Lessons Built
For Real Players.
One-on-one instruction from a 2006 USA Mosconi Cup team member. No fluff, no canned drills — every session is built around the leaks in your game.
What An Hour
With Mike Looks Like.
Every session is private — just you and Mike at the table. Hours are sold in one-hour blocks, and you can book back-to-back sessions if you want a deep dive.
Stroke Diagnosis
Mike films your stroke from multiple angles, identifies leaks in your delivery, and gives you a targeted drill set you can practice between lessons. Most players see a measurable change in their first session.
Pattern Play & Strategy
Learn to read the table the way a pro does — three balls ahead, with safeties in your back pocket. This is the gap between league players and money players, and it's almost entirely teachable.
Defensive Game
Mike's career was built on grinding out wins through pressure safeties and lock-up exchanges. You'll learn when to play safe, how to execute kicks, and how to read your opponent's options.
Break Mechanics
A reliable break is a learned skill, not a gift. Cue selection, stance, contact point, and follow-through — Mike rebuilds yours from the ground up so you make balls and control the cue ball every rack.
Mental Game
Tournament composure under pressure is a separate skill from shotmaking. Pre-shot routines, breathing, recovery from misses — the same routines Mike used at the Mosconi Cup.
Tournament Prep
Have a specific event coming up? Mike will tailor drills to the format, the field, and the tables you'll be playing on. Focused prep beats generic practice every single time.
From First Rack
To Tournament Floor.
Mike teaches everyone from total beginners to seasoned road players. The lesson plan is built around where you are.
Beginner
You're new to the game or have a stroke that's holding you back.
- Stance, grip, and bridge fundamentals
- Straight-stroke development
- Basic position play (1-rail patterns)
- Aiming systems that actually work
- Confidence on simple run-outs
Outcome: you can run 3–5 balls in a row consistently.
Intermediate
You can run racks sometimes but struggle in match play or under pressure.
- Cue ball control across all speeds
- 2- and 3-rail position play
- Safety selection and execution
- Kicking systems (diamond and parallel)
- Match strategy and pace control
Outcome: you start cashing in local tournaments.
Advanced
You're a serious tournament or money player looking to break through.
- Pattern optimization and risk management
- Break package construction
- Advanced safeties and 3-foul strategy
- Mental routines & pressure inoculation
- Match film review and opponent reads
Outcome: you compete with regional pros, not just survive against them.
Simple, Honest
Hourly Rate.
No subscriptions, no packages you have to commit to. Pay per session, after the lesson, in whatever format works for you.
- One full hour of private instruction
- Stroke diagnosis on day one
- Take-home drill recommendations
- Book at any of the three NC cities
- Three back-to-back hours in one visit
- Full diagnosis + work + play-against drills
- Time to actually fix something, not just identify it
- Most players' breakthrough format
- Multi-week prep for an upcoming event
- Tailored to format, field, and table type
- Schedule the hours that work for you
- Pay per session as you go
Payment Methods
Pay after the lesson — no upfront deposit required.
Common Questions.
How long is a typical lesson?
Sessions are sold in one-hour blocks. Most players book 1–2 hours; serious students often book 3-hour deep-dive sessions.
Do I need my own cue?
Bring your own cue if you have one — Mike can spot equipment issues quickly. If you don't, it's not a problem; loaner equipment is available at every venue.
What skill level do you teach?
Everything from total beginner to traveling pro. Mike's been coaching for years and has a teaching plan for every level.
Where do lessons happen?
At professional pool rooms across Raleigh/Cary, Greensboro, and Wilmington. See the Locations page for the full venue list.
Can we focus on a specific tournament?
Absolutely. Mike will tailor drills, patterns, and mental prep to the exact event you're playing — format, field, and table type.
How do I pay?
Pay at the lesson via Venmo, Cash App, or cash. No deposits, no online checkout, no subscriptions.
What if I need to reschedule?
Just give Mike a heads-up at [email protected] as early as you can. Life happens — no rescheduling fees.
Are group lessons available?
Mike's focus is one-on-one private coaching. If you want to bring a friend along to share a session, email Mike to discuss the setup.
Ready to Get
Serious About Pool?
Pick a time, pick a city, and let Mike do the rest.