Pool & Billiards Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan #1: Learn the fundamentals of Pocket Billiards

This lesson plan will teach the student to learn the basic building blocks of the game of pocket billiards. Before you even start learning cool trick shots, we want you to learn the basics first. You have to learn to walk before you can run. Start by reading each lesson in the order it is presented and go from there. Make sure to do the prescribed exercises so you can apply and hopefully 'master' each concept that will enable you to progress to the next lesson plan.

You can also keep track of your progress by downloading a checklist document for Lesson Plan #1.

1. LESSON 1.1: The Pre-Shot Routine

   Lesson Outline
   · Definition
   · Elements of the Pre-Shot Routine
       · Planning
       · Aim, Body and Cue Alignment
   · Stance, Grip and Bridge
   · The Stroke
   · Video Demonstration
   · Exercise: Implement the Pre-Shot Routine
   Start Lesson 1.1

2. LESSON 1.2: The Pool Stance

   Lesson Outline
   · Introduction
   · Stand Behind the Shot
       · Determine the Line of Aim
   · The Foot Position
   · Legs Straight or Bent?
   · Stance Basics: Step by step Stance process
   · Head Alignment
   · Body Alignment
   · Stance Pitfalls: What to avoid doing
   · Video Demonstration
   · Exercise: Improve your Stance
   · Additional Reading (Optional): Billiard Stances - A Comparison of two styles
   Start Lesson 1.2

3. LESSON 1.3: The Pool Grip

   Lesson Outline
   · Introduction and illustrations
   · Tight or Loose Grip?
   · Grip and the Balance Point
   · Video Demonstration
   · Exercise: Experiment with your Grip
   · Additional Reading (Optional): Getting a grip (right) is vital
   Start Lesson 1.3

4. LESSON 1.4: The Pool Bridge

   Lesson Outline
   · Introduction
   · How to setup an Open Bridge
   · How to setup a Closed Bridge
   · The Rail Bridge
   · The Elevated Bridge
   · The Mechanical Bridge
   · Video Demonstration of using the Mechanical Bridge
   · Exercise: Experiment with different types of Bridges
   · Additional Reading (Optional): Bridging the gap
   Start Lesson 1.4

5. LESSON 1.5: The Pool Stroke

   Lesson Outline
   · Introduction
   · Stroke Guidelines
   · The Pendulum Stroke
   · Common Stroke Mistakes
   · Video Demonstration
   · Exercise: Find your Stroke
   · Additional Reading (Optional): How to Learn to Stroke Straight
   · Additional Reading (Optional): Stroke Detection and Correction
   · Additional Reading (Optional): How to Stroke
   Start Lesson 1.5