Mark Wilson & Don Wardell, M.D.

Sent my check out in the mail on Wednesday, I couldn't believe, received the book today! Wow, great service. This looks like a college text book. Hard back cover, glossy paper/pages and with just a quick glance, tons of photos illustrating things. Read the first few pages, if they are any indication at all, this will undoubtedly be the best pool book purchase I've made; by far!

I'll be reading this every day, will report back in a few weeks after I've had to chance to read through it the first time. Thanks to Mr. Wilson and Dr. Wardell for their contributions to the game of pool.
 
Just for the record: Mr. Wilson (our AZB moderator) is not Mark Wilson.

Sorry for any confusion on my part.

JoeyA
 
JoeyA said:
Dr. Wardell was in town this past week and we hung out for a while, hitting some balls and eating a lot of the delicious Louisiana food at local restaurants. That guy looks very fit but can he eat.......

On the last day of his trip to our city, I finally had to know if he had any of his books with him. I realized that while my son hasn't been fully bitten by the pool bug, (he only plays with me on Tuesday nights in a tournament) my son could benefit greatly from this precisely written pool book so I bought one for him. It will be his first pool book. :D

Some of my pool buddies were interested in his book and he sold the rest of what he had with him. Don's gas mileage will probably be a little better on the way back home. Safe travels.

THANKS for a fun and informative week!

JoeyA
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing.

As I'm sure you noticed, Don is improving rapidly in his pool game and I'm sure that the experience of working on the book with Mark gave him insights and knowledge that eased his path to improvement.

Don has been very humble in the matter of this book's publication, asking Mark that he not to be listed as an author. He has also gone to great lengths, in this very thread, to stress that the book presents Mark's methods exclusively.

In his humility, though, Don has understated how important he was to the project. This book doesn't get to print without the skills Don brought to the table. His strong communication and presentation skills brought this project over the finish line, and explain why the book is so skillfully organized and so well-written.

The book may be the culmination of Mark Wilson's career as one of the greatest-ever instructors in our sport, but Don's contribution was a labor of love for both Mark and pool.
 
JoeyA said:
Dr. Wardell was in town this past week and we hung out for a while, hitting some balls and eating a lot of the delicious Louisiana food at local restaurants. That guy looks very fit but can he eat.......

JoeyA
Click to expand...

JA,
Can't thank you properly here. Though I almost never start a thread here anymore, my visit was so spectacular I will make a post in the main forum to thank you properly. AWESOME week in the Big Easy.
 
nobcitypool said:
Read the first few pages, if they are any indication at all, this will undoubtedly be the best pool book purchase I've made; by far!

I'll be reading this every day, will report back in a few weeks after I've had to chance to read through it the first time. Thanks to Mr. Wilson and Dr. Wardell for their contributions to the game of pool.
Click to expand...

Nob-man,
We really felt it important that the introduction and first 2 chapters be excellent. They contain elements missing from instructional books for the past 150 years.

It is nice that most everyone likes the first few chapters, but it confirms my sense that many pool players will judge a book by a few scraps - and whether it is favorable or unfavorable, it is not really a fair assessment.

I am fearful that no one on Earth will actually read the whole thing, except for Mark, sjm, elvicash, and me (and maybe dochutch if he ever gets the time). It is a SERIOUS textbook - no sugar coating or unrealistic expectations; but we DO desperately hope it is inspirational to the dedicated student.

Thanks for your sentiments, and good luck plowing through it, I think you will find LOTS of information and inspiration as you proceed.
 
sjm said:
Thanks for sharing.

As I'm sure you noticed, Don is improving rapidly in his pool game and I'm sure that the experience of working on the book with Mark gave him insights and knowledge that eased his path to improvement.

Don has been very humble in the matter of this book's publication, asking Mark that he not to be listed as an author. He has also gone to great lengths, in this very thread, to stress that the book presents Mark's methods exclusively.

In his humility, though, Don has understated how important he was to the project. This book doesn't get to print without the skills Don brought to the table. His strong communication and presentation skills brought this project over the finish line, and explain why the book is so skillfully organized and so well-written.

