I am a long-time pool player, but I have just recently become serious about the sport. In the past two years I have come a long way. I am a 5 ranked player under the APA. Are their any really good videos or books that explain the more difficult shots like masse` and jumping the legal way?

I have only played pool for about 7mths. I joined balsa pool tournments. My teams has 6 players me being the only girl. I had to brag but I think I am a little better then the guys who have played for years. Not just because I have won more games then them but the way I play. The sad thing is one of the guys is my future husband, who thinks I play okay, my question is do you know of any classes in or out of college that I can take to better myself and sow just how good I am, I'm in san antonio, Texas.:confused:

This is a pretty old thread but in sa, I have found that playing in tournaments and/or watching other people play is the best way to learn. There aren't any classes in SA that I know of that teach billiards.

Best way to get better is to find someone who is very good, or better then you, and play them a lot. I usually go on Monday nights (free pool) at fast eddies (great players go there) and weds at slick willies and play my friends and whoever in the pool hall that wants to play for money lol

In terms of books and videos I have found these to be the most helpful:

Video-
Bob Byrne Instructional Series- although slightly dated (made in the 80s) these videos have the down and dirty drills, tips and tricks it takes to really get going.

Book-
The Advanced Pro Book: Strategies and Training Techniques for the Serious Player by Bob Henning.

There are tons of books and videos out there. First, find a good professional coach and PAY for some lessons. It will save you countless hours of meaningless practice. Then get a book by Robert Byrnes titled "Standard Book of Pool and Billiards." It will support what your coach teaches you and gives detailed drills and explanations. Have it with you when you practice to refer to. Many players feel self conscious about having a book on the table at the pool room. Get over it. You have to be sure you are doing the drills & basics (aiming, stance, bridge, stroke) as the book says. Most often, when a drill isn't working like the book says, it's because you have forgotten some part of the instruction like cue ball speed, or English, etc. With the book right there, you can double check to be sure you are doing it correctly. You must practice by yourself doing drills and again pay particular attention to the basics. Just playing pool with your buddy isn't practice... Last but not least, You Tube has many professional matches available to view. Watch as many as you can and pay attention to the commentary. Buy some videos of your favorite players from Accu-Statts. You will learn a lot.

[QUOTE=9baller;3578407]There are tons of books and videos out there. First, find a good professional coach and PAY for some lessons. It will save you countless hours of meaningless practice. Then get a book by Robert Byrnes titled "Standard Book of Pool and Billiards." It will support what your coach teaches you and gives detailed drills and explanations. Have it with you when you practice to refer to. Many players feel self conscious about having a book on the table at the pool room. Get over it. You have to be sure you are doing the drills & basics (aiming, stance, bridge, stroke) as the book says. Most often, when a drill isn't working like the book says, it's because you have forgotten some part of the instruction like cue ball speed, or English, etc. With the book right there, you can double check to be sure you are doing it correctly. You must practice by yourself doing drills and again pay particular attention to the basics. Just playing pool with your buddy isn't practice... Last but not least, You Tube has many professional matches available to view. Watch as many as you can and pay attention to the commentary. Buy some videos of your favorite players from Accu-Stats. You will learn a lot.