INSTRUCTORS: What have you learned?

[JoeyA]

There are several pool instructors that readily share some great information to the AZ community and I am hoping that all will take part in this thread.

I know that some top pool players cannot explain well, what they do or how they do it and I also realize that a trained instructor can spot imperfections in anyone's game. I'm not so much interested in knowing what you found wrong with a player's game as I am with what you have discovered along the way, with trying to help a top player with their game.

I'm interested to know a FEW choice, pool insights that you may have learned from TOP PLAYERS that you did not already know. I imagine that you learn from everyone that you teach and am curious what you have learned from the top players IN THE COURSE OF TEACHING THEM OR CORRECTING A FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM IN THEIR GAME.
Thanks,
JoeyA

 

[pooltchr]

This may not be the answer you are looking for, but the one thing I have learned from working with some highly skilled players (yes, including some pros) is that none of us are so good that we can't benefit from learning more. Every player has room for improvement....just some more than others. And while each player is a unique individual, there are some concepts and ideas that apply to almost every player.

I guess in one sentence, I have learned to never stop trying to learn more!

Steve

 

[randyg]

Hard to explain. I do one thing that I have learned. The Pro's are more open to instruction than the high level amatuers. Go figure.....randyg

 

[Scott Lee]

Hard to explain. I do one thing that I have learned. The Pro's are more open to instruction than the high level amatuers. Go figure.....randyg

That's, of course, because the pros who come to us, actually KNOW that they don't know what they don't know...and therefore come to us willingly for help in that diagnosis! The higher level amateurs simply don't know what they don't know...because they already know it all (or think they do).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[JoeyA]

That's, of course, because the pros who come to us, actually KNOW that they don't know what they don't know...and therefore come to us willingly for help in that diagnosis! The higher level amateurs simply don't know what they don't know...because they already know it all (or think they do).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Seriously, I appreciate all of your responses and they were sincere responses except for Scott's -) ) but I was hoping for something more down the line of like, "One pro player that I was working with told me that he is able to concentrate for long periods of time by ..........(fill in the blank) or some other similar type information. You don't have to identify the pro by name and if you didn't obtain information from any of them relative to knowledge to enhance one's level of play, I could understand that as well.

Now if you are simply trying to keep those secrets from being exposed to the rest of the world and have been sworn to secrecy,,,,well that's just typical.
Thanks,
JoeyA

 

[randyg]

Therre are no secrets in pool, just things we haven't leant yet!...randyg

 

[cdavis9771]

Go to the pro section of this forum. I'm telling u they have some great inside tips. They might not be an efren reyes but they know what it feels like to be in the zone. Which i have some insight on. When you are playing your best you never think about anything but the task at hand. Stay in the moment. I got that one from Johnny Archer. Another bit of advice is never take advice from someone who can't beat you. Lee Trevino said that one. Hope that helps=)

 

[Cane]

I think the most important thing I learned from a high level player is how to put myself in "the zone" at will. I always chased that elusive "place" in my mind where I shot unconscious, but once you learn how to put yourself there, it's easy... makes pool a lot less tiring and effortless when you don't have to consciously think about how to hit the CB or where the hell it's going!

Bob

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Hard to explain. I do one thing that I have learned. The Pro's are more open to instruction than the high level amatuers. Go figure.....randyg

Well, to a degree, that makes some sense. I've noticed that in my recent climb, much of it has had to do with keeping an open mind. I mean, I don't pocket any better and I haven't developed a better touch. I guess, I ask myself the question, 'what CAN I do to get position' as opposed to what I believe is the correct shot.

Once you start thinking about alternate routes that may yield higher-percentage results, you're quick to listen to others that might have other creative ideas.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

Another bit of advice is never take advice from someone who can't beat you. Lee Trevino said that one. Hope that helps=)

I don't think alot of people (especially instructors) would like that kind of advice. They give lessons to pros, who can probably give them the 6 out playing 9ball. So I don't know if the advice from Trevino is good advice.

 

[Cornerman]

I don't think alot of people (especially instructors) would like that kind of advice. They give lessons to pros, who can probably give them the 6 out playing 9ball. So I don't know if the advice from Trevino is good advice.

I'll further that by saying that Trevino is too golf savvy to even consider saying such BS.

Fred <~~~ takes advice from everyone

 

[cdavis9771]

I'll further that by saying that Trevino is too golf savvy to even consider saying such BS.