The book may be the culmination of Mark Wilson's career as one of the greatest-ever instructors in our sport, but Don's contribution was a labor of love for both Mark and pool.
Click to expand...

Stu,
Many thanks for the kind words. It WAS a labor of love in the truest sense of the word; it could NEVER have been completed otherwise.

As far as my contribution, the final section of the book "About the Authors, by the Authors" will sum it up for anyone desperate enough for entertainment to proceed that far through the book. Essentially all I am admitting to is being an excellent typist - I typed every word (the repeated sentence and missing word that JoeyA found are the printer's error). And though I typed every word, Mark sat next to me, and the two of us parsed every single sentence together. No score was kept about who decided on what wording. The pool concepts are obviously almost exclusively Mark's - NOTHING is in that book without his approval.

All I can hope for is that you will agree it is FAR better than when you read it the first time - much of that improvement due to the input you so graciously provided. Your help was GREATLY appreciated, many thanks.
 
Williebetmore said:
Stu,

All I can hope for is that you will agree it is FAR better than when you read it the first time ...
Click to expand...

It is indeed, my friend. You and Mark should take a deep bow. You guys have made a lasting contribution to the game. I'll add that the diagrams found in your book are the best I've ever seen in a book on pool, and you've raised the bar for other pool authors in this regard.

Now, you can start to recapture those thousands of hours of lost practice! Good luck with that, Don.
 
Williebetmore said:
Nob-man,
We really felt it important that the introduction and first 2 chapters be excellent. They contain elements missing from instructional books for the past 150 years.

It is nice that most everyone likes the first few chapters, but it confirms my sense that many pool players will judge a book by a few scraps - and whether it is favorable or unfavorable, it is not really a fair assessment.

I am fearful that no one on Earth will actually read the whole thing, except for Mark, sjm, elvicash, and me (and maybe dochutch if he ever gets the time). It is a SERIOUS textbook - no sugar coating or unrealistic expectations; but we DO desperately hope it is inspirational to the dedicated student.

Thanks for your sentiments, and good luck plowing through it, I think you will find LOTS of information and inspiration as you proceed.
Click to expand...

Rest your fears, Don. I've been through the whole thing and am on the second time through.;)
 
Neil said:
Rest your fears, Don. I've been through the whole thing and am on the second time through.;)
Click to expand...

Neil,
Congratulations!! You have joined a very select club (though I question your dedication to your job and family :-)....it took a LOT of work to get through it so quickly).

We had many players offer us the advice to "dumb it down" or "make it shorter" or "break it into 2 or 3 books" or "don't use big words" or "don't tell them how difficult it is, or they will give up" or "you are making it sound too hard." We rejected all this advice, trying to be true to Mark's method and his desire to be totally honest about what it takes to get good, and his desire to share EVERYTHING he has learned about pool in a lifetime.

The cost of ignoring all that advice is that reading the entire book is an imposing project to tackle. We are SO happy that a few such as you have done it. After a few years working on it, when it started to round into a shape that looked like it would be good, Mark said to me COUNTLESS times, "Doc, if you and I are the only people that own a copy, I will still be totally happy." It is truly his legacy, and his way to thank the people that helped him learn the game. He is SHARING this book more than selling it.
 
Williebetmore said:
Neil,
Congratulations!! You have joined a very select club (though I question your dedication to your job and family :-)....it took a LOT of work to get through it so quickly).

We had many players offer us the advice to "dumb it down" or "make it shorter" or "break it into 2 or 3 books" or "don't use big words" or "don't tell them how difficult it is, or they will give up" or "you are making it sound too hard." We rejected all this advice, trying to be true to Mark's method and his desire to be totally honest about what it takes to get good, and his desire to share EVERYTHING he has learned about pool in a lifetime.

The cost of ignoring all that advice is that reading the entire book is an imposing project to tackle. We are SO happy that a few such as you have done it. After a few years working on it, when it started to round into a shape that looked like it would be good, Mark said to me COUNTLESS times, "Doc, if you and I are the only people that own a copy, I will still be totally happy." It is truly his legacy, and his way to thank the people that helped him learn the game. He is SHARING this book more than selling it.
Click to expand...

