Who is the BEST pool-playing INSTRUCTOR?

I'm not familiar with Bob LeBlanc. Can someone else confirm that Bob is a top playing instructor who plays VERY WELL and provide cueing instruction on a REGULAR basis?

Thanks Henho.
Where is Bob from? I don't know all of the instructors and that is one of my personal reasons for starting this thread, to give credit to those instructors who not only teach pool on a REGULAR basis but who play VERY WELL.


Bob leblanc AKA 'Cotton' ex Roadie. Pro speed. One time he played in the same tournament u played.:cool:
 
Joeys at it again..........

The definition of INSTRUCTOR is as follows: One who regularly advertises, provides and charges for their pool instruction.

I know of a couple that I think are at the top of the group but wanted to hear what you all think.

You may include male or female instructors of course.

Please list the country where the instructor resides.

So far:
Tony Robles
Hunter Lombardo
Stan Shuffett
Mark Wilson
Thorsten Hohmann
Max Eberle
Gene Albrecht
Ralph G. Eckert
Fran Crimi
Ray Martin
Kelly Fisher
Joe Tucker
Mike Sigel
Tony Crosby
Lee Brett

List away.

Thanks,

Joey A has been a pillar on AZ for I don't know how many years.

He checks out every little new thing that comes out on the market and if he likes it and it helps his game in anyway he shares it with all of us on AZ.

There are many things that many of us have tried directly from Joeys enthusiastic report on how he liked it. Pretty much all the items I have tried that he recommended work pretty good and are bound to help most players.

In this day of computers and ipods it's important where you can find the info. Joeys been pointing us all in the right direction with alot of knowledge about all kinds of equipment and numerous ways to improve our games.

If the equipment is junk or the info is no good he usually doesn't say too much about it on the forum. He just continually talks about all the good things.

In his own right he is also a teacher, telling us all about some great products on the market and why he thinks they are worth while. I can't imagine how many players he has influenced worldwide with his many threads talking about this and that.

I know he has influenced me on a few products, in fact one that I just started using and love it. I can't believe I never used it before. Thank You Joey A.

He's also become know as the guy you might not want to play in the tournament if you want to continue on. Because it don't matter who you are you might not win once he puts the Joey A cabosh on you. He's playin pretty sporty these day, but I guess everyone knows that.

And all these things he is learning and has learned to get his game to the top level he is at, he's continually sharing with everyone trying to help them improve their game.

Now the only problem with getting Joey A on this list is he shares everything he can with everyone on AZ and never charges a penny for all this great info. I think this is great.

If there was a list of players that do what Joey A has done for years and is still doing, it might be a long list and then again maybe not. I don't really know.

But i do know this. Joey A's name would be right at the top.

And here he is at it again. He's making a list of pool playing instructors that teach and play at a higher level. Some I'm sure are pretty expensive but from the looks of the list a player would get some good bang for his buck.

Anyone that reads this thread could find one of these instructors in different parts of the country and pretty much be assured that the money that they spend for a lesson wouldn't be wasted.

I can see there is alot of knowledge there on that list just waiting for players to tap into whenever they want to take another journey into improving this game we all love.

Thanks again Joey A, and I know many of the AZer's , your friends feel the same way.......
 
Gene...Are you implying that REAL instructors that apparently don't "make the grade" for JoeyA's 'list' (which is 99% professional tournament players), have nothing legitimate to offer students? Most of this list is a crapshoot, imo. Just because someone plays pro speed doesn't mean that they can teach effectively. Tony Robles called me "one of the best instructors in the country", but apparently that's not good enough for Joey's list. Randyg is considered by MANY people (including pro players) to be the best instructor anywhere...yet I guess he doesn't make the list either. The only valid question is do you want to take lessons from a professional player...or a professional instructor. Only a few on this list qualify as both...:rolleyes:

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

And here he is at it again. He's making a list of pool playing instructors that teach and play at a higher level. Some I'm sure are pretty expensive but from the looks of the list a player would get some good bang for his buck.

Anyone that reads this thread could find one of these instructors in different parts of the country and pretty much be assured that the money that they spend for a lesson wouldn't be wasted.

......
 
