Which instructor do you recommend?

[CJ Wiley]

Sending you (and anyone that's truly trying to improve) a FREE copy

I wish you the best finding a qualified instructor and I'd recommend Earl Strickland, Tony Robles, or Hunter Lombardo if you're on the East Coast.

In the mean time I'd like to send you (and anyone that's truly trying to improve) a FREE copy of the 'Ultimate Pool Secrets' - this is 3 Videos (2 hours and 15 minutes) made after my ESPN wins in the mid/upper 90s - when you PM me your address I'll get one in the mail asap.....this will help you until you find a qualified Pro.

Play Well, Your Game is the Teacher

I am considering getting some instruction to try and get better. I have seen many people on here touting their system and their classes.

Which instructor have you personally used and found to be very good for what you paid?

I have access to a pro that I think is giving lessons. What about using a pro that has been on tour as an instructor?

Thanks

 

[vvsels]

I wish i could find some in my area. I live in Des Moines, IA and the two or three "certified/recognized" trainers I found thru a website did not reply to my emails. The closest I could find someone is in Chicago or MN.

Good luck with your search.

 

[KRJ]

First find out if they believe in or teach any CTE based aiming system (which are tin foil hat wearing type baloney and do not at all do what they claim they do). If they do believe in it, it proves that they are not very smart or knowledgeable and you should run for the hills and never even consider them for any kind of lesson ever as they are incompetent. Fair disclosure: there are quite a few (in my opinion misguided) people who believe in those systems and their opinion would be the exact opposite and they would say to specifically seek out that type of instructor as opposed to one who does not teach a CTE based system. But this is my opinion and recommendation and they are entitled to theirs. Now if you can tell us where you are located we may be able to guide you to someone specific that is good.

RIiiiight except the folks the learned it and play at a super high level, including the guy that teaches it, and a few other pro's that use it. It's not for everyone, it is what I consider a "high level" aiming instruction and is tougher to understand then any other type of "aiming system"...

But it does not mean it does not work, just not for everyone because of the difficulty and/or time commitment in learning it. And of course, you have first hand knowldege of this that you would like to share with us, feel free... I mean, other than what you "heard" in a pool forum from folks you never met

 

[CJ Wiley]

Even the best rifle has to have the proper sights to hit the target consistently

RIiiiight except the folks the learned it and play at a super high level, including the guy that teaches it, and a few other pro's that use it. It's not for everyone, it is what I consider a "high level" aiming instruction and is tougher to understand then any other type of "aiming system"...

But it does not mean it does not work, just not for everyone because of the difficulty and/or time commitment in learning it. And of course, you have first hand knowldege of this that you would like to share with us, feel free... I mean, other than what you "heard" in a pool forum from folks you never met

There's no "aiming system" will work if the player can't hit the cue ball precisely and accurately. Even the best rifle has to have the proper sights to hit the target consistently. Pool's the same way, first perfect your stroke, then worry about "aiming systems".

 

[liakos]

Joe Tucker!!! Period!!! The man is amazing!!!

 

[liakos]

There's no "aiming system" will work if the player can't hit the cue ball precisely and accurately. Even the best rifle has to have the proper sights to hit the target consistently. Pool's the same way, first perfect your stroke, then worry about "aiming systems".

Exactly!!!! Fwiw, I've been using toi on certain shots where there is minimal cut on the ball! Not sure if this is how it's suppose to be used, but my make percentage definitely went up! Again, you said it perfect cj!

 

[CJ Wiley]

my goal is to make EVERY shot seem like it's the same by changing perspectives

Exactly!!!! Fwiw, I've been using toi on certain shots where there is minimal cut on the ball! Not sure if this is how it's suppose to be used, but my make percentage definitely went up! Again, you said it perfect cj!

You're doing fine, TOI must first be experienced in your own, personal way.....then expanded on.

