Finding a certified instructor

Wolfslair88

Wolfslair88

New member
I live in Philadelphia and decided to start playing again. I am at a total novice level but I am going on 60 and find playing to be totally relaxing after work. I want to start off without bad habits but have not found any instructors. The PBIA lists no one near Philly. I am surprised with some instructors being booked years in advance that more players don’t teach on the side.
Can anyone recommend someone? I shoot at Bluegrass Billiards.
 
I would like to recommend Anthony Beeler. He is a BCA Master Instructor and the owner of the Virtual Billiard Academy.

All lessons are videotaped and sent to him by Facebook Messenger. You have one year to finish the course. What's nice about it if you can do it at your own pace ...at your own time. And he is very fast at reviewing your videos.

It is better if you have your own table at home. But you could do it at your local hall.

He has helped my game tremendously.
 
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Unfortunately I don’t have a table. I live in an apartment. I don’t think making a video in a busy bar/billiards hall would work. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Wolfslair88 said:
Unfortunately I don’t have a table. I live in an apartment. I don’t think making a video in a busy bar/billiards hall would work. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Maybe a better solution would be to look up someone like Randy G and travel to him for a weekend.
You would probably get more out of a weekend than individual lessons.
Then practice what he teaches ya at your local pool hall or bar.
 
Wolfslair88 said:
Unfortunately I don’t have a table. I live in an apartment. I don’t think making a video in a busy bar/billiards hall would work. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Drive down to Kentucky. I had students from Germany, the Barbados and India last month. It's not that far. Love to work with you. If you have any questions call me at 606-669-8401 or visit poolteacher.com for more information.
 
buckshotshoey said:
I would like to recommend Anthony Beeler. He is a BCA Master Instructor and the owner of the Virtual Billiard Academy.

All lessons are videotaped and sent to him by Facebook Messenger. You have one year to finish the course. What's nice about it if you can do it at your own pace ...at your own time. And he is very fast at reviewing your videos.

It is better if you have your own table at home. But you could do it at your local hall.

He has helped my game tremendously.
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Thanks for your kind words. Glad the class helped! Really appreciate your sharing your experiences with my online class.
 
You can set up an iPhone camera on a small portable tripod in almost any environment, especially if you go during off busy hours. Buy Mark Wilson's book- Play Great Pool, invest in a small portable tripod, read the book- one chapter at a time and video your practice sessions and review your videos as you compare his teachings to your technique. if you do this with great focus and religiously you will improve - it will take time.

Of course an in person or online class from an excellent instructor will also be very helpful as others suggested.
 
If you're willing to travel to NJ, I heard Earl is available to give lessons out from SandCastle Billiards (Edison NJ).
 
Wolfslair88 said:
I live in Philadelphia and decided to start playing again. I am at a total novice level but I am going on 60 and find playing to be totally relaxing after work. I want to start off without bad habits but have not found any instructors. The PBIA lists no one near Philly. I am surprised with some instructors being booked years in advance that more players don’t teach on the side.
Can anyone recommend someone? I shoot at Bluegrass Billiards.
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Hi, I play over at BlueGrass a few times a week practicing after 5pm Weekdays and most weekends. I am not a certified instructor, but been playing for over 30 years. Be happy to meet up and provide some helpful tips on your set up, stance, ball striking, etc. LMK
 
Wolfslair88 said:
I live in Philadelphia and decided to start playing again. I am at a total novice level but I am going on 60 and find playing to be totally relaxing after work. I want to start off without bad habits but have not found any instructors. The PBIA lists no one near Philly. I am surprised with some instructors being booked years in advance that more players don’t teach on the side.
Can anyone recommend someone? I shoot at Bluegrass Billiards.
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Bluegrass has a ton of good players.
Surprised there is nobody there that will give you some instruction.
Perhaps you have not been playing there long since you just started.
Make yourself a regular there and I am sure you will meet somebody.
 
Wolfslair88 said:
I live in Philadelphia and decided to start playing again. I am at a total novice level but I am going on 60 and find playing to be totally relaxing after work. I want to start off without bad habits but have not found any instructors. The PBIA lists no one near Philly. I am surprised with some instructors being booked years in advance that more players don’t teach on the side.
Can anyone recommend someone? I shoot at Bluegrass Billiards.
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Call me. Would be glad to give you a free consultation. 606-669-8401
 
Zerksies said:
Not all the best instructors are certified and not the best players can be instructors
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And the right instructor depends on what the student needs. If you want to learn one pocket versus fixing your mechanics for example.
 
Bob Jewett said:
And the right instructor depends on what the student needs. If you want to learn one pocket versus fixing your mechanics for example.
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I went to a road player for lessons, hopefully to get one pocket knowledge. I thought I was ready for advanced lessons. His answer was music to my ears. It was along the lines of, " I will give you lessons on one condition. That is we go back to the Basics." One week to establish the address and step into the stance. Onwards for 6 weeks before he went on the road again. $20 an hour in 1985 money was well spent. Oh yeah the other condition was, "No gambling while in lessons." When he left I made the $120 back in one week.🤷
Seriously screen your instructor. The only instructor I would consider is one that says, "First we go back to the Basics."
 
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