Face square?

[BilliardsAbout]

WobblyStroke is right, of course. I realize in hindsight I shouldn't have said "challenge". I should have said "collaboration".

Fran, I still have family in New York, and can fly to visit them on a long weekend, say, in March, after my Middle East trip that starts tomorrow.

What I'd like to do is shake your hand and apologize for all that's gone before, then have the honor of playing a race to three with you in Eight Ball, then in Nine Ball. Not a problem for you! You're a former touring pro.

Then if you don't want to teach beside me or tag team with me, you can do me the courtesy of an hour to watch me teach. You can select some APA 4/5 Eight-Ball'er I've never met. I pledge in advance that in that one hour, they will visibly, significantly improve their:

* follow
* draw
* english
* stroke
* pocketing percentage
* their misses will become "pro misses" where wrongly cut balls strike close to the pocket points
* their shot sequencing will improve and their Eight Ball runs will be longer

Yes, in 60 minutes. It's a little bit of a stretch, but I want to be sensitive to your time.

Again, no problem for you, as a longtime Master Instructor, you can critique my teaching and help me learn. If you DON'T want to to video our games and my teaching--we'd just need your friend to use a cell phone--hey, that keeps my stuff online so I can use it in paid lessons instead of sharing secrets for free.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

You're relatively new here so may not be aware of situations that have happened over and over again involving Billiards About.
To get some idea of what we're dealing with here I'd suggest you go back and look at some of the threads on the instructors forum in which he's been involved. Go back a year or two because he's was relatively quiet for awhile but lately is starting to stick his head out again.
Matt Sherman is a classic example of the Dunning Kruger Effect (on steroids).

Hi Sparkle,

I can give many examples, but a Hall of Fame member is quoted above as saying I don't have Dunning Kruger.

I hereby again offer you a two-hour free lesson. Above, just look at what we can do in one hour! Let's add some zest to your game!

SERIOUSLY. I want to give you a free lesson, if you hate it, you'll retain the same opinion of me. If you like it, you might become one of my biggest supporters at AZ--you certainly are enthusiastic about posting!

 

[GoldCrown]

Ok all points taken. I don’t know Matt and have no issues/comments. If his students are happy no one can argue with that. How far they go is a different story. I’m a big fan of certified SPF instructors for stroke.
As for reviews I want to hear from students not professional player endorsements.
Can we get back on topic. By now the OP has everyone on Ignore.
I have similar issues. Nasty arthritis and other physical hiccups. I cannot get into my preferred stance. I have to tilt my head. Stay up higher than I’d like to. And my eyes are not helping. I’m having a problem with consistency and not so difficult shots. I have to work this out on my own. I don’t know how an instructor can help me unless there’s a secrete aiming system and even a caveman can do it mentality. My biggest problem is Concentration. And that goes a long way when it’s on.

 

[FranCrimi]

Ok all points taken. I don’t know Matt and have no issues/comments. If his students are happy no one can argue with that. How far they go is a different story. I’m a big fan of certified SPF instructors for stroke.
As for reviews I want to hear from students not professional player endorsements.
Can we get back on topic. By now the OP has everyone on Ignore.
I have similar issues. Nasty arthritis and other physical hiccups. I cannot get into my preferred stance. I have to tilt my head. Stay up higher than I’d like to. And my eyes are not helping. I’m having a problem with consistency and not so difficult shots. I have to work this out on my own. I don’t know how an instructor can help me unless there’s a secrete aiming system and even a caveman can do it mentality.

If I can recall, you were a big supporter of Scott Lee (RIP), right? Or did I confuse you with someone else? Were you able to get a lesson with him and did he offer you any specific advice regarding your physical issues? Have things changed for you since then?

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Ok all points taken. I don’t know Matt and have no issues/comments. If his students are happy no one can argue with that. How far they go is a different story. I’m a big fan of certified SPF instructors for stroke.
As for reviews I want to hear from students not professional player endorsements.
Can we get back on topic. By now the OP has everyone on Ignore.
I have similar issues. Nasty arthritis and other physical hiccups. I cannot get into my preferred stance. I have to tilt my head. Stay up higher than I’d like to. And my eyes are not helping. I’m having a problem with consistency and not so difficult shots. I have to work this out on my own. I don’t know how an instructor can help me unless there’s a secrete aiming system and even a caveman can do it mentality. My biggest problem is Concentration. And that goes a long way when it’s on.

PM me and I'll send you student endorsements, I'd need to post them here in anonymity, which opens a(nother) can of worms.