I basically make ALL my shots seem like a "minimal cut" by favoring the inside of the pocket and either aligning to Center or Edge (of the object ball) - my goal is to make EVERY shot seem like it's the same by changing perspectives. I show how this is done on a regular basis, and the player has to be willing to change certain thoughts, ideas, and attitudes or this "perception" won't be attainable. 'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[lfigueroa]

I am considering getting some instruction to try and get better. I have seen many people on here touting their system and their classes.

Which instructor have you personally used and found to be very good for what you paid?

I have access to a pro that I think is giving lessons. What about using a pro that has been on tour as an instructor?

Thanks

I can personally recommend Dallas West and Ray Martin. The money I spent for lessons with these two legends was some of the best money I've ever spent on pool.

I also spent time taking a lesson from the great Steve "Cookie Monster" Cook, but lamentably, he is no longer with us.

Lou Figueroa

 

[galipeau]

You're doing fine, TOI must first be experienced in your own, personal way.....then expanded on.

I basically make ALL my shots seem like a "minimal cut" by favoring the inside of the pocket and either aligning to Center or Edge (of the object ball) - my goal is to make EVERY shot seem like it's the same by changing perspectives. I show how this is done on a regular basis, and the player has to be willing to change certain thoughts, ideas, and attitudes or this "perception" won't be attainable. 'The Game is the Teacher'

All kidding aside, I do agree with this train of thought. Whenever a player is attempting to learn a new way of seeing things, it is important to let go of what you think you know and keep an open mind. There are a lot of critics out there and even more squabbling here on AZ about what's right and wrong, but do what feels natural. CJ's methods seem to work for some people, other instructors and pro's have their own methods as well. Whatever you end up going with I hope it works!

 

[Poolplaya9]

RIiiiight except the folks the learned it and play at a super high level, including the guy that teaches it, and a few other pro's that use it. It's not for everyone, it is what I consider a "high level" aiming instruction and is tougher to understand then any other type of "aiming system"...

But it does not mean it does not work, just not for everyone because of the difficulty and/or time commitment in learning it. And of course, you have first hand knowldege of this that you would like to share with us, feel free... I mean, other than what you "heard" in a pool forum from folks you never met

Why do you flat earthers turn everything into an argument? I couldn't have possibly been more fair with my recommendation as I explicitly stated there are plenty that don't agree and will feel the exact opposite and they will give their own recommendations. I'm not following behind every post that mentions a CTE variant instructor and saying don't use this guy. Given how fair I was why did you feel the need to even comment on mine? Just post your own recommendation like everybody else. And get a life.

But since we are here let me correct a few things in your response. The folks that learned it (CTE based systems) do not play at a high level as you claim (insinuating that they are all good players). A couple of them play at a high level, a bunch like total dog crap, and of course everything in between. But let's be honest here. On average, CTE users play worse than non CTE users--again, on average.

Also, it is not a "high level" system as you claim. In fact, most high level players do not use it and believe it is malarkey. Most pros do not use it and believe it is malarkey. Here is what just a couple of pros have to say about CTE based aiming systems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8KsVm9ePlk#t=24m05s

Now why again did you feel the need to try to take over a thread and turn it into another aiming debate when it wasn't necessary?

 

[ScottK]

I am considering getting some instruction to try and get better. I have seen many people on here touting their system and their classes.

Which instructor have you personally used and found to be very good for what you paid?

I have access to a pro that I think is giving lessons. What about using a pro that has been on tour as an instructor?

Thanks

There have been some very good suggestions made already. I just wanted to add one thing I didn't see mentioned in regards to the part of your quote in bold:

Do not make the mistake of thinking "a pro that is giving lessons," even if they've been on tour, is necessarily a good teacher. Stick with someone known to be a good instructor.

I've seen firsthand a VERY well known player conduct a clinic in which I'd find it hard to believe anyone actually got their money's worth of instruction compared to what they could have learned by paying said money to a qualified instructor.