Fred <~~~ takes advice from everyone

Well i will tell you that he said it when he was younger. It was in golf digest. I wouldn't put something on here that someone said if they didn't say it. Just so you know.

 

[cdavis9771]

I don't think alot of people (especially instructors) would like that kind of advice. They give lessons to pros, who can probably give them the 6 out playing 9ball. So I don't know if the advice from Trevino is good advice.

Does it make sense to ask someone who doesn't have enough knowledge about the game to beat you, what to do? Just a question. I mean i wouldn't feel confident in their advice to actually use it. Would u?

 

[Cornerman]

Well does it make sense to ask someone who doesn't have enough knowledge about the game to beat you, what to do? Just a question.

You do realize don't you that in every sport (individual and team0, they have coaches and instructors and in almost every case, the coach is not anywhere near the caliber of the player.

A good coach, instructor can observe you like you cannot observe yourself.

Fred

 

[cdavis9771]

You do realize don't you that in every sport (individual and team0, they have coaches and instructors and in almost every case, the coach is not anywhere near the caliber of the player.

A good coach, instructor can observe you like you cannot observe yourself.

Fred

Well yes and no really. Most coaches have had success at the game to be able to coach you. Which are the exceptions in my opinion. I just have a hard time taking advice from someone who has no achievements. Do you?

 

[RSB-Refugee]

Well does it make sense to ask someone who doesn't have enough knowledge about the game to beat you, what to do? Just a question.

Since the game is so multi-faceted, you could have a great deal more overall ability, than someone who is superior to you in one particular area. It would be foolish to not listen to what they have to say, about that one aspect of the game.

IOW, you regularly beat the crap out of Joe Schmoe, but he is much better at banking than you. There is something to learn from him.

I've heard, Efren learns much of his magic by, watching low level players doing things by accident.

I believe there is something to learn from every player, even if it is, what not to do.


Tracy

 

[cdavis9771]

Since the game is so multi-faceted, you could have a great deal more overall ability, than someone who is superior to you in one particular area. It would be foolish to not listen to what they have to say, about that one aspect of the game.

IOW, you regularly beat the crap out of Joe Schmoe, but he is much better at banking than you. There is something to learn from him.

I've heard, Efren learns much of his magic by, watching low level players doing things by accident.

I believe there is something to learn from every player, even if it is, what not to do.


Tracy

I totally agree with you but the person you are watching isn't giving you any advice. I am saying someone who likes to give advice freely or especially the ones who are getting paid to do it. I am a listener when it comes to any sport and i totally appreciate that they are only trying to help. I just believe in facts and what is obvious that is all.

 

[Jal]

Well does it make sense to ask someone who doesn't have enough knowledge about the game to beat you, what to do? Just a question.

I may not be able to jump over a 6 ft fence but I would know how to advise somebody that could: "Jump 6' 1" high". There are things besides pure knowledge that makes someone better at a sport than someone else. And not everyone has the same knowledge base. But everyone, pro players as well as instructors alike, and hard as it may be to believe, those of us that post on these forums, probably have a few oddball notions floating around in our heads.

It's been mentioned several times that when Jim Rempe was asked or decided to make an instructional video, he suddenly realized that he hardly had a clue as to how he accomplished the things that he was able to do. It's probably an exaggeration, but you see the point. Some people are more analytical and thus more suitable for teaching (although Mr. Rempe went on to make some great videos).

Jim

 

[cdavis9771]

I may not be able to jump over a 6 ft fence but I would know how to advise somebody that could: "Jump 6' 1" high". There are things besides pure knowledge that makes someone better at a sport than someone else. And not everyone has the same knowledge base. But everyone, pro players as well as instructors alike, and hard as it may be to believe, those of us that post on these forums, probably have a few oddball notions floating around in our heads.

It's been mentioned several times that when Jim Rempe was asked or decided to make an instructional video, he suddenly realized that he hardly had a clue as to how he accomplished the things that he was able to do. It's probably an exaggeration, but you see the point. Some people are more analytical and thus more suitable for teaching (although Mr. Rempe went on to make some great videos).

Jim

I see what you are saying. I mean they have knowledge but why does it not work for them to be able to beat the one who they are giving advice too?

 

[randyg]

Players play.
Teachers teach.

There's only so many hours in the day. Can't serve two Masters.....randyg