Who is the BEST pool-playing INSTRUCTOR?

[8pack]

The definition of INSTRUCTOR is as follows: One who regularly advertises, provides and charges for their pool instruction.

I know of a couple that I think are at the top of the group but wanted to hear what you all think.

You may include male or female instructors of course.

Please list the country where the instructor resides.

So far:
Tony Robles
Hunter Lombardo
Stan Shuffett
Mark Wilson
Thorsten Hohmann
Max Eberle
Gene Albrecht
Ralph G. Eckert
Fran Crimi
Ray Martin
Kelly Fisher
Joe Tucker
Mike Sigel
Tony Crosby
Lee Brett
Karen Corr
Stevie Moore
Earl Strickland
Danny DiLiberto
Frank Tullos
John Brumback
John Schmidt
Corey Harper

List away.

Thanks,

I got to ask Joey what is the purpose of this post?Are you finding your self short of what you want from your game and thinking maybe seeing a pro that teaches will get you where you want.Are you just advertising for some player's in hoping people will take note and see who ever is close to them to get lessons.
I mean no disrespect here i just don't get it.If its about your game i really don't think you need help from anyone at this point.(You play well):smile:

 

[lfigueroa]

Now, having said all that, can a player/coach like John Schmidt, or Dallas West, or Ray Martin be able to point out things about *the game* that perhaps a Scott Lee or Steve Jennings or Randy Goettlicher can't? Of course. I know if, like Lou, I want pointed instruction in 14.1, I'm not going to Scott or Randy -- I'm going to John/Dallas/Ray. But if my game suddenly fell apart one day, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why, I'm going to Scott/Steve/Randy.
-Sean

Overall, I would have to say that is a pretty spot on assessment.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Careful with that one! For one thing, I think Lou's known more for straight pool than one pocket. And, Lou can turn that challenge back around on you, and ask you to post a video of you playing 14.1 -- or even challenge you to "put up" your high runs to compare with his. (And my money would be on Lou in this regard.) Rotation games are not "better demonstrations of skill" than strategy games like 14.1 or one pocket.
-Sean

Lou is not known for either 14.1 or 1pocket. Lou mostly plays 1pocket nowadays, but can just barely bunt them around at that game.

Lou Figueroa
but Lou is still hoping
John shares his take
on aiming systems

 

[JoeyA]

I got to ask Joey what is the purpose of this post?Are you finding your self short of what you want from your game and thinking maybe seeing a pro that teaches will get you where you want.Are you just advertising for some player's in hoping people will take note and see who ever is close to them to get lessons.
I mean no disrespect here i just don't get it.If its about your game i really don't think you need help from anyone at this point.(You play well):smile:

No 8 pack. It's really only about giving credit where credit is due.

However, I continue to look for sources that can enhance my level of play and will continue to do so. I wish I played as well as you and others think. Everyone gets lucky every now and then and those bar tables can make you look better than you really are. And the bar tables can make a better player look worse than they really are......

I also think that some top-player/instructors who don't regularly "mine" the forums for lessons don't get their just exposure and I believe that some of the forum members might see some instructors that they don't normally associate as an instructor.

JoeyA

 

[JoeyA]

don't get so upset Bambu. I was just trying to say, in 10 words or less :smile:, that often there's a huge disparity (sp?) in playing abilities amongst todays instructors

if indeed you are an instructor that will go to war, get down and dirty, test the waters of fierce competition then you are a step ahead of others

... and if you're referring to the list already compiled by Joey, I have seen most of them play and I have competed with quite a large number on that list as well

again no offense Bambu and certainly all the best with your instruction

If this is Billy Stephen from the Washington D.C. area, you play top speed as I recall and I vaguely remember that you provide pool lessons. Are you still "REGULARLY" providing pool lessons to students? I know how you play so if you regularly provide pool lessons it would only be fair to add you to the list.

 

[JoeyA]

No, we're not going there. This is Joey's thread, about pool-playing instructors, and I'm not going to be a part of you nose-diving this thread into an aiming systems foodfight, as per usual.



That's great, and that's why we're here, right? If that's the case, I would encourage you to visit the 14.1 forums.



That's only sometimes true. Many a 14.1 match has been won by the superior shooter. And, what's your point in this, anyway? Why posture yourself with a challenge in rotation games -- or even 14.1 -- if there's a chance you could lose to a better strategist even though you think you are the superior shot? What would you prove?



As we all do. But methinks my point was that your two ears and one mouth only seem to input and output (respectively) that which only has to do with aiming systems. You seem to spin almost everything into an aiming system discussion. Not that it's wrong -- it is what you're solely interested in -- but it is my point.

Let's break out of our aiming systems death-spiral, and get back to the topic at hand, which are pool-playing instructors, ok? (Yes yes, I know what you're going to say -- "Lou started this with his aiming systems reply to John Schmidt." Let's right the ship anyway.)

-Sean

Chicken Little (Lou Figueroa) "The Sky is Falling", is always stirring up shit anywhere he can, especially in my threads and if there is no aiming thread going on for him to ridicule, he violates other decent threads and tries to hijack them.

