Instructors: 3C vs. pool

K

KissedOut

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
There is certainly a lot of crossover between 3C and pool (and snooker) but there also seems to be quite a bit of difference.

I do not play pool at all, just 3C. I am what I would consider a novice player - I average about .25 -.35 and my high run is 7. I put a fair amount of time in studying the game, as a result of which I "know" a lot of shots, but making them - aye there is the rub.

As I watch myself on video I am not at all pleased with the way my stroke looks - it looks jerky with a twitchy follow through on any shot requiring significant english.

I had planned on taking a lesson from a (very well known) pool instructor to work on the stroke but the timing didn't work out for the lesson And now I am rethinking whether I should go that route (pool instructor for just stroke work) or should I just continue looking for a 3C instructor.

So I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have on that issue.

I would also appreciate any suggestions you might have for a 3C instructor. The only one I am aware of is Darrell Martineau in Sacramento. I'm sure there must be others. So if you know anything about any other instructors or have any comments, pro or con, about Darrell I'd love to hear them as well. I do not mind traveling if I have to. But I definitely want someone who is an actual instructor, not just a good player.
 
I'd also second on waiting for someone who's a billiard instructor as I've seen in several diagrams or books that certain shots require certain amounts of wrist action
Short strokes longs strokes things like that

That's what I'd do anyways

Bills book I have goes over the types of strokes a little bit
I haven't dissected the book yet but I remember a page atleast on it



edit I am very curious on dpm`s miss the kiss book
 
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Bill would also be my choice. I would try his book and video. The video has very good section on fundamentals, might be a good start.
 
beneath_the_sur said:
If you don't mind travelling go see Bill Smith in Florida
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shayne87 said:
Bill would also be my choice. I would try his book and video. The video has very good section on fundamentals, might be a good start.
Click to expand...

i am a pool player who is intrigued by billiards..:wink:
i am lucky and live in florida and know bill smith
although i have not taken formal lessons with him
the few times i have been on a billiard or pool table with him
his ability to teach both games impressed me
he is able to start with the fundamentals ie ...stroke stance bridge grip etc
and go from there to ...HOW TO PLAY
one thing i will say that you can learn from him that no pool instructor i have taken lessons from taught
is the different strokes to hit shots for different effects
that is one thing billiard players understand that pool players do not except for the few gifted ones that do it and dont know why
p.s. buy his book and dvd if you are serious about billiards
 
Agreed Larry
I've noticed, for myself, on the break shot it goes more often when I use the short stroke, almost flicking my wrist like working a jig lookn for bass, the longer follow through stroke will most often make me miss the shot

And I know there's so much more that I'll probably never even know of but those are the things you can learn from a bill Smith with is decades of high level play

theres a few short vids of Bill on YouTube
One I love and cannot figure out for the life me how to do is the one where he hits into the short rail, the ball "bends" and makes it to the corner scoring

That bend is awesome

Edit, but to the original post, I think ive got my stroke pretty straight, straight enough for me, Ive had a lesson from Mark finklestein, 2 lessons with Scott Lee, and I did the pocket 2400 straight shots or so balls drill from tor's video lessons

I'm happy with my stroke when I can see a shot, when I don't see anything I just wing something that I'd not choose under normal circumstances,

You can see what I mean if you go to the carom billiard challenge thread and watch my video

But those lessons from pool instructors, before i ever started playing billiards, got my stroke to where it is, not very figity, no chicken wing, and it's improved my shooting certainly
 
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personally i think new cue sport players should spend most of their time learning proper fundamentals
if you cant hit where you are aiming all the knowledge in the world wont help
jmho
 
beneath_the_sur said:
Agreed Larry
I've noticed, for myself, on the break shot it goes more often when I use the short stroke, almost flicking my wrist like working a jig lookn for bass, the longer follow through stroke will most often make me miss the shot

And I know there's so much more that I'll probably never even know of but those are the things you can learn from a bill Smith with is decades of high level play

theres a few short vids of Bill on YouTube
One I love and cannot figure out for the life me how to do is the one where he hits into the short rail, the ball "bends" and makes it to the corner scoring

That bend is awesome

Edit, but to the original post, I think ive got my stroke pretty straight, straight enough for me, Ive had a lesson from Mark finklestein, 2 lessons with Scott Lee, and I did the pocket 2400 straight shots or so balls drill from tor's video lessons

I'm happy with my stroke when I can see a shot, when I don't see anything I just wing something that I'd not choose under normal circumstances,

You can see what I mean if you go to the carom billiard challenge thread and watch my video

But those lessons from pool instructors, before i ever started playing billiards, got my stroke to where it is, not very figity, no chicken wing, and it's improved my shooting certainly
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in a what would you do thread on onepocket.org bill smith suggested a shot that some questioned and some wanted to hit it in a way that wouldnt work
so bill uploaded a clip that shows the shot and talks about the stroke used and the thickness of hit
i hope one of the shots in this link is what you are referring to
http://www.onepocket.org/forum/showpost.php?p=178606&postcount=6

I APOLOGIZE FOR THE MINI HIJACK.......:o:o:o:o
.........
back to topic
 
KissedOut said:
... So I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have on that issue.
... I do not mind traveling if I have to. But I definitely want someone who is an actual instructor, not just a good player.
Click to expand...
Where do you live?
 
If you're looking to improve on fundamentals, hiring a Reputable Instructor from the Pool side, will be well worth your time and money.
 
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Jim Whitman for 3 cushion -TULSA OKLAHOMA....
David Matlock is also a great 3cushion player and teacher


someone just mentioned these guys to me, ive never heard of them but perhaps some of the more knowledgable members know who they are
 
lol that was me......keebie fleniken

anyone who really knows 3cushion is going to know both of them....especially if they are older, they will for sure know Mr. Jim

and David at one time was one of the best all around players 3cush/pool/snooker players in the world.....best bar box player with the big rock that ever lived....ask keith mccready
 
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