Instructor Question

S

smallfry419

Registered
I'm not sure if this should be put in the "ask an instructor" thread or not so I apologize if I'm in the wrong. I have 2 questions. First, how much does an instructor charge per hour on average. I'm not even sure if that's how they charge or if it's per session. Second, is there any instructors near the Kansas City, MO area? I tried searching but came up short. Also I'm wanting positional play sessions and what to do here and why to do it to run out a 9 ball rack, I have strong fundamentals already so I don't want to walk into a class and a guy is teaching stuff like follow and draw. Hope that makes sense without trying to come across as being cocky. But I think I'm at a plateau and need to get up to the next level. Thanks everyone
 
smallfry419 said:
I'm not sure if this should be put in the "ask an instructor" thread or not so I apologize if I'm in the wrong. I have 2 questions. First, how much does an instructor charge per hour on average. I'm not even sure if that's how they charge or if it's per session. Second, is there any instructors near the Kansas City, MO area? I tried searching but came up short. Also I'm wanting positional play sessions and what to do here and why to do it to run out a 9 ball rack, I have strong fundamentals already so I don't want to walk into a class and a guy is teaching stuff like follow and draw. Hope that makes sense without trying to come across as being cocky. But I think I'm at a plateau and need to get up to the next level. Thanks everyone
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I went to Google and typed "Billiard Instructor" This is the 6th link on the page including the sponsored ads at the top of the page.

http://playbetterbilliards.com/

To save you the time I have listed the results of a search for the State of Missouri.

Frank Briscoe


Email: mofrank@frankscenterinc.com
Phone: 417-667-9190
Website: http://www.frankscenterinc.com

Address: 11174 E. Nebo Hill Road
City: Nevada
State: MO
Zip: 64772
Country: United States

Nevada, MO is approximately 94 miles from Kansas City, MO.

You might also consider sending RandyG a PM here on this site to see when his pool school is coming your way or you can PM Scott Lee here on the site as he travels around the country.

You might as well have an instructor do a video analysis of your stroke mechanics, stance etc. just in case your fundamentals aren't as good as they could be. After all, we don't know what we don't know.

It's funny to me how many pros in many different sports work on their fundamentals/mechanics and how many who aspire to be a pro insist their mechanics are fine and only want to work on the high level stuff.


I hope this helps. Good Luck.
 
smallfry419 said:
I'm not sure if this should be put in the "ask an instructor" thread or not so I apologize if I'm in the wrong. I have 2 questions. First, how much does an instructor charge per hour on average. I'm not even sure if that's how they charge or if it's per session. Second, is there any instructors near the Kansas City, MO area? I tried searching but came up short. Also I'm wanting positional play sessions and what to do here and why to do it to run out a 9 ball rack, I have strong fundamentals already so I don't want to walk into a class and a guy is teaching stuff like follow and draw. Hope that makes sense without trying to come across as being cocky. But I think I'm at a plateau and need to get up to the next level. Thanks everyone
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I will be in your area this Summer.
Check out my website at:

www.poolschool.info

Happy New Year
randyg
 
How much a lesson costs is not a simple question. I have been quoted prices from $20 to $200 an hour. The part of the country, the reputation of the instructor are just some of the factors that come into play.
If Randyg is going to be in your area you would be making a huge mistake to pass this by. He is an outstanding instructor. I believe anyone who has taken a lesson from him would validate what I am saying.
Another outstanding traveling instructor is Scott Lee. Scott and Randy often run pool schools together.
There are many very good players who have trouble explaining what they are doing. While there are many 'b' level players who are outstanding players. Both Randy an Scott are able to demonstrate what they are teaching and are excellent at transfering their knowledge to their students.
Good luck in your search for someone who can help you.
 
A lot of instructors charge per lesson rather than by the hour, how long the lesson takes is sort of up to you. I get the feeling many of them don't watch the clock religiously and hit you for every minute.

I think it's realistic to expect around 100 bucks per lesson from a certified instructor. Anyone charging less than that is probably just a good local... which doesn't mean they can't help you, but it's kind of a gamble.

I've heard Ralf Souquet, a top pro who's won many majors, charges 100 euros (around 130 bucks an hour). But that was a while ago and his prices may have gone up since then. I've gotten quotes from 2 other known pros on this site, one was $100 and the other was $150.

TLDR: be leery of anyone charging less than 100. 100-150 is reasonable. I personally wouldn't pay over 150 unless it's a widely known champion. Good luck with your search. You may need to travel and that adds to the cost.
 
smallfry419 said:
I'm not sure if this should be put in the "ask an instructor" thread or not so I apologize if I'm in the wrong. I have 2 questions. First, how much does an instructor charge per hour on average. I'm not even sure if that's how they charge or if it's per session. Second, is there any instructors near the Kansas City, MO area? I tried searching but came up short. Also I'm wanting positional play sessions and what to do here and why to do it to run out a 9 ball rack, I have strong fundamentals already so I don't want to walk into a class and a guy is teaching stuff like follow and draw. Hope that makes sense without trying to come across as being cocky. But I think I'm at a plateau and need to get up to the next level. Thanks everyone
Click to expand...

