Sharks Academy is our lessons program, made for everyone from beginners to pros. Learn the basics or master your skills.
Each level consists of four classes, one hour each, that will take place weekly over four weeks.
You’ll be taught by one of our Sharks Pros in a small group.
Start at the level that best corresponds to your skill level.
Level One: Baby Shark
“I’ve played pool a few times but I’m not sure I’m doing it right.”
Learn the basics: proper stance, how to hold a cue, how to bridge, how to aim, basic position play, follow + draw.
Our Teachers
Andre
Hi, I'm Andre! I know a ton about pool and I want to teach you the most important skills in a fun way. I've put together a #1 team at Society Billiards' 8-ball league, been the MVP of my APA teams many times, and have won the Sharks 8-ball tournament twice. I'm a winning team captain and a successful lone competitor. I'll be bringing the lessons I've learned the hard way, to you, the chill way!
We're going to put the "fun" in fundamentals starting with our stance, bridge, stroke, and aiming techniques. We're going to learn about how much control we can have over the balls on the table as well as over our own minds while playing. From the physical to the mental realms, I will train you on being aligned and removing the ego and self judgement, on and off the table. Every loss is a lesson and every win, a blessing; everyone is included and all are welcome! Let's be kind to ourselves, be the ball, and have fun!
Quang (Q)
Meet Quang (or simply Q), the pool prodigy hailing straight from the bustling streets of New York City! His love affair with the game began amidst the tantalizing aroma of tacos and the clinks of dollar slot tables in a cozy Mexican joint in the Bronx. With a FargoRate above 600, Q's skills have taken him on a whirlwind journey across local and international tournaments. From the gritty pubs to the glitz and glamour of the Hanoi Open in Vietnam, he's left his mark wherever he goes, including triumphs at the Predator Pro-Am, Tri-State Tour, BCA Pro Doubles, ACS Las Vegas, and the Canadian Cue Sports Championships.
Q is also a life-long learner of the game and can tell you about the history of pool to current pro gossip, all the while teaching the basics or reviewing a shot that cost you last month's rent.
When he's not hustling his way to victory on the green baize, you'll catch Q orchestrating the pool leagues at Society Billiards like a true cue commander. And if you're lucky, you might stumble upon him in Bryant Park, sipping tea and pondering over the perfect angle for his next shot 🎱🌟
Honda
Hey I’m Honda! I picked up a bar cue over 10 years ago and my love for pool has been growing ever since. I’m looking to share that same experience with you, just a cliff-noted version. Over the years I’ve learned everything about the game the hard way and that means now YOU don’t have to. I aim to grow your confidence and understanding of the table so that you can find the same joy of the game that I have.
Together we will learn about the core elements of the game from a proper stance and how to hold a cue stick to aiming and shooting techniques. As a former trusted captain and MVP in an APA league, I’m confident I’ll be able to coach you through the game, turning any feelings of intimidation into your newest hobby! The only thing I like more than sinking pockets is helping others experience that same feeling for themselves. Let’s rack ‘em up and have fun learning that every shot is an opportunity.
Alex
Hey y’all, I’m Alex. I started playing pocket billiards when I was young and knew nothing about the game, all I knew was that I wanted to play. Then I got good, really good, too good for my knowing. People would be like “hey kid you’re good.” And I was like “really?” And they were like “yeah.” And I would turn around and smile.
I’ve had a lot of great teachers within my time on the table and a lot of lessons were learned. I am excited to take what I’ve learned and show you from the basics to intermediate to full on shark (you will transform from your human body into a shark). I will teach you mechanics (stance, bridge and how to stroke), different ways to manipulate the cue ball, and how to recognize patterns as to make the game seamless as possible. All within a fun, comfortable and inclusive environment.
Moe
My name is Mohammed, but you can call me Moe for short. I started shooting pool when I was 8 with my younger brother in Ismailia City in Egypt. When pool halls invaded the city in the 90's, I became a pool fan, playing with expert players in 8-ball,9-ball, straight ball and snooker. Over the years, I participated in many state and national tournaments in Egypt . When I came back to the U.S, I managed to win a straight pool league at Amsterdam Billiards Club on my first try, plus I entered a few Tri-State Tournament with positive results.
I am here today to take you through a learning journey starting from the basics and having fun throughout the process. You will learn patience, cue precision, critical thinking shots, trick shots and how to own your game on your own. I will be there with you on every shot as a coach, supporter and a friend. Hopefully we will see you on the Sharks Tables soon.