Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS)
Instructional DVD Series

Patrick Johnson:

The biggest compliment I can pay to any instructional aid for pool is this: The day after watching Disc I of the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (Basic Shot Making and Position Play) I found myself using things I learned from it in every game of pool I played, and I played better and won more because of it.

That brings me to my only serious complaint about VEPS: it’s misnamed. This is no mere collection of pool shots; it’s a comprehensive instructional course on how to shoot. Each “shot” is actually a helpful shooting technique that can be applied to many shots and many situations that come up in real play.

The techniques range from very basic (stop shots, straight draw shots, etc.) to intermediate and advanced (“hook” follow, complex combo/caroms, etc.), each demonstrated, described and illustrated in such clear and accurate ways that anybody can understand them and, most importantly, learn how to execute them and when. Dr. Dave is probably the most knowledgeable technical expert on pool today and this series delivers his knowledge in practical, useful form to players of all experience and skill levels. If you thought that the “science” of pool was only for geeks, VEPS will change your mind in a hurry.

At $30 per disc, VEPS is a huge bargain. You get not only lots of useful techniques (160 crammed into 87 minutes on Disc I alone), but also related references to Dr. Dave’s extensive library of literally hundreds of free on-line videos, articles, illustrations and graphics at his now-famous Colorado State University website (http://billiards.colostate.edu/). Whenever a technique on VEPS can be illustrated or expanded on by one of Dr. Dave’s online resources (this is true of many of them), a helpful reference is given so that you can look it up.

The techniques on Disc I are often (though not always) things that students of the game have heard of and even used to some degree, but presented in such a clear and helpful way that it’s often as if they’re brand new. I knew about most of the techniques on VEPS before, but I didn’t know many of them or realize how really useful and powerful they are until VEPS opened my eyes.

The techniques on Disc I are organized by type (cut shots, stun shots, follow shots, draw shots, CB direction control, CB speed control, avoiding a scratch, combination shots, carom shots and billiard shots) and numbered for easy reference. Many of them are “GEMS” – techniques that are so useful that they deserve special attention. I agree that the techniques chosen for this distinction deserve it, and think it’s a testament to the value of VEPS that more than 1/3 of the 160 techniques presented on Disc I earn it.

... I think [the] no-frills, no-nonsense approach is appropriate and even necessary in order to present the huge amount of densely packed information in this serious reference work. I’ll be returning to review many of these techniques over and ove r...

Here’s the second highest compliment I can pay to VEPS: I wish I'd produced it. Judging by Disc I it will be the most comprehensive, authoritative, accessible and generally useful instructional publication for pool to date (and probably for a long time to come), and the standard against which every other such publication will be measured.

Jim "Jal" Valasina:

I've been extremely impressed with the series. But apart from the information itself, I just wanted to mention that many times I find myself scratching my head as to how you've managed to put this together without any outside assistance? The setting, lighting, camera angles, graphics, editing and narration are worthy of a studio production, imo.

Those who associate you with "dimly lit" and somewhat fuzzy high-speed videos, incomprehensible equations and charts, though all excellent material for those with that bent, might say to themselves (as I actually did!): "I thought I knew Dr. Dave, but had no clue." Your ability to assemble a vast amount of material, present it in a clear and logical way, and always with great care and precision, frankly, dazzles me at times. Of course, the online samples provide a hint of what's in store, but being just samples, they can't really do the experience of viewing the entire video(s) justice.

Scott Lee:

Nice job Dave! Very clearly explained and demonstrated well. I love the lines showing the different cut angles and the same CB path. Well done! This will be a great addition to any poolplayer's library of instructional material.

Tim ("The Monk") Miller:

Bravo!!!   nice going both of you.

Tom Simpson:

GREAT job. Well organized and clearly illustrated.

RedDotTournament Marcel:

This is going to be "the one and only pool class" a pool player ever needs!

Allan Sand (from here):

You can learn more about the principles of cue ball control from this DVD than from 10 years of playing experience. The title "video encyclopedia" might seem a little ambitious, but five minutes into the contents establish that this is a precise and exact mission statement.

This is not a "watch-once and put with the other DVDs" DVD. This material is so densely packed that you can only begin to understand the details after you have viewed every section at least ten times. Your remote's reverse and fast reverse buttons will get extensive use as you view and consider the consequences and benefits of every clip and frame.

The information presented is direct and easy to understand. Make sure that you stop the DVD for a moment after each segment and consider how you could have used it in any previous game or match - and will use it the next time you are at the table.

