About
Meet Your Dedicated Pool Instructor
Throughout his life, Li had played pool casually and sporadically, never considering himself a true pool player. However, in 2015, after stumbling upon a game of snooker on television, a profound curiosity for cue sports ignited within him. He realized he lacked an understanding of the strategic thinking of professional players and the uncanny ability of commentators to predict their next moves. In October 2019, this curiosity blossomed into an obsession with mastering the game of pool. Immersing himself in books and online resources, he diligently honed his fundamentals through endless drills, mastering different shots, and embracing the inevitable learning curve filled with mistakes. Despite the challenges of being his own coach, he persevered and began entering local tournaments in the summer of 2023, achieving several victories and multiple top-three finishes along the way.
Putting Fundamentals into Action
Li is not only an instructor but an active player who continues to train regularly, practicing the same techniques and drills he teaches his students. The video here, recorded on October 22, 2025, shows his current best of four consecutive 8-ball break and runs or table runs, each achieved through solid fundamentals, shot planning, and hours of training. These are the same principles Li emphasizes in every lesson: build a strong foundation, trust your process, and let the results speak for themselves.
Unique Instructional Blend
With a background in software release management and quality assurance spanning 10 years, coupled with over a decade of experience teaching English to adults in Thailand, Li brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and effective communication skills to his pool instruction. His technical expertise ensures a meticulous and structured approach to mastering the game, while his teaching experience fosters clear and effective communication, making complex concepts easy to understand. Discovering immense satisfaction in helping others succeed, Li pursued his PBIA Instructor Certification in December 2023, under the mentorship of esteemed pool expert and PBIA Master Instructor, Bob Jewett. This combination of skills and dedication equips Li to provide unparalleled guidance and support.
Foosball to Pool: Winning Strategy and Adaptation”
Li didn’t begin his journey as a pool player, but rather as a dedicated foosball enthusiast back in 1999. As a regular participant in foosball tournaments, the pinnacle of his career came when he and his partner, Erik, clinched first place in the 2007 San Mateo Foosball League. It wasn’t until many years later that he developed a similar passion for pool.
His victory not only underscores his competitive drive but also highlights his proficiency in strategic and precision-based games, qualities that seamlessly transferred to his pool play. Just as in foosball, Li maintains a determined mindset in pool, continuously honing his skills and strategizing to outperform opponents on the table.
Continued Training and Professional Development
Li believes that great instructors never stop learning. In October 2024, he advanced his PBIA certification to the Certified Instructor level, a distinction that recognizes the ability to teach players of all amateur levels including those active in leagues and tournaments, with a focus on identifying and addressing mechanical flaws, enhancing position play, and building strategic game skills for ongoing improvement.
He continues to refine his knowledge through workshops and advanced training, including a session with the current number one ranked player in the United States, Shane Van Boening in July 2024. Learn more about the insights and lessons Li gained from that experience in his article, Training with a Champion: Lessons from Shane Van Boening
Relatable Mentorship
What sets Li apart is his relatability—he didn’t grow up playing pool but rather learned and developed his skills later in life. This enables him to understand the challenges faced by beginners and offer effective strategies tailored to their needs. Li is enthusiastic about partnering with students on their pool journey, providing personalized guidance and support to help them progress and achieve their goals. Join Li on this thrilling journey and elevate your game together.
Li Sasaki
PBIA Certified Pool Instructor