Does anybody else struggle with tight pockets? My buddy got new rails cut for his table that make the pockets right at 4". It was kinda fun at first because it's noticeably difficult, and forces you to have a precise stroke & aim. However, after some months I have begun noticing my overall level dropping. I don't run out as often, am not nearly as aggressive, and doubt myself where I never have before. Shots where I typically play one side of the pocket or the other for position are no longer the same. I have to hit center pocket to make the ball, which means I am forced to take whatever position I can get from it. That is having a negative overall affect on my game. The tables we compete on have 4.5" pockets, which should seem easy but it's only in theory. I find that I am bringing my doubts & timidness from the practice table to the competition tables, and my competitive play is noticeably lower level than before I began practicing on the tight table.
I guess I never considered the psychological aspect of practice. There's more to the game than mechanics, and I have found that I play pretty much exactly how I practice. If I'm practicing timid and full of doubt, then my competitive play will reflect it. If I can run racks & string packs in practice, then I can do so in competition, too. Is this just something specific to me, or have any of you experienced similar? I'm not sold on the tight pockets. In fact, for my game they are counter productive. Now I'm wondering if it would work in reverse. Would 5" pockets make me feel like a champ?
I guess I never considered the psychological aspect of practice. There's more to the game than mechanics, and I have found that I play pretty much exactly how I practice. If I'm practicing timid and full of doubt, then my competitive play will reflect it. If I can run racks & string packs in practice, then I can do so in competition, too. Is this just something specific to me, or have any of you experienced similar? I'm not sold on the tight pockets. In fact, for my game they are counter productive. Now I'm wondering if it would work in reverse. Would 5" pockets make me feel like a champ?