Must questions for a potential instructor?

R

recoveryjones

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm seriously considering investing some cash for some pool lessons.
What are some crucial questions a student should ask a teacher before putting up the cash for a package of lessons?Thanks RJ
 
I would find out their background. I would ask for the names of former students and get feedback from them. But most importantly, I would pay attention to the questions the instructor asks you. If an instructor tells you all about what they are going to teach you, but doesn't ask about your present skill level, your goals in pool, what you feel you need to learn from the instruction, how long you have been playing, your reasons for playing (socially, competitively, weekly league, etc) or other things about YOU, you may want to look for another instructor.
Some instructors will teach you what they want to teach you...the good ones will work with you to help you develop your own game.
Steve
 
Experience.

Id go by experience and reputation. Also if they are still playing - see what they can do. The guy I take lessons from told me that he would give me lessons and if I didnt think I got better he wouldnt ask for the money. Plus he had showed me stuff prior to me asking for lessons. Made a lot of difference.
 
How bout if he can run 3 fookin balls and has a 26th degree Blackbelt :rolleyes:


Eric >the world's full of "Fast" talking charletans

*edit- I would go by reputation from word of mouth. HTH's.
 
recoveryjones said:
I'm seriously considering investing some cash for some pool lessons.
What are some crucial questions a student should ask a teacher before putting up the cash for a package of lessons?Thanks RJ
Click to expand...

it depends on what you're trying to learn..
 
The first thing I would do is not sign up for a "package" of lessons. Try one and see if you like what you're getting.

The first question my instructor asked me is what my long-term goal is. That's the right question. I liked him right away.
 
recoveryjones said:
I'm seriously considering investing some cash for some pool lessons.
What are some crucial questions a student should ask a teacher before putting up the cash for a package of lessons?Thanks RJ
Click to expand...

hmmm...

Ask the instructor "Do you go to the AZBilliard's forum?". If he/she says they have no clue, then chalk it up as though they don't have a computer and spend more time in the "pool hall/billiard parlor".

Ask the instructor "What methods will we be keeping track of my performance?". If he/she looks at you like they're a deer in headlights, RUN!!!

Ask the instructor "May I watch you practice for and hour?". Pay for the table time and see if you learn anything. Judge from there.

Ask the instructor "Do you mind if I use my own camera to record our sessions?". If your intentions are honorable, there won't be a problem.

Ask the instructor "What can you show me in 15 minutest that I don't already know?". If he/she doesn't challenge you to a game to show you, RUN!!!
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There are a TON of questions to ask, those where the first five that poped into my head.

Things I'd be looking for:

The instructor respects your point of view.

The instructor has the means to allow you the feedback you're looking for.

The instructor gives you honest feedback back.

The instructor has constructive critisism that has helped others.
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Enjoy what your learning, especially when paying for it. Just, spend your time more wisely than your money.
 
Take a one hour lesson from any instructor you have in mind and see how well you get along with him/her.

How well they play is really not all that important in my mind. It is how well you play after receiving the instructions. Some really great players have absolutely no clue in the art of teaching.

Jake
 
The preceding posts are full of great ideas...

Here's my two cents...

The biggest problem we all have is communication. If the personalities don't work, the lessons may not take. If two folks can communicate easily & the instructors knowledge is presented well, the only limitation will the the students talent for the game & the time required to imbed the new knowledge.

I think any instructor should have a curriculum (a map). You may already be a good player & just need some tweaking, that would mean your starting point should not be at the beginning.

A discussion at the beginning is the place for detailing the map & some explanation of his demonstration media. This discussion will give you some idea of the finished product, you hopefully can expect.

This is 2006, there is a mountain of info & media, such as video/audio/pictures/props/books/handouts & equipment (training or practicing cue balls, stroke trainer, weighted cues, pocket blockers & so on). Hopefully your instructor uses some of these helpful items.
 
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