Billiard Lessons In Sussex County NJ

🎱 Learn to Play Pool at The Sussex Saloon

Looking for billiard lessons in Sussex County NJ? At The Sussex Saloon, we offer players the opportunity to improve their game through structured, small-group pool lessons focused on real skill development. This service is offered by independent billiard instructors that will meet you at our pool hall and work with you to help improve your pool game! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your technique, our sessions are designed to help you build confidence, consistency, and control on the table.

************ TO SCHEDULE A LESSON email us: info@thesussexsaloon.com ***********

Why Take Billiard Lessons?

Billiards is more than just a game — it’s a skill that improves with the right guidance and practice. Our goal is to create an environment where players of all levels can grow and enjoy the game.

At The Sussex Saloon, players can develop:

  • Better shot accuracy
  • Cue ball control
  • Strong fundamentals
  • Smarter shot selection
  • Confidence under pressure

We currently have one billiard instructor ready to teach!

BILLIARD INSTRUCTOR: STEPHEN LANZA

Billiards Background:

Stephen Lanza has been playing pool since his pre-teen days. He took time off from the game but returned to playing in 2006 and has played seriously ever since. Inspired by currently available teaching materials, coupled with intense practice and regular tournament play, his game improved markedly proving that anyone can raise their level of play. His goal is to impart that knowledge to beginners and intermediate players so that they can experience the joy and zen qualities of the game. Once players get enamored of the game, it will give them a life long quality experience that can be enjoyed at any stage of their life.

BOOK A SESSION WITH STEPHEN LANZA: email us: info@thesussexsaloon.com

Billiard Instruction Curriculum

  • Cost: $30 per hour for each student (This covers instructor time and green fees for the pool table)
  • Classes are 1-3 students

Course Section Topic: What It Takes

  • Talent / Ability
  • Technique / Game Knowledge
  • Time on Table
  • Mental Focus

  Course Section Topic: Fundamentals   

  • Fundamentals first
  • Stance (Closed/Inline, 3/4, Open/Snooker)
  • How to make a bridge
  • Types of bridges (Open vs Closed)
  • Bridge and arm back arm position on cue
  • How to aim, Ghost Ball vs Cut Method
  • Stroking cue ball. Stay Down & Follow Through
  • DO NOT RUSH
  • Goal is consistency of stroke
  • Don’t Reach. Use Bridge or Extension
  • Tangent line
  • Center ball hit
  • Follow stroke
  • Draw stroke
  • Speed of Stroke
  • Quarter Table Game
  • Cue Considerations
    • Weight
    • Playing with same cue
    • Consistent cue weight, hit and deflection
    • Shaft Types (Diameter, Wood, Carbon Fiber)
    • Cue types (House, Custom. Etc)
    • Cue tips (Layered/Single, S/M/H, Radius)
  • Table Etiquette
    • Chalk Sits Straight Up on Table
    • Player That Gets Down First Shoots First
  • Zen qualities of the game
  • You can play forever and even when it rains

Course Section Topic: Advanced

  • Clock Face
  • English (Running vs Check, Left/Right Low/High Left/Right)
  • Shot Selection (Consider At Least 3 Shots)
  • Deflection
  • Stun Shots (Center Ball, Stun Draw)
  • Position Play
  • Routes (Into Ball Not Across The Ball)
  • Banking
  • Kicking (Including Rail First)
  • Safety play
  • Push/Throw Shot
  • Shooting Off Rail / Over Ball
  • Combinations
  • Use of the Bridge / Cue Extensions

Course Section Topic: Billiard Games

  • 8 Ball
  • 9 Ball
  • 10 Ball
  • Straight Pool (14.1)
  • Banks
  • Chicago
  • One Pocket
  • Carom
  • 3 Cushion

Course Section Topic: Miscellaneous

  • Pocket Size / Angle / Shelf Depth
  • Cloth

************ TO SCHEDULE A LESSON email us: info@thesussexsaloon.com ***********