Remote Video Stroke Analysis available wherever you are!

Structured classes based on proven SPF methodology that has been in use and improved over more than 20 years!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What can I expect from a billiards coach?

2. Do all coaches work like FBI?

3. Is working with a coach better than reading books or watching videos?

4. Why is it so difficult to learn pool and what can an instructor do to make it easier?

5. Can FBI help me improve my consistency?

6. I have hit a plateau, can FBI help?

7. Are your instructors good players?

8. What types of players take lessons from FBI?

9. Why does FBI require all students to complete stroke analysis?

10. Do I need to bring anything to my lesson?

11. REMOTE: Do I need a special camera or a high resolution camera for remote stroke analysis?

12. REMOTE: How long does it take to get back my custom video?

1. What can I expect from a billiards coach?

With FBI you can expect your coach to possess knowledge of both the physics of billiards as well as the application of physics to playing the game at a high level. An FBI instructor will have a plan for your session that includes written materials so you can follow up on your own after the session. An FBI instructor will present information from multiple sources and will explain why one method is preferred over another. Finally, an FBI instructor may demonstrate some skills but will spend the majority of the time assisting the student as they learn and perform the skills themselves.

2. Do all coaches work like FBI?

Unfortunately many instructors fail to provide accurate information, materials for follow up and even adequate table time for their students. Aspiring players often turn to top players in their area who often turn out to be the worst coaches because they don't have a true understanding of why an approach works and they have no ability to transfer knowledge to students. Poor instructors attempt to impress students with their playing ability but rarely offer any true learning for the student.

3. Is working with a coach better than reading books or watching videos?

Working with an FBI coach provides you with information from dozens of sources including books, videos and web articles. A coach can explain a technique in several different ways to ensure you actually understand it. Most importantly a coach will observe you perform the skill and provide feedback and corrections so you learn the skill properly.

4. Why is it so difficult to learn pool and what can an instructor do to make it easier?

Every shot has 3 aspects - the angle you hit the object ball, the spin you put on the cue ball and the speed you hit the cue ball. Most people try to learn by playing and on each shot all 3 of those items change. As a result players often don't understand why they missed a specific shot. Add to this the possibility of a flaw in your mechanics causing you not to hit the cue ball exactly as intended and you can see why some people spend years playing but never improve. An instructor will correct flaws in your mechanics to help ensure that you hit the cue ball as intended. An instructor will also teach you how to practice such that you can vary just one of the 3 main aspects at a time and thus learn the impact of each. Finally, an FBI instructor will provide you the best information from many sources preventing students from following incorrect advice.

5. Can FBI help me improve my consistency?

Absolutely. All players experience swings in their game however as we remove flaws from your mechanics and correct faulty knowledge your consistency will improve.

6. I have hit a plateau, can FBI help?

In a word - Yes. Pool has several natural plateaus as players advance in skill. Most players reach a plateau due to a deficiency in mechanics they may not even be aware of. Very skilled players may reach a plateau due to a lack of knowledge or incorrect knowledge both of which FBI can correct.

7. Are your instructors good players?

All FBI instructors are "A" or Master level players with a minimum of 20 years of playing experience. We have experience successfully competing at a local, regional and national level.

8. What types of players take lessons from FBI?

While we work with players from beginners all the way up to very experienced levels, most of our students are already good players who have seen their progress slow or who want to add advanced skills to their game.

9. Why does FBI require all students to complete stroke analysis?

The greatest improvement in your game will come from developing the most perfect stroke you are capable of. Many students approach us wanting to start with advanced techniques without realizing that minor flaws in their stroke are holding them back. We require students to start with stroke analysis so that they are able to learn the advanced techniques with greater success.

10. Do I need to bring anything to my lesson?

Students are encouraged to dress comfortably, including shoes appropriate for shooting pool, and bring their cues.

11. REMOTE: Do I need a special camera or high resolution camera for remote stroke analysis?

Not at all. In fact a simple PC WEB CAMERA will even work! If for any reason you are unable to capture video that can be used for stroke analysis your entire fee will be refunded.

12. REMOTE: How long does it take to get back my custom video?

Generally custom videos are completed within two weeks of FBI receiving the students video and often videos are completed within a week. If a student signs up for remote video instruction during a time period that is particularly busy, such as holidays, the student will be alerted to the potential for delays depending upon when their video arrives.