Allan...Mr. Soriano was looking for instruction...not offering it.
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Is certification absolutely necessary to teach pool to beginners and intermediates?
- Thread starter Alex7462
- Start date
Howdy Scott, good to hear from you - I was responding to the person I quoted who talked about advertising as an instructor on Craigs List.
;-)
Certification is not necessary. When I sought paid lessons (3 times in the past few years) it had nothing
at all to do with certifications. The instructors just came highly recommended. And I was happy
with what I took away from all of them.
Most players at beginner and intermediate level have no idea who runs pool and what certifications mean.
Probably because nobody really runs pool and nobody knows what the certs mean
You'd probably impress them more telling them you're an APA 7 than telling them you're BCA Master Certified.
Which is not to knock those who are BCA certified, I'm just saying the average guy has no idea what that means.
You might as well say you're XPR certified. It's just another acronym.
I've often felt more players could learn if they'd just seek out cheap lessons.
Many people are scared of spending 3-digit dollar amounts on lessons, it just sounds nuts.
And plenty of guys offer free informal instruction. It's nice to see someone putting out
an option somewhere in between... cheap enough not to scare anyone away, but enough money
to make them feel like they're getting a real lesson from a serious player, not just some
pointers from a random dude.
at all to do with certifications. The instructors just came highly recommended. And I was happy
with what I took away from all of them.
Most players at beginner and intermediate level have no idea who runs pool and what certifications mean.
Probably because nobody really runs pool and nobody knows what the certs mean
You'd probably impress them more telling them you're an APA 7 than telling them you're BCA Master Certified.
Which is not to knock those who are BCA certified, I'm just saying the average guy has no idea what that means.
You might as well say you're XPR certified. It's just another acronym.
I've often felt more players could learn if they'd just seek out cheap lessons.
Many people are scared of spending 3-digit dollar amounts on lessons, it just sounds nuts.
And plenty of guys offer free informal instruction. It's nice to see someone putting out
an option somewhere in between... cheap enough not to scare anyone away, but enough money
to make them feel like they're getting a real lesson from a serious player, not just some
pointers from a random dude.
Jerry Briesath
It would be hard to find anyone better than Jerry.
http://www.poollessons.com/
Charlie
It would be hard to find anyone better than Jerry.
http://www.poollessons.com/
Charlie
NO , I was offering them ! Here is the ad
billiards (Union nj)
I will come to your home if you have a table or meet at a local Pool Hall
Learn to play Pool the right way !!
Pocket Balls Better
Banks & Safeties Learn to hit a ball anywhere on the table/ I specialize in Kicks
Private 2 Hours $75 + Table fees if at a Pool Hall (Semi Private) $50 PP
35 Yrs Exp (908) 349-8228 Union County & Surrounding Areas
Last edited:
Certification is not necessary. When I sought paid lessons (3 times in the past few years) it had nothing
at all to do with certifications. The instructors just came highly recommended. And I was happy
with what I took away from all of them.
Most players at beginner and intermediate level have no idea who runs pool and what certifications mean.
Probably because nobody really runs pool and nobody knows what the certs mean
You'd probably impress them more telling them you're an APA 7 than telling them you're BCA Master Certified.
Which is not to knock those who are BCA certified, I'm just saying the average guy has no idea what that means.
You might as well say you're XPR certified. It's just another acronym.
I've often felt more players could learn if they'd just seek out cheap lessons.
Many people are scared of spending 3-digit dollar amounts on lessons, it just sounds nuts.
And plenty of guys offer free informal instruction. It's nice to see someone putting out
an option somewhere in between... cheap enough not to scare anyone away, but enough money
to make them feel like they're getting a real lesson from a serious player, not just some
pointers from a random dude.
For the most part, I have to agree with Creedo. It's true that most beginners and intermediates don't know what certification means. But that's not a knock on them because even the certified instructors don't know what the distinctions are between the different levels of certification. That's because there really aren't any differences. Most of the same things are taught from one level of instructor to the next. To be promoted from one level to the next is simply a verification that the instructor has put in his time and dues to get to that point.
That's the one good thing about certification, though. It tells the prospective client that an unknown instructor has been checked out, and it has been verified that he or she is qualified to teach. This can be valuable to instructors who are just starting out.
Then there is the route that Creedo mentions. Anyone can start out without verification (certs), and build their own reputation one student at a time. Satisfied clients will then provide all the verification the instructor should ever need.
Roger
Certification is not necessary. When I sought paid lessons (3 times in the past few years) it had nothing
at all to do with certifications. The instructors just came highly recommended. And I was happy
with what I took away from all of them.
Most players at beginner and intermediate level have no idea who runs pool and what certifications mean.
Probably because nobody really runs pool and nobody knows what the certs mean
You'd probably impress them more telling them you're an APA 7 than telling them you're BCA Master Certified.
Which is not to knock those who are BCA certified, I'm just saying the average guy has no idea what that means.
You might as well say you're XPR certified. It's just another acronym.
I've often felt more players could learn if they'd just seek out cheap lessons.
Many people are scared of spending 3-digit dollar amounts on lessons, it just sounds nuts.
And plenty of guys offer free informal instruction. It's nice to see someone putting out
an option somewhere in between... cheap enough not to scare anyone away, but enough money
to make them feel like they're getting a real lesson from a serious player, not just some
pointers from a random dude.
I would like to have this XPR certification you speak of. Can you tell me more?