Paul Mon:

I’ve viewed it twice. By far the most complete collection of billiard knowledge I’ve seen. I can’t wait for more. I did have a hard time trying to find the “peace sign” tips after the first viewing. The categories being more shot oriented. The numbering is great and you and Tom both do superb work. I can only imagine how tough editing had to be. There is no wasted time. I definitely learned a few things, particularly in regards to cue ball travel and how to change it with different stroke. I definitely don’t know what I don’t know.

………2 thumbs up

Joe Waldron:

I give it five stars as an introduction to shot making ***** with some nice additions for intermediate players.

I watched the whole DVD the other night and here is what I like and what I thought was needed from a user’s perspective.

Quality of the DVD: It looked great on my 5’ plasma TV.

Use of graphics: They are exceptionally clear and well presented. They are not over used and illustrate the points well.

Presentation style: It is not hyped or overly commercial. The instructional style, with recaps as needed, were useful and appropriate. This is an instructional DVD and makes no excuses.

Lack of music and other extraneous noise: Made it easier to concentrate on the topics.

The use of Gems is a good idea as it highlights things that are useful but not necessarily common knowledge. They are (at times) the kinds of things you can tell your buddies at the pool hall and earn some respect.

Lack of duplicate or multiple replays of the same shot is probably one of the most appealing features. As noted on the DVD I am capable of rewinding and pausing as needed. The lack of duplicates makes the DVD worth much more than the price paid. I think that a relatively new player will spend many hours with the more than 150+ ideas presented and discussed. The DVD contains two or three times the amount of information available on similar DVDs and this is quite impressive. I think this should be strongly emphasized in your public relations campaign.

Dave Gross:

as far as I'm concerned this series of dvd's would be as important to pool, or more so, than Ray Martin's "99 critical shots...", and that is a must for every pool player.

The 1st disc I thought was awesome and certainly not just for beginners, it really does a great job of showing how to move the cue ball around with just a little bit of adjustment. I feel this is the one of the most important aspect of playing good pool, knowing where the cue ball is going so you can continue the run a heck of a lot more easily. This is very impressive. And as far as the question of too much content or not, not. I like when dvd's pack stuff in to refer to at your own pace.

... the content was incredible and I can not wait to see the next 4 discs. Thanks to you and Tom for putting this together. You continue to provide a great service to the pool world.

Ralph Kramden:

Dr Dave and Tom Ross have done an excellent job. There are many good instructional DVD's out there. This one is top notch. On a scale of 1 - 10, this disc should be given a 10.

Disc I: Many shots that players have taken years of play to learn. Not just for beginners. Advanced players who watch Disc I can brush up on shots they already know, or may even learn a few new ones. Dr. Dave does the narrating and some shot making. There are many "GEM" shots that have a somewhat annoying TA DAH sound, but they really are gems. Tom Ross shows much skill in some of his shot making. I'm sure you will want to purchase the complete series of 5 discs after you view Disc I.

Disc II: A non stop disc of english and position control instruction. Most experienced players might make a majority of these shots without hesitation but may find the advanced position play helpful. There are no racks of balls run, just many shots that will occur in ordinary games. You won't be disappointed.

Shaft:

I am still a developing player but I am learning a ton from the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots. Some of you old timers might know all this stuff, but these videos have accelerated my learning curve a great deal.

"Knowing" is not the same as "executing," and there is no substitute for practicing and drilling, but "knowing" is the first step. And, when things go wrong, I also understand much better why they went wrong. I could spend a year just working on the stuff shown in Volume II.

I highly recommend these videos and I cannot wait until Volumes III, IV and V are released.

Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Dave Alciatore and Tom Ross for putting this material together.

Redneck Jim:

Got my Basic Shots DVD and have watched it a couple of times, and can say that I think it's great. Good production quality, & a TON of good material. You said you thought it might contain too much material, but not in my opinion. It just means that you overdelivered, and I'm glad you did.

... I like the teaching style and the easy to understand explanations.

Rich93:

The best instructional for progressing beyond fundamentals is Dr. Dave's and Tom Ross's Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots. Dr. Dave tells you what's about to be shown and then Tom Ross shows it. No wasted time on the DVDs, and a large body of knowledge is crammed in there. You will be hitting pause a lot because it goes by pretty fast.

I've only seen the first two DVD's of the five that will ultimately be produced, but they are by far the best pool instructional of any kind that I've ever seen or read. I trust that the last three volumes will be likewise. Dr. Dave and Tom have really produced a superb product.

Hank Samuel:

I have no doubt that you two have produced the best product ever for the game. THANK'S TO BOTH OF YOU.

JCurry:

The VEPS DVD's are great. These are a great addition to any billiard DVD and book collection you might have.

MOJOE:

I ordered the whole set and have enjoyed them all. I'd consider myself a well above average player, and have still learned a ton from the videos.

I learn something new each time I watch them. In my opinion these are a must no matter what level you play.