A lesson from pro pool player Jon Smith | From Average To Good

Rollie Williams from Kamui Brand is trying to get good at pool, and the only way to do that is by learning from the best. From the creator of 'Your Average Pool Player' comes the second installment in From Average To Good a.k.a. the long hard road to pool competence. This series is a deep dive into pool theory and just how demoralizing it can be to play against someone who truly knows what they're doing on a pool table.
After a very edifying lesson with Jennifer Barretta, ( • Getting schooled by pr... ) it was time to go uptown to Society Billiards for a few games with Jonathan Smith. Jon turned pro in 2000 and has been teaching lessons and playing in tournaments ever since then. After Jon takes me to the cleaners in a few games including one where I don't even get to play a single shot, he teaches me three very important lessons:
1) Speed Control
2) Deflection and Side Spin
3) Stance
Questions or comments? Leave 'em below and Rollie (me) will try to get to them. Thanks to Kamui Brand, Jon Smith, Society Billiards, and the New York Subway system. If you're interested in taking lessons with Jon (and I highly recommend it) visit www.societybill...
Much like pool greats Efren Reyes, Willie Mosconi, Johnny Archer, Thorsten Hohmann, Allison Fisher, and Niels Feijen, you only get to the top by training with the best.

[@doktarr]

I love how no-bullshit this guy is. No sugar coating, just pure instruction.

[@neilltorres1967]

doktarr Agree

[@Chewy0424]

Do coaches sugar coat??? That would achieve nothing if they kissed your arse.

[@TheSnookerGym]

@@Chewy0424 Some do

[@Chewy0424]

@@TheSnookerGym A 'yes' man for a coach can't be a good thing...

[@dimitrioschatzidimitriou7546]

I was about to comment almost the same thing here!

[@WorldofPoolandBilliards]

This guy knows how to teach people... great video

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yes very good instructor - content, presentation, delivery, using the student's progress (not his own opinion!) as feedback, assuredness all great!

[@vejaindranp.perumal7144]

yes... he is extremely good coach

[@fifasoccer2223]

World of Pool and Billiards ss

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

This guy knows how good he is. He wants to get better and I can't think of a better way than to ask a professional what he is doing incorrectly and then accepting that advice and practicing it. I played everyday for 25 years and sometimes 12 hours or more a day at my local tavern. Then 20 + years of not playing at all. I now have about 45 days of playing in, probably an hour a day and even though I'm old now and don't have the phenomenal power I used to have, what I have learned watching KZbin videos cannot be overstated and I'm well on my way to becoming an even better player than when I played in my younger years. Watching this video there is one thing this professional touched on that needed to be emphasized much more than was actually done. That thing is alignment. It all starts and ends with how accurately you align the body before the shot.

[@70mjc]

john noe because power is important....

[@naniskato1307]

Did you seriously have to comment this

[@robincastillo9608]

The moment when i totally lost it “the reason i do that, is cause i watch a lotta snooker videos on youtube... you know” 😂😂😂😂 i love this guy

[@monica93304]

I laughed in the office to that comment. The boss lady told me to get back to work.

[@hamzahaytham3940]

Watching this made me rethink my skills, I am not even a beginner 😂

[@alaskasfinest726]

Hamza Haytham same here, wasn’t as good as I thought I was before and after watching this lol

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I love how much Jonathan values consistency of body mechanics, because like with any sport, consistency and predictably is what great players are made of.

[@corysiler487]

As soon as I heard "Here I am on the streets of New York where everything's trash except for the people. Just kidding. Everything's Trash" I smashed the subscribe button.

[@giannigp94]

As an italian fan i was so pumped at the beginning... now i am heart-a-broken :(

[@charlieyocum9948]

This is such a great idea for a series. I was really excited to get the notification for this video, and I'm looking forward to more!

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks Charlie, I'll try to keep them coming.

[@colmcq]

I know right? He's an awesome presenter.

[@myopenmind527]

I’m in awe about how much I’ve learned in this one video. Really outstanding content. 👍

[@TheJohnnyf10]

I love this series. Plenty to learn. But still very entertaining due to Rollies sense of humor and great editing. Please keep em coming.