As to your first paragraph, I think you like to play games. Bambu seems like a person who has their own words to say and doesn't allow other people to pick or choose his words, so I say that is POPPYCOCK.

On the second paragraph. My bad! From your other post, I thought you were challenging me to a match. :D

FWIW, I have always heard that you are a good instructor and I've read some of your instructional material over the years. I just hadn't heard that you were one of the lead potentates when it comes to swinging that pool stick. It's always good to know who the best player instructors are.
In fact, I think I may have sent you an email once upon a time inquiring about something many years ago but I could be wrong. If I sent you an email inquiring about pool, I must respect your knowledge of pool.

No, I don't play games, Joey. I teach. Here's the lesson: You don't know anything about Bambu, yet you believed him and you didn't believe me when I told you I could play. You also questioned a student of mine who also posted I can play. So what's your criteria? You don't believe the source? You don't believe someone who claims to be a student, but do believe someone out of the blue who supposedly seems legitimate? Where's the logic in that?

This is not about whether or not I can play. Frankly, I could give two craps about whether or not I'm on your list. I don't need to be on anyone's list to prove I can play and to prove I'm a good teacher.

You ask a lot of questions in the ask the instructor section. I'm going to think twice next time I see one of your questions before I go out of my way to help.
 
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Most people who teach pool today are not those whose names you see at the top of the tournament charts.

Being good at pool does not mean you can teach it. Two separate animals.

I know quite a few good players today who wouldn't be good teachers. It's all about the ability to communicate well and get the other person to understand.

I mean, it's kind of confusing when a pool player who is teaching instructs the student, "This is a feel shot." What is a feel shot, and how do you explain it? :thumbup:
 
As to your first paragraph, I think you like to play games. Bambu seems like a person who has their own words to say and doesn't allow other people to pick or choose his words, so I say that is POPPYCOCK.

On the second paragraph. My bad! From your other post, I thought you were challenging me to a match. :D

FWIW, I have always heard that you are a good instructor and I've read some of your instructional material over the years. I just hadn't heard that you were one of the lead potentates when it comes to swinging that pool stick. It's always good to know who the best player instructors are.
In fact, I think I may have sent you an email once upon a time inquiring about something many years ago but I could be wrong. If I sent you an email inquiring about pool, I must respect your knowledge of pool.

JoeyA, I've read a few articles in the older pool mags about Ms. Crimi. She was a force to be reckoned with. She happened to play pool at the same time as Queen Jean and Lori Shampoo.

As I said before, it's only a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach. They are two different skill sets.

Anyway, I just wanted to add the picture to the thread to lend some credibility to the names mentioned.:smile:

Fran Crimi is the cute blond lady on the left-hand side.
 

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No, I don't play games, Joey. I teach. Here's the lesson: You don't know anything about Bambu, yet you believed him and you didn't believe me when I told you I could play. You also questioned a student of mine who also posted I can play. So what's your criteria? You don't believe the source? You don't believe someone who claims to be a student, but do believe someone out of the blue who supposedly seems legitimate? Where's the logic in that?

This is not about whether or not I can play. Frankly, I could give two craps about whether or not I'm on your list. I don't need to be on anyone's list to prove I can play and to prove I'm a good teacher.

You ask a lot of questions in the ask the instructor section. I'm going to think twice next time I see one of your questions before I go out of my way to help.

You shouldn't be so upset Fran. It's really quite simple. I've never seen your name in any of the pool magazines cashing in any national or international tournaments and I haven't seen you play on the telly and I haven't heard of any big matches that you have played in.

Frankly, as I have already said before, I know nothing about your game. Bambu is a regular poster in this forum, the other person was not. In fact the other poster had a screen name that I didn't recognize. I would hate to have anonymous posters taking a stab at putting people on the list that didn't deserve to be there. I had heard of you as a good instructor but had never heard of you being a TOP PLAYING INSTRUCTOR BEFORE.

I did a quick search in the Ask an Instuctor forum and it appears that I made one post in that section in all the years I have been on this forum.

I really am sorry that you are so bent out of shape over this. This thread wasn't meant to disparage anyone, including you.
 
...I really am sorry that you are so bent out of shape over this. This thread wasn't meant to disparage anyone, including you.

