Debating with your friends who’s the best Billiards coach?
Efren Reyes, Willie Mosconi or Earl Strickland?
Here is our list of the best Billiards coaches of all time.
Do you agree with our picks?
Best Billiards Coaches:
- Efren Reyes
- Willie Mosconi
- Earl Strickland
- Mike Sigel
- Francisco Bustamante
- Allison Fisher
Table of Contents
#1 Efren Reyes
- 🏆 Achievements: Multiple world championships including the WPA World 8-Ball and 9-Ball
- 📅 Years Active: 1978–Present
- 👕 Teams Coached: Philippine national billiards team
- 🌐 Nationality: Filipino
Efren Reyes, known as “The Magician,” is celebrated for his remarkable skill and innovation in the sport of billiards, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest players in history.
His transition into coaching allowed Efren to impart his extensive knowledge of the game to the next generation of athletes, emphasizing creativity and strategic play.
As a coach, Efren has been instrumental in nurturing talents in the Philippine national team, sharing the techniques and insights that made him a legendary figure in the billiards community.
#2 Willie Mosconi
- 🏆 Achievements: 15-time World Straight Pool Champion
- 📅 Years Active: 1933–1957 (as a player), coaching years unknown
- 👕 Teams Coached: Private coaching and exhibitions
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Willie Mosconi, known for setting the world straight pool record, was not just an exceptional player but also shared his expertise through private coaching sessions and public exhibitions.
His intimate knowledge of straight pool tactics and shot-making provided an invaluable resource for both amateur and professional players looking to improve their game.
Though not formally recognized as a coach of a team, Mosconi’s influence on players and his contributions to the development of billiard strategy are undeniably significant.
#3 Earl Strickland
- 🏆 Achievements: Multiple titles including U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships
- 📅 Years Active: 1983–Present
- 👕 Teams Coached: Seminars and individual coaching
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Earl Strickland, noted for his fiery personality and exceptional prowess at the pool table, has utilized his experiences to teach and shape upcoming players through targeted coaching seminars.
His teachings often revolve around the mental aspects of the game as much as the technical skills, preparing his students for the pressures of high-stakes competition.
While Earl hasn’t coached a formal team, his contribution to the sport through individual coaching has left an indelible mark on many players striving to excel in the game of billiards.
#4 Mike Sigel
- 🏆 Achievements: Multiple titles including U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships
- 📅 Years Active: 1970s–Present
- 👕 Teams Coached: Occasionally coaches individuals and gives clinics
- 🌐 Nationality: American
Mike Sigel, known as “Captain Hook” for his exceptional safety play, has taken his experiences as a top competitor and translated them into beneficial coaching for players of all levels.
Through clinics and one-on-one sessions, Sigel imparts strategic insights focused on positional play and mental toughness, integral to high-level pool.
His endeavors in coaching may not be as publicized as his playing career, but his impact on the game extends through the many players he has guided and inspired.
#5 Francisco Bustamante
- 🏆 Achievements: WPA World 9-Ball Champion
- 📅 Years Active: 1980s–Present
- 👕 Teams Coached: Mentorship to younger Filipino players
- 🌐 Nationality: Filipino
Francisco Bustamante, renowned for his powerful break and exceptional cue ball control, is not only a champion player but also a mentor to upcoming talents in the Philippines.
Through informal coaching and mentorship, “Django” has provided guidance and support to a new generation, helping to ensure the Philippines remains a powerhouse in the world of billiards.
His influence on these young players extends both on and off the table, as he teaches them about the level of dedication and discipline required to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
#6 Allison Fisher
- 🏆 Achievements: Over 80 national titles and multiple world championships
- 📅 Years Active: 1990s–Present
- 👕 Teams Coached: Coaching through her academy, Allison Fisher Billiard Academy
- 🌐 Nationality: British
Allison Fisher, known as “The Duchess of Doom,” is not only one of the greatest female billiard players of all time but also a dedicated coach through her own billiard academy.
Her academy serves as a breeding ground for talent, where she teaches students the nuances of the game, including shot precision, strategic thinking, and proper cue action techniques.
Allison’s legacy in the sport is twofold: a decorated champion and a passionate educator, contributing to the growth and skill development of countless players around the world.
FAQ
Who is the greatest billiards coach of all time?
There is no widely recognized “greatest” billiards coach of all time, as coaching success can be subjective and differs across various disciplines within billiards.
Who was the most successful billiards coach?
Success in billiards coaching is hard to quantify, but instructors like Jerry Briesath and Phil Capelle have been highly influential through their students and instructional materials.
