Jerry Briesath - Part 3 (The Teacher’s Teacher — Mechanics, Passion, and a Lifetime of Giving Back)

In Part Three of our four-part conversation with Pool Hall of Famer and BCA Dean of Master Instructors Jerry Briesath, we dive deep into the heart of what made Jerry one of the most influential teachers the game has ever known: mechanics, curiosity, passion, and an unrelenting desire to help others get better.

Jerry explains timeless concepts that still confound players today—why banks on balls near the rail come up short, how sliding changes everything, and why “easy” banks must be overcut. These aren’t tricks or systems, but truths passed down from earlier generations of knowledge, including lessons Jerry absorbed and refined long before modern aiming systems existed.

The conversation expands beyond technique into teaching philosophy. Jerry draws a powerful distinction between working on something and committing to it—a mindset shift that separates incremental improvement from lasting change. Alongside Mark Wilson and Allison Fisher, he emphasizes that no aiming system matters if the stroke doesn’t repeat, and that mechanics must always come first.

We also explore Jerry’s remarkable impact on players at every level: from junior programs and BCA youth camps to elite professionals. He shares stories of helping players like Jeanette Lee rediscover winning form, guiding young talents at summer camps, and working with champions who trusted him to rebuild fundamentals at the highest level.

Equally compelling are the stories of Jerry’s legacy beyond the table—his instructional work in Europe, the creation of A Pool Lesson DVD series with Mark Wilson, and the passion that radiated from every lesson he ever taught. As Mark reflects, Jerry wasn’t just teaching shots—he was modeling enthusiasm, patience, and a love for the craft that inspired everyone around him.

This episode captures Jerry Briesath at his best: thoughtful, funny, generous, and forever curious. A master instructor reminding us that the cue ball never lies—and that learning never stops.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”