[@barcegt1728]

For the next average pool player shot you should re create Jennifer’s shot on the 3 during your coaching session with her! Love the content Rollie

[@RollieWilliams]

I've got a similar one on the books for my next vid, so maybe I'll try to throw that one in there too. Thanks for watching.

[@georgetheplumber77]

Dude, I'm an aspiring pool pro, and I can't tell you how awesome I think your channel is. Well done! And you crack me up by the way.

[@mindfullsilence]

NOW we're talking. Legitimate lessons here and brand new knowledge I would have other wise never thought of. Time to go practice my approach!

[@josephesparza4280]

In my opinion, the best pool videos on KZbin!

[@RollieWilliams]

Joseph, I wish everyone had your impeccable opinions out there.

[@josephesparza4280]

@@RollieWilliams keep them coming.

[@pete-dog]

Good Job by both Rollie and Jon! Oh yeah and Andy the camera guy. Just the right blend of humor and info, really a pleasure to watch.

[@johnnybee1776]

This gentleman is spot on with his teaching. Learn the basics and practice, practice, practice. No one likes doing repetitive drills but they sure improve your game.

[@redneckoutdoors14]

Lovin’ these videos man you’ve helped me improve a lot. This weekend I went to 2 bars and was draining almost every shot and running tables all night!

[@p-force7732]

Rollie, you may not have become the best of all time today. But you did make the Best infotainment Pool video I have seen this week!🏆 You didn’t earn the 🐐 award but you earned a new subscriber. Thanks P.S. you had me at the intro

[@GlitchBlitch]

I play pool a lot, my Fargorate is 621, and I absolutely agree with Jon when he said “it’s all about alignment”. But it takes a while to understand it.

[@yariko9616]

Привет из России, Ролли:) First of all, thanks to you for making a freaking good learning pool videos, because those are my only way to learn something about pool. You know, in my small town in Russia I even doesn't know another pool players except my pal Grisha, who showed me pool. In my town we got only 4 or 5 pool tables, others 50 or more are for "russian billiard" (it's kinda hard game of billiard like a pool but with small pockets and 12inch tables), don't think you've heard about it before (google it, if you want to, I AM NOT YOUR PARENT). And second, but not least: "Your Average Pool Player" Series are so fucking well, i swear. I love it!!! You as host, editing, shots you've picked for a video, everything are so great and loved by myself. Keep it up, please!) p.s. sorry for bad English, i've learned German all my life.

[@RollieWilliams]

Hello from New York :) Thank you very much for watching the video. I'm glad I could help you learn about pool because it's one of my favorite activities. I have heard of Russian Billiards before but I've never played it. The pockets look very small.

[@voodoodr]

Thank you!!! I began playing and later worked at Society Billiards in Coconut Grove Florida. Yes that was 20 years ago and learned from what you shared today.

[@robbiemurray2797]

Love these videos and the different bits of insight that pros give you is interesting looking forward to the next one

[@rodneycasillas6400]

Thanks for the video. Just started learning. Love the game. Try to play as much as i can. Stepping into the shot is what my instructor wanted me to work on.

[@music35077]

Will you try to do one with Francisco Bustamante? That’d be an awesome video.

[@1104krisweezy]

These videos are great, the humor is a plus and keeps it from being boring like most other pool videos.

[@doctor2pi]

Another terrific video with great content. I love seeing these pop up in my subscriptions Great work and keep 'em comin'!

[@boomercat4997]

"So this is a break stick because you can tell the way it is a break stick" 😂 very elaborate description of a "break stick"

[@saint-cetacean]

I think he may have said weight?

[@snz.leandro]

I criticised the last video with Jennifer Barretta but now I got give it to you. Huge improvement man. Awesome video content and way professional!! That's the guy who's gonna go from average to good definitely! As I said on last video you're doing a great work, congrats! Looking forward for the next one!

[@quantumfixits7574]

Great vid Rollie...Jon knows his craft!

[@user-yb1dg8oj6x]

What a great guy Jon is! Very down to earth, humble and honest, also good at catching your intense sense of humor! :D

[@mfranks4731]

The opening of this video was magnificent

[@rubenmejia4881]

Lol Jon's a good guy I met him a couple of weeks ago but didn't get to talk to him much since he was about to match in league play. I had him switch out some tips for my cues which came out excellent! I didn't know he instructs I would love to take lessons from him. Great video Rollie!

