Giving lessons to an APA2, where to start?

hobokenapa said:
The title says it all really. I'm going to be giving lessons to an APA2 who is keen to learn, but obviously has A LOT to learn. What is the best approach? Do I just concentrate on stop shots, technique, any ideas? It can't be too complicated or dull because as a new player, I have to keep it fun to maintain her interest.

Thanks!
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Do you have an outline of what you need to cover yet? If not, get the "Basics Cliniic" handout from www.sfbilliards.com web site. How you make the presentation interesting is up to you, but here's a suggestion: make sure she takes most of the shots as opposed to her watching you shoot.
 
Is she cute?

Doomcue said it all.

Unfortunately if you didn't know that then you probably are not the one to be giving her lessons.

She must be cute.

It will be a lot of aggravation.

She better be cute. And willing.

All that aggravation.

Willing to learn that is.
 
Great tips

Thanks again for all the input. I took all the posts and made up a list of points I wanted to cover. I really felt that preparation was the key. During the lesson, I covered all the fundamentals and was able to see where she was going wrong. I was then able to create a shot or two that highlighted the problem for her so she could see it. Then I explained what she needed to do to correct it. She then spent some time practicing that, and I could see her improving before my very eyes, and her smile getting bigger and bigger as she started making shots. She kept playing and playing well after I thought she'd stop, kept getting more and more balls out as she was getting better. As important as that, we had fun too so the night was definitely a success!

She's playing an APA match tonight (she's not on my team) so I'll go down and support her. She's only ever won once in two seasons. It would be really rewarding to see her do well.

What would be the next step? Wait a month or so and see how she progresses? Or set some targets/goals?

Also Bob, thanks for your post. I didn't see it until I got back from the lesson, but I will download your PDF and study it. Many thanks.
 
hobokenapa said:
Thanks again for all the input. I took all the posts and made up a list of points I wanted to cover. I really felt that preparation was the key. During the lesson, I covered all the fundamentals and was able to see where she was going wrong. I was then able to create a shot or two that highlighted the problem for her so she could see it. Then I explained what she needed to do to correct it. She then spent some time practicing that, and I could see her improving before my very eyes, and her smile getting bigger and bigger as she started making shots. She kept playing and playing well after I thought she'd stop, kept getting more and more balls out as she was getting better. As important as that, we had fun too so the night was definitely a success!

She's playing an APA match tonight (she's not on my team) so I'll go down and support her. She's only ever won once in two seasons. It would be really rewarding to see her do well.

What would be the next step? Wait a month or so and see how she progresses? Or set some targets/goals?

Also Bob, thanks for your post. I didn't see it until I got back from the lesson, but I will download your PDF and study it. Many thanks.
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Who is this APA 2 and as jjinfla said, is she cute??? :D
 
Cuteness

I dunno, I'm trying to be a nice guy, give lessons to someone who has asked for my expert help, and all you care about is if she is cute?

You are darn right! She is VERY cute! :D

Marissa, no it was not Michele. She is an APA5.
 
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hobokenapa said:
You are darn right! She is VERY cute! :D
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Hook a brother up, yo! :D

Did I just say that? I think I've been living in Jersey City for too long. :rolleyes:
 
hobokenapa said:
She's playing an APA match tonight (she's not on my team) so I'll go down and support her. She's only ever won once in two seasons. It would be really rewarding to see her do well.

What would be the next step? Wait a month or so and see how she progresses? Or set some targets/goals?

.
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Playing tonight?

Then a quick lesson tomorrow is a must. Must go over the mistakes while they are fresh in your mind. And by all means compliment her good qualities.

Then you must reward her for her hard work and dilligence. I suggest a nice dinner followed by a movie or play this weekend.

And now you know why you should have a pool table at home.
 
jjinfla said:
Playing tonight?

Then a quick lesson tomorrow is a must. Must go over the mistakes while they are fresh in your mind. And by all means compliment her good qualities.

Then you must reward her for her hard work and dilligence. I suggest a nice dinner followed by a movie or play this weekend.

And now you know why you should have a pool table at home.
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HAHAHAHA.

Actualy if she wins tonight, a celebratory dinner must be in order :)
 
I would suggest that you get an agreement from her that you will continue to teach her if she puts in the practice and follows only your directions. If she's cute, there will be 20 guys trying to "help her out". This is usually a real problem for someone trying to learn the appropriate skills.
 
APA Trash shots

Outside of basic skill improvement,

For APA, it's very important to keep in mind that trash counts, so remind them about taking higher-percentage shots;e.g-almost straight in side shots or banks that have a good chance of bouncing back into the opposite pocket count. We've had 5's come in who had never played APA, get frustrated when we make 'trash', not realizing that we are simply taking higher percentage shots that we might skip playing TAP or BCA. I think this is really important with 2's, since they are liable to 'barely miss' plenty of shots.
 
She lost

Well, she lost 0-5 last night but she did have to play an SL5. Twice she had a shot at her final spot in one rack but alas couldn't make it. She was trying so hard, and I was almost willing those balls in. It's tough watching from the sidelines! But from that match, she already knew the shots she needs to work on. I really hope I get to see when she wins a match, it will be so rewarding for me. Anyway, baby steps ...
 
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