Jam...Please don't put words in my mouth. I only have "disdain", if you want to call it that, for players, pro or not, who show no respect for the sport by their behavior on and off the table. Most good professional instructors can demonstrate what they teach. The difference is that they have the communication skills to explain it using correct physics and terminology, whereas many pros, when asked how to do something respond with, "Like this", and simply make the shot. Again...this is not directed at Keith, so save the indignant response.
If you choose to believe that a pro player is automatically a better teacher, because they perform better in competitive situations, then we'll just have to agree to disagree. This has been proven wrong in many sports for decades. Pool is no different.
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
What I am trying to relay, which stems to the original point you were addressing, is that already-established professional players may not accept being "coached" by someone that they have not established a relationship with previously.
In the case I wrote, which you wrote "or it didn't happen," since I didn't show you the article or name the instructor, well, Scott, it did indeed occur that Keith's instructional shot was described correctly. The so-called "instructor" stated the shot could not be made with the english Keith said, but the instructor was wrong. I saw the shot executed with the english Keith stated. The so-called "instructor" said it was impossible. Therein likes the tension and conflict. Keith immediately thinks, "Well, who the hell is this instructor telling me this shot doesn't work with this english when I've executed it umpteen thousands of times? What has he won?"
Some so-called "pro players" may not perform to your liking, Scott, but I have found since I've been reading this forum that there are some pro players that no matter how they act, the pool purists of the pool world don't like them. They would rather watch emotionless robots play mum pool. And that's fine. It's not my cup of tea. I'd rather see a little emotion in pool. Pool purists prefer something different that what I might like.
It's really easy to come on this forum, which the majority of members here do on a daily basis, and fire computer-sniping potshots at professional pool players, especially the Americans. They don't dress right, they don't act right, they don't look right, they don't jump, they don't bow down, they don't do charities, they don't give products for free away, they don't do this, they don't do that. It's getting old. I stand as probably the minority voice for pro players, and I am also an action enthusiast, one who enjoys emotion in pool.
Are professional players perfect? Heck no. But neither is the BCA, industry members, instructors, tournament directors, tournament promoters, et cetera. Everybody could use a little improvement in this regard.
To effect a change for the better at the Mosconi Cup for Team North America or Team USA, whatever it will be, the players and coach must have a bonding period for them to work well together. Otherwise, we'll have the same old thing.
Mark Wilson might be a pool messiah to those he teaches, but for him to be effective in the Mosconi Cup, he needs to have the respect of the team. Throwing a good instructor in the middle of a team where it's every man for himself, like this last Mosconi Cup, won't work. The coach and the team must work in unison. Otherwise, just like Keith being insulted when the so-called "instructor" said his written shot was impossible, so, too, may the professional pool players of the next Mosconi Cup team for America. They may not like a "stranger," someone they have no relationship with, giving them guidance, coaching, instruction, whatever you want to call it.
:grin-square:
