Instructors that won't tell you what speed they are

Jen_Cen said:
I said I my goal is to rise from C to B one day.

I didn't say I wanted to rise from C to B in 24 hours. That would be ridiculous.
I would contact Scott Lee if I were you, he is going to be at SBE in PA. Maybe something can be worked out around then since it isn't far for NJ. Since Scott is a travelling instructor, he won't be around the next week to give another lesson and drive home the lessons, but if you're disciplined enough to practice what he teaches by yourself, you will improve.
The other suggestion I would make is check out the road show schedule for Randy G's pool school.
 
All things being equal, why take lessons from a great instructor who can't play at a HIGH level, when you can take lessons from a great instructor who can (or did)? I mean this in total generality - not referencing anyone. What's equally important to the basics is someone teaching you how to win within your ability - and you need a player for that.

???

Dave
 
catscradle said:
I would contact Scott Lee if I were you, he is going to be at SBE in PA. Maybe something can be worked out around then since it isn't far for NJ. Since Scott is a travelling instructor, he won't be around the next week to give another lesson and drive home the lessons, but if you're disciplined enough to practice what he teaches by yourself, you will improve.
The other suggestion I would make is check out the road show schedule for Randy G's pool school.


School is in Richmond, Va and Washington, DC this June......SPF=randyg
 
SpiderWebComm said:
All things being equal, why take lessons from a great instructor who can't play at a HIGH level, when you can take lessons from a great instructor who can (or did)? I mean this in total generality - not referencing anyone. What's equally important to the basics is someone teaching you how to win within your ability - and you need a player for that.

???

Dave
"All things being equal" is the operative term here. If you've got to choose between 2 good instructors, one who plays at a high level and one who doesn't, it is easy to choose. The rub comes when the high level player is a mediocre at best teacher, and the mediocre player is a great teacher. Then which is better? It will depend upon your goal, if you're a relative beginner no question you choose the better teacher, but if you're an advanced player you may be better off with the advance player who is a mediocre teacher.
 
Jen_Cen said:
Privately, I can give you the name of a BCA instructor. He plays at an APA 5 level, doesn't believe in playing safeties (he'd rather go down swinging), oh man, I could go on.

"Interview" him just for fun and maybe you'll feel differently.

I agree with you; BCA certification might mean something, but it's not enough (I know of several BCA certified instructors that I wouldn't go near and several non-BCA certified who are excellent). I also agree with you that an instructor's skill level means something, up to a point - "been there; done that" is a valuable qualification for an instructor to have.

On the other hand, I also agree with those who say the instructor's skill isn't enough either - being a good teacher is key. You need a combination of the two.

pj
chgo
 
Patrick Johnson said:
I agree with you; BCA certification might mean something, but it's not enough (I know of several BCA certified instructors that I wouldn't go near and several non-BCA certified who are excellent). I also agree with you that an instructor's skill level means something, up to a point - "been there; done that" is a valuable qualification for an instructor to have.

On the other hand, I also agree with those who say the instructor's skill isn't enough either - being a good teacher is key. You need a combination of the two.

pj
chgo
I also agree, I've had experiences with BCA instructors who were good and bad. I've also had experiences with non-certified instructors who were good and bad. BCA certification is just another factor in determining which instructor, general reputation and specific recommendations are the most important factors.
 
Jen_Cen said:
I was e-mailing back and forth with an instructor who advertises on here. He runs a pool school. All I wanted to know was what speed he is rated as a player.

And this instructor would not disclose this info. Instead he danced around and said it doesn't make a difference.

If he's ashamed to disclose his rating, it must be low. I'm not about to give $900 to an instructor who's only a C player.

You are absolutely correct to be uncomfortable with anyone that you seek to engage as an instructor, advisor, or in any other trusted position, that will not be open and honest with you.

Such behavior would cause me to lose any trust in dealing with them, and I would look elsewhere.

Jim
 
Jen_Cen said:
I said I my goal is to rise from C to B one day.

I didn't say I wanted to rise from C to B in 24 hours. That would be ridiculous.

Ohhhh... "one day" not "IN one day". I misread your post. My apologies.

*bonk!*
 
Jen_Cen said:
Yeah, but before they became instructors, they probably played recreationally. Or maybe seriously. So, it's fair to wonder how far they were able to advance themselves on the pool path.

If you wanted to buy a car, and asked how many miles were on it, or what kind of engine does it have, and the seller dodged the question, that situation does not inspire confidence in the seller.

You want a good instructor who can really play?

You need look no further than Mark Wilson...

http://www.playgreatpool.com/

He played in the Mosconi Cup two different years.

The day I was at his place, Jeanette Lee came to shoot straight pool and have him work on her stroke...

How's that?

Flex
 
Scott will be in central New Jersey on Saturday. I am taking a lesson from him.
 
DTL said:
P.M. and I'll give you his ph#.

Thanks, but I found the answer to my question on his website:

http://www.justcueit.com/Lessons.htm


"Options for instruction sessions:

1. *Foundation Course is **2 days (a total of 18 hours) @ $395 for all levels of players. (2 students @ $350 each, 3 students @ $300 each) Three course days are recommended for 2 or more students.

2. Stroke Analysis and fundamentals with feedback, correction, and drills ? 5 hours @ $125.

3. Pick and choose from Foundation Course for $25 per hour.

4. Nine Ball, Eight Ball, Bank, One Pocket, Straight Pool- $25 per hour.

Students completing Foundation Course or equivalent of 18 hours of instruction will be entitled to a lifetime of instruction at a discount. Ask about details. "


Flex
 
Just to make it clear it's not my school Jen_Cen is referring to. I do teach all aspects of the game from fundamentals,shot making, kicking and banking etc. etc. Not only do I teach them but i have to demonstrate them also. It's really not how important on how well I play but how well I Teach. The student is what is important to me!
I can teach people how to play pool, but I would rather teach them how to LEARN to play pool. I try to keep that in mind with all of my students. Make sure they understand the concepts that are the building blocks to continual improvement.
I do this as a my primary job and have been doing it for long time. If I wasn't doing a great job , I'm sure i would be working or doing something else!
I feel kinda funny to have to reply to this post but it left open to suggestion that some pool school. Just wanted to let you all know it's not the Ohio Pool School they are referring to. If you're interested in any classes I'm only a phone call or email away. I plan on being at Valley Forge also and with Randy and Scott in vegas for the BCA. Please stop by and say HI.
 
Back
Top