On July 15, 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a three-hour workshop with Shane Van Boening, the number one ranked pool player in the United States. It was an incredible experience that offered both validation and insight into what makes world-class players so consistent and confident under pressure.
During the session, Shane introduced his personal aiming system that he explained is used by many top professionals in some form. Seeing how the best players in the world simplify their decision-making was eye-opening. It reinforced how precision, discipline, and trust in fundamentals are what truly separate the greats from the good.
The workshop wasn’t just about technique, it was about mindset. Shane’s focus on staying composed, keeping the stroke clean, and committing fully to each shot echoed the same principles I emphasize with my students. The most encouraging part of the day came when Shane affirmed that my own stroke and fundamentals were sound, and I was able to follow and complete all of his drills successfully.
At the end of the workshop, I even got to play Shane in a short race to two in 9-ball. Spoiler: he swept me after a poorly planned and executed safety, but the experience was as humbling as it was inspiring. Competing against someone of his caliber reminded me how important it is to keep training, stay curious, and continue refining every part of the game.
As an instructor, I take these experiences back to my students. Every lesson, every drill, and every adjustment I teach comes from both study and firsthand application. Working with Shane reaffirmed that mastery isn’t about complexity, it’s about doing the simple things with precision and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Fundamentals matter, even at the highest level.
- Confidence comes from preparation and repetition.
- Every shot deserves full commitment, regardless of difficulty.
- Learning never stops. There’s always another level of understanding.
Experiences like this one fuel my drive to keep improving, not just as a player, but as a teacher. The better I understand the game, the better I can help others learn
