APA7 said:
All i`m saying iz that many have said that U don`t shoot any better than a advanced beginner, a APA 4 or 5. Iz this true??
I usually don't like responding to posts like this because, IMO, they are tasteless, insulting, and inappropriate, but I will this time since several users in this thread seem to have similar concerns.
First of all, I don't think any of the people who post negative evaluations of my playing ability have ever seen me play, except on DVDs or online videos. Sometimes I wonder why they feel a need (or think they have a right) to post insulting comments on a public forum about my playing abilities. I was once married to a psychologist, so I can usually come up with some interesting and plausible answers to what motivates the insulting posters, but I won't share them publicly.
Granted, when I posted many of my early videos many years ago, my ability could probably be characterized as "intermediate" (or even "advanced beginner") but I have learned a lot and improved many aspects of my game over the last 5 years. I would characterize my current level of play as "advanced intermediate." But I think understanding, knowledge, ability to give solid advice, and ability to teach have little to do with actual level of play. A person can have knowledge and solid understanding of fundamentals, strategy, CB control, defensive play, shot selection, advanced shot techniques, etc., and be able to provide accurate and useful advice without having advanced playing ability. To be a top player, one must have near perfect speed control, excellent vision and visualization skills, and exceptional stroke accuracy and consistency (in addition to many other things). I honestly do not have these things at a level to be a top player, and I probably never will unless I quit my "day job" and spend many hours practicing every day (and even then, it might not happen). However, I do not think I am lacking in any of the knowledge and understanding necessary to be a top player. But none of this should matter to anybody.
I honestly don't play very much. I am lucky to be able to play once a week at best, and usually only for about 2 hours. I do so mostly for fun with friends. When I film stuff, I spend a great deal of time at the table, but I don't get in much quality practice and play time. I spend most of the time working the cameras, adjusting lights, thinking about what to say, and re-shooting misses because I wasn't focused on the shot. Despite my lack of time for adequate practice and play time, I do think about the game a lot. I also watch and study every televised pool event, watch top players live whenever I get a chance, and read almost everything about pool in all available mainstream books, magazines, and forums. I have also been fortunate to spend time with and learn from many great instructors and some great players including Randy Goettlicher, Jerry Briesath, Tom Ross, and Bob Jewett. I also frequently communicate with many top instructors and players around the country and world, who often ask me questions via e-mail. I also teach a pool course regularly with Dave Gross, who is a top notch player. I think we have learned a great deal from each other and from our many students.
I prefer to be judged based on all of the resources, education, and input I provide through my book, DVDs, courses, private lessons, extensive collection of online videos, Billiards Digest articles, forum contributions, etc. If anybody questions anything in any of my resources as being incorrect or poor advice, I am always wiling to discuss the matter, film additional shots and/or do analysis to support my claims, and happily and thankfully change my mind when I am proven wrong.
I hope this addresses the "concerns" of some of the people who care about such things.
Now back to useful and productive work and discussion,
Dave