I posted only the Rossman quote--there are others--but Dr. Cue is known for his exceptional integrity.

I agree with you, the OP is a great guy and hates when instructors are arguing, which I also hate.

My sole disagreement with your comments is "you have to work this out on your own". There are good instructors here offering free and/or paid lessons.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

If I can recall, you were a big supporter of Scott Lee (RIP), right? Or did I confuse you with someone else? Were you able to get a lesson with him and did he offer you any specific advice regarding your physical issues? Have things changed for you since then?

Good idea--Scott was a model teacher in zeal and kindness to his many students.

I've posted to you in #61 and await your response. Feel free to PM me if that is preferred. Thanks, Fran.

 

[GoldCrown]

If I can recall, you were a big supporter of Scott Lee (RIP), right? Or did I confuse you with someone else? Were you able to get a lesson with him and did he offer you any specific advice regarding your physical issues? Have things changed for you since then?

You worked with me for few hours in the early 90’s. I got a lot out of that. Yes to Scott as he traveled. I enjoyed the convenience of him
coming over. I took a chance with him
and it worked out. I could not continue with you as we were hours apart. You always had my respect. You’re 100% dedicated to pool. I did not have any physical issues when I began with you or Scott. I honestly had no stroke.. a clubhouse banger, basement player that realized I need professional help after 50 something years without any improvement. I cannot learn pool on my own. I came to you first. I liked your credentials, etc. I had no idea what to look for in an instructor but had to get started. You were a good choice.
Back to me… I’m 76 this month. Age is biting me in the butt. I was ok until 2-3 years ago. Aside from not be able to lean over properly my eyes are the bigger hindrance. Hopefully cataract surgery will help. Looking into that. Currently in Florida. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime if in your area. Aside from being a wonderful instructor you were a pleasure to be at the table with.
BTW… I was chatting with Jimmie Fusco once. He lit up when I mentioned your name.

 

[GoldCrown]

PM me and I'll send you student endorsements, I'd need to post them here in anonymity, which opens a(nother) can of worms.
Reviews have to be actual ....listed under Instructor Reviews. That's how I got Scott. As for Fran... I learned about her from at the 1st SBE. If you are local get in touch. Would like to see what you have to offer.
My sole disagreement with your comments is "you have to work this out on your own". There are good instructors here offering free and/or paid lessons. I have local Stroke Instructors. My 1p instructor/friend Tom Wirth helps me... I have a friend from my old community is certified SPF. My first call would be to Joanne MasonParker. She's mostly a strategic instructor but I'd see what she can offer.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

There's a Matt Sherman thread in Instructor Reviews. I can also give student referrals so you can get on a phone call with real, past students.

 

[GoldCrown]

There's a Matt Sherman thread in Instructor Reviews. I can also give student referrals so you can get on a phone call with real, past students.

I do not doubt you... I just like to read how students react.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

I do not doubt you... I just like to read how students react.

They react like my fellow instructors, "WHAT are you asking me to do? THAT won't work!" Then, zing-zap-zowie, their game gets WINGS!

Can you guess the difference between some of these instructors and the successful students?

 

[GoldCrown]

They react like my fellow instructors, "WHAT are you asking me to do? THAT won't work!" Then, zing-zap-zowie, their game gets WINGS!

Can you guess the difference between some of these instructors and the successful students?

I enjoy how an instructor handles the session. The teacher that evaluates and sets a game plan. My apologies to the OP for us going 100 miles off course

 

[BilliardsAbout]

I enjoy how an instructor handles the session. The teacher that evaluates and sets a game plan. My apologies to the OP for us going 100 miles off course

No need to apologize! It was all their fault. I'm joking, of course. It was 5% my fault.

 

[GoldCrown]

No need to apologize! It was all their fault. I'm joking, of course. It was 5% my fault.

6% the breaks and you’re good to go.

 

[FranCrimi]

You worked with me for few hours in the early 90’s. I got a lot out of that. Yes to Scott as he traveled. I enjoyed the convenience of him
coming over. I took a chance with him
and it worked out. I could not continue with you as we were hours apart. You always had my respect. You’re 100% dedicated to pool. I did not have any physical issues when I began with you or Scott. I honestly had no stroke.. a clubhouse banger, basement player that realized I need professional help after 50 something years without any improvement. I cannot learn pool on my own. I came to you first. I liked your credentials, etc. I had no idea what to look for in an instructor but had to get started. You were a good choice.
Back to me… I’m 76 this month. Age is biting me in the butt. I was ok until 2-3 years ago. Aside from not be able to lean over properly my eyes are the bigger hindrance. Hopefully cataract surgery will help. Looking into that. Currently in Florida. Maybe I’ll see you again sometime if in your area. Aside from being a wonderful instructor you were a pleasure to be at the table with.
BTW… I was chatting with Jimmie Fusco once. He lit up when I mentioned your name.

