Private Lessons from Professionals

[jgroom972]

I have the opportunity to take lessons from a world class professional player.
My only problem is that the distance of travel for these lessons is considerable. Over 100 miles. I AM going to take private instructions from him, but i am wondering since he is that far away if just hooking up with him every other month for a 6 to 12 hour session would improve my game much.?

I wish it could be every month, but distance and $$ are my obstacles.

My approach would be to meet with him for private instruction for (set) hour(s), and then practice what he recommends until the next session a month or 2 later.
Just throwing this question out there.

 

[dr9ball]

I have the opportunity to take lessons from a world class professional player.
My only problem is that the distance of travel for these lessons is considerable. Over 100 miles. I AM going to take private instructions from him, but i am wondering since he is that far away if just hooking up with him every other month for a 6 to 12 hour session would improve my game much.?

I wish it could be every month, but distance and $$ are my obstacles.

My approach would be to meet with him for private instruction for (set) hour(s), and then practice what he recommends until the next session a month or 2 later.
Just throwing this question out there.

Largely I think it depends on what new information you gain in the lesson and your ability to apply it through dedicated practice. I've had a 2 hour lesson a couple of years ago from a pro and I am still trying to take the new information I learned in those two hours and fully integrate it into my natural playing style. If you're going to get 6 or 12 hours of instruction, try to split it across multiple days, video tape it if possible so you can play it back over and over as you will forget much of what is discussed over time. At the very least the instructor/pro should give you some reference materials. Even if they do, you would benefit from making your own video or written notes on what you learned from the lessons and what you need to do to improve. Think of it as the foundation for your training journal.

Much can be gained just by charting your progress and seeing how far you've come and setting and achieving your goals.

 

[Kim Bye]

I`m also considering getting some pointers on my game and distance is the issue for me too.
How about filming your playing and having your coach watch your game and give you feedback?

 

[bbb]

i would try to see him as frequently as possible
less time for bad habits to be ingrained
reinforcement of what you are working on before you forget
as you work on things quwstions will come up
although im sure you could call him
usually its best to see the explanation not only hear it
jmho

 

[Nitrokid373]

In feb iam flying from buffalo ny to South Carolina to work with Stevie Moore and i think it will be worth every penny. If you have the money and want to invest in a game you will be able to enjoy the rest of your life then do it. :thumbup:

 

[Nitrokid373]

Just thought of this too If you and your instructor are able to you can hook up via Skype during times you wont be with him and actually show him what your concerns are with anything youve learned. Its fairly easy to do this all you need is a computer or ipad and your set :grin:

 

[lfigueroa]

I have the opportunity to take lessons from a world class professional player.
My only problem is that the distance of travel for these lessons is considerable. Over 100 miles. I AM going to take private instructions from him, but i am wondering since he is that far away if just hooking up with him every other month for a 6 to 12 hour session would improve my game much.?

I wish it could be every month, but distance and $$ are my obstacles.

My approach would be to meet with him for private instruction for (set) hour(s), and then practice what he recommends until the next session a month or 2 later.
Just throwing this question out there.

I've taken lessons from a couple of legendary professional players -- Dallas West and Ray Martin -- and here is what works for me: having a clear vision of what I want to learn from them. IOW, don't go to them and just take what they want to give you, go to them and take what you want from them. In my case I wanted to learn about 14.1 patterns, strategies, and break shots. Along the way I got all that, some tips on my mechanics, some great stores, and memorable memories.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Donny Lutz]

Instructors

I have the opportunity to take lessons from a world class professional player.
My only problem is that the distance of travel for these lessons is considerable. Over 100 miles. I AM going to take private instructions from him, but i am wondering since he is that far away if just hooking up with him every other month for a 6 to 12 hour session would improve my game much.?

I wish it could be every month, but distance and $$ are my obstacles.

My approach would be to meet with him for private instruction for (set) hour(s), and then practice what he recommends until the next session a month or 2 later.
Just throwing this question out there.

Not all pro players are good instructors (of course the one you plan to see may be), and not all good instructors are professional players.

Being a pro player and being a good teacher require different skills. You may be able to find a qualified instructor closer than one hundred miles. if not, maybe you could find a friend who would like to go with you and share the cost.

 

[jgroom972]

Yeah you are right. I agree. This teacher however is a household name in the Pool World. And he is known for being one of the better instuctors....
However taking lessons from him every week or every month are simply out of the question. To much distance and hourly fees.....$$$$.
But I was wondering if I took lessons every other month (6) 6 hour lessons a year if that would benefit me at all....
I would just work on what he and I went over in lessons until the next time he and I meet up.

 

[MOJOE]

So who is this player/instructor you are seeing? No reason to not say who he/she is.

 

[Donny Lutz]

Ok

Yeah you are right. I agree. This teacher however is a household name in the Pool World. And he is known for being one of the better instuctors....
However taking lessons from him every week or every month are simply out of the question. To much distance and hourly fees.....$$$$.
But I was wondering if I took lessons every other month (6) 6 hour lessons a year if that would benefit me at all....
I would just work on what he and I went over in lessons until the next time he and I meet up.

Glad to hear that!

I'd opt for multiple lessons rather than one long one.

Another option to finding a friend to go with you, would be to get half a dozen players to chip in and have the instructor come to you for a group lesson.

 

[dardusm]

I would book a 2 hour lesson with them and see if it's a fit for you. 100 miles isn't that far and a 2 hour lesson will give you enough info to see if you like the instructor and get a feel how they operate. The lessons should be structured and either take good notes or get some reference material from them. After that initial session, you should have a good idea on how to proceed in the future whether taking a longer session or going every few months. Getting better takes time and sometimes students want that instant gratification which usually isn't there in this sport.