In fact, JoeyA is probably one of the most positive, forward-looking, and helpful members on this forum. :p
 
JoeyA, I've read a few articles in the older pool mags about Ms. Crimi. She was a force to be reckoned with. She happened to play pool at the same time as Queen Jean and Lori Shampoo.

As I said before, it's only a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach. They are two different skill sets.

Anyway, I just wanted to add the picture to the thread to lend some credibility to the names mentioned.:smile:

Fran Crimi is the cute blond lady on the left-hand side.

Thanks Jennie. I appreciate your input.

You're right that it is a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach. They are two different skill sets.

My goal was to honor those instructors who can play at a very high level, not to disparage those instructors who possess only the other very important skill set.
 
Gene...Are you implying that REAL instructors that apparently don't "make the grade" for JoeyA's 'list' (which is 99% professional tournament players), have nothing legitimate to offer students? Most of this list is a crapshoot, imo. Just because someone plays pro speed doesn't mean that they can teach effectively. Tony Robles called me "one of the best instructors in the country", but apparently that's not good enough for Joey's list. Randyg is considered by MANY people (including pro players) to be the best instructor anywhere...yet I guess he doesn't make the list either. The only valid question is do you want to take lessons from a professional player...or a professional instructor. Only a few on this list qualify as both...:rolleyes:

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Scott, I think you are being a little bit unfair to JoeyA. I understand how a topic like this can be personal for you and others who teach pool for a living, but JoeyA is cool for pool. I have never heard him be mean to anyone.

It has been my experience in life that those who are good at what they do need no recognition. Their confidence and self-esteem is intact because they know they're that good. I would like to think this reflects you as a long-time instructor of pool! :smile:
 
Thanks Jennie. I appreciate your input.

You're right that it is a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach. They are two different skill sets.

My goal was to honor those instructors who can play at a very high level, not to disparage those instructors who possess only the other very important skill set.

I knew that, JoeyA. Anybody who's read your posts over the years is well aware that you're always trying to be upbeat and cast a positive light on pool.

As we all know too well, sometimes the words written in black and white can be misconstrued. I have been guilty of that myself with some, though there are certain people that no matter how lightly you tread, they are going to attack with venom and hate, often playing tag team with their fellow bullies. Thankfully, this doesn't happen too often on AzBilliards. Some people thrive on this atmosphere. Why? I'm not sure.
 
You shouldn't be so upset Fran. It's really quite simple. I've never seen your name in any of the pool magazines cashing in any national or international tournaments and I haven't seen you play on the telly and I haven't heard of any big matches that you have played in.

Frankly, as I have already said before, I know nothing about your game. Bambu is a regular poster in this forum, the other person was not. In fact the other poster had a screen name that I didn't recognize. I would hate to have anonymous posters taking a stab at putting people on the list that didn't deserve to be there. I had heard of you as a good instructor but had never heard of you being a TOP PLAYING INSTRUCTOR BEFORE.

I did a quick search in the Ask an Instuctor forum and it appears that I made one post in that section in all the years I have been on this forum.

I really am sorry that you are so bent out of shape over this. This thread wasn't meant to disparage anyone, including you.


Then there must be another poster with your name in that forum. You bet I'm bent out of shape. Your criteria is spotty at best and totally subjective. How about a list of teachers that are actually effective? How do you come up with that? The same criteria you use here? Do you put a poll out there and ask for testimonials that may or may not be true from posters who may or may not know what they're talking about?

That old photo that Jennie posted of me was 30 years ago and I wasn't even shooting in that pose. Billie Billing asked me to pose and that's just what I did. I had 30 years of learning ahead of me.
 
"You're right that it is a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach."


I like you Joey, but saying things like that is just gonna piss other instructors off. You may not realize it, but it implies that the rest of us cant run 3 balls.
 
Then there must be another poster with your name in that forum. You bet I'm bent out of shape. Your criteria is spotty at best and totally subjective. How about a list of teachers that are actually effective? How do you come up with that? The same criteria you use here? Do you put a poll out there and ask for testimonials that may or may not be true from posters who may or may not know what they're talking about?

