[Logandgriff]

I haven't worked with anyone but Jerry but I think he must be the best. Ask Jeanette Lee and many thousands of others! See gave kudos to Jerry in her Hall of Fame acceptance speech.

[Prairie dog]

Originally Posted by raven5000

Who is the best instructor in the US? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! ����

I have an Idea. Why doesn't "Billiard Digest" go out and rank the pool teachers the way "Golf Digest" does golf teachers. It's high time these guys in this sport get the recognition they deserve. Ask their students, interview them, take a look at their drill handouts, what, if any, aiming system(s) do they teach, etc. etc.? Would be easy to come up with a criteria to rank them. The top 10 will be raising their rates... wait, never mind. If that were to happen, Robin Dryer will be right up there among the best.

[pudgie100]

I just did a small group clinic with Mark Wilson, this past weekend. Someone asked him who he would recommend, if they lived in a different part of the country. This is what Mark said, Jerry Briesath, Scott Lee, Allison Fisher there were a few more but I don't remember.

[3kushn]

I've hired at least 6 instructors 40 some odd years.
Some I've asked back for tuneups. A couple I wanted to dig deeper into certain topics they specialize in. Each one had a gem or 6 and each gem was well worth the entire time and $$ money commitment.

This list is not exhaustive and the benefits I note isn't to say that each one couldn't have accomplished all of them. The top guys certainly know of this stuff. I was either not listening or the topic/conversation went somewhere else. There's only so much that can be covered in 3-8hours.

Sam Elizer - Got me hooked on 3C
Harry Sims - Hooked me again after quitting the game. Fundamentals, Systems, Systems Adjustments.
Mark Wilson - Great Fundamental Lesson corrected/adjusted several things (never took lesson 2, unfortunately)
Scott Lee - Got me serious about PSR, Eye Patterns, Mother Drills......
Joe Villalpando - Predictable/Calculated Spins & increased my interest in clocking.
Lee Brett - Precision Alignment, sighting and walking the table.

[Prairie dog]

Originally Posted by 3kushn

I've hired at least 6 instructors 40 some odd years.
Some I've asked back for tuneups. A couple I wanted to dig deeper into certain topics they specialize in. Each one had a gem or 6 and each gem was well worth the entire time and $$ money commitment.

This list is not exhaustive and the benefits I note isn't to say that each one couldn't have accomplished all of them. The top guys certainly know of this stuff. I was either not listening or the topic/conversation went somewhere else. There's only so much that can be covered in 3-8hours.

Sam Elizer - Got me hooked on 3C
Harry Sims - Hooked me again after quitting the game. Fundamentals, Systems, Systems Adjustments.
Mark Wilson - Great Fundamental Lesson corrected/adjusted several things (never took lesson 2, unfortunately)
Scott Lee - Got me serious about PSR, Eye Patterns, Mother Drills......
Joe Villalpando - Predictable/Calculated Spins & increased my interest in clocking.
Lee Brett - Precision Alignment, sighting and walking the table.

I don't know where you live but I'd like to suggest you fly into Portland and maybe have the best pool lesson you've taken so far. Robin Dreyer. Here is a man that was born to teach pool. Sure, he's played the game at all levels but for the last 20 years he's taught the game full time out of his house. He has a 7' table and a 9' table at his house and won't have to meet you at some dark pool hall downtown. I think you will find his teaching rates very inviting because he's not well known (yet). He's compiling some amazing stuff that he shares with his students and stuff that won't be made pubic until he quits teaching and his book comes out. Ever hear of the books; "Billiard Atlas"? the 'go to' books for billiard players. Robin has boiled down these four books into somethings so simple, the pool world will be amazed. I would love to share what he's shared with me but I can't go into it as it is all proprietary.
Robin has his own drills, patterns, banking, rail systems, safety play, programs his own stat collection programs for aiming, safeties, competition, etc. etc. Nothing copied from anyone else. I am trying hard to share this secret with the pool playing public because he easily deserves to be in the top ten of pool instructors.
Here is his web site; WWW.robindreyer.com phone number is there. You can always PM me for more information.

[rmbales]

I have worked with several excellent instructors over the years and started working with Scott Lee in January 2017. I have had two lessons with Scott and he has helped me improve my game considerably. He is considered to be one of the best stroke teachers in the business and my experience supports this. I have had my stoke analyzed in the past, but no one deconstructed my stroke to level of detail that Scott did; and, no one has provided me with more ideas on how to improve my stroke efficiency and accuracy as Scott. I still have considerable room for improvement, but Scott has provided me with sound understanding of the stoke and a process to build a " consistent and repeatable stroke that is available at all times and under pressure".

