Overview of Last Pool School Workshop conducted on 16 February 2008 at the Pool Room, Ferntree Gully.
 
Numbers were not big, however the quality of teaching, the venue and the program, facilitated by both Ray Shorthouse and Dean Cottier was excellent. I learnt heaps and was delighted, to take advantage of the low numbers.
 
Ray is an elder statesman of the game and he does know plenty of drills and exercises, to extend your skill level. Ray Shorthouse does have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical, aspect needed to become a very skilled and high performing player.
 
If you want to move up grades or have aspirations of National or State, pool, no matter what goals you have, these lessons will definitely assist you in becoming a better player !
 
Ray has spent, time in past years, setting up shows for world re-knowned Eddie Charlton and showed flashes, of his own  brilliance, on the day, whilst demonstrating. 
 
Dean Cottier the brain behind the School, is a competent player and complements Rays skills with his knowledge and understanding of how to get the best out of the individual, from video analysis, to mind and body skills and techniques which let you play, unrestricted, without  fear or negativity. How many times have you heard someone say they lost that frame between the ears. 
 
In the past Dean has been responsible for assisting athletes to the top of their chosen sports on a National level and is soon to recognized by the Australian Sports Commission as a coach, (no not in Pool) but in WUSHU.
 
Wushu is a name for all things pertaining to marital arts, kungfu, weapons and healing, something Dean has trained in with Master Zhang, from the Chi Chinese Healing College in Sydney since 1989, gaining his teachers License in 1995. In April, 08 Dean will be off to China with Zhang Hao on a 2 week study tour. 
 
Dean said many of his understandings of athlete's emotions and their needs, came directly from Zhang Hao's teachings and has mixed and matched them with some of his own life experiences and Western philosophies to gain the knowledge to create a successful individual.
 
All in all, I gained heaps from this Pool School Workshop and could highly recommend to others,  know matter what the level. Rated 8 out of 10.

Ralph - EDPL Webmaster (Currently play in the Seymour Eight Ball League Competition)
 
Next workshop at the Pool Room Fern Tree Gully from 3.30pm to 6.30pm on the 16th of March 2008. For information ring Dean, on 0413840623  Click here for flyer