 

[mantis99]

Why do you flat earthers turn everything into an argument? I couldn't have possibly been more fair with my recommendation as I explicitly stated there are plenty that don't agree and will feel the exact opposite and they will give their own recommendations. I'm not following behind every post that mentions a CTE variant instructor and saying don't use this guy. Given how fair I was why did you feel the need to even comment on mine? Just post your own recommendation like everybody else. And get a life.

But since we are here let me correct a few things in your response. The folks that learned it (CTE based systems) do not play at a high level as you claim (insinuating that they are all good players). A couple of them play at a high level, a bunch like total dog crap, and of course everything in between. But let's be honest here. On average, CTE users play worse than non CTE users--again, on average.

Also, it is not a "high level" system as you claim. In fact, most high level players do not use it and believe it is malarkey. Most pros do not use it and believe it is malarkey. Here is what just a couple of pros have to say about CTE based aiming systems:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8KsVm9ePlk#t=24m05s

Now why again did you feel the need to try to take over a thread and turn it into another aiming debate when it wasn't necessary?

Largely because of the way your initial post was put, calling CTE tinfoil crazy stuff. If you would have said that you simply don't think it works and people shouldn't seek it out, you may not have drawn the responses you have. Either way, you are making claims about the system that obviously aren't true as it does work, and you are again making statements that you can't substantiate. So, unless you can substatiate your claims with statistics that the average CTE player is worse than the average non-CTE player, than you may want to think more before you post. Also, Stevie Moore and Gerda Hofstatter have both stated that they use CTE and would certainly be considered high level players.

The previous post by RJ stating that it is a high level aiming system is accurate. I believe he means that because it isn't something that you can pick up in 5 minutes, but would instead need to practice and play with for a while before you get the hang of it.

I don't want to turn this into a CTE thread and detract from the OP's meaning. The reality is that it should have been left out all together, and your original post appeared more as a dig against CTE and anyone that uses/teaches it more than it seemed like legitimate advice to the OP. The tone of the post and how you described CTE and those that teach it was not how someone wanting to make a basic post would do it, even with your clarification of it just being your opinion after that.

 

[Poolplaya9]

Largely because of the way your initial post was put, calling CTE tinfoil crazy stuff. If you would have said that you simply don't think it works and people shouldn't seek it out, you may not have drawn the responses you have. Either way, you are making claims about the system that obviously aren't true as it does work, and you are again making statements that you can't substantiate. So, unless you can substatiate your claims with statistics that the average CTE player is worse than the average non-CTE player, than you may want to think more before you post. Also, Stevie Moore and Gerda Hofstatter have both stated that they use CTE and would certainly be considered high level players.

The previous post by RJ stating that it is a high level aiming system is accurate. I believe he means that because it isn't something that you can pick up in 5 minutes, but would instead need to practice and play with for a while before you get the hang of it.

I don't want to turn this into a CTE thread and detract from the OP's meaning. The reality is that it should have been left out all together, and your original post appeared more as a dig against CTE and anyone that uses/teaches it more than it seemed like legitimate advice to the OP. The tone of the post and how you described CTE and those that teach it was not how someone wanting to make a basic post would do it, even with your clarification of it just being your opinion after that.

It is my honest opinion and recommendation. I would never recommend any CTE based believer or teacher as I believe them to be incompetent. That is by far the very first and most important factor when considering an instructor in my opinion (because on top of not agreeing with CTE instruction it also lets me know that everything else they believe/teach aside from that is also suspect because they don't know how to spot nonsense). This guy asked for recommendations for how to choose an instructor in general as well as specific persons and I gave mine. You should give yours. Everybody else should give theirs. Especially considering how fair I was in the way I stated it, I still see no reason why you or anyone else felt the need to respond to me except that you guys want to hijack every thread you can. Just post your own recommendation to him and get on with it.