That ^ , I teach things to people all the time but don't charge. I think I just like telling people when they are doing something wrong
At least until the unions or government get involved you don't need to be certified to teach and I don't see a mob of BCA accredited instructors hunting you down to break your legs and cues.
Yes
Good points.
But there is no BCA Instructor program since the BCA broke up a few years ago.
The BCA program became the PBIA.
I RAISED my hourly fee to $20 an hour just a few years ago for the reason you mentioned. I wanted to make lessons available to those without much cash.
What bugs the hell out of me is the MANY average players who try to impress others by "teaching" when they have limited knowledge or teaching skills. If I had a dollar for every guy I've seen trying to "teach" by demonstrating "show off" shots while ignoring the students basic faults (stance, stroke, etc.).
And regarding the original questions, I don't think just anyone can teach a "beginner". In my experience it requires much more skill to teach a novice than an experienced player. And it's at that beginning stage when an effective teacher is most needed.
Certification is not necessary. When I sought paid lessons (3 times in the past few years) it had nothing
at all to do with certifications. The instructors just came highly recommended. And I was happy
with what I took away from all of them.
Most players at beginner and intermediate level have no idea who runs pool and what certifications mean.
Probably because nobody really runs pool and nobody knows what the certs mean
You'd probably impress them more telling them you're an APA 7 than telling them you're BCA Master Certified.
Which is not to knock those who are BCA certified, I'm just saying the average guy has no idea what that means.
You might as well say you're XPR certified. It's just another acronym.
I've often felt more players could learn if they'd just seek out cheap lessons.
Many people are scared of spending 3-digit dollar amounts on lessons, it just sounds nuts.
And plenty of guys offer free informal instruction. It's nice to see someone putting out
an option somewhere in between... cheap enough not to scare anyone away, but enough money
to make them feel like they're getting a real lesson from a serious player, not just some
pointers from a random dude.
Good points.
But there is no BCA Instructor program since the BCA broke up a few years ago.
The BCA program became the PBIA.
I RAISED my hourly fee to $20 an hour just a few years ago for the reason you mentioned. I wanted to make lessons available to those without much cash.
What bugs the hell out of me is the MANY average players who try to impress others by "teaching" when they have limited knowledge or teaching skills. If I had a dollar for every guy I've seen trying to "teach" by demonstrating "show off" shots while ignoring the students basic faults (stance, stroke, etc.).
And regarding the original questions, I don't think just anyone can teach a "beginner". In my experience it requires much more skill to teach a novice than an experienced player. And it's at that beginning stage when an effective teacher is most needed.
You'll have to talk to Push'n'Pool if you want Xtreme Poolkiller Ramshot certification.
All I can say is you better start lifting weights now.
Not for nothing but certification doesn't mean the person can teach. Been to a BCA certifide instructor. He wasn't that knowledgeable but was certifide with the BCA.
I think Scott's deal is best, you take a 2 hour lesson, if at the end of the 1st hour you feel it isn't worth the money you shake hands and leave.
Thanks Pete...and FTR I CHOOSE to be associated with the PBIA. It is the only accredited professional instructor's group, with formal training programs to insure that prospective instructors at least have command of basic knowledge and communication skills. That wasn't always the case, with the old association.
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
LOL agreed
Get up early, run at least 5 miles every morning. Also take up either gym, some intense martial arts or any type of extreme conditioning, you know what I mean. You need to boost your strenght, speed, reflexes, and stamina to the max. Remember to maintain a high protein diet, and don't eat too much fat and sugar. Keep playing pool all that time, and practice one thing: hitting the CB correctly with your cue tip while moving. First start by shooting while walking slowly, then speed things up once you get used to it. Do it while running or jumping towards the table. Don't forget to use rotation in hips/shoulders at the same time. Then, after at least 1 year, get up in the morning, look yourself in the mirror, go to the nearest bar or poolhall, pick up a cue and position the CB on the headspot. Run or jump towards the table as fast as you can and hit the ball as you want to shatter the whole universe. If you leave any permanent damage on the foot rail, congratulations! You got your certification. Exit the room and feel the morning sun rays on your face. Breath in fresh air. You're now a Banger Messiah. You'll be teaching the uneducated, broken, desperate, disorganized hordes and unite them. You'll lead the Banger Revolution against everyone in your path. You'll take control over WPA, BCA and everyone else and you'll help create the New Order. A pool world dominated by bangers. The future of this sport will be brighter than ever
LOL agreed
Sort of like this?
Sort of like this?
Well, more like being able to send the CB flying the same distance Happy Gilmore can shoot a golf ball
The two people who showed me many things were not certified and not really instructors. They were kind enough to help me with my game. I have had legitimate instructors give me a few minutes of time here and there. I am sure you can benefit from anyone who has been around this game a good while and enjoys teaching what they know.
I put my add back on craigslist and the first reply was some scumbag wanting lessons for his 14 year old little girl BEWARE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Give me a pool lesson and I will evaluate it for you. :wink:
Seriously, start with your local pool room and don't lower your price for anyone. I charge $50 for the first hour and $30 for any hours after that. I charge the $50 for the first hour because I don't want to waste my time with anyone who is not very serious about learning. The money isn't that big of a deal to me but I don't want to cast my pearls upon the swine.
I don't advertise on craigslist for pool lessons (just be careful) and it is mostly by references that I gain new students.
Go for it.
JoeyA