Recommendations for video instruction

Halfjack87

Halfjack87

In Training
Silver Member
Now taking opinions - I'm thinking I want to buy a DVD instruction series. Looking for something to work through.

Thinking of :

Dr Dave Alcitore - 5 vol video encyclopedia ($140)
Billiards University ($72)
Pro Skill Drills ($30 ea)
Mastering Pool - Mika Immonen ($80)

At this point any selection I made would be almost random - and anything would probably be productive, as long as it wasn't over my head. Trying to find out more info, viewing samples, etc...

I'm all ears for anyone's thoughts on this - Thanks!
 
Pro pool academy , by Max would be my choice ,, go to you tube and he's got plenty of stuff ,, I actualy showed a BCA instructor one of his drills a no practice stroke drill and a couple months later he told me he now uses it as one of his drills ,,


1
 
Randyg and my video series "Play Better Pool" Vol. 1 and 2 are good. Even better is "A Pool Lesson With Jerry Briesath", which is his 3 disc series. It's the best video instructional series out there.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
 
You absolutely can't go wrong with Tor Lowry's stuff. Most of it is free on YouTube, like the following (almost three hours long) video of pool basics:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm-VDuGzJS4

I bought his 3 DVD series about CB control, position, and pattern play. It is dense with information, but Tor's relaxed presentation and easy to listen to voice makes it all quite palatable. I have a lot of instructional books and DVDs that mostly sit on the bookshelf, but there is almost always one of Tor's disks in my player. Highly recommended. ;)
 
instruction

I have most of what's out there and have found Tor Lowry's to be the most instructive and by far the best value.
 
I have Dr. Daves video set, I think his info is great, it is "need to know" info that you could figure out on your own but it would probably take a long time.
 
Sloppy Pockets said:
You absolutely can't go wrong with Tor Lowry's stuff. Most of it is free on YouTube, like the following (almost three hours long) video of pool basics:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm-VDuGzJS4

I bought his 3 DVD series about CB control, position, and pattern play. It is dense with information, but Tor's relaxed presentation and easy to listen to voice makes it all quite palatable. I have a lot of instructional books and DVDs that mostly sit on the bookshelf, but there is almost always one of Tor's disks in my player. Highly recommended. ;)
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Yeah, 45 minutes in to Tor Lowry at the YouTube link, really liking his style.

Please keep the suggestions coming! :)
 
Scott Lee said:
Randyg and my video series "Play Better Pool" Vol. 1 and 2 are good. Even better is "A Pool Lesson With Jerry Briesath", which is his 3 disc series. It's the best video instructional series out there.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
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Poolknowledge.com URL is bad, but did find some information on both sets - but no video samples and not a lot of info to judge/compare by...
 
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one stroke said:
Pro pool academy , by Max would be my choice ,, go to you tube and he's got plenty of stuff ,, I actualy showed a BCA instructor one of his drills a no practice stroke drill and a couple months later he told me he now uses it as one of his drills
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Max Eberle at Propoolacademy.com immediately linked me to a 4 minute drill video and sent be a lot of product info, which was nice - but the production quality of the sample video was poor - static camera angle and echo-chamber audio. No doubt the info would be as good as anyone's, but his price was also higher than average at $100 for his set.
 
Tor's stuff is obviously golden.

Lee Brett's DVD is well done.

Both of Darren Appleton drill DVD's are great, but mostly focus on rotation games.

I actually thought Eberle's DVD set was overpriced.
 
I have a lot of different videos.
IMO, best for the money is Tor Lowry's videos.
Start with theses:
1st 5+minutes is a commercial for his Zero-X systems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzjousgGLjU

1st 5+minutes is a commercial for his Zero-X systems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm-VDuGzJS4
Some free, the rest inexpensive.
Down side, not well organized.

Dr Dave's are critical to becoming good fast.
His's are very well organized!
Especially "Video Encyclopedias of Pool Shots (VEPS)".
He has a lot of free online info also
http://dr-dave-billiards.com/

I also recommend Jerry Briesath's 3 DVD set but not critical if you go with the two above.

If you really want to learn fast on your own, you need a lesson plan and dedication.


I do most of my aiming while standing.

Also:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FargoBilliards
Esp his Pre Shot Routine

When you get through all of that and want to fill in some gaps:
Search for Dr Dave Billiards.

Here is a guide I like:
Keep It Simple Silly (or Stupid).

1 Learn a good pre-shot routine.
2 Learn the basics. Stance, Bridge, Grip, Stroke, Head Eye Alignment, Aiming.
3 Practice until each is second nature.
4 Learn ball pocketing.
5 Learn ball mechanics.
6 Learn cue ball control both direction and speed.
7 Learn ball and table patterns.
8 Learn kicks and banks.
9 Master your pre-shot routine.

Then KISS.
Trust your stroke and make the ball.
Don't let all your extra knowledge get in the way of making the ball.
 
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Halfjack87 said:
Now taking opinions - I'm thinking I want to buy a DVD instruction series. Looking for something to work through.

Thinking of :

Dr Dave Alciatore - 5 vol video encyclopedia ($140)
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FYI, numerous reviews and testimonials dealing with VEPS can be found here:

VEPS reviews and testimonials

If you were going to pick only a single DVD series, I would strongly recommend VEPS (even if I weren't one of the authors). ;)

FYI, concise info and purchasing advice for all of my instructional products can be found here:

Dr. Dave's Instructional Product Info and Purchasing Advice

Good luck with your game,
Dave
 
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ctyhntr said:
What is your skill level, and what do you prioritize as needing improvement?
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I've improved quite a bit from zero, but I still classify myself as a beginner. Need to improve / develop across the board.

I've been a casual, rare occasion player all my life - never even trying to learn the game, but always enjoying a chance to play. Learned just a little in the Marines as a young lad. Some years ago I started playing regularly with my youngest boy and trying to learn the game, but after about a year, he died and I shelved the game for about 3 years. Now I've started playing again with a friend at work who "used to be good" = sucks as bad as I do - but we've started playing fairly regular. Now with interest from my wife and other two sons, I'm building this pool room in the back yard (still looking good for Christmas completion) and I'm determined to conquer the game.

So, I'm looking for good material to work through, probably multiple times. I'm sure I'll collect additional sets eventually, but looking for the one (or two) to start with.

Lots of good input (still checking out posted info & links), appreciate all the comments! :smile:
 
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Jimmy Reids set of DVDs are IMHO the best value for good information out there. Plus it helps Jimmy, who is a hell of a guy. :thumbup:
 
BeiberLvr said:
I actually thought Eberle's DVD set was overpriced.
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I believe its only $95 for a lifetime membership to Eberle's website.

You get lifetime access to:

Fundamentals course
Aiming course
Follow, draw, and stop course
Pre shot routine course
Practice drills
Bank shot course
Pro match videos
8 ball course
9 ball course
10 ball course
One pocket course
14.1 course
Rotation course
Mind/body optimization
His book "zen pool" in ebook and audio book form
Bonus items. 10 keys to playing consistent pool, 8 day pool mastery boot camp videos and pdf's, 5 things you must do right now to improve your game overnight.



His dvd set is included but you get so much more than that and it is a great price imo.
 
You won't go far wrong with anything Tor Lowry produces. I rate him very highly as an instructor.

Lee Brett also has some excellent content worth purchasing. As do many others, but Lee and Tor are a step above anything I've seen.
 
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