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks Ruben! And yeah, just hit him up on the society website for a lesson.

[@ericlyons11]

Great video as always. It was good to meet you at the expo. I also just saw you on the show what on Earth on the science channel the other day. Looks like you can do it all.

[@RollieWilliams]

Hey Eric, right back atcha. And thanks. I'm a regular master of none.

[@MrJdsenior]

You are definitely starting to learn some things. Thinking much better, but you need SOLID safes (your first one was decent, second, not so much). You have the same problems with placement I do. One thing that seems to help me is finding a line ALONG the final angle you want on the shot, if possible, so length can change some and you're still good. And yeah, my patterning still sucks, too. One "drill" somebody showed me that helps is shoot a 9 ball rack (triangle or diamond) and the 9 is your opponent that missed his 7th ball, and you're up. This allows you more patterning "room" to move, and it is much easier to see the rotation. When you get good at putting these away, then add the other balls, and I guess you could ramp the number up slowly.

[@RollieWilliams]

John Sikes thanks John, I’ll give these a shot!

[@neilmullins7443]

I think this guy hits the spot most of us are trying to lift ourselves from. Most pros just give some tips on polishing up when you’re already good or they give some complete noob advice. I’d say he’s a solid instructor imo.

[@muturaman3880]

This is gold. Thanks Rollie

[@xjcrossx]

I absolutely love the sarcastic comments. Thanks for the establishing shots and low budget intro lol

[@Waremonger]

I love this series. I really like these practice shots that Jon was setting up.

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks for watching! Jon is the man.

[@davidfarinaofficial]

I really love this series. This video really helped me getting my stance straight and I can see the results of straighter and more precise shots. I am looking forward for more videos like this!

[@88888gerald]

the step into position was a very very good tip

[@ristopaakko1339]

First time watching your videos, have to say that atleast this video was great. Had a flashback few years back when i played some pool at My friends bar. I won some and lost some, at onepoint my friend came to me and said "i see that you have played alot due the difficult pots you make, but you have never trained". He gave me very simililar tips as in this video regarding stance and drills to do.

[@asadbutt2294]

I love the idea of this series good work mate keep it going..

[@AbyssEtc]

I literally go to school above society, and play there at least 2 a week... This is surreal! haha Gotta say hello to Jon next time I'm there! Great episode as always!

[@TheCulturedCapy]

I have a guy who occasionally teaches me (used to be the 10th best in the U.S.) and he will tell me to hit a ball with speeds from 1-10. 1 being super soft and 10 being break speed. it helps a lot if you establish in your mind and muscle memory exactly what speed each number is

[@nosnyd]

14:13 this Cisero Murphy knowledge is priceless

[@erickm119]

I've been to this place twice and always and had lots of fun at the Society Billards.

[@davidmiller2201]

Hi, just re watched a bunch of your videos and it's great to get free pool lessons from the pro's and you. Thanks

[@ChaseMavrick]

Jon is the man! He’s the best thing about that place! But also why does it look like I’m watching a fight club film with all the single frames flashing lol

[@RollieWilliams]

Weirdly, those flashes were in the KZbin encode, not the original file. It's never happened to me before but if I find out what the deal is I'll letcha know.

[@dlmperformanceandracing]

Pretty spot on Ronnie O'Sullivan impersonation.

[@BauingPro]

oh my... I really learned a lot in this one. Thank you so much for making this possible.

[@AshtonTheAssassinLyons]

cause i dont think he can make the bank shot... he immediately makes the bank shot had me dying hahahaha

[@wingmanalive]

Been playing pool for over 3 decades. I learned the hard way, living in pool halls and without instruction. Mostly playing against drunks at parties who couldn't care less about the game. Never competed. I've grown very accustomed to my style and the last couple of years I've tried relearning the game through fundamentals like what you see here. It's tough to break old habits. My Father lives 900 miles from me and when I go to visit he tries and show me his skills and wants to teach me his game. We play 2 different styles. His theories and skill sets are almost 180 of mine and while he's a great player with his fair share of trophies I just can't teach myself how to drive all over again. He showed me one drill on how to aim to make difficult cuts, his way. I tried, missed every time. I try my way, which he says is totally wrong, and I made the same shot 4 out of 5 times. I'm not saying what the pros have to offer in instruction is garbage but in my case I'm too comfortable to reinvent the wheel. I only wish I could've started out as a young chap learning the right way, FIRST. Maybe then I would have my fair share of trophies as well. Oh well, no regrets. Only more pool!