I cheated, I don't have a job anymore. I'm on disability, so my main job is staying alive.:D Can't always play, but can always read. Plus, I've been told I'm a fast reader, so that helps too. I didn't totally agree with everything in the book, but I'm not Mark, and I probably don't have much of a leg to stand on except for a few things. It's a great book, best I have read on pool instruction! I really only had just two things I disagree on. Didn't take away from the rest of the book in the least.

As far as implementing what Mark teaches, that will be a life-long process. Reading it shouldn't be a long process for anyone.;)

Mark and you have every reason to be very proud of it!
 
Neil said:
I cheated, I don't have a job anymore. I'm on disability, so my main job is staying alive.:D Can't always play, but can always read. Plus, I've been told I'm a fast reader, so that helps too. I didn't totally agree with everything in the book, but I'm not Mark, and I probably don't have much of a leg to stand on except for a few things. It's a great book, best I have read on pool instruction! I really only had just two things I disagree on. Didn't take away from the rest of the book in the least.

As far as implementing what Mark teaches, that will be a life-long process. Reading it shouldn't be a long process for anyone.;)

Mark and you have every reason to be very proud of it!
Click to expand...

Neil,
Sorry, I didn't know about the disability, or wouldn't have made the lame joke.

Don't worry about the disagreements. Many people will disagree with it; Mark wanted to emphasize that this is NOT the ONLY way to get good, it is just ONE way (though he believes it is the fastest and "easiest" way, and it is the only way he will teach it). Most of the great players became great a different way - each to his own. Always "stick with what works" for you. When he gives lessons to pros he does not insist they follow the orthodox technique in the book, rather points out small things that can improve any players game - hopefully you have found some of those things in the book. Fractional improvement is key.

I think the very most important thing that the book can provide is the reassurance that ANY player can get good if he wants to put in the work. Mark's method is just one way they can be certain of attaining proficiency. Most will not want the hard work that you've already done.
 
Williebetmore said:
Neil,
Sorry, I didn't know about the disability, or wouldn't have made the lame joke.

Don't worry about the disagreements. Many people will disagree with it; Mark wanted to emphasize that this is NOT the ONLY way to get good, it is just ONE way (though he believes it is the fastest and "easiest" way, and it is the only way he will teach it). Most of the great players became great a different way - each to his own. Always "stick with what works" for you. When he gives lessons to pros he does not insist they follow the orthodox technique in the book, rather points out small things that can improve any players game - hopefully you have found some of those things in the book. Fractional improvement is key.

I think the very most important thing that the book can provide is the reassurance that ANY player can get good if he wants to put in the work. Mark's method is just one way they can be certain of attaining proficiency. Most will not want the hard work that you've already done.
Click to expand...

No problem with the joke, Don. One thing Mark does stress, and you did here also, is the amount of work involved. I agree that few will do it. Most think lessons are a magic bullet to playing better. They CAN give an immediate improvement, but the main lesson is knowledge on what to WORK on to get better.

As far as "stick with what works for you", yes and no....one first has to take a long, hard, honest look at themselves, and then determine if it is REALLY working for them. How long have they been doing it their way, and are they where they should be for the time they have in?? If honest, all but a few have to say "no, I'm not where I should be at this point in time". Then they have to look at why they aren't, and that is where this book is so valuable.
 
Neil said:
No problem with the joke, Don. One thing Mark does stress, and you did here also, is the amount of work involved. I agree that few will do it. Most think lessons are a magic bullet to playing better. They CAN give an immediate improvement, but the main lesson is knowledge on what to WORK on to get better.

As far as "stick with what works for you", yes and no....one first has to take a long, hard, honest look at themselves, and then determine if it is REALLY working for them. How long have they been doing it their way, and are they where they should be for the time they have in?? If honest, all but a few have to say "no, I'm not where I should be at this point in time". Then they have to look at why they aren't, and that is where this book is so valuable.
Click to expand...

Very, very perceptive. Is a step that not many students take. Many mid level pros are in the same position.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
 
i read 18 pages in to weeks i am only working on my stance and i no when my stance is correct because it does not feel right but out of the last 12 games i played in 8 ball league i ran 6 of them from the break i cant wait to read some more i have taken 4 lesson from mark at the bullpen but this is a great work book it is helping make sure i do it correctly i wll never loan this book out noway thanks again you two
 
Stop with talking about how great it is. Mark should receive my ck today. I feel like a crack head, waiting for my next fix. I don't know what I'm more excited about getting, the book or the OG Klapp shaft i have on order. I think my blood sugar may be out of whack.
 