If you can set up an easy shot and draw back 6 inches-1 foot -1 1/2 feet and so on and can do the same with follow then you are ready to be taught positional play.
If you can't then you need to start from square one.
 
smallfry419 said:
I'm not sure if this should be put in the "ask an instructor" thread or not so I apologize if I'm in the wrong. I have 2 questions. First, how much does an instructor charge per hour on average. I'm not even sure if that's how they charge or if it's per session. Second, is there any instructors near the Kansas City, MO area? I tried searching but came up short. Also I'm wanting positional play sessions and what to do here and why to do it to run out a 9 ball rack, I have strong fundamentals already so I don't want to walk into a class and a guy is teaching stuff like follow and draw. Hope that makes sense without trying to come across as being cocky. But I think I'm at a plateau and need to get up to the next level. Thanks everyone
Click to expand...

I don't have the information that you're looking for but I just wanted to give you some friendly advice:

Don't ever think that your fundamentals don't need work. The greatest players in the world are always working on theirs.

If I were to go to an instructor and they weren't able to help me with my fundamentals at all, then I wouldn't be interested in their services. You can watch a bunch of videos and read a few books and learn all about the proper patterns. An instructor's true value is figuring out why you aren't cueing straight. At least in my book.

Good luck.
 
BasementDweller said:
I don't have the information that you're looking for but I just wanted to give you some friendly advice:

Don't ever think that your fundamentals don't need work. The greatest players in the world are always working on theirs.

If I were to go to an instructor and they weren't able to help me with my fundamentals at all, then I wouldn't be interested in their services. You can watch a bunch of videos and read a few books and learn all about the proper patterns. An instructor's true value is figuring out why you aren't cueing straight. At least in my book.

Good luck.
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What he said.

(-:

EagleMan
 
Mark Wilson, Scott Lee and RandyG in no particular order. All have great reputations and you wont go wrong with any of them.
 
You guys know if you give Fran a push in these threads, she my cut everyone some slack in the ask the instructors section lol :thumbup:
 
RG1 said:
You guys know if you give Fran a push in these threads, she my cut everyone some slack in the ask the instructors section lol :thumbup:
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I think the only reason she doesn't get recommended more is because she had said in the past that she doesn't do much traveling (at least for instruction). Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think she is highly respected around here.
 
Excellent Recommendations

Cdryden said:
Mark Wilson, Scott Lee and RandyG in no particular order. All have great reputations and you wont go wrong with any of them.
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I see where Fran Crimi's name came up also. Great Choices All.

In his case, I could see him taking the initial course with Randy G., then do a follow up when Scott Lee comes to town, and then to go for his advanced training up at Mark's School.

After that travel to NYC and see Fran for some Big Apple Training and Competition. Maybe he'll get a Cameo on Jim Murnak's Sharks!!! Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?

cajunfats(doesn't give lessons:frown:)
 
cajunfats said:
I see where Fran Crimi's name came up also. Great Choices All.

In his case, I could see him taking the initial course with Randy G., then do a follow up when Scott Lee comes to town, and then to go for his advanced training up at Mark's School.

After that travel to NYC and see Fran for some Big Apple Training and Competition. Maybe he'll get a Cameo on Jim Murnak's Sharks!!! Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?

cajunfats(doesn't give lessons:frown:)
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Yeah I wasn't trying to leave anyone out, I just wanted to recommend people that I have either had previous experience with or know of well enough that I was comfortable sending someone their way.

All of the ones I mentioned I can say without a doubt are great instructors, but to be fair I should have mentioned that there are others that are worth giving a try. Sorry if I came off like they were the only ones. It's just that they are my favorite choices.

I have heard great things about Fran, unfortunately we have never met or spoken to each other which is probably why I never put Crimi's name in the hat.
 
thank you very much everyone! I appreciate all the constructive criticism about the fundamentals. I will definitely take your words for the info and see if I have my basics down first. I can follow and draw consistently to whoever gave me that tip. I have a table of my own and do nothing but drills 4 hours a day switching from shot making drills to basic positioning drills.
 
Instructor fees

CreeDo said:
A lot of instructors charge per lesson rather than by the hour, how long the lesson takes is sort of up to you. I get the feeling many of them don't watch the clock religiously and hit you for every minute.

I think it's realistic to expect around 100 bucks per lesson from a certified instructor. Anyone charging less than that is probably just a good local... which doesn't mean they can't help you, but it's kind of a gamble.

Most Certified instructors do not charge $100 an hour or per lesson. I don't think it's fair to label us "just a good local". That's certainly true for some of us (maybe me!), but I for one, am always reading and watching, and working to improve my teaching skills.

I clearly don't play as well as I did when I was 50 (20 years ago), and for this reason some folks don't think I can teach. They don't consider the fact that I'm a cancer and stroke survivor, with emphysema from second hand smoke.

So I currently charge $20 an hour or $30 for two hours (and don't charge extra for overtime). I offer even more discounts to teach couples or teams. I'm not a Master or Advanced instructor. I could never afford that. I don't teach one pocket because while I love the game, there are many instructors who know the game better. I don't teach 3-cushion for the same reason. But I've gotten good reviews from students for what I do teach. My specialties are 8-ball and 9-ball strategy and cue ball control, but I always focus on basics.

My fees are low because of the economy, and I don't want to see pool become a game of the wealthy only.


I've heard Ralf Souquet, a top pro who's won many majors, charges 100 euros (around 130 bucks an hour). But that was a while ago and his prices may have gone up since then. I've gotten quotes from 2 other known pros on this site, one was $100 and the other was $150.

TLDR: be leery of anyone charging less than 100. 100-150 is reasonable. I personally wouldn't pay over 150 unless it's a widely known champion. Good luck with your search. You may need to travel and that adds to the cost.
Click to expand...

I hope your warning ("be leery") doesn't discourage too many prospective students from seeking lessons.
 
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