[@geniet9542]

Start opposite handed

[@Leo041390]

Play with Efren Reyes.

[@RollieWilliams]

That's the series finale.

[@Bobba8590]

OH MY GOD YES. I MEAN OH MY EFREN YES.

[@SimGunther]

#AllRoadsLeadToReyes

[@dimitrioschatzidimitriou7546]

I really like how honest Jon is.. kinda harsh to not even get a positive comment even as a joke though.. But let's don't forget that the real professional players spend around 8 hours a day practicing and they met in their lifes all of the types of "pool players". They don't have time to BS around, they give you their opinions because straight because that is the right way to know what you are doing wrong. Other than that as a novice player(or really bad at pool) I admire Rollie's skills. I would like to know how many hours Rollie puts into practice and if his main goal is to become a pro player or just to see how close he can get with average effort. @RollieWilliams I really love your channel and the Kamiui Brands channel!

[@jamiewilson6900]

Love the videos Rollie,I'm in a similar position playingwise,decent and give anyone a game on their day. You know you've got improvements to make but don't be harsh on yourself,you're a good player :) . Hope you make more videos like this,don't know what I'm gonna do when I've watched them all 😂😂

[@batmaninuhland]

Thank you so much for this channel. I learned a lot. Many greetings from the middle of germany!

[@fatdabaroonies8649]

There's actually a trick to aiming with inside & outside english. The best way to practice is to line up short straight shots & sink balls with extreme outside & inside english keeping the balls straight without cutting it. Then progress to longer straight shots, then slight cut shots, banks, etc. You get the idea, start small & work your way up, that's how you develop. Don't be scared to play with english, contrary to popular belief it's what makes a phenomenal player, really knowing how to move & manipulate the cueball. Just ask anyone in the Philippines. Efren is actually a fan of playing with english, & he's a world class 3 cushion billiards, one pocket, 8 ball, 9 ball, & 10 ball player. He's also got a high break of 132 in Snooker & doesn't even play it. Playing with English allows you to move through tough traffic, get safe, bust out that 6 ball & do so much more in the game. PS: Those are beautiful diamonds

[@KamelinJalka]

This show should go to netflix! Keep filming!

[@evertontsai4496]

I love your channel, bro. You learn a lot from it, tagged along with some great humor. Cheers!

[@BeanstotheBones]

more more more, thx for all videos rollie

[@pranksfailsetc311]

the 13:00 part was great, finally understand sidespin now thanks

[@Agiyi]

Something went wrong in the rendering of the video? some frames are clicking.... Great idea for series, great execution! (Great humor as always!) Keep making these!!

[@Potato-px4vv]

I can't stop replaying this 17:58 I dunno wuh eet is bu eet is e well nice sport eet is

[@mattydolan]

Excellent video, again! Informative yet entertaining at the same time; lovely combination that.

[@colmcq]

I adore this. Please get a TV deal.

[@RollieWilliams]

Hahahaha, do you know any executives I can talk to?

[@colmcq]

@@RollieWilliams I've got a blog at Huffington post if that helps and a few producer friends but UK based

[@RollieWilliams]

@@colmcq It just might help.

[@walk50]

Its interesting to see how there is a real science to the game cool thanks for the refresher on the basics 👍 really well instructed

[@talldave1000]

I love your videos Rollie. Keep up the good work

[@premjitchowdhury262]

Man your speaking style with jokes are so cool......

[@mixingdude]

Nice job on your audio. Too many "lessons" with camera mics that sound a mile away. Thanks for using lavs. Also, a very well executed video. Cheers!

[@Mycweese]

Good cue control Rollie.

[@vitogenovese6413]

Could you please ask the pros who is the best player they have ever seen? Gonna be fun

[@rs-qt1qg]

He doesn't need to. Everyone is gonna say Efren Reyes

[@TheProgGuy]

Came for the pool lesson, subscribed for the personality.

[@MrReviewer]

Being the house pro...does that mean the bar pays him to play? Or does he work there as a trainer? Or does he just play there regularly?

[@jm361]

@23:29 Mr smith plays with a P3 predator no wrap 314-2, great cue! Mr williams plays with the g core McDermott (base model)!