He is supposed to have me on ignore but he STALKS my threads like he has a crush on me. :yikes: (Me thinks Lou can't help himself)

For ONCE, I wish Lou would be truthful to his word and just ignore me, really. It gets old him following me around the forum or sticking the needle in me whenever he finds the opportunity.

Lou's form of humor is perverse at the very least.

 

[JoeyA]

I am besmirched beyond besmirchery. Just because I don't teach and can't play worth a lick doesn't mean I shouldn't be on the list.

In all seriousness, there is definitely confusion to what you're asking. For example, Allison Fisher has regular teaching sessions and now looks to be partnering with Charlie Williams on a teaching gig. Do both of them go on your list?

And then there's Marty Hermann...

Freddie <~~~ not smirched

Allison plays etremely well and if you say she and Charlie are regularly teaching pool, then they go on the list.

Is Marty Hermann REGULARLY providing pool lessons and is he what you would say, playing at a very hig level?
For now, I will just add Allison and Charlie based upon your post. I already know that both of them play at top speed but did not know about them teaching regularly.

Thanks,
JoeyA

 

[Bambu]

don't get so upset Bambu. I was just trying to say, in 10 words or less :smile:, that often there's a huge disparity (sp?) in playing abilities amongst todays instructors

if indeed you are an instructor that will go to war, get down and dirty, test the waters of fierce competition then you are a step ahead of others

... and if you're referring to the list already compiled by Joey, I have seen most of them play and I have competed with quite a large number on that list as well

again no offense Bambu and certainly all the best with your instruction

Not a big deal or anything Billy, thanks. But, Im a little confused by what youre saying. First you said how instructors dont compete(the whole thing about how instructors dont know live combat). Then you come back with saying how you have competed against many of them, and have seen most of them play. It doesnt really matter, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But just for the record, I sense contradiction here. Sorry Joey, I dont mean to stray from your topic.

 

[billy]

If this is Billy Stephen from the Washington D.C. area, you play top speed as I recall and I vaguely remember that you provide pool lessons. Are you still "REGULARLY" providing pool lessons to students? I know how you play so if you regularly provide pool lessons it would only be fair to add you to the list.

I've responded to a few of your posts Joey thought you knew who I was?

Would love to be on your list, a lot of great names to be associated with, but I don't do it regularly, no. Currently the taxi business is full time and teaching is part time. Hopefully will change one day

Still play well :smile: and a confident, competent instructor :smile::smile: but unfortunately I would consider myself part time

'regularly' is up to you to define for my inclusion

hope you are well ...

 

[billy]

Not a big deal or anything Billy, thanks. But, Im a little confused by what youre saying. First you said how instructors dont compete(the whole thing about how instructors dont know live combat). Then you come back with saying how you have competed against many of them, and have seen most of them play. It doesnt really matter, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But just for the record, I sense contradiction here. Sorry Joey, I dont mean to stray from your topic.

just trying to say that all instructors will play at different speeds regardless of background. some will show their skills some won't

all instructors compliment our sport. we need this person

the instructors on Joey's list are a special breed of a poolplayers. they teach and meet warfare head on

other instructors don't indulge the battle. they teach but watch the battle from afar

there's a difference to me. that's all I was trying to say Bambu. if you compete and teach it may give your students a little more bang for the buck

sounds like you do both already ...

 

[SJDinPHX]

Lou is not known for either 14.1 or 1pocket. Lou mostly plays 1pocket nowadays, but can just barely bunt them around at that game.

No need to upset Mr. JoeyA,..So I will respond to my bud Lou..(Hope Joey doesn't see this)... But I think as his thread nears 200 posts, he appears to be no closer to his MAIN goal, then he was when he started...Which was his VERY "thinly veiled" attempt to get his 3-4 favorite "Aiming System Supporting, Top Playing Instructors", at the TOP of the list...This has only created a severe backlash, causing him to issue numerous apologies, and try and console, a lot of hurt 'feeler's'..

NOTE...Example;..Even the Instructor's are getting 'testy' with each other !!!

Gene...Are you implying that REAL instructors that apparently don't "make the grade" for JoeyA's 'list' (which is 99% professional tournament players), have nothing legitimate to offer students? Most of this list is a crapshoot, imo. Just because someone plays pro speed doesn't mean that they can teach effectively. Tony Robles called me "one of the best instructors in the country", but apparently that's not good enough for Joey's list. Randyg is considered by MANY people (including pro players) to be the best instructor anywhere...yet I guess he doesn't make the list either. The only valid question is do you want to take lessons from a professional player...or a professional instructor. Only a few on this list qualify as both...

