Lou...You pause at the end of your backswing. I'm willing to bet you $500, so you know I'm serious, that I can prove that you pause before stroking forward. As for the rest...most people (even the champions who come to pool school) are quite amazed at what they learn about themselves over three days.
... Your second paragraph is exactly what we do.
You can accomplish a lot in 3 days with video analysis and specific practice (hell I can accomplish a lot with a student in an 8 hr session...and my testamonials support that), but the greatest degree of improvement comes after pool school. For some it will be quickly assimilated...others will take longer.
There is certainly nothing wrong with regular "coaching" as you call it, and many of us work with players on an ongoing basis. Most of the PBIA Master Instructors are pretty skilled players, and good teachers too. The SPF Group of PBIA Master Instructors ALL play at a high level, and are considered by their peers and students, to be the best at what they do.
I fail to see what continually badmouthing instructors that you know nothing about puts you in a positive light. Perhaps you don't care. I believe others do.
Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Scott, not intending to ruffle your feathers, but I tend to agree with much of what Lou and MVP are saying!..I will admit, It requires a different set of skills, to be a competent coach/instructor..But even with cameras, and other visual aids, it is a 'real stretch' to say, that 8 hrs. (or even 8 days) can possibly show any meaningful improvement in
anyone at an intricate, demanding game like pool!..Unless, of course, you are starting out with someone who has never even held a cue stick in their hands!..I am sure you provide a valuable service to people like that, and many amateurs alike!
It brings to mind, CJ Wileys absurd claim, that he can teach anyone how to play one pocket, in a few weeks or so!..As you said yourself..everyone learns at their own pace!..I've been playing tough action for over sixty years, and I'm
still learning!..You also must see, that most people (no matter how much they love the game) will never improve enough to become even a mid-level 'B' player..And thats with hundreds of lessons, over many years time!
I have no idea how many 'PBIA instructors or 'Masters', are certified as such, or more importantly,
who certifies them???..But, with the exception of Ray Martin or Stan Shufert, I have to doubt there are very many really solid "A players" in the coaching ranks!..IMO, you are placing way too much emphasis on an instructors ability to "teach", and not enough on their own skill level as a player themselves!..So I must question the benefits a top player would gain, if any?..As the old saying goes.."It takes one, to know one"
Lessons are fine, for beginners, but there is
no substitute for HAMB, staying in action, or god-given talent and there never will be!..And that takes a LOT of time and dedication..Tiger Woods has finally realized that, thats why he has canned all his high $$$ 'swing coaches', and decided to work on getting his mechanics, and his game back
himself!..(who better?)
PS..Also, please enlighten me..What does "SPF Group" stand for???
