Jerry Briesath - Part 2 (The Delivery Is Everything — Building Players, Systems, and a Teaching Legacy)
In Part 2 of our four-part Legends of the Cue conversation with Jerry Briesath, we dive deep into the heart of his instructional philosophy—and the ideas that forever changed how generations of players approach the game.
This episode is all about process over results. Jerry explains how his teaching evolved from instinct to system, anchored by one deceptively simple concept: the cue ball on the spot. From that single reference point, he reveals how the cue tip tells the entire story of a player’s stroke, why delivery matters more than the trophy, and how consistency under pressure is built long before competition ever begins.
Jerry shares priceless insights into timing, the pendulum stop, and the transition from backswing to forward swing—drawing parallels to golf, bowling, and throwing mechanics. You’ll hear why he teaches perfection even while acknowledging unorthodox champions, and how elite players separate themselves not by aiming better, but by moving the cue stick than their opponent.
We also explore Jerry’s impact beyond the lesson table: the culture he created in his rooms, the free-lesson philosophy that turned slow nights into packed houses, and the systems-driven approach that inspired lifelong improvement in beginners, league players, and future champions alike. From kids leagues that dominated state tournaments decades later to his instrumental role in shaping the BCA instructor program, Jerry’s influence reaches far beyond Madison.
Along the way, Mark Wilson, Allison Fisher, and Mike Gonzalez reflect on how these teachings shaped their own development—and why so much of what’s missing in today’s game isn’t talent, but environment, mentorship, and systemized learning.
If you’ve ever wondered why great players stay great under pressure, this episode provides the answer: trust the delivery, trust the system, and let the results take care of themselves.
Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.
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Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”
Pool Professional and Instructor
Born in March, 1937, Jerry Briesath, was an active pro player in the 1960’s and ’70s, the award is validation of years of service to players and the sport. “This is just super,” Briesath said. “The Hall of Fame is about having the admiration of people in the sport and in the industry for what you’ve done. I’ve been to almost all of the Hall of Fame banquets and it was always wonderful to see great players and good people get recognized.” A longtime poolroom owner in Madison, Wisconsin, Briesath helped launch the BCA Certified Instructor Program (now known as the Professional Billiard Instructors Association) in 1992 and the BCA Summer Youth Cue Camps in 1993. He was awarded the BCA President’s Award in 1997 for his ongoing efforts to improve how players learn to play. He later helped create the BCA “How to Play Pool Right” book and video.”