Instructors In Chicago? Do I Need One?

mcericville

mcericville

Rack, Break, Run, Repeat
First post, so go easy on me fellas -

I'm trying to figure out if I need instruction or not - here's the short of things.

I recently played in a nation-wide 9ball tournament for college students. Now, I had to win a qualifying event in Chicago (12 or so other players), and a regional tournament in Milwaukee (16 good players) to even get into this tournament, so I know I'm not terrible.

But for whatever reason, I barely won 4 out of the 8 we were racing to at this national tournament. I realized that there's a HUGE difference between whatever level I'm playing at and whatever level these other guys were playing at.

A few kids suggested instruction, and said that it had helped them a lot - any ideas?
 
Direct instruction will shorten the learning curve, but you still need to be prepared to putting in time in both practice and playing.

As a college student, are you prepared for that commitment in time and money?
 
I actually work at a pool hall and thus get free practice time whenever I please. I shoot at least an hour every day.

I'm just wondering if there's something I'm not capable of fully comprehending/learning without some sort of formal instruction?
 
mcericville said:
First post, so go easy on me fellas -

I'm trying to figure out if I need instruction or not - here's the short of things.

I recently played in a nation-wide 9ball tournament for college students. Now, I had to win a qualifying event in Chicago (12 or so other players), and a regional tournament in Milwaukee (16 good players) to even get into this tournament, so I know I'm not terrible.

But for whatever reason, I barely won 4 out of the 8 we were racing to at this national tournament. I realized that there's a HUGE difference between whatever level I'm playing at and whatever level these other guys were playing at.

A few kids suggested instruction, and said that it had helped them a lot - any ideas?
Click to expand...

"But for whatever reason" is the key. Before you can improve, you have to figure out why you lost each game. It's hard to look back now and try to remember, which is why it is so important to make mental notes while you are competing so you can work on your problems.

Each player has their strengths and weakenesses. Figure out what your weaknesses are and work on them. For example, did you take a difficult shot when you probably should have played safe? Did you miss an easy shot? Was your break working?

You have to attack these issues one at a time, but first you have to know what they are.

Yes, it's always a good idea to get with an instructor to work on your fundamentals and strategy. But in the end, even if your game improves overall, you will still lose matches if you keep making the same mistakes.
 
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nevermind. did not know Scott was coming to town.
 
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To the OP...I have also played in the ACUI nationals, and coached dozens of regional and national ACUI students over the years. My successes include 3 ACUI National Champions, plus a 2nd & 3rd place...along with helping many to win regionals and progress to the nationals. I will be in Chicago next week. If you're interested in finding out how to compete better, PM me with your contact information, and I'll come to you...with video analysis of your stroke, and a game plan for competing at a higher level.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
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