Is certification absolutely necessary to teach pool to beginners and intermediates?

No. I've taught for years, sometimes paid to do so, sometimes not. I've never had any complaints to date. If you want to learn more yourself, teach!
 
I also recommend Hunter Lombardo

Alex7462 said:
For the past few months I've been seriously thinking about teaching the game to beginner and intermediate players. I'm a skilled advanced level player with many years of experience and knowledge. I also have several local tournament wins under my belt in NJ & PA. My passion for pool is very deep, and I know for sure that I would make a positive impact on anyone who's trying to improve their game, and take it to a higher level. I currently don't have any formal certification to teach but I don't want that holding me back, because I want to start very soon. My plan is to post an ad on Craigslist and possibly make personal business cards to hand out and see what happens from there. If I am lucky enough to get a student, I would have to go to my local poolroom to give my lessons, as I don't have my own private table in an office setting. As for a starting rate, I would charge $30 an hour, and a portion of that would cover our table time. I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing, so I'd like to get some honest opinions on this before I start making any arrangements, thanks.
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If you ever need any assistance feel free to contact me at thegameistheteacher@gmail.com - I have no opinion on Craig's List, most of my students are golfers, bowlers and business people.
 
Sorry I been so busy, it's been a while since I posted my thread. Well, thanks to everybody here for giving me their input. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can teach without any penalty for not having certification. I'm trying to come up with an effective teaching method for my students, since I'll be a new instructor. It is very important to me that my students are able to take in and learn everything I teach them with simple, easy-to-understand instruction. I also don't want to overwhelm my students with complex mathematical explanations or the use of metric systems when showing them shots, as I was never great at math to begin with. My goal is to have my students want to come back to me for more lessons that will help improve their game, so that I don't end up wasting my time or theirs. What suggestions can anyone give me on exactly how to get started?
 
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Alex7462 said:
Sorry I been so busy, it's been a while since I posted my thread. Well, thanks to everybody here for giving me their input. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can teach without any penalty for not having certification. I'm trying to come up with an effective teaching method for my students, since I'll be a new instructor. It is very important to me that my students are able to take in and learn everything I teach them with simple, easy-to-understand instruction. I also don't want to overwhelm my students with complex mathematical explanations or the use of metric systems when showing them shots, as I was never great at math to begin with. My goal is to have my students want to come back to me for more lessons that will help improve their game, so that I don't end up wasting my time or theirs. What suggestions can anyone give me on exactly how to get started?
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Well the first thing you're going to have to figure out is why your students should trust you. Would you trust someone like you? What can you bring to the table that will help a player improve? How good are you at reading someone's game? Can you watch someone shoot for a few minutes and determine what they need in order to improve?

If you can help a player find his own personal formula for success, then you can win his trust and he may return for more help. And because you're new at this, you WILL make mistakes. Just hope that they're not too damaging to the player.

Is that realistic enough for you?
 
Push&Pool said:
LOL agreed ;) Get up early, run at least 5 miles every morning. Also take up either gym, some intense martial arts or any type of extreme conditioning, you know what I mean. You need to boost your strenght, speed, reflexes, and stamina to the max. Remember to maintain a high protein diet, and don't eat too much fat and sugar. Keep playing pool all that time, and practice one thing: hitting the CB correctly with your cue tip while moving. First start by shooting while walking slowly, then speed things up once you get used to it. Do it while running or jumping towards the table. Don't forget to use rotation in hips/shoulders at the same time. Then, after at least 1 year, get up in the morning, look yourself in the mirror, go to the nearest bar or poolhall, pick up a cue and position the CB on the headspot. Run or jump towards the table as fast as you can and hit the ball as you want to shatter the whole universe. If you leave any permanent damage on the foot rail, congratulations! You got your certification. Exit the room and feel the morning sun rays on your face. Breath in fresh air. You're now a Banger Messiah. You'll be teaching the uneducated, broken, desperate, disorganized hordes and unite them. You'll lead the Banger Revolution against everyone in your path. You'll take control over WPA, BCA and everyone else and you'll help create the New Order. A pool world dominated by bangers. The future of this sport will be brighter than ever :)
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Why is this man banned? :confused:
 
FranCrimi said:
Well the first thing you're going to have to figure out is why your students should trust you. Would you trust someone like you? What can you bring to the table that will help a player improve? How good are you at reading someone's game? Can you watch someone shoot for a few minutes and determine what they need in order to improve?

If you can help a player find his own personal formula for success, then you can win his trust and he may return for more help. And because you're new at this, you WILL make mistakes. Just hope that they're not too damaging to the player.

Is that realistic enough for you?
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Thanks for your advice Fran. And yes, I'm able to read a person's game pretty easily, sometimes from even the very first shot they take. If I find flaws, I can always show them how to correct them. Throughout all my years playing pool, I've tought many people (for free), and given them many pointers to help them out. It makes me feel proud of myself when I can make a difference in someone's game, especially if they're serious enough about it. Many of the people I tought were the ones who encouraged me to do this as a profession, so I guess I must be very good at what I do. :)
 
Push&Pool said:
LOL agreed ;) Get up early, run at least 5 miles every morning. Also take up either gym, some intense martial arts or any type of extreme conditioning, you know what I mean. You need to boost your strenght, speed, reflexes, and stamina to the max. Remember to maintain a high protein diet, and don't eat too much fat and sugar. Keep playing pool all that time, and practice one thing: hitting the CB correctly with your cue tip while moving. First start by shooting while walking slowly, then speed things up once you get used to it. Do it while running or jumping towards the table. Don't forget to use rotation in hips/shoulders at the same time. Then, after at least 1 year, get up in the morning, look yourself in the mirror, go to the nearest bar or poolhall, pick up a cue and position the CB on the headspot. Run or jump towards the table as fast as you can and hit the ball as you want to shatter the whole universe. If you leave any permanent damage on the foot rail, congratulations! You got your certification. Exit the room and feel the morning sun rays on your face. Breath in fresh air. You're now a Banger Messiah. You'll be teaching the uneducated, broken, desperate, disorganized hordes and unite them. You'll lead the Banger Revolution against everyone in your path. You'll take control over WPA, BCA and everyone else and you'll help create the New Order. A pool world dominated by bangers. The future of this sport will be brighter than ever :)
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This may be the best thing I've ever read on this forum.
 
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