That old photo that Jennie posted of me was 30 years ago and I wasn't even shooting in that pose. Billie Billing asked me to pose and that's just what I did. I had 30 years of learning ahead of me.

I can't believe it's me saying this, and if you knew me well, you'd understand the humor in what I am about to say, Ms. Crimi. Do you think you are being a little overly sensitive? JoeyA was only trying to create a thread that would conjure up some productive back-and-forth colloquy. I do not believe he meant anyone harm, to include you, or that he was intentionally trying to be mean-spirited. That is just not in his nature.

If you knew his forum personality better, as I'm sure if he knew who you were when you were hitting 'em, this entire misunderstanding would not have occurred.

Just to stay on topic of the thread, there used to be a pro player in New Jersey named Jose, I think was his name, who used to give instruction. I cannot remember his last name.

If anybody was ever fortunate enough to have taken lessons from Jimmy Reid, he is not only good about teaching fundamentals, approaching the table, addressing the ball, et cetera, et cetera, but he also taught the zen in pool, like surrounding yourself with positive people, positive vibes, and being positive about your shooting capabilities.

BTW, I'm impressed you spelled my name right! :smile:

Jimmy Reid on the left, of course! ;)
 

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Scott, I think you are being a little bit unfair to JoeyA. I understand how a topic like this can be personal for you and others who teach pool for a living, but JoeyA is cool for pool. I have never heard him be mean to anyone.

It has been my experience in life that those who are good at what they do need no recognition. Their confidence and self-esteem is intact because they know they're that good. I would like to think this reflects you as a long-time instructor of pool! :smile:

Jennie:

Actually, I don't think Scott's being unfair at all. His is a very valid question to Geno. Geno is implying (no, outright saying!) that people who seek out instructors who also play at pro speed "are getting the best bang for their dollar." That's a very specious assertion on Geno's part, because 1.) it implies those instructors that don't have that extra "oomph" of value-added instruction beyond what a pro-level player that also instructs offers, actually have nothing to offer. And 2.) it's a selfish statement on Geno's part, because he (Geno) is in the position to play pro-speed and also considers himself an instructor by virtue of his perfect aim niche product.

Getting back to Scott's mention of Tony Robles, let's not forget that Tony gave Gail, as a present, a session with Scott. I would think this is no better a testimonial of Scott's prowess as an instructor than to have another instructor that does play pro speed (Tony), gift his significant other a session with an instructor that's not known to play pro speed, but more than offsets that with the quality of his product.

Food for thought,
-Sean
 
"You're right that it is a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach."


I like you Joey, but saying things like that is just gonna piss other instructors off. You may not realize it, but it implies that the rest of us cant run 3 balls.

Bambu,
I appreciate what you are saying. I genuinely do.

However, I think that some people are getting their feathers ruffled unnecessarily. I was agreeing with what JAM had said and still do.

The most effective pool lesson I ever received was from someone who currently plays very little pool, but still teaches. He did play well once upon a time but you don't see his name on my list. Now he is simply known as one of the best instructors of all time. I don't think Jerry's name not being on the list diminishes his reputation as one of the best teacher's of all time. (Jerry Briesath for those of you who are interested.)

The truth is that I cannot play pool at a pro level, consistently. I am not happy with that but it is a reality. That doesn't diminish my worth as a human being or a player. It is what it is.

To those who feel like I have besmirched their reputation and good name; that was not my intent nor is it now.
 
i do noticed a trend in other pro sports, it seem to me they only hire ex pro players these days as coaches.

I haven't read every post in this thread and i was wondering if anyone has asked Joey if he has any problem taking lessons off an instructor that does not play at pro speed? let him answer and then continue on with this thread.
 
"You're right that it is a rare few who can actually play pool *and* teach."


I like you Joey, but saying things like that is just gonna piss other instructors off. You may not realize it, but it implies that the rest of us cant run 3 balls.

Re-reading your post, I thought it deserved another response as well as the other.

Instructors who don't play at a very high level have nothing to be ashamed of. In most sports, the best instructors don't always play at a professional level and that doesn't reduce their value as an instructor.

Sorry that feelings have been hurt. It wasn't my intent.
 
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