An honest question for pool instructors

I think the practice requirements are assumed, and it is assumed that each player has their own ceiling based on their talent level. I still have not seen anyone answer the question originally asked though. The point of not understanding the value of a good lesson is well taken, as is the stupidity of spending money on an expensive cue before lessons. I would love to take a series of lessons, but have not been able to yet because of financial restraints with a newer house and my two beautiful daughters (2.5 yrs and 11 wks old). I do sit an wonder though, how much better I could be with some stroke and pattenr instruction (and whatever I do not know that I do not know, which I am sure is a lot) and guidance for practice progression etc. My time is also fairly limited with my job, wife and kids. As much as I enjoy pool, they are my main priorities. I think instructions would help me make more use of my current practice time. While I dream of running racks, I would like to know what the instructors think the normal ceiling for an average player can become with some good instruction.
 
mantis99 said:
I think the practice requirements are assumed, and it is assumed that each player has their own ceiling based on their talent level. I still have not seen anyone answer the question originally asked though. The point of not understanding the value of a good lesson is well taken, as is the stupidity of spending money on an expensive cue before lessons. I would love to take a series of lessons, but have not been able to yet because of financial restraints with a newer house and my two beautiful daughters (2.5 yrs and 11 wks old). I do sit an wonder though, how much better I could be with some stroke and pattenr instruction (and whatever I do not know that I do not know, which I am sure is a lot) and guidance for practice progression etc. My time is also fairly limited with my job, wife and kids. As much as I enjoy pool, they are my main priorities. I think instructions would help me make more use of my current practice time. While I dream of running racks, I would like to know what the instructors think the normal ceiling for an average player can become with some good instruction.
Click to expand...


I did answer the question. I have taught someone who was a C player to the point of being an A+ almost pro level player over a total of three years. So if you have an instructor that is knowledgeable enough to impart the right knowledge and to point out the aspects of the game that you need to excel, it is possible to go from a c level player to a pro level player, provided that you are capable of doing so.
 
seymore15074 said:
So, in other words, nobody knows?
Click to expand...


If someone is a C player, why would YOU think instruction (from anybody) would eventually lead them to the pro tour? I'd be interested in YOUR answer and YOUR opinion on the subject.
 
I know that statement wasn ot directed towards me black jack. I was not necessarily asking if they could be brought to pro level, but to what level the average player can attain.

Let me rephrase the question if I may:
What level do you see the average C level player reach with good instruction (I am assuming that all responding in this thread ARE good instructors, as thier reputations allude to), and a reasonable amount of dedication? Obviously their will be a range of levels reached based on numerous factors, but where do you see people get to in general? Throw out those that do not listen, or do not work at the game you are trying to convey. Thanks!
 
A good student will go from a "C" to an "A" in a year if they follow the steps.....SPF=randyg
 
mantis99 said:
I know that statement wasn ot directed towards me black jack. I was not necessarily asking if they could be brought to pro level, but to what level the average player can attain.

Let me rephrase the question if I may:
What level do you see the average C level player reach with good instruction (I am assuming that all responding in this thread ARE good instructors, as thier reputations allude to), and a reasonable amount of dedication? Obviously their will be a range of levels reached based on numerous factors, but where do you see people get to in general? Throw out those that do not listen, or do not work at the game you are trying to convey. Thanks!
Click to expand...

There is still no specific answer, because each player is an individual. With that in mind, I see no reason they shouldn't be able to finish in the money in their share of the regional tour stops, or get into the top rounds at the national tournaments various leagues hold each year. "How Good" is a very subjective and reletive term.

Lets just say they can become better players...how much better is really up to the individual player, and the time and effort they can commit to applying everything they learn to their game.

Steve
 
Thanks for the excellent anwers. I assume going from a C to an A would require a lot of time. Unfortunately for me, I get about 30-40 minutes a night to play. I have heard you guys say though that you can improve with 30 minutes of focused practice a night. I would just like to be a good threat to run out an open table. Now I run maybe 1 in 20 racks. 4-7ball runs occur fairly often, but I just seem to get out of line somewhere along the way. I can beat the 4 ball ghost if my stroke is at least average for the night, but I am way too inconsistent. I hope that lessons will allow me to become more consistent with my stroke, and put me on the path to better ball and speed control. One of these days I will have the chance to take some. I will never have the time to be a pro player, but I am sick of staying at the solid C level.
 
pooltchr said:
There is still no specific answer, because each player is an individual. With that in mind, I see no reason they shouldn't be able to finish in the money in their share of the regional tour stops, or get into the top rounds at the national tournaments various leagues hold each year. "How Good" is a very subjective and reletive term.

Lets just say they can become better players...how much better is really up to the individual player, and the time and effort they can commit to applying everything they learn to their game.

Steve
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve. That's the point I was trying to make with my question.
 
mantis99 said:
but I am way too inconsistent. I hope that lessons will allow me to become more consistent with my stroke, and put me on the path to better ball and speed control.
Click to expand...

I would say that is a very realistic goal. These are the things the SPF instructors work with on a regular basis. Consistency with your stroke, and with your routines, along with speed and cue ball control, personal eye patterns, and quite a bit more. I think you would get a lot out of one of our advanced level classes.
Steve
 
I will definately be taking some lessons, and or classes when my situation allows. I agree with the approach I here you guys stating in the forums. I worry that my knowledge or lack there of regarding the basics may require some work before an advanced class. I have improved a lot over the past 2 and a half yrs, but probably still lack some basic things that I am unaware of.
 
Last edited:
mantis99 said:
I will definately be taking some lessons, and or classes when my situation allows. I agree with the approach I here you guys stating in the forums. I worry that my knowledge or lack there of regarding the basics may require some work before an advanced class. I have improve a lot over the past 2 and a half yrs, but probably still lack some basic things that I am unaware of.
Click to expand...

Don't worry. We start out at the beginning (fundamentals) and move on from there. If you want to learn, you will do just fine.
Steve
 
I started both of my daughters ,Timi and Gari Jo Bloomberg at the age of about 3 years old , they both became national BCA and VNEA master champions
and to add to my resume, I started another child at 2years old who is now considered by some the best player in the world,Shane Van Boening.
I must be doing something right as I have turned out many more top shelf
players and at eighty, I plan on continuing doing what I love to do.
Gary Bloomberg
 
May I say it is wonderful to have someone with your pool knowledge in the forums. I welcome any advice you may have.
 
I like working with children and to explain:The one thing that is taught in all
sports that involves a ball is what? "Follow through". Because of the weight
of the cue or ball, it is automatic, and natural. An older student has to make a
deliberate effort to accomplish this aspect of the game,but it's a must.
Stroke, hand eye coordination, and basic knowledge will give you a good
start in enjoying the game of pool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top