[@justtowatch111]

I think at the end you actually skirted the most important part you need to work on, pre shot routine. All of the rest of it depends on having that in place. If you play with a warped cue you cannot play consistently, a poor pre shoot routine is like a warped cue.

[@late8641]

I love the beginning of the video 😂

[@russellscott9314]

Best lesson by far. We don't take time or have patience for drills. (Best to have table at home, but if you don't have to be disciplined to go to pool hall every day like tbe gym) We do it when we play or played sports because was forced by coaches, but pool, darts, ping pong etc.. whatever, we just want to play and have fun. We'll get better naturally obviously from just playing more and more but will never get to next level because practice is boring. We talking about practice man, not game, practice. Amazing seeing pros vs average Joes. They're just ridiculous. Surreal like.

[@russellscott9314]

I wasn't talking about Rollie, but even he has countless room to learn. He will never be close to pro level. I find a lot of it is god given talent to work with most games/sports, then yrs and yrs snd yrs of practicing for hrs anf hrs day. Who the hell does that?

[@MrHennerz]

This guy’s already a much better player than an average pool player

[@Drew18000]

New subscriber here. Love the channel man. Great content. I’m just really getting into pool and taking it more serious and this video helped a lot 👍

[@chrisrodgers429]

Your so go food the game. How you don't have more subscribers is crazy

[@SneakyThew]

best series ever. and best english accent

[@dg2015]

Rollie, great show!! I really appreciate it! I like your sense of humor...it is like mine!!!! hahahaha Next time I am in NYC (I live in CT), we will have to get together and play. I am a high-skilled player BTW. P.S. I don't play for $$$$ :-)

[@justmenate]

Good stuff man, keep em coming

[@technowey]

Thank you to you and to Jon Smith for a great video.

[@user-rd8xc7sm1y]

The only channel that i have my notification on👍 keep it up

[@anthonykalsch5750]

Ive always heard 90 degrees to the line is your dominant foot. It made,sence to me since my hip would be out of the way to my stroke.

[@1lamafarmer]

18:00 UNCANNY Ronnie impression, sir.

[@RollieWilliams]

Jamie Stevenson it’s taken years to master thank you very much

[@amazed66]

@@RollieWilliams I think you will find it still needs some work. :) Watching this at almost 6 am in south London, England.

[@RollieWilliams]

@@amazed66 The accent is at it's best when I can talk about stone 'enge.

[@amazed66]

@@RollieWilliams Yeah or anything that drops the H so an "edge" is a bush or shrub, although then again don't Americans say "erbs" for herbs?.....At least it's better than "erpes" though eh? :) Speaking of which, I reckon someone's missed a trick in never having made an educational film about the dangers of promiscuous sex in a VW Golf.......They could maybe call it Herpes Rides Again!

[@user-hh9ni8su3p]

The editing is hilarious

[@raulduke7142]

BAH BAH BAH BAHHHHHH Blew it. Dont know why but that cracked me up. Thanks for the vid.

[@heehee3121]

18:01 is that o'sullivan? 🤣🤣

[@Faltzerbeast90]

Since starting playing pool september 2019, deflection is still one of my biggest issues when aiming and using english

[@placidworld5707]

I've been saying that for decades.

[@cliftonmcclintock2220]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bari107]

really good stuff right here! Jon is so nice and cool guy.

[@kimpanella1565]

What is target pool?

[@RossTheNinja]

Really liked this guy in orange is the new black

[@neverend3r]

Great content Rollie! keep it up

[@soulpower121]

Cool video Robbie. If your ever in Minneapolis stop by jimmys pool hall

[@xjcrossx]

You are really funny. Great video ideas too. Love this channel.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

I would like someone's opinion who is at least an advanced player about that left foot not being pointed in the direction of line of the shot in this instructional video. I'm not saying this way of standing is incorrect but I see a whole can of worms that might open up when the hips aren't directly perpendicular to the shot line. And I've seen this guy shoot and there is no doubt he probably plays at a professional level. He's a good instructor as well. He notices immediately all the little errors his students have and tries to correct them. He reminds me of a pool player friend I used to have years ago who wasn't quite as advanced but he was always very direct when trying to convey something. No pussyfooting around. Straight to the point/s.