ACS Coach's Corner - April 2011 ACS Instructors

ACS COACH'S CORNER NEWSLETTER American CueSports Alliance (ACS) is a non-profit, player member-governed association that offers many programs to promote the sport – including a highly-regarded Instructor-certification program dedicated towards increasing the visibility of ACS-certified instructors. The ACS Coach's Corner E-Newsletter is distributed to thousands of players. Interest in the program or specific ACS instructors may be directed to coach@americancuesports.org. To find an ACS-certified instructor in your area, CLICK HERE. For directing questions to or requesting advice from an ACS Instructor on your mechanics, drills or strategies for improving your skills in the sport, visit the new ACS Instructor Blog. An ACS Instructor will respond! IN THIS ISSUE: What's New: ACS Instructor Releases New Book Attracting Senior Citizens and Others to the Sport of Billiards    What's New ACS Instructor Releases New Book ACS Instructor Allan P. Sand released a second edition of the book "Safety Toolbox" in February, 2011. It has been completely rewritten. This book covers every detail that you need to know about advanced defensive strategies. It provides an extensive set of tactics that limit the choices and options of your opponents. This book is written for the regular player. Above all, it forces you to take a serious look at your true table skills. Then it teaches you how to make realistic playing decisions. There are drills that will improve your cue ball and object ball control. And, while you work on those, there is also information on playing smarter and using your brain before shooting. With these tools, you can actually think your way to winning more games. And your opponent won't even know how or why he is losing more often. The book provides a straightforward development program that helps you establish a playing mindset that considers available possibilities. The head skills you will learn include analyzing your opponent, calculating the results of various ball control options, managing the table layout to help you and hurt your opponent, and more. The Green Game becomes a lot more fun with your new capabilities. If you don't have a regular instructor, this book provides a lot of detailed information both in the short term (game tactics) and long term (skill improvements). If you have a regular instructor or coach, he can work with you to be able to absorb this material more quickly. The book is available in several formats: Paperback – 8-1/2 x 11 CD book – opens with any internet browser. eBook – PDF, MOBI EPUB As a printed book it is available on worldwide online bookstores (US, UK, Europe, Asia, India, South America, and Africa). On Amazon and Barnes & Noble, it can be purchased as an eBook or paperback. On the web site (www.billiardgods.com), it is available in paperback, CD book, and eBook formats. All book purchasers receive life-time author support. Anytime a question arises about the material, send an email to: billiardgods@gmail.com. April 2011 ATTRACTING SENIOR CITIZENS AND OTHERS TO THE SPORT OF BILLIARDS Written collectively by ACS Instructors Stanley O. Nichols, Jr. (Level 2) Walter D. Ennes, Jr. (Level 2) A Jane Knoeck (Level 1) Remember what our parents always told us while we were growing up? Yes, the three "P's" -- Practice, Practice and more Practice. While this is especially true in all that we do, it is definately true in the sport of billiards. One such successful program has been going on for quite some time in a place called The Villages. The Villages, Florida is a unique 55+ active adult community that provides golfing, bowling, baseball, swimming and billiards - with 1500+ clubs/activities and 19 community recreational centers that house a total of 114 pool tables. The resident population is currently in excess of 80,000+ seniors. Not all residents want or are able to participate in the outdoor activities. They look to indoor activities to keep their "minds" and "bodies" in shape. Seniors work hard to improve their billiards skills learned at ACS classes by competing in the many billiard leagues throughout the Villages and participating in The Senior Games on both State and National levels. Therefore, billiards has become extremely popular in The Villages. ACS instructors in the Villages offer the following: In the last three years the ACS instructors have taught over 2,500 senior “students” free of charge. The student ages range from 55 – 90 + and comprise both men and women. The instructors volunteer their services. Lessons are taught at three community recreational centers on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year with each session lasting approximately two hours. Regular class size averages between ten to 30 students and are divided into three segments: Basics Basics to Intermediate Intermediate to Advanced Periodically, a six week structured course with a certificate of completion is offered. Class sizes are limited to 18 students (six per instructor). Student testimonials include: There are no limits to the number of classes a student can attend. They attend until they reach their own personal satisfaction and are prepared for social or league play. The instructors are affiliated with a national organization (ACS) and are certified. This gives the student the confidence they are being trained by professionals. They like the fact that this training is free of charge. The instructors are respectful to all, regardless of their age. The instructors are compassionate to those people with disabilities (i.e., hearing loss, reading lips, wheel chair, degenerative eyesight, partial amputees on crutches, retention span, and other special needs). The instructors have the utmost patience in teaching and are very thorough in describing the lesson in recognizable terms. In all cases, instructors are aware of the physical limitations of class participants and possible limited mobilities. Accommodations are made when necessary. Students are offered video instruction, handouts, as well as training aids. Practice drills are given at every class. Emphasis is on PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Learning and playing billiards is an excellent way for participants to increase memory and mental functions. The sport can also help everyone build lasting friendships while instilling confidence and personal satisfaction. In many areas across the country, recreation centers, senior centers, fitness facilities and other privately-owned indoor sports arenas provide equipment so there is little, or no financial investment needed. Partnerships between retired seniors, local governments, schools and privately owned retirement communities can be implemented by encouraging ACS instructors to establish a "free" Speakers Bureau Program in their individual communities. Local governments are always looking for ways to expand or start new recreation programs for citizens; including city senior centers, schools and neighborhood recreation centers. Billiards programs are an excellent way to help instill personal pride and patience in our nation's youth, while at the same time allowing our country's retired or disabled seniors to continue their goals of sharing and helping others enjoy one of our nation's greatest indoor sport. American CueSports Alliance 101 S. Military Ave. Suite P - # 131 Green Bay, WI 54303 Tel. 920-662-1705, Fax. 920-662-1706 Website: www.americancuesports.org Email: info@americancuesports.org Founded in 2004 Mission: The ACS is a non-profit, national organization dedicated to heightening the interest and awareness of cue sports through the support and sanctioning of organized competition throughout the United States. Inquiries regarding gaining ACS Instructor Certification may be made to coach@americancuesports.org.