Wow! So we've met before! Very cool. Thanks for your kind words. I remember those years and you're right about how immersed I was in the game. I was playing full time on tour, practicing like crazy and tearing my game apart, inch by painful inch, and then also teaching workshops and individual lessons. We must have met right around that time.

So as for you --- If you're a candidate for it and your Dr. recommends it, I think cataract surgery for your eye or eyes will make the world of difference for you. My father had it done and went from seeing very poorly to having near perfect vision. He actually didn't need glasses anymore. Once you can see, you'll feel much better about your potential.

I may be able to help you find a stance that works for you. A trip to Florida is in my not-too-distant future. I'll let you know when I've started plans.

I miss Jimmy Fusco every single day. He was the greatest. I'm so glad to hear he thought fondly of me too.

 

[bbb]

Fran
i also live in florida. About 2 hours north from goldcrown.
i too would be interested in lessons if you are in the neighborhood
i have a table in my house

 

[FranCrimi]

Fran
i also live in florida. About 2 hours north from goldcrown.
i too would be interested in lessons if you are in the neighborhood
i have a table in my house

Yup. I do remember and you're one of the people I will be sure to contact when I do make the trip.

 

[dquarasr]

I’m the OP.

I’ve had a free lesson from Matt. He is kind, and communicates very effectively. Agreed that some of his ideas are unconventional and work with many students.

I like to get input from various sources. Fran, I am also in FL, just north and west of Orlando. I too would be interested in a session if logistics cooperate.

 

[GoldCrown]

Fran. I came to you on a Sunday morning with a friend just getting started. Another thing I learned is not to share a lesson. Keep it dedicated to myself and the instructor.
Funny morning.... I told my friend if he will drive I'll pay for gas and the lesson. We get into NY and lost. We're at a corner that I thought Corner Billiards was suppose to be. We look at each other.. I jokingly tell him to go into the store and ask where the pool room is... he tells me to get out.... I say maybe neither one of us should get out. Was not the best of area's. 4th Street and 4th Ave are not the same. Anyway we got back on track and found a parking spot close to the room. A person dressed up like musical drum rides by on a bicycle. And others are riding around with outfits. They were getting ready for a parade or something.

Hopefully the timing is good when you come to Florida. With your consent I'd like to record the session. I have a home table w/camera set up. My biggest issue is eyes that will get worked out. However cure my occasional wrist twist and you get a bonus. One thing about about habits. They love to stay around. Guess that's why they're called habits.
Are you set up to work virtual? Zoom, etc?

 

[FranCrimi]

Fran. I came to you on a Sunday morning with a friend just getting started. Another thing I learned is not to share a lesson. Keep it dedicated to myself and the instructor.
Funny morning.... I told my friend if he will drive I'll pay for gas and the lesson. We get into NY and lost. We're at a corner that I thought Corner Billiards was suppose to be. We look at each other.. I jokingly tell him to go into the store and ask where the pool room is... he tells me to get out.... I say maybe neither one of us should get out. Was not the best of area's. 4th Street and 4th Ave are not the same. Anyway we got back on track and found a parking spot close to the room. A person dressed up like musical drum rides by on a bicycle. And others are riding around with outfits. They were getting ready for a parade or something.

Hopefully the timing is good when you come to Florida. With your consent I'd like to record the session. I have a home table w/camera set up. My biggest issue is eyes that will get worked out. However cure my occasional wrist twist and you get a bonus. One thing about about habits. They love to stay around. Guess that's why they're called habits.
Are you set up to work virtual? Zoom, etc?

That's a funny story about your trip into NYC. What an impression you must have had. LOL. If it was a Sunday morning, we probably had the entire room to ourselves. My favorite time for lessons was Sunday mornings, because the parking was great and the pool room wasn't open yet. I had a great relationship with the owners and they trusted me with a key to the room. It was during those early hours that the cleaning staff and I would get visited by the ghost of Irving Berlin --- all decked out in top hat, tails, and spats, who used to live in a house in that spot before it was torn down. But that's another story for another day. LOL

I don't expect to be in Florida until at least the Fall, and I would rather not set you up in a stance until after your surgery. Keep me posted about your eyes and after that we can talk about other things.