The problem with being 39 and getting pro lessons...

[boyersj]

Take lessons WITH the kids :wink:

I'm lucky that my son LOVES pool, so I have been taking him around the rooms and leagues and tournaments for 4 years or so, but both of us need lessons to get better I think.

Tom posted here, he worked with my son for a bit (thanks to a bet he lost LOL :grin-square, he has also listened to Jerry at the Jr Nationals last year in WI, has played sets and games with pros.

I have picked up some stuff from watching what he was learning and from things people showed him as well. While I can't afford a regular session of lessons (being out of work for a few months just now killed a lot of extra activities), I can still play enough to progress a bit here and there, at 41. In fact, just a few months ago I learned something about how I play that improved my shot making and position on straight shots and small angles by a large amount.

I gave a lesson to a mother and her two teenage kids and have been thanked every time I meet them since. They have more fun and recently the kids just got their own pool cues. Their lesson will forever provide a bond that wasn't nearly as strong as it was before.

Teaching kids to play pool is a great thing. In the day of video games and text messaging, it is a good idea to involve in a recreation that includes social activity (other than facebook)!

Steve

 

[APA BRIAN]

On the other hand, the lessons could go really well, and you might start winning on those 9 footers. Or you could always go with the poor man's lesson. Youtube and a mirror.

 

[xplor]

Ask for a senior discount.

 

[mr8ball]

Not sure if any had herd of me and my Stroketrainer that I had a few years ago. Max was one of my first endorsers and loved it along with lots of others. I had quit making them for health reasons but would consider making a few if some were interested. Not trying to jack the thread just offering my help. I am sure you can find a few good things to say about it if you do a search. PM if interested

 

[GoldCrown]

Lessons are addicting.

 

[ctyhntr]

Family is one thing, your stroke is another. Get your priorities in order man.

I agree!

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the remaining space. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes'.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the sand particles. The students laughed.

Now, said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. "
"The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your health, your friends, your favourite passions - things that if everything else were lost, and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Go out with friends. There will always be time to play league pool, and take lessons. Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

 

[naji]

With the amount of money I spent tonight I could get a lesson from Jerry Breiseth. The problem is that I've got two kids. If Jerry fixed my stroke now I might think I'm good and lose my kids college money on the 9 footers.

I guess being the top shooter in a local league full of rejects will have to suffice.Family first right

With a good teacher you will learn faster, but you can learn on your own, will take much longer, I find the following helpfull:
Shoot long straight shots (OB middle of table and CB at head string) with dead center cue ball, with follow through (to ensure role), the most critical is you have to get used to very slow back hand swing since you cannot see behind you, this ensure straight pull, also allow your brain to judge if you are pulling straight or have twist in it, the forward stroke as long as you do proper long warm up strokes, and follow through your cue will not shift, with proper aim you will make any shot. Always monitor where OB went as well as CB, you will succeed if you make OB go where you aim and CB goes where expected. Now you ready for angles, then english, then....etc


I added while editing, once you master straight shots, try to find out where the cue shafts rub against and make it a habit, most places would be chin and chest; this will also ensure alignment to shot