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I would hope that he would learn, that his valiant efforts, went about as far as his ASS threads go..(which is nowhere but, a flame war) But, knowing Mr. Augasin, as I do, I know he is 'hatching' yet another, sure fire, can't miss plan,...To change all pool players
into "straight shooting' never miss, A.S.S. robot's" :boring2:

Million Ball McDuck....STILL wuv's JoeyA, dispite his obvious mental disorder's JK, JK, JK, .............. (sorry I can't say as much about his dorky ASS partner)

 

[JAM]

If this is Billy Stephen from the Washington D.C. area, you play top speed as I recall and I vaguely remember that you provide pool lessons. Are you still "REGULARLY" providing pool lessons to students? I know how you play so if you regularly provide pool lessons it would only be fair to add you to the list.

Wow, JoeyA! You do get around, if you know our Billy Stephen. He's one of the good guys in our pool world!

 

[JAM]

Wow, JoeyA! You do get around, if you know our Billy Stephen. He's one of the good guys in our pool world!

I used to run into Billy all the time back in the day. He got around, mainly hanging out in Virginia, though he'd make cameo appearances in D.C. and Maryland from time to time.

I wanted to share my Billy story. One of the very first tournaments Keith and I went to as a "couple," for lack of a better term, was in Virginia at Barry Behrman's pool room. I was nervous, as I didn't think I would know anybody there, but way in the distance, I saw a familiar face. It was Billy Stephen. The story goes like this:

One tournament at Q-Masters in Norfolk -- the year was 2002, I think -- was called the Spring Open or something like that. Keith was playing excellent in the tournament, staying in the winner's bracket all the way to the finals. All the best players, many of whom I did not know at that time, were in the house.

One shot I will NEVER forget, Keith was playing against a tall player named Ron Parks on the winner's side for the hot seat, I think it was. It was hill-hill, and Keith missed the 8-rock, leaving Ron a straight-in shot on the 8. The cueball was about 5 inches behind the 8, and both of them were frozen on the rail. I was standing with Billy Stephen, a well-known Virginia player. I told Billy that I knew we were going to lose, staring at that easy duck, but Billy said, "Not so fast, Jennie. This is not as easy as it looks. He could miss it," and much to my surprise, Ron Parks did miss it, leaving Keith an easy out. The problem for Ron was that the 9-ball he needed to make for the win was on the opposite end of the table. He needed to get position on the 9.

Earlier in the tournament, Keith defeated a North Carolinian named Michael Coltrain, knocking him to the B side of the chart. Then Michael fought his way to the finals, only to face Keith again. This was the first time I was introduced to an extended race for the finals as opposed to the "true" double elimination format where the B-side player has to beat the A-side player twice. Coltrain won. I was happy to see Keith come in second, but I have to admit that I was bummed to learn the reality of this one-extended-match format for a double-elmination tournament.


I will never forget the feeling of relief after Keith made that shot against Ron Parks. Billy knew immediately that it was a tough shot, yet it looked like a duck to me. That was a cool tournament, even though Keith did come in second place.

Thanks to some after-hours action that involved the winner and a backers committee staking an action player against Keith, we left town happy. I was the only fan on Team McCready's side, while the rest of the pool room was pulling for Sam Monday. When the dust settled, we got all the cheese! Cha-ching!

 

[tuda]

I did not read through this entire thread, so someone may have mentioned this already, but I believe I read somewhere that a certain "hillbilly" named Charlie Bryant was giving lessons, and I've ran into him on the road years ago, i believe he should be on the list...

 

[JAM]

I did not read through this entire thread, so someone may have mentioned this already, but I believe I read somewhere that a certain "hillbilly" named Charlie Bryant was not giving lessons, and I've ran into him on the road years ago, i believe he should be on the list...

If he is not giving lessons, why should he be on the list?

 

[tuda]

If he is not giving lessons, why should he be on the list?

my post doesn't say "not"...

Ok maybe I just edited it out...

I haven't taken my old person pills yet today.

 

[JAM]

my post doesn't say "not"...

Ok maybe I just edited it out...

I haven't taken my old person pills yet today.

See, I already took my old person pills earlier today!

JAM <---almost 60 but who's counting? :grin:

 

[tuda]

See, I already took my old person pills earlier today!

JAM <---almost 60 but who's counting? :grin:

<------ almost 70, I quit counting so long ago its not even funny.

 

[FranCrimi]

Thanks Billy. My intent was not to ruffle and feathers and to accept input from posters in this forum who have some history of posting correct information.

I didn't want to see individuals nominating themselves in the thread. I wouldn't mind receiving a PM privately from individual instructors who have been overlooked who REGULARLY instruct for a profit AND who play at a VERY HIGH LEVEL. It looks bad on the instructors if they come to this thread whining that they aren't included. Also, as I previously mentioned, I didn't want this to become a popularity voting type thing. I wanted to corroborate suggestions with my own experience and that of others.

Thanks again for the support.

Ok, so 10 pages into the thread, you now decide to state your rules for your arbitrary list. So we make things up as we go along. Cool. These latest comments above are totally absurd and insulting to instructors who have the moxy to come on here and state their opinions.

 

[Cornerman]

Wow, JoeyA! You do get around, if you know our Billy Stephen. He's one of the good guys in our pool world!

Joey aside, but I think Billy is the one that gets around!!!

Freddie <~~~ knows Billy