So, my questions, in particular directed to the more highly accomplished AZBers here:
1a. From the time you get down on your shot and perform pre-strokes, until you address the cue ball the final time, what do YOU think about?
1b. Same question, but what would you recommend *I* (or any player to whom you are giving advice) think about?
2a. When you at final cue ball address, and you are starting your backstroke, then through your forward stroke, what do YOU think about?
2b. What would you recommend *I* think about?
I'm not highly accomplished, but:
1a. Seeing/feeling that I am hitting the target exactly where I want to (and had already decided before addressing the shot) aka mind already made up and just executing the shot I decided, be it correct, incorrect, or unknown (carefully observe what happens). AKA does it look/feel correct. When it does I simply shoot.
1b. Less thinking, simply does it look correct or not? If the answer is not then get back up and try again until it looks right. This method, like anything else takes practice. You might have to diagnose how you see shots at the practice table. Keep your head on a level plane and it is easier to avoid optical illusions.
2a. Ideally, nothing. Just awaiting the sweet feel and sound of the hit. At this point, thinking for me is self sabotage. Best to not think, just focus on your other senses, like sight, sound, feel. If I think about anything it's "sweet hit."
2b. Nothing. Focus on your senses and not your thoughts. Easier said than done, might take practice. Just feel and anticipate the feel and sound of a sweetly hit ball. The rest will take care of itself. If the rest doesn't take care of itself, remember or make a quick note of that shot and spend some time working on it during practice.
I have tried that. Doesn’t work. My mind is ALWAYS active. I can’t turn it off. I am hoping to redirect it instead.
Thanks for responding.
Me too. Focusing and thinking are different things. I find if I focus on the feel/sound my "thinking" isn't so forward in my mind. I have ADD so the tricks I have to do to keep focus may not work for everyone. Alan Watts had some line about constant thinking to the point of it being chatter in the skull is not useful. Maybe focus on your breathing.
Basically if I don't FOCUS on something, my brain is chattering away, and sometimes in life's endeavors that's helpful but sometimes it self sabotages.
I highly recommend adding something to your PSR while up and deciding. Like decide what to do, then say to yourself, is this correct? If you answer yes, just think "yes, correct" and then just focus on feel. Don't address the ball/get into stance until you say "yes, correct." The thinking is done and you confirmed it was correct. Don't be afraid to walk around the table for a different look or just to burn off some energy if you get to thinking. It's annoying but if your brain learns that thinking only gets it a trip around the table, eventually it will decide it's easier to shut up while you focus on feel/sound of a good hit.
