you're missing one.
all of the above.
At different stages of your development as a player, different things will help you to improve.
When you first pick up a cue, gambling will only make you give up the game. When you're a skilled player it may help to bring out your competitive spirit and help you to perform under pressure.
When you get to where you're able to pocket balls somewhat regularly, drills and position practice will help you to improve, but if you can't pocket balls, position drills won't help you and can hurt you in the long run.
Competing in tournaments once you've increased skill is the same as gambling, it can help you to compete better under pressure where as if you only practice drills and practice and play for funsies all the time, if you go and try to compete, it won't matter how well you practice.
So the short answer to your question is that for the best improvement, you need to do all of the above, but you have to understand when and how much to focus more on each aspect to get the best results.
Jaden
all of the above.
At different stages of your development as a player, different things will help you to improve.
When you first pick up a cue, gambling will only make you give up the game. When you're a skilled player it may help to bring out your competitive spirit and help you to perform under pressure.
When you get to where you're able to pocket balls somewhat regularly, drills and position practice will help you to improve, but if you can't pocket balls, position drills won't help you and can hurt you in the long run.
Competing in tournaments once you've increased skill is the same as gambling, it can help you to compete better under pressure where as if you only practice drills and practice and play for funsies all the time, if you go and try to compete, it won't matter how well you practice.
So the short answer to your question is that for the best improvement, you need to do all of the above, but you have to understand when and how much to focus more on each aspect to get the best results.
Jaden