Taking Pool Playing Lessons

One reader responded to our billiard and pool playing tips with one word of advice: Lessons. He writes:

Lessons. Take professional lessons. Find a certified instructor and get to the next level. I was making the same mistakes over and over. I took a few lessons and increased my runs substantially. Pool is a lifetime of fun. Learn to play it right. You'll enjoy it more.

Taking Pool Playing Lessons

Title: Taking Pool Playing Lessons
Author: bumped (Frank G.)
Published: 9/13/2008 11:14:00 AM
Last Updated: 9/14/2008 11:14:00 AM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
Source: From the "We Want Your Billiard Tips" contest.

Taking Pool Playing Lessons

The Taking Pool Playing Lessons article belongs to the Miscellaneous Pool Playing Tips category. Lists the pool playing tips and billiard tips that don't fit neatly in any of the other pool playing tips categories.

Taking Pool Playing Lessons Comments

MrPhilHarmonic from Freehold, NJ on 1/11/2009 3:24:07 PM
When taking billiard lessons, it is ESSENTIAL to get a CERTIFIED BCA instructor, and one who can demonstrate the skills they advocate. If you are really lucky, you might find one who can be a kind of 'psychiatrist' too and teach you the finer points of the mental game.

A good billiard instructor and teacher must be able to explain details clearly and articulately and be able to SHOW you how to perform the shots, drills, etc. They must be capable of understanding YOUR game, and YOUR weaknesses and correcting faults effectively within YOUR tolerances whilst not causing too much frustration in the lesson (this causes 'switch-off' faster than anything!)

Good billiard instructors do NOT come cheap. They have a lifetime of skills to impart. Think about what you would charge for that. But if it means you come home with the prize money, then you have to ask is it 'worth' it?

GeorgeInJax from Jacksonville, FL on 2/23/2010 10:58:54 AM
I am 44 years old and I have been playing pool for 4 years now. I am am considered a mid-level league player.

I recently took a couple of billiard lessons from a 23 year old semi-pro pool player who is a rising star and will be a touring pro soon. My confidence and skills have taken a major shot up and are still rising. Let me be proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks if the old dog is willing to learn.

I see many other players around me wishing they could get better. I see them buying ridiculously priced pool cues because they think the magic cue stick will pocket the balls for them. Nothing will improve your game more than diligent practice using drills. By having a billiard coach and teacher you gain more value, because you learn to do the drills the "right" way. By "right" I mean that they will ensure you have the proper fundamentals in your bridge, stance, and stroke throughout your practice routine, and can help develop on a proper foundation.

Otherwise your improper practice is just reinforcing bad habits.

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