Pool Coach Larry Nicholson on Fundamentals, Practice, and the Learning Journey

What makes pool such a great game isn’t just making balls—it’s the life lessons you learn along the way.

In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, Sue sits down with longtime PBIA/CSI instructor and trick-shot artist Larry Nicholson, who shares how a childhood belt buckle and a target drill shaped his cue-ball control, why performance anxiety is part of every competitor’s journey, and how real improvement starts with humility and solid fundamentals. Larry explains the difference between playing and true practice, why focused 10-minute sessions can beat hours of casual play, and how decision-making and strategy expand once mechanics are sound. He also points listeners to PBIA resources for finding qualified instruction and reflects on pool’s welcoming community for all players.

00:00 Resilience Lessons

00:16 Meet Larry Nicholson

00:53 Belt Buckle Origin

02:07 Position Play First

03:02 Trick Shots Warning

03:53 League Nerves

05:51 Failure Builds Greatness

07:04 Learning Without Coaches

08:41 Fundamentals Before Strategy

11:30 Humility To Improve

14:19 Thinking Outside Box

17:19 Practice With Purpose

19:50 Playing Versus Practice

21:26 Building Evaluation Plan

22:29 Remote Coaching Follow Ups

24:20 Adult Learning In Layers

25:03 Drills Versus Skills

27:01 Building Your Lesson Plan

27:48 Testing With BU Exam

30:09 Side Spin Comfort Zone

31:03 Embracing Discomfort Wins

34:03 Pool Is Lifelong Mastery

34:46 Finding Certified Instructors

38:18 Magic Eight Ball Jeanette

40:04 Why Pool Community Matters

41:17 Final Thanks And Sign Off

Scientific American Article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-works-what-doesn-t/

Dr. Dave’s Billiard University Exam: https://billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/

Where you can find our guest:

Official Website - https://TrinityBilliards.com

YouTube - Trinity Billiards - YouTube

FaceBook - Trinity Billiards School - FaceBook

Email: larry@trinitybilliards.com

Professional Billiards Instructor Association (PBIA) - www.playbetterbilliards.com

American Cue Sports (ACS Instructors) - https://americancuesports.org/find-an-instructor

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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This episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast host Sue Lueder interviews Coach Sean, a Las Vegas-based PBIA and ACS Level 1 instructor who is dedicated to both the local and junior pool scenes. Sean shares his remarkable "origin story," transitioning from a truck driver to a professional instructor after deciding to take the game seriously only a year and a half ago. Despite being a self-described "infant" in the sport at the time, he tells the incredible story of how he accidentally entered a pro event and took second place in Scotch doubles alongside 15-year-old phenom Savannah Easton.

We dive deep into the Las Vegas pool community, exploring the unique "chip tournament" scene and the famous venues that make the city a global hub for the sport. Sean also opens up about his mission to transform the future of pool by working with the Billiards Education Foundation (BEF) to create collegiate scholarship opportunities and a path to the Olympics. He advocates for expanding access to the game by moving equipment into community centers and schools, ensuring the next generation can learn outside of the traditional bar environment.

00:00 Welcome And Intro

00:39 Sean Pool Origins

02:04 Science Of Pool

02:45 Moving To Vegas

03:22 Accidental Pro Event

07:00 Rio Westgate Awakening

11:02 Vegas Pool Culture

13:24 Leagues And Ratings

15:41 Ultimate Pool Format

17:05 Juniors Scene Spark

17:59 Teaching Kids Pool

18:32 Commentary Booth Nerves

19:10 Juniors Inspire Passion

20:10 Olympics and Paralympics Push

21:34 College Pool Scholarship Path

22:40 Changing Pool’s Image

23:39 Access to Tables

26:01 Starting Young Players

28:37 Vegas Junior Qualifier

31:40 Lessons and Coaching

33:43 Magic Eight Ball Finale

https://www.texaspoolmovie.com/

Hey Play Billiards toy billiard table for kids

Where you can find our guest:

Register for the 2026 Nevada Junior 10 Ball State Championships - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebWM3aEWoOkQCtwI5VQCjErx5_h48w7nX5Eft7jlug21iHIQ/viewform

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PoolPlayersAcademy

Youtube - https://youtube.com/@poolplayersacademy

Inquire about Pool Instruction (702) 720-6364

Book a Lesson: https://calendly.com/poolplayersacademy/bookalesson

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, the host Sue interviews Rocky, a longtime friend and ardent tournament director known for her charity pool events. Rocky shares her journey from learning to play pool in Monterey to organizing community-driven tournaments in San Diego. She highlights her work raising money for good causes, such as Baja Rescue and Miracle Ear Foundation. Rocky discusses the logistical challenges of setting up these events, the community support she receives, and her motivations. Listen to how pool tournaments can serve the greater good and unite people for charitable ends.

