spend a few hours at least

 

[lfigueroa]

I dunno know, it might take me more that just a "few minutes" like you. I might have to spend a few hours at least

No doubt.

Lou Figueroa

 

[randyg]

Hold on a minute here you guys. Someone is putting a lot of words in my mouth. Remember, I'm a full time Pool Instructor of the highest level. I teach 6 days a week (unless I can find a golf course).....

Randyg has always offered an 3 hour workout to any one who wants the help.
Randyg does not always teach just 3-day schools. As a matter of fact, check my web site, I offer 1-2 & 3 day classes.

After 25 years of teaching the Pool School Classes, nobody has ever complained of too much info, quite the contrary, not enough time.

Scott said it best. One hour is just not enough time for a good lesson. Heck, it might take me an hour just to get to know the student. Then I have to recognize the problem(s) and then still set up a game plan to attack it.

I just spent 10 days with a World Champion. It took him two hours to tell me how good he was. The next 9 1/2 days were a gold mine of info.

Gentleman, not every one will benefit from lessons, schools or champions! Each person has to find their own private niche of information.

I'm here when you need me.
randyg

 

[Chadk]

Everyone has been extremely helpful and I appreciate the input. I absolutely plan to spend some time with one (or more) of you in the very near future. Several have reached out by PM offering help. Again, much appreciated. I also sent Randy an email and he responded quickly.
Probably spending a day with him or one of his instructors would be my first preference. It's just a little tough logistically as I'm not real close to their facility. We'll see what I can get worked out, but I'm very excited to see that there are several options in my geo area and that was really the point of the original post. Very much looking forward to some qualified instruction on mechanics.