In addition to analyzing and teaching stroke and fundamentals, Scott is also very good at teaching skills and game improvement. He knows his stuff, is an excellent communicator and is able to explain and demonstrate how to execute. And, he makes learning fun. I consider myself fortunate to have Scott as my teacher and coach and look forward to working with him in the future. If I had to pick one person to teach my grandchildren to play pool, it would be Scott Lee.

[Scott Lee]

Many of the best instructors in the country got together last week in Las Vegas for the BCA trade show, which was held in conjunction with the 9ball Jr Nationals. It was also the 25th Anniversary of the PBIA Certified Instructor program, and there were more than 15 clinics and demonstrations scheduled every hour in the PBIA booth. Demonstration instructors included myself, Randyg, Denny Stewart, Mark Finkelstein, Jerry Briesath, Dr Cue/Tom Rossman, Bob Jewett, Lance Cowles (the One Pocket specialist), and Roy Pastor. More than 25 PBIA instructors attended, and it was great sharing of knowledge and information. We look forward to next year in New Orleans...maybe we can get 50 instructors to attend!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

[tableroll]

Originally Posted by raven5000

Who is the best instructor in the US? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! 😀👍

I used Randy G in June of this year for a tuneup. He is very good. I have watched all 3 of Jerry B's videos and they are very good. There are others but these 2 come to mind.

[ratdaddy]

Instruction certainly has come a long way in the last 25 years or so. Back then there were just a handful of professional instructors throughout the U.S. There were a lot of guys who gave lessons mind you...but they weren't full-time professional pool instructors. A lot of pro players would give lessons on the side to supplement their income, but the majority of them didn't have any kind of "lesson plan"or structure to their sessions. They were great players, but many great players (especially 25-30 or more years ago) could play any shot that might come up, but when it came time to explain how to hit a certain shot, or why the object ball and cue ball react the way they do in various situations, they couldn't do it. Some of those guys learned to play by feel, and by spending thousands of hours practicing and playing, so a lot of what they knew was sub-conscience...they did a lot of things without realizing it. It's pretty hard to teach someone else this way.

I was fortunate to have a front-row seat for about 7 years and watch one of the best instructors in the game work with students of all abilities and see the transformation in their game of the course of several days...Jerry Briesath.

I managed Jerry's pool room (Cue-Nique Billiards in Madison WI) during the late '80s and early '90s. I can't tell you how many students came through during that time...maybe close to a thousand...from those who have never picked up a cue before to well-known professional players. Each end of the spectrum has it's own set of challenges, but most of us fall somewhere in-between, so the majority of the lessons I watched from behind the counter were with "intermediate" players. But it was fun to watch him work with an advanced player, because no matter how good they thought they were, Jerry could teach them something they didn't know.

I have seen several posts in this thread mention "communication" as an important skill, and I couldn't agree more. This is where Jerry was the master. It's one thing to be able to explain a concept or how to execute different scenarios to students, but even the best, easiest instructions may not click in everyone's head. But Jerry had the ability to explain the same idea or concept several different ways if needed. A teacher could have all the knowledge in the world (which Jerry does) but what good is it if they are not able to convey that to their students?

Another aspect that I learned is Jerry never just "goes through the motions"...he has a passion for teaching, and even though he might have told a million students the same thing he's about to tell another one, you'll never get the feeling that this is the millionth time he has done this. His patience and easy-going manner puts nervous students at-ease and creates an atmosphere that is enjoyable and conducive to learning. This doesn't mean it's a walk in the park though...be prepared to put in a lot of hours at the table if you book lessons with Jerry. I'm not sure if he has changed this or not, but his Pool School was from 2 to 5 days. Most people came for 3 days. When students would fly into Madison, class sizes were between 1 and 4. Each day consisted of 6-7 hrs of instruction. Not many people booked 5 days. But almost everyone wished they had. A lot of guys would fly in once a year and build on what they learned previously.

These days there are many more quality instructors in all parts of the country to chose from. It's a great thing. I have no doubt that all of the instructors recommended in this thread are top-notch and will provide a great experience. My personal recommendation is Jerry Briesath.

[iusedtoberich]

Originally Posted by denwhit

Robin Dreyer, Portland, Oregon. His book will come out someday after he's done teaching and the world will know... Teaches full time at his house and has for 20+ years. Doesn't use anybody's aiming system but knows them all, doesn't use anyone's kicking system because he has his own. His own drills, patterns, safeties, etc. etc. Totally a thinker and original. www.robindreyer.com

Name the other instructors you have taken lessons from.

[Scott Lee]

ratdaddy...I made a few trips to Madison when Jerry had Cuenique and later in The Green Room. Jerry Briesath is why most of the top instrutors teach the way they do! He has been a great role model for many of us, myself included! I've enjoyed getting 'coached" by Jerry on how to instruct better, for at least 30 years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I take every opportunity I get, to visit with Jerry...whether it be having dinner, sharing teaching methods, or sweating a match between professional players, Jerry is always a joy to be with! Without question he is one of my greatest mentors, but I also enjoy the luxury of calling him my friend!