00:00 Introduction to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

00:44 Rocky's Journey into Pool

03:15 Running Charity Tournaments

05:44 Fundraising and Community Support

07:38 Challenges and Future Plans

08:49 Ladies' Tournaments and New Ideas

09:20 Charity Focus and Tournament Rules

09:45 Organizing and Promoting Events

12:27 Advice for Starting Charity Tournaments

14:03 Magic Eight Ball Fun

14:55 Future Plans and Closing Remarks

Donate to Baja Rescue: https://bajadogrescue.org/donate/

Where you can find our guest:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/raquel.dickinson.50

Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1244742861022941/

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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In this week's episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host Sue chats with elite pool player CJ Robinson about his journey in the sport, the importance of self-discipline, and the techniques he uses to stay calm under pressure. CJ shares his origin story, from playing pool with his father to captaining his first APA team. The conversation dives into the significance of a pre-shot routine, managing mental pressure, and using equipment effectively. CJ also discusses the psychological aspects of pool, both before and during matches, and the value of evaluating one's performance post-match. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the impact of equipment on performance, including the differences between various shafts and tips, and a fun segment where CJ consults a Magic 8-Ball about his future tournament prospects.

00:00 Introduction to CJ Robinson's Journey

01:00 Early Pool Memories and First Team Experience

02:09 Rising Through the Ranks and Memorable Matches

03:12 Mental Game and Handling Pressure

05:26 Pre-Shot Routine and Learning from Pros

06:59 Approaching Pool as a Sport

08:40 Psychological Aspects of Pool

10:05 Match Preparation and Observing Opponents

13:01 Dealing with Distractions and Pressure

18:37 Post-Match Reflections and Improvement

22:30 Cue Performance Insights

23:10 Comparing Pool to Golf

23:51 Equipment Tinkering and Tournament Experience

25:08 Understanding Low Deflection Shafts

29:27 Choosing the Right Pool Cue

35:24 Adjusting Cue Weight for Better Breaks

38:46 Magic 8 Ball Predictions

Cue Ball Deflection In Pool | Pool School

Where you can find our guest:

▶️Facebook - CJ Robinson - https://www.facebook.com/Poolaholic

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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📧Email - luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com

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In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, a diverse panel of APA team captains gathers to share their personal journeys and experiences in captaining. The captains discuss their motivations, the mechanics of leading an APA team, and divulge their strategies for building and managing successful teams. Key topics include the importance of team chemistry, balancing competition with fun, strategies for lineups and coaching, and handling conflicts both within the team and with opponents. They also share their biggest pet peeves and offer valuable advice for aspiring captains. The episode concludes with the panel participating in the 'Magic 8-Ball' segment, seeking answers to their burning questions about future successes.

00:00 Welcome to the Lucky Breaks Podcast

01:08 Meet 6 APA Captains

01:29 Favorite Team Names

06:49 What It Means to Be an APA Captain

12:58 Balancing Fun and Competitiveness

14:40 Handling Losing Streaks18:45 Team Dynamics and Roles

22:53 Dealing with Difficult Team Members

28:33 Managing Conflicts with Opponents

34:48 Strategies for Matching Players

36:45 Balancing Lineups for League Night

37:08 Strategies for High-Level Tournaments

37:57 Adapting to Player Preferences

38:44 Matching Up Against Strong Opponents

44:39 Coaching Techniques and Challenges

01:03:34 Advice for Aspiring Captains

01:05:34 Magic 8-Ball PredictionsWhere you can find our guest:Please reach out to luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com if you want to contact any of this episode’s guests.𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀: YouTube - www.youtube.com/@luckybreaks-podcast

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In this episode of the Lucky Breaks Podcast, host Sue Lueder dives deep into the world of professional pool with Chris Reinhold, a former junior champion and Mosconi Cup player. Chris shares his journey from a young amateur to a top-level competitor, highlighting the importance of managing attitude, ego, and mental toughness. He provides valuable tips on playing and winning against elite opponents, emphasizing the significance of playing within one's abilities, practicing efficiently, and using strategic safeties. The episode concludes with live demos and practical advice on executing safeties and strokes from Chris.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:44 Chris Reinhold's Early Days in Pool

01:58 Journey to Professional Pool

03:02 College and Beyond

05:53 Mental Strategies for Competing

12:12 Coaching and Improving Skills

17:12 Tips When Playing Scotch Doubles

19:21 Dealing with Pressure and Self-Trust

20:20 Reflecting on Matches and Learning from Losses

21:15 Maintaining Focus and Motivation

24:12 Strategies for Lower Skill Levels

26:57 Magic Eight Ball Segment

27:43 Safety Demonstration and Techniques

34:11 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Shoutouts

https://www.youtube.com/live/OHGkSIQ_yrE?si=0wGQ-KM1g4xR7Rnr

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVn73tIJJMY&t=435s

Where you can find our guest:

Website: Www.chrisreinhold.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisreinholdpool?igsh=b2JhZWlsYTZobGt1&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16jXdNSupF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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Thanks to our guests and host locations for season 2! We look forward to bringing you season 3 content in 2026. Send us your feedback and any guest or content ideas to luckybreakspodcast@gmail.com. Get notified when our merch store is up and running by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/QxdFQpPS2y5QNEMZA

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘀:

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