This is my last response on the topic. I gave my recommendation to the OP. You should give yours as should everyone else. This isn't the place to be trying to hijack the thread for a debate so no need to respond to me any more in this thread.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Let me know if you have any questions at thegameistheteacher@gmail.com

No problem, Frank, I'd be glad to send you one, it will ship out first thing in the morning. Best regards, and play well......let me know if you have any questions after you've reviewed the DVD a time or two....there's a lot of information to absorb, at least 3 weeks worth if you play every day.

I would love a free copy, please.
My address:
Frank Crespo
301 Elm Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912
Thank you!

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[crazysnake]

I have not yet had a formal lesson from any instructors. I am currently working with Mark Wilson's book, as well as Vitello's DVD/work book. I watch alot of videos of the top players, I watch their address and movement through the shots, Hohmann, Souquet, Robles, Appleton are favorites. Their a couple of PBIA instructors near me in Maryland. I've heard very positive things about Tony Marcino.

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[one stroke]

I've had lessons from Scott Lee, Stan Shuffett and Stevie Moore. I'd highly recommend all three. Which one to choose would depend on your location and what you're looking to learn.

I had a lesson from Scott worth every penny ,, and I know 2 others that have the same opinion ,,he travels around the country so if he's coming to or thru your area he'll come to you or the place of your choice


1

 

[Sloppy Pockets]

I can personally recommend Dallas West and Ray Martin. The money I spent for lessons with these two legends was some of the best money I've ever spent on pool.

I also spent time taking a lesson from the great Steve "Cookie Monster" Cook, but lamentably, he is no longer with us.

Lou Figueroa

Lou, I passed by Raleigh, NC twice last week and would have loved to get a lesson with Mr. Martin but could not find any contact info. Can you point me to someone who might be in touch with him at his new address? My youngest lives in NC and I'll probably be visiting him again before too long.

 

[GoldCrown]

I had a lesson from Scott worth every penny ,, and I know 2 others that have the same opinion ,,he travels around the country so if he's coming to or thru your area he'll come to you or the place of your choice


1

Scott is a great instructor. He is very easy to communicate with. He is organized. The 4 hour lesson is a course. The course is over when Scott feels you understand what just went on. He does not look at his watch. He does not charge extra if you exceed 4 hours. I can't say enough good things about him.
http://www.poolknowledge.com

 

[BeiberLvr]

It is my honest opinion and recommendation. I would never recommend any CTE based believer or teacher as I believe them to be incompetent. That is by far the very first and most important factor when considering an instructor in my opinion (because on top of not agreeing with CTE instruction it also lets me know that everything else they believe/teach aside from that is also suspect because they don't know how to spot nonsense). This guy asked for recommendations for how to choose an instructor in general as well as specific persons and I gave mine. You should give yours. Everybody else should give theirs. Especially considering how fair I was in the way I stated it, I still see no reason why you or anyone else felt the need to respond to me except that you guys want to hijack every thread you can. Just post your own recommendation to him and get on with it.

This is my last response on the topic. I gave my recommendation to the OP. You should give yours as should everyone else. This isn't the place to be trying to hijack the thread for a debate so no need to respond to me any more in this thread.

No, you only wanted to bash CTE as you always do. Those 3 little letters were first brought up by you.

Even NobCity who said he took lessons from both Stan and Stevie made zero mention of CTE.

Passing up on a great instructor simply because they use CTE is foolish. Had you actually visited Stan's website and viewed his Foundation Course you'd notice there's no mention of CTE in the course. Heck, you could even have the man behind Pro One teach you how to use ghost ball if you really believe Pro One is "snake oil."

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Joe Tucker, I am not sure where you are located but if I had to I would even fly him out he is that good! Of course only if you are ok financially and all. He knows the rack better than anyone and that's half the battle plus he offers a lot more than just the rack

I very much second Joe Tucker. Aside from being an excellent teacher, he is a great guy and truly motivated to improve the overall state of pool.

KMRUNOUT