Now, let's get Jerry elected into the BCA HOF in 2019!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Originally Posted by ratdaddy

Instruction certainly has come a long way in the last 25 years or so. Back then there were just a handful of professional instructors throughout the U.S. There were a lot of guys who gave lessons mind you...but they weren't full-time professional pool instructors. A lot of pro players would give lessons on the side to supplement their income, but the majority of them didn't have any kind of "lesson plan"or structure to their sessions. They were great players, but many great players (especially 25-30 or more years ago) could play any shot that might come up, but when it came time to explain how to hit a certain shot, or why the object ball and cue ball react the way they do in various situations, they couldn't do it. Some of those guys learned to play by feel, and by spending thousands of hours practicing and playing, so a lot of what they knew was sub-conscience...they did a lot of things without realizing it. It's pretty hard to teach someone else this way.

I was fortunate to have a front-row seat for about 7 years and watch one of the best instructors in the game work with students of all abilities and see the transformation in their game of the course of several days...Jerry Briesath.

I managed Jerry's pool room (Cue-Nique Billiards in Madison WI) during the late '80s and early '90s. I can't tell you how many students came through during that time...maybe close to a thousand...from those who have never picked up a cue before to well-known professional players. Each end of the spectrum has it's own set of challenges, but most of us fall somewhere in-between, so the majority of the lessons I watched from behind the counter were with "intermediate" players. But it was fun to watch him work with an advanced player, because no matter how good they thought they were, Jerry could teach them something they didn't know.

I have seen several posts in this thread mention "communication" as an important skill, and I couldn't agree more. This is where Jerry was the master. It's one thing to be able to explain a concept or how to execute different scenarios to students, but even the best, easiest instructions may not click in everyone's head. But Jerry had the ability to explain the same idea or concept several different ways if needed. A teacher could have all the knowledge in the world (which Jerry does) but what good is it if they are not able to convey that to their students?

Another aspect that I learned is Jerry never just "goes through the motions"...he has a passion for teaching, and even though he might have told a million students the same thing he's about to tell another one, you'll never get the feeling that this is the millionth time he has done this. His patience and easy-going manner puts nervous students at-ease and creates an atmosphere that is enjoyable and conducive to learning. This doesn't mean it's a walk in the park though...be prepared to put in a lot of hours at the table if you book lessons with Jerry. I'm not sure if he has changed this or not, but his Pool School was from 2 to 5 days. Most people came for 3 days. When students would fly into Madison, class sizes were between 1 and 4. Each day consisted of 6-7 hrs of instruction. Not many people booked 5 days. But almost everyone wished they had. A lot of guys would fly in once a year and build on what they learned previously.

These days there are many more quality instructors in all parts of the country to chose from. It's a great thing. I have no doubt that all of the instructors recommended in this thread are top-notch and will provide a great experience. My personal recommendation is Jerry Briesath.

[bobu5678]

I don't think any instructor would be "best", it depends on what your game is like, are you a beginner, or intermediate, or advanced, where you are, how much you can pay, etc.

What I would like to see is a listing of instructors by area. There are people that give instructions, in my area, but mostly it's by word of mouth. There's no listings. If there was a listing, I think people would try them. Or an instructor could say I'm teaching at this time, drop by, and watch. This would get more people involved. Also, different people price differently, I had 1 instructor who was good, charge $40/lesson, but you had to take 4 lesson, others are charging $75, and up. A listing of what's out there would help.

[stevekur1]

Originally Posted by raven5000

who is the best instructor in the us? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! 😀👍

tony robles !!!

[Scott Lee]

Originally Posted by bobu5678

I don't think any instructor would be "best", it depends on what your game is like, are you a beginner, or intermediate, or advanced, where you are, how much you can pay, etc.

What I would like to see is a listing of instructors by area. There are people that give instructions, in my area, but mostly it's by word of mouth. There's no listings. If there was a listing, I think people would try them. Or an instructor could say I'm teaching at this time, drop by, and watch. This would get more people involved. Also, different people price differently, I had 1 instructor who was good, charge $40/lesson, but you had to take 4 lesson, others are charging $75, and up. A listing of what's out there would help.

There already is a website with that information. Go to playbetterbilliards.com and look for pbia certified instructors by state in your area.

Scott Lee
http://pool knowledge.com

[tusmadpark]

Originally Posted by Scott Lee

There already is a website with that information. Go to playbetterbilliards.comand look for pbia certified instructors by state in your area.



Scott Lee

http://pool knowledge.com

What should your level be to take lessons? Should you be able to string a few racks together or run 5 balls and then miss a ball because you have to power stroke it and don’t feel comfortable drawing 5 feet for shape?


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