The first time I heard the phrase 'mind chatter' was from my friend pro player Laura Smith. Mind chatter refers to unnecessary self-talk that we often do that keeps us from finding the right flow of conscious and sub-conscious thoughts that puts us in the zone. The zone is not completely unconscious as some may think. It's a coordinated back and forth between the two to where it flows naturally and puts us in a mindset to perform without distractions.
When do you play at your best?
- Thread starter Flakeandrun
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You obviously need more training.
Flakeandrun
Well-known member
I see what you mean, so the 'mind-chatter' is unnecessary parts in the otherwise functioning/balanced machine
Flakeandrun
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Your signature checks out hahaha
I'll seek you out for substance abuse lessons at the next full moon.
Exactly. When you're in the zone, your mind is in it's most efficient state. There's no extraneous stuff going on. When top level competitors start to feel the mind chatter coming on --- which is a feeling of being distracted --- they use triggers to help steer them back into efficient thinking. Pro tennis player Steffi Graff, for instance, used to punch her upper leg as her trigger. It was her reminder to move her legs which triggered her mind back into it's efficient state of thinking, because when she got distracted, the first thing that was affected was that her movement around the court became sluggish.
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Have you noticed how many of the top snooker players tap a finger on the bridge hand? Usually the middle finger. After Barry Stark naming the ring finger as the trigger I tap my ring finger on the bridge hand as my reminder. It helps me
I feel locked in when I see the line of sight perfectly (as I should for my vision center).
Sounds more like a habit to me.Have you noticed how many of the top snooker players tap a finger on the bridge hand? Usually the middle finger. After Barry Stark naming the ring finger as the trigger I tap my ring finger on the bridge hand as my reminder. It helps me
20 years ago and no one you know saw it. They went to the other school.
Pocket Change
Member
I’ve just recently begun playing in local tournaments after a long layoff (I’m a come-back player). I reached the semis and the finals in two of the tournaments so far and I had no where near the nerves or trepidation I’ve experienced in the past.
At first I figured it was just my age and maturity but then I realized I took my beta-blocker meds just before each tournament. Sure enough they are on the banned list for illegal substances. For me it’s just a blood pressure med but who would have thought that they would be a banned substance.
Anyway, that’s when I play my best, especially under pressure
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At first I figured it was just my age and maturity but then I realized I took my beta-blocker meds just before each tournament. Sure enough they are on the banned list for illegal substances. For me it’s just a blood pressure med but who would have thought that they would be a banned substance.
Anyway, that’s when I play my best, especially under pressure
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another good book is "In Pursuit of Excellence" by Terry Orlick.
No time for negative! Jimmy Reid (rip) to a fellow Goucestermen!
Odds are I play my best when I am consistently preparing, practicing, putting in the time required.
In tournament play if I can get through a few matches unscathed I tend to start playing with a little confidence which coincidentally leads to perhaps playing my best.
Nothing else is going to bring out the best game I have, no matter what thoughts I may have to the contrary.
In tournament play if I can get through a few matches unscathed I tend to start playing with a little confidence which coincidentally leads to perhaps playing my best.
Nothing else is going to bring out the best game I have, no matter what thoughts I may have to the contrary.
Flakeandrun
Well-known member
I've always done that without thinking, and I think to some extent that is something my brain has simply copied from years of playing my father, as it is something he does. I had never really put a thought as to why I, he or anyone did that. Just assumed it was one of the things I'd picked up while trying to emulate his cue action. Interesting.Have you noticed how many of the top snooker players tap a finger on the bridge hand? Usually the middle finger. After Barry Stark naming the ring finger as the trigger I tap my ring finger on the bridge hand as my reminder. It helps me
Like Fran said, I had always assumed it was a habit, as it is something I literally have no thought or control over, but often notice.
Flakeandrun
Well-known member
Is there anything that you notice about times when this feels easier or harder for you? To find that point of focus?
Flakeandrun
Well-known member
Loving all the book recommendations on this thread!
For some strange reason, I found that I played my best around the time a full moon was occurring. I'm probably as Crazy as that sounds !