Books and DVDs vs What You Really Need

B

BarTableMan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Just my opinion...
As a 30 year league player (APA 7) I am asked for advice as to what books or DVDs to buy or what to do to get better, or what to do for a particular shot. (banks, draw etc.) So here is what happened: A lower level player ( APA 3) asked for help shooting bank shots. My reply: "I will help you with your stance and stroke because until you can shoot with a smooth repetitive stroke there is is no need to work on anything else. You are years away from needing to work on bank shots." The reply: "I already know how to shoot. No thanks."
My point: Books, DVDs and drills are fine ONCE you have proper stroke mechanics. Until then, you are only repeating bad form over and over.
 
We should probably all look at it as a public service to coach newer players on mechanics.

Saying "years away" might have scared him off. Perhaps the right balance is to provide some banking coaching, and while doing so go into mechanics. Some wise flying woman, I forget who, once told me that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
 
Last edited:
BarTableMan said:
Just my opinion...
As a 30 year league player (APA 7) I am asked for advice as to what books or DVDs to buy or what to do to get better, or what to do for a particular shot. (banks, draw etc.) So here is what happened: A lower level player ( APA 3) asked for help shooting bank shots. My reply: "I will help you with your stance and stroke because until you can shoot with a smooth repetitive stroke there is is no need to work on anything else. You are years away from needing to work on bank shots." The reply: "I already know how to shoot. No thanks."
My point: Books, DVDs and drills are fine ONCE you have proper stroke mechanics. Until then, you are only repeating bad form over and over.
Click to expand...

I kind of don't agree, certainly with the "Years" remark. I am no teacher but what little instruction I have done I want the person to be doing stuff right away.

I will start showing them simple natural position from the start. It doesn't take long for them to get a little bit of a stroke and I want them to be having fun as they learn and see the improvement.

When I first started taking guitar lessons he had me playing songs almost from the start. If he had me just playing scales and practice pieces I would probably have quit. You want to play songs.
 
jeffj2h said:
We should probably all look at it as a public service to coach newer players on mechanics.

Saying "years away" might have scared him off. Perhaps the right balance is to provide some banking coaching, and while doing so go into mechanics. Some wise flying woman, I forget who, once told me that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
Click to expand...

well said.
 
I really enjoyed your "enjoying playing" comment and this would seem important...but... I have seen snooker classes and until they stand and stroke with perfect form they aren't even hitting a ball in the pocket. Banks would be so far down the road it would never be a request. Pool needs to get there.
 
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