I been working slowly through the book savoring the details. I have actually probably more methodically read it than needed but the little small sub paragraphs are detail filled and I read some of them two or three times before moving on, I am rereading the core chapters again right now. I am picking up on a lot of technical suggestions that I would have thought I was doing prior to the book. I was NOT and I have noticed it primarily in the two 14.1 matches I have played. I have been traveling a ton and not really practicing so my processing of the info is slow but I want to suggest this info is really sticking with me. I have made changes on my stance mid game and alot of bridge enhancements. I find I have no rhythm right now as the process is not burned in and I do not know how to deal with the chalk. I want to be behind the shot on the shot line and find my chin lock but I have the chalk in my hand which I need to get on the rail. I am seeing and feeling a lot more of what is actually going on it is almost as if I could actually be a player. I need to quit this working thing traveling all over the country and start trying to play great pool. I played these last two matches probably never ran more than 16 or 17 but and this is a big but for me. I almost always left the table on my terms very few missed balls, most safety were effective in not actually very good. I felt more in control and I think a ton of it was due to me being aware of a lot more small details. I will figure out how to get more rhythm in my game, maybe chalk on a stick or a magnet (dont want one but I might try it), But the focus on alignment and quality of bridge and grip and stroke are really awesome. I have really only read the first primary chapters and rereading them myself right now. I have done some of the basic training drills. This book really just ties a lot of what I know together in a manner i can process. So I guess I have to say I am glad to own a copy. Thanks Mark and Don.

Oh I am not sure that my post sounds as positive as I feel my loss of rhythm my lower runs but I won both matches by fairly safe margins. One against the highest rated player in the league and the other against of the lower rated players. I am not running balls like I did yet but I am also passing on shots I would have taken before some for the good and sometimes selling out. I am being pretty succesful at what I am planning. I have sense of control that I did not have before. I am working in Mississippi this week the closest pool room is 30-40 minutes away. I might make the drive tonight I want to play great pool.
 
Last edited:
elvicash said:
I been working slowly through the book savoring the details. I have actually probably more methodically read it than needed but the little small sub paragraphs are detail filled and I read some of them two or three times before moving on, I am rereading the core chapters again right now. I am picking up on a lot of technical suggestions that I would have thought I was doing prior to the book. I was NOT and I have noticed it primarily in the two 14.1 matches I have played. I have been traveling a ton and not really practicing so my processing of the info is slow but I want to suggest this info is really sticking with me. I have made changes on my stance mid game and alot of bridge enhancements. I find I have no rhythm right now as the process is not burned in and I do not know how to deal with the chalk. I want to be behind the shot on the shot line and find my chin lock but I have the chalk in my hand which I need to get on the rail. I am seeing and feeling a lot more of what is actually going on it is almost as if I could actually be a player. I need to quit this working thing traveling all over the country and start trying to play great pool. I played these last two matches probably never ran more than 16 or 17 but and this is a big but for me. I almost always left the table on my terms very few missed balls, most safety were effective in not actually very good. I felt more in control and I think a ton of it was due to me being aware of a lot more small details. I will figure out how to get more rhythm in my game, maybe chalk on a stick or a magnet (dont want one but I might try it), But the focus on alignment and quality of bridge and grip and stroke are really awesome. I have really only read the first primary chapters and rereading them myself right now. I have done some of the basic training drills. This book really just ties a lot of what I know together in a manner i can process. So I guess I have to say I am glad to own a copy. Thanks Mark and Don.
Click to expand...

What I do is chalk my cue while surveying the table. Then get in my stance.
 
Neil said:
What I do is chalk my cue while surveying the table. Then get in my stance.
Click to expand...


Good thought I seem to hold on to the chalk till I see my shot. I realize that I have been sliding into my stance from the side alot in the past or backing into, this come into the shot line is way better I just have to incorporate it into my routine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top