Tribute to Jerry Briesath — The Teacher Behind the Talent

How One Man, Jerry Briesath, Shaped the Modern Game of Pool

For over half a century, Jerry Briesath has been a guiding force in the evolution of cue sports. Widely regarded as the dean of pool instructors, Jerry not only helped define how pool is played at the highest levels — he taught us how to teach it.

Jerry Briesath intently watching a student prepare for a shot

A Legacy of Education and Impact

As the founder of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) instructor certification program — now known as the PBIA — Jerry Briesath created the very standards that most of today’s professional instructors follow. His acclaimed Pool School became the longest-running and most influential training program of its kind in the U.S., with international reach in Canada and Europe.

Jerry’s teaching philosophy is simple but powerful: focus on fundamentals, make it fun, and help each player find their own rhythm. His insights into stance, stroke, speed control, and shot selection have improved the games of thousands — from league beginners to international champions.

Students Who Became Legends

Among Jerry Briesath’s most famous students are:

• Jeanette Lee (“The Black Widow”)

• Mark Wilson

• Tony Robles

• Danny Harriman

• Jeff Carter

• Angelina Paglia

• Scott Frost
  

One of today’s elite players, Tyler Styer, began working with Jerry at just 13 years old. He went on to become a professional player at the top of the game. His wife, Margaret Styer, is also a professional pool player. The two of them stayed with Jerry at his Arizona home earlier this year while in town for a tournament — a full-circle visit that says as much about Jerry’s character as his skill.

I Know Firsthand — I’m One of His Students

I’ve been studying with Jerry Briesath for a year now. At age 91, I took up competitive pool as a late-life challenge, and Jerry has been my coach and guide through that journey. Every lesson with him is an experience — grounded in wisdom, humor, and a sharp eye that catches what most miss.

He knows just when to push, just when to encourage, and always keeps the joy of the game at the center. His instruction has helped me prepare for the 2026 BCA World Championships in Las Vegas, where I plan to compete in the Bronze division.

Still Going Strong

At 89, Jerry Briesath is still remarkably strong and active. He exercises every day to maintain his energy, and he’s constantly in demand — whether at national tournaments or flown out to private homes across the country for one-on-one coaching. At some events, Jerry gives lessons for up to 10 hours a day — an impressive feat for anyone, let alone someone nearing 90.

And he doesn’t just focus on his scheduled students. Jerry is incredibly observant — not just during lessons, but anywhere he’s around the game. On more than one occasion, after finishing our session, he’s walked over to a nearby table to offer a 5–10 minute mini-lesson to someone struggling with their stroke. Most likely, the person has no idea that the brief advice they just received came from one of the greatest instructors in the history of the game — the man many call the Dean of Instruction.

Wisdom That Sticks

In one of his video lessons, Jerry Briesath shared a quote that stays with me every time I step up to the table:

“When you've played pool long enough that you can run a rack on occasion, and you're playing pool in a room with others, remember this: Your aim is as good as anyone's aim. So, you cannot out aim anyone — you have to handle the stick better than anyone!”— Jerry Briesath

That insight cuts to the core of Jerry’s teaching — stop overthinking, trust your foundation, and master the stroke.

A Living Treasure

Jerry Briesath is more than a coach. He’s a mentor, an innovator, and a lifelong ambassador for the sport. His instructional DVDs, YouTube videos, AzBilliards columns, and the countless players he’s influenced form a

legacy few can match.

You can purchase his complete video instruction series directly from his official website: http://thepoolschool.com/dvds.html

To this day, he’s not just teaching players — he’s shaping the future of the game. We are all lucky to have learned from him — directly or indirectly — and pool is better because of his life’s work.