The value of taking lessons

[mcneguy]

Sorry for the long post but..


I am considering taking lessons from a guy who is very well known both as a teacher and a player in my area (Milwaukee). This stems from the fact that I played in my first 9-ball tour tournament and getting my you know what kicked, and I was playing in the "B" division. It never occurred to me to even consider taking lessons, I play about 10 racks a day on my home table but I will actually run 1 rack in 50. I can make most shots but I have no cue ball control so I wind up playing some awesome safetys..on myself.

I started think that I take golf lessons every couple of weeks, why not pool lessons? My question is, will it really help me? Can anyone share experiences of how you played before taking a lesson and how you play after? I am very competitive and really only have fun playing a game if I am doing it well. I have read the standard books, "The 99 most important shots in pool" or whatever it is really called, I have read other books and have garnered alot of information but it doesn't seem to be sinking in completely. I am ready to devote more time to the game and start getting serious, after all, I can't golf around here all year long. Would taking a lesson be appropriate and would it be worth the money?

Thanks

[dags_lax]

Jerry Breiseth, a BCA Certified Master Instructor out of Cue Nique Billiards (Madison Wisconsin) may be the highest regarded instructor in the world.

[audiopro]

I think lessons can be very valuable, especially if you have a good instructor. I never took paid for lessons, but both my dad and step dad, who are pretty accomplished players, taught me a lot in my younger years. Some of their teachings absolutely helped my game..

dags, do you give lessons?

[skor]

taking lessons will improve your game, there is doubt about it.
even if you pick up one thing it is still worth the money ;)

[sanj]

I took lessons and it changed the way that i look at the table and the way that i play. best money i ever spent on pool.

[wobster]

I have taken lessons from Rick at Seyberts. They were not formal lessons, but we have met at the pool hall and he has shown me quite a bit. My game has skyrocketed since my first lesson.

So you all know, Rick's lessons are pretty cheap at $55/2 hours. I am going to get my brother in law some lessons for a christmas present.

I just can't say enough about the lessons I recieved, and I am sure that anybody offering lessons will be able to improve your game.

[audiopro]

Yeah, 55 bucks for 2 hours is definitely worth it in my opinion.

[dags_lax]

dags, do you give lessons?

Not in a formal sense and lately it seems like I get more lessons than I have been giving.

[poolguy123]

It's never too late! I've been playing 25 years(still can stink it up some days!) A friend is setting us both up for a couple hours with Scott Lee this month. He claims to be an expert stroke analyzer on his website- he will videotape us and hopefully straighten the little swerve left I have at the end of my follow thru.(I hate that)

I'll let you know how it goes- can't wait! Jim

[sonnic]

I called Jerry once his prices were expensive i forget exactly but it was near the 1000 dollar range. I would do it in a heartbeat if i could afford it. I would get some lessons from rick if he lived in Ft. Lauderdale...
Speaking of Ft. Lauderdale does anyone know a good teacher near me.

But bottom line getting advice in general is a GREAT idea and if you can get advice from someone like a BCA instructor you are on the road to EASY STREET.

[dags_lax]

Ft. Lauderdale. Last I heard you were in the Milwaukee area. That probably explains you hiatus from the forum.

[sonnic]

instead of being cooped up inside all the time im at the beach :D :D :D
Yeah i transfered down with a pretty hefty raise too. Can't beat that.

I love WI but I LOVE FL

[LWW]

I took my 1st lesson on this Thursday and the guy seems pretty knowledgable.

By what you guys are talking about he is very reasonable as well. Sessions are 2 hrs each. 1st session is $30.00. Sessions 2 thru 5 are $40.00 each. 6th session is free. 12 hours total of lessons for $190.00 works out to $15.67 per hour.

After the 1st session we shot pool in his basement for about another hour. He used to play on the Camel Pro Tour and is now on the UPA Seniors Tour.

I'm not sure what the average instructor's credentials should be but I have already picked up a few things and he seems to know what he's talking about.

BTW he kicked my butt 3 straight and I have no doubt he was not giving me his best game.

LWW

[skor]

Well done :!: I hope it will improve your game.

Just out of curiosity, what's his name :?:

[LWW]

His name is Martin (Marty) Rimlinger.

LWW

[sonnic]

I definatly am interested in lessons but have no idea who to call. If anyone knows anyone or knows how to find a good one let me know. thanks

[DZ314]

Check on the BCA website for instructors in your area.

[ThePoolHustler]

I emailed Rick at Seybert's about taking lessons. Seybert's is only about 1.5 hours from here. I am waiting to hear back from him.

[sonnic]

I did look on the website and the only teacher withing 30 miles didn't return my phone call. Any other Ideas?

[dags_lax]

How long has it been since you called? Give the guy some time. Maybe he is out for a few days. Or you could widen your search area.

[ThePoolHustler]

I did look on the website and the only teacher withing 30 miles didn't return my phone call. Any other Ideas?

I emailed some of the BCA instructors on the BCA site and never heard back from any of them. It sucks! This is why I contacted Rick, but he's on vacation this week. Sid is going to have him contact me when he gets back.

[LWW]

I have another lesson tomorrow.

LWW

[DZ314]

I did look on the website and the only teacher withing 30 miles didn't return my phone call. Any other Ideas?

I emailed some of the BCA instructors on the BCA site and never heard back from any of them. It sucks! This is why I contacted Rick, but he's on vacation this week. Sid is going to have him contact me when he gets back.

Any word on this yet?

[ThePoolHustler]

I did look on the website and the only teacher withing 30 miles didn't return my phone call. Any other Ideas?

I emailed some of the BCA instructors on the BCA site and never heard back from any of them. It sucks! This is why I contacted Rick, but he's on vacation this week. Sid is going to have him contact me when he gets back.

Any word on this yet?

Yes, Rick emailed me back. I am supposed to get with him on a Saturday and take lessons. I'm not sure when though. We haven't scheduled a time. I am working on it. I plan to do this often. He has good prices.

[DZ314]

Awesome, I think it will do us a lot of good.

[LWW]

Haven't yoe been schooled enough Cory?

LWW

[DZ314]

Haven't yoe been schooled enough Cory?

LWW

No, and you must think you're funny. Maybe you want me to send Paulie and Vincenzo over to pay you a little visit. :twisted:

[LWW]

Hab dem see Vito and Guido, dey handle my light woik!

LWW

[DZ314]

Light schmight, Paulie is 253lbs and Vincenzo is 291lbs. Oh, and they pack Thompson .45acp machine guns and Colt 1911s. :lol: