Getting schooled by pro pool player Jennifer Barretta | 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 long hard road to pool competence. This series is a deep dive into pool theory and just how hopeless it is to play against someone who truly knows what they're doing on a pool table. Pool greats like Efren Reyes, Willie Mosconi, Johnny Archer, Thorsten Hohmann, Allison Fisher, and Niels Feijen got to the top by training with the best.
This episode features professional pool player Jennifer Barretta. Jennifer turned pro in 2003, won her first international title in 2006, and has been playing on and off the pro tour for the past 15 years. After Jennifer and Rollie play two games to diagnose his flaws, Jennifer runs him through two drills, one to find the correct line of the shot, and the wagon wheel drill to focus on cue ball position. Although he struggles with both drills, Jennifer officially says (under very specific circumstances) that Rollie is the second best pool player of all time. *The sincerest apologies for the poor audio quality.
Questions or comments? Leave 'em below and Rollie (me) will try to get to them. Why is this whole thing in third person when it's obviously Rollie who's writing this? I'm not exactly sure. It felt right at the beginning but now it's clearly the wrong choice. Huh. Well, time makes fools of us all. Thanks to Kamui Brand, Jennifer Barretta, Skyline Billiards, and the New York Subway system.

[@snz.leandro]

Awesome humor, but you don't have to use it every time. Notice some times she was explaining super professionally, polite and looking into your eyes and in the middle of that you looking straight to the camera and made jokes. Besides that, great new content and helpful advices! You're doing a great work.

[@squatch570]

It gets annoying after about the 3rd "joke" or use of it... and that's LONG before he even gets to the poolhall and meets Jennifer. He's a gigantic douche... that's why he sucks at pool!!

[@someguywhocanfly]

@@squatch570 Bit harsh. He makes a few jokes at weird times but he seems really friendly other than that. He's making a video for entertainment and part of his "brand" is the jokes he makes.

[@squatch570]

@@someguywhocanfly Not harsh at all. His attempts at humor are mostly just socially awkward and embarrassing. You can tell how uncomfortable, and even annoyed, Jennifer was at certain points while he did that. He could've overdubbed the jokes during the editing process instead and it would've been much less silly. He's definitely a gigantic douche... but I was just joking about that being the reason he sucks at pool. He really sucks because he didn't know basic concepts such as working backwards with the proper angles and going into a shot, etc. This is knowledge he should've had by now and could've gotten from any decent instructor rather than going to a pro for the lesson (yes I know, that's his entire series: average player compared to pro).

[@KarnageGaming]

I think you guys are being a bit rough. His not doing these jokes because he doesnt care or cause of his ego. He probably just thinks its the best image for an entertaining sort of not serious on screen personality. And hasnt quite got it right yet.

[@angrysavage1057]

Just see the channel's category it says comedy.

[@Haassan1]

Such a kind-hearted lady, but also a stone-cold pro.

[@Arnie.Y]

3:02 symptom of practicing too much of Efren’s shot LOL

[@pichu459]

That's is exactly what I thought!!! Lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@charlieyocum9948]

I love the idea! I've got two quick suggestions. Buy, rent, or steal a lav mic(s). The ambient noise in the hall is always going to be overpowering, and what the pro/expert saying is a key part of the value of something like this. If you can only get one, put it on the pro and you can set up what they're saying in your narration. Second, your eye contact with the camera during the final exchange was a little much. Looking forward to the next one!

[@RollieWilliams]

Hey Charlie! Thanks for the hot tip. I hope I never have to use camera sound ever again. As for the eye contact ... I'll try but no promises.

[@TheMeccio]

@@RollieWilliamshi, I love your work! If I can add to this, there are some shots in here that are overexposed and too bright and it's harder than usual to dostinguish the cue ball. It probably is because of the blue tables and because it's daylight and because pool halls aren't the best lit areas, but it might help to tinker with settings

[@vdif179]

@@RollieWilliamsreally nice video! Another good tip: To make sure that the pool table isn't completely overexposed, maybe buy a roll of ND filter (rosco is a nice brand) and put some of that in the lamp. Or find a pool hall with dimmable lights I guess... :)

[@FMRovers]

@@RollieWilliams i like everything..... but :P (not talking about the sound) if you can, get a fixed camera (or 2) on the table. a 1y old mid-range smartphone is good enough.. or be nice to at least 2 people so they are willing to help you film it :P ( i missed the view of the table when you were talking about the situation.. and if the angle was on the table.. i would miss the non-verbal communication..) small things leads to perfection :) keep having FUN!!

[@RollieWilliams]

Whammo - better sound and lighting kzbin.info/www/bejne/onqxeaFopqhkibM

[@MarkVigeant]

This rocks, I love this as a series idea, love your humor, very excited for more.

[@FourthRoot]

You're too humble, Rollie, I'm above average in the sense that in games with friends or strangers at bars I usually win and even in local low stakes tournaments I've won the first round more often than not. Yet everytime we play, you crush me.

[@RollieWilliams]

Awwww shucks, thanks manG!

[@simonleroy9576]

Pinoys aren't that good. Shaky cueing and poor consistency.

[@simonleroy9576]

@king killa Still play cocky pinoys and pin them down. Pinoys are outdated. Nowadays you won't see one of them make it to the pro level anymore. Cueing standard hqs improved, klaci, filler, etc... Prove it. Talent and shot making isn't enough anymore.

[@mitchwaterson7815]

He told u he's in Georgia put up or shut the fuck up

[@bnsimanton]

@@simonleroy9576 so your sying efran reyes wasnt one of the best and couldnt make it on the pro tour today? he made a career that would still stand by being talented and a unbelievable shot maker. when you dont get the leave you better be able to manufacture the shot.

[@mescellaneous]

big fan! it's awesome you were able to combine improv comedy and pool to fit this niche audience! you are the future of pool on youtube if you continue long enough.

[@Waremonger]

Jennifer seems like a great coach. Great idea for a video. I'd like to see more.

[@scottisitoro3953]

more of her? Sure.

[@BaconFrisbee]

Jennifer's point about playing position even on the last ball is a good one. You see a lot of top players spinning out two cushions and doing all kinds of stuff they dont *need* to do

[@RollieWilliams]

Yeah it was a big revelation for me

[@johnsample9640]

Just finished watching this short video and I need to thank Jennifer for the Ah-HA brain tweak. Thinking 3 angles ahead, not 3 balls ahead, really changed my thought process, for the better! Such a subtle difference with a major impact. Thanks Jennifer!

[@le7241]

Great content. She's a great teacher. Subscribed

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks very much for the sub, she's really cool.

[@jselectronics8215]

@@RollieWilliams And so pretty. Have to control my inner caveman.

[@marshalcraft]

Actually one of the best instructional videos I've seen.

[@scottisitoro3953]

@@RollieWilliams Really cool? Are you in 3rd grade?

[@edonshatri6446]

14:25 "you want to put it in and see what happens" 😉😜😂

[@ruzhdimetodiev4273]

Ha good one 🤣🤣

[@bobbyd.3681]

Thank you for the opportunity to see and hear Jennifer Barretta give good down to earth pool instruction. Her patience and professionalism were outstanding.

[@thechanpionofyugioh]

Please do more like these. This video was amazing, and while I definitely learn a lot about the game when you try to recreate shots, I learned so much more listen to her giving you tips on mistakes I too make. Thank you

[@sinjinsison2702]

I think saying "thinking three angles ahead" instead of saying "thinking three balls ahead" is very useful advice and I appreciate this video.

[@wuziq]

this was really good, she gave super practical advice

[@DerekGeister]

Best piece of advice i have heard in a long time starts at about 10:40.

[@NicholasLewis]

This is one of the best pool videos I've ever seen. Thank you for uploading this! Extremely instructional.

[@MarcassCarcass]

Thank you so much for the pro lesson. I've actually been working on the things she mentioned for you to do (thinking 2 or 3 angles ahead, wheel barrel, and long straight shots to refine mechanics, although, I actually really suck, am working on the right things)... So glad to find a video where a pro reaffirms these things. Thanks again! Here's another pointer, use a heavier cue stick than usual when practicing the straight in strokes (you'll see what I mean, what you're muscles are doing will become more obvious, but then go back to the lighter stick, and keep track of your %, how many out of 10 you get in).

[@jeffouellette9946]

18 Oz pool cue is the best weight to play with. Most cues have a screwed on Farrell. That's not the right way to go. They should have a slide on Farrell just like house cues. More wood to tip. Equals better hit. Better stroke and everything.

[@fufu_212]

Amazing series, please do continue this. Also shout out to jennifer for helping you get better and also helping all of us

[@draconicdusk5911]

As someone who's played carom billiars semi-professionally for a few years, that wagon wheel exercise is new to me but makes total sense. However, we only have 3 balls we dont have access to 16 xD (counting the cue ball here). I must say your improvement from beginning to after is immense! If you keep practicing you'll get far, you're a quick learner and know how to apply what you've learned! Note: By semi-professionally, I mean I've played in tournaments, won prizes, but am not high enough level to be considered a professional.

[@cliffio53]

Cliff from Super Billiards Expo. Was great meeting you yesterday. Thanks for chatting with me. 👍🏻

[@nigelthorn2062]

What a super cool lady she is. Nice of her to give you the time.

[@rogerzorzan9577]

What i REALLY like about this video is the end. In a good way. Not once did JB talk about your technique, she talks about mechanics and routine. Find a way to walk into the cure ball after you make your decision on how to play the shot. I haven't played any kind of Billiards in +20 years, but was fortunate to play with Orthman, Fisher, O'Sullivan, Massey, Hasch and alike. Snooker/Pool whatever it was, i ate it up. This makes me want to get to play again at my old age.. it's just a wonderful game.

[@ProductDesignOnline]

Great video, Rollie! I hope you make more of these :)

[@therealmattdamon5161]

You only thanked the pool hall for letting you film there. You gotta thank the lady for her lessons

[@Agiyi]

Great video idea! Would love to see more! Just to make those videos better: 7:38 - 8:11 she is talking about the position on the table, but we don't see where she's pointing.... We know she is beautiful, but come on, film the table!! (Rollie, you're beautiful too, don't take this the wrong way!)

[@MrJonojono34]

i like her as a teacher because most of the guys just try to show how good they are in the full games but she tested you.

[@Thynqikan]

Rollie I love your videos. I think it is amazing that you have Jennifer giving you some advice. What an experience!

[@fredmyers8366]

Excellent Video!! And thanks to Jennifer for taking time out to do this. I can't wait to see this series grow and develop. A suggestion I would have is do a follow up video or 2 on the wagon wheel before the next pro session. I would enjoy seeing you work on the shots were you get "stuck" and what tips you have to help get past it. I would think you wouldn't get much out of another lesson until you can at least get passing on the wagon wheel drill. . Assign each ball 1 point take 11 shots switching target at each one. you get 1 point for a hit and 0 for a miss. Do the drill 5 times add up your score. a 55 would be perfect. 70% would be about 39. So say get at least 40 points until getting a new skill. Thanks for the video's I subscribed keep them up!

[@randystull1502]

Be proud, that was a very big improvement. Its hard to get into the three angle mentality. Really awesome work and a great teacher.

[@darrelbyrum]

This video is awesome. Idk what you're staring at but the idea and execution of this video is amazing. Your questions are great. Keep up the great content. Keep learning and practicing on your pool, editing and interactive/interviewing skill. This is the best pool channel I've come across.

[@Scotchskillz]

this is .... the best pool series i have been waiting for . thank you Rollie loving the content . cant wait for the next episode. also are you still doing "your average pool player" as well? thank you

[@RollieWilliams]

Scotchskillz hey! Thanks so much. Yep, still doing Average Pool Player (more frequently actually)

[@RollieWilliams]

Whammo - better sound and lighting kzbin.info/www/bejne/onqxeaFopqhkibM

[@harleyjay8651]

Shes so freakin hot.

[@5Detective]

Phew! For a second I thought the whole video ended with the Kamui vid. Glad I clicked over.

[@RollieWilliams]

Glad you clicked over. I'd never leave ya hanging like that.

[@5Detective]

@@RollieWilliams A game we used to play a lot was to put a ball at every pocket, just sitting on the edge. Then rack three (1-3) balls, but leave the rack on the table. You can put the cue ball anywhere for the first shot, and hit the balls in any order. But you lose if the cue ball touches the rack. Once a the balls outside the rack are pocketed, remove the rack and break the three balls from wherever you ended up. Pocket all 3 in order without missing and you win. Takes good cue ball control and strategy. Easy to mess up. Good luck!

[@adams5198]

Clicked on this video to get some tips. Left this video in love...

[@HJules-cw6fb]

LOL You and many many people buddy.

[@jethrob258]

She actually seems like she would make a great teacher. Her explanations seem reasonably straight forward. I'm sure it all becomes information overload at the time but you have such a great video archive to reference.

[@roshan081990]

Just adding on to whatever the others have already said... When a professional is importing valuable knowledge to you, you can skip the camera time and jokes and just pay attention to the person, we can hear what the 2 of you are saying and discussing... it's not only respectful but also shows that you are actually paying attention (I'm not saying that you aren't). Please try to continue with this series; it's very helpful and informative.

[@PeterTranPrime]

I've only watched a few minutes and I love her already.

[@scottmorwitz2753]

Skyline and Jen are amazing and she’s very nice and approachable. Make it a part of your next trip to NYC and you won’t regret it!

[@Novaximus]

I really enjoyed the way she put the game as "a game of recovery" No matter how you play position, pin point accuracy for most is impossible. You're just always trying to recover your position play in your head.

[@TraumaER]

She is like a real pro ‼️

[@shanechallis3955]

That wagon wheel drill looks good I might try that myself

[@corey3642]

Great video, but the brightness on the table is extremely distracting and hurts my eyes. I know I'm not the only one

[@feylone1596]

I'm blind already

[@KarnageGaming]

All i can say is its about the damn time we got more of these videos.

[@5Detective]

I love pool because there's an infinite number of ways to tackle "problems." Even among pros. It's fun hearing her lead you through her thinking on a set of shots. I never play 9 ball because the games go by too quick with decent players. If I were trying to hustle cash, sure 9 ball, but for fun? Regular 8 ball. I've had friends want to play me in 9, so I always go out of my way to make the 9 on break or win the game after a couple of shots. They never ask again.

[@gabrielmartinez717]

Yeah, over confident much? Lol should I look for you on the pro tour?

[@5Detective]

@@gabrielmartinez717 No way, being better than my friends who don't play pool doesn't make me great. But I've been playing for 15 years pretty consistently. And I spent a year playing 6-8 hours a day. Edit: if you're just salty about my 9-ball comment, then you just don't understand how boring that game is against inexperienced players. 8 ball takes longer to finish and even pros can get easily snookered or make a mistake. Pros in 9 ball can go from break to win over and over, and when they're in a tough spot, they can snooker you. If a player has 0 cue ball control, 9 ball is a waste of time.

[@gabrielmartinez717]

@@5Detective Yeah if 9 ball was so easy you'd have no problem being a pro lol and 8 ball goes faster with decent players then 9 ball on 9 foot table. I literally can break and run more often with 8 then 9 and I know most good players feel that way. You just felt the need to shit on 9 ball, which is silly. Play 10 then tough guy. Don't forget to leave some cash for the rest of us since you're such a hustler lol

[@5Detective]

@@gabrielmartinez717 I'm shitting on playing 9 ball against bad players. Because the game is harder to get good at if you're a beginner. 8 ball is a game for thinking and practicing, 9 ball is for experienced shooters. Having a huge imbalance in skill level makes 9 ball suck. So if you felt insulted, I'm sorry you need to practice.

[@premjitchowdhury262]

Best video by you till now.

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks! There's another one out that you might also like.

[@julesjames593]

"Play position on my last shot"!!!! What an amazingly simple improvement.

[@cryptopoolsharks347]

I played Jennifer one game at Valley Forge Pool Expo years ago. I had an easy out and chocked on the 5 ball!

[@vincent6692]

Thanks for sharing. Nice to see Jennifer again.

[@CSTEasy]

Jennifer is just amazing. Love her ;) And Rollie, i would like to meet you in the future in NY for a short game. I am the Average Player from Germany ;) best wishes to you, Chris

[@louiewood9788]

She was actually such a great teacher

[@cann8009]

As a young teen who is just now starting to take an interest in pool, I really enjoy those videos. Keep it up!

[@xdmemes5821]

CANN-ABYSS we’re similar haha

[@jeffouellette9946]

First off you may not want to smoke no weed. You'll find out it hurts your game.

[@cann8009]

@@jeffouellette9946 nah I don't play high😂

[@LukeFennell]

great video man i'd love to see more of these videos it really helped me with my game too.

[@RollieWilliams]

Luke Fennell thanks so much Luke! I’ll try to make the next one better

[@laelg]

Good tip about the last ball and making it and playing for position, I see about 30 different angles when it comes to the last ball. I'll have to remember that

[@jeffouellette9946]

I know if I normally don't make that last fall it's because I didn't think about it I just thought having a shot was all that mattered.

[@b4ssfunk3d]

That first shot I feel like I could try 10 times and not get it. She really is a master of the rails and kick shot. Her other video taught me the three rail kick to the opposite corner pocket. Everytime I learn something new I feel like I have another bag of tricks up my sleeve against my opponents.

[@kenwilson2597]

This was a really good and instructive video! Helps having a beautiful pro instructing. Hope you get to visit there and do another video with her again!

[@blackstaticband]

I think she was the best hands on realistic teacher than the other pros you met with

[@feylone1596]

Just fun to watch. Authentic stuff. New subscriber.

[@28jsal]

Wagon wheel drill was awesome!

[@cosmic-fortytwo]

She seemed really nice. You’re privileged that she made time for you. Jennifer was very gracious.

[@hectorbravo6958]

You have to try that shot she did in the intro

[@RollieWilliams]

It's kinda similar to one I've got planned! I'll throw this one in, too.

[@hash00ify]

Superb video Rollie. Loved it!

[@JoeyFatalii]

Great vids man! Keep em coming! The tips and tricks they give you are very helpful, a lot easier to understand than some of the instructional videos out there.

[@gtrdrejugfde288]

Great player and also a class act. Nice work Jennifer

[@jeffcuster2]

I enjoyed it! Suggestion for additional videos ... the mechanics of side-spin (e.g. compensating for deflection) ... how in the heck to still make shots of different length with side spin!!?? Looking forward to more.

[@user-np8le4iz8r]

Best Pool Player Ranking: Efren Reyes Rollie Williams Shane Van Boening Jayson Shaw . .

[@Rubster760]

🙋‍♂️ I agree !!

[@destinylags6863]

Like you mean right now???

[@JoshHosking]

Mick Hill Scott Gillespie Mark Boyle Jordan Shepherd Tom Cousins Marc Farnsworth

[@redneckalpha7255]

Of all time 1. Minnesota fats 2. Venom 3. Efen Reyes

[@geniet9542]

Ko Pin Yi

[@WilliamSlaght]

I enjoy your content greatly a lot; however, in this video I wanted there to be a view from above, but knowing that you guys were at the billard perhaps that wasn't possible because I had to do some sketching, diagrams, to fully understand her explanation about angles.

[@RollieWilliams]

LinkBulletBill good thinking. I have a go pro, I’ll use it next

[@furmeinvader3475]

It appears the diagram for the Wagon Wheel drill is not the same as the one she had you do on the table. The cue and object ball are not lined up straight into the side pocket according to the diagram picture. No wonder you had so much trouble with it. I did it with the slight offset angle and it goes smooth.

[@offerskirksey2255]

She's awesome!

[@asadbutt2294]

Subscribed love your content bro...

[@Juntaski]

I love the video series so far! Keep up the good work! You just got a subscriber! :)

[@djflax8806]

Excellent video

[@luispiske8059]

Best phrase: “I’m your average pool player” 😂

[@whosjao23]

14:25 lol she gave you the LOOK, too.

[@paulstephan4]

Really like the idea of playing for shape on last ball.

[@iangomes]

These kinds of videos are great. Lots of us are decent players but don't know how to get to the next level. Mention to your cameraman to keep the camera on the table, though!

[@RollieWilliams]

Thanks Ian, I'll let him know.

[@Novaximus]

I don't like spending so much time thinking that far ahead either. I'll usually only think one angle ahead for my next shot. Or if I'm playing 8 ball I can only see two open balls, I'll just plan for those and give up because my other balls are obviously stuck. I'll just play a safety when I get to that point.

[@trentsummers847]

Great video! I hope to see more of these

[@ericmowrey6872]

Great vid Rollie. It's interesting, the first time I saw a pool table with "snooker" pockets was in Thailand in 1988. That's all they had in Patong Beach. You had to aim pretty good to run a table if you were used to US style pockets. Now it seems this type of table is becoming ever more popular in the US; at least in pool halls. It's understandable insofar as it requires a different level of precision.

[@JCBeAtS1000]

14:25 that's what she said. No that's actually what she said

[@WorldofPoolandBilliards]

Great Video! Looking forward to more of these.

[@tksbilliards]

You have a new sub for this video. This will be an awesome series

[@BlackStarEOP]

The wagon wheel drill is a really great way, also be sure to use DrDave's 30 degree peace sign to predict cueball direction!

[@ismaelmurguia]

This was awesome!

[@nikkojamesl.penaflorida2521]

Need major lesson? Come here in Philippines let efren reyes teach you

[@vicluevano1222]

Id happily go visit the king of the game Efren Reyes !

[@TonyB4679]

Nikko Peñaflorida it's ok you come here and I'll give you lessons for 500$ a set

[@TonyB4679]

mike A ... you are correct I've beat every teacher that has stepped up !!!! I'm not confused, you are ! I'll be in vegas for the US Open April 20th I'll be there a month come on out

[@jeffouellette9946]

@mike A most great good pool players cannot teach.

[@NOTme2014]

6:55 "no problem there" I lmao

[@Ricky-ci4jx]

She’s a great teacher!

[@RollieWilliams]

She's the best

[@user-bm7ze1vn8f]

What an incredible coach!!!

[@robert5726]

"beef'd the 3" never heard that, I learned something, lol

[@oliverwood7190]

Jen Your a awesome pool player ace, congrats on your win,

[@samuelferrer7586]

Great content!!! What a good way to learn pool by having some fun in the process, not the typical educational video all serious and stiff. Congrats and hoppe to see more videos upcoming!!! By the way this guy sucks xD

[@tonefingerz7117]

I cant seem tonslow down my stroke cuz i have OCD of the sound when they hit the back of the pocket, jumps up and falls back in and i like bank shots to go airborne and swoosh it. Its the worst habit along with using throw on every ball to result in scratches and zero shape. Now i wanna make more then 3 balls and your vids are priceless and good for my depression

[@mattm7681]

Great video but please get some mics so we can hear easier.

[@malakiyahamari8448]

This is the only beauty I've seen that EVER wore cowgirl boots at a tournament. Instantly fell in love😍😂💌

[@seekuncertainty]

Dude, I liked the video and the content, but staring at the camera while someone is talking and engaging with you is really weird, tbh. You're not hosting a game show here, it's a 1 on 1 conversation. You should make eye contact and converse more naturally with quick glances to the camera from time to time to address the audience, just my opinion.

[@rockstarwoohoo11]

He talked to her way more than the camera? What are you on about

[@quinnbaker1935]

I 100% agree. He tries to make a lot of funny comments for the viewers, but it’s kinda awkward because she’s trying to give him a serious lesson

[@Rahka82]

Dude you look a little bit like Markus Juva, one of the most legendary finnish pool players:)

[@praftman]

Solve three problems in one: 1) We can see what is happening on the table for the most part, so less narration is needed there. You probably feel the need since a silent video of a game is less engaging (hence commentary), but... 2) Likewise, not every moment is visually film-worthy, even if the spoken content is important. Much of the advice Jennifer gives could have been reduced to just an audio track (so we aren't just looking at the two of you staring at each other or the camera) and turned into a narration while showing the game...filling the dead space left after mercilessly cutting the extraneous narration. 3) This consolidation of visuals and audio then cuts the video, maybe in half, which is a very good thing indeed.

[@matthewdavis6403]

This was awesome, beautiful pool hall too

[@RollieWilliams]

Yeah, it's called Skyline, you should check it out if you're in Brooklyn.

[@matthewdavis6403]

@@RollieWilliams definitely check it out next time I'm up that way. Thanks

[@gordonwilliams3680]

Needed this Great vid dude. Thanks.