Can I get some advice on consistency

WileyCoyote

Registered
One day I play lights out, then the next I cant make a ball..??? It's been years I have been tryin to figure this out. Can I get some help?
 
Always changing...

Your problem is most likely from either a lack of consistency how you approach and make the shot, or your mechanics are bad. Especially with bad mechanics, its hard to stay shooting well consistently, one day your lined up ok next day you do something diff.

Really just a shot in the dark tho without seeing you play in person. My advice is to go find someone who knows what they are doing, either a good instructor or a well rounded player and go from there. Your question is good just too general and we don't have anything to go by.

If by chance it could also just be your head is not in it. If this is the case then pick up a copy of "the inner game of tennis", sometimes its not our strokes and physical abilities at all, sometimes its just in your head.

Grey Ghost
 
As GG noted, there are a few possibilities, but one thing I know is true. Consistency comes from doing the same things the same way every time. From the way you approach the shot, how you grip the cue, how your arm moves, how your eyes move, you want to be doing everything the same way.

You didn't say where you are located, but if you could share that, maybe we could recommend someone in your area that can help. A good instructor will be able to get you going in the right direction pretty quickly. Without it, you may struggle for quite some time before you figure out exactly what is going wrong.

Steve
 
Confidence is a prerequisite to consistency. If you are not confident, you won't be consistent. Work on one, and then you'll find the other.
 
David...I think they go hand in hand. Consistency is built through repitition of a defined process (mental and/or physical). Of course, first the process must be defined, in terms of what you want it to be. With the consistency of your 'process', will come confidence in your ability to deliver the consistent process. When the 'consistent process' is unconscious, confidence soars, because you "know" you're going to be able to do what you think you can. jmo

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Confidence is a prerequisite to consistency. If you are not confident, you won't be consistent. Work on one, and then you'll find the other.
 
I as well have that problem, the first thing I personally try to check is my level of focus and concentration, after so much play you come to realize how you are playing when you are on and when you are off. If i find my focus is good (85% or better) I then generally look towards the consistency of my pre-shot routine (ie how I am addressing the ball, any leaks in straightness of my wrist, fluent forearm motions) again if I find that i am doing those things 85% or better I then, look to basic fundamentals, biggest being staying down to follow through on every shot, and making sure that no matter the level of difficulty I am giving every shot the same respect as the hardest ball I have ever pocketed.
 
Scott Lee said it best.


Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine

"Process...."

Same thing every shot

Eliminate variation

Simplification

Variation is what causes peaks and valleys more than mechanics. If you stroke like shit the exact same way every time, you're going to eventually become a run-out machine (by "playing" the imperfection).

Anyways, pre-shot routine. Final answer, Regis.
 
Scott Lee said it best.


Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine
Pre-shot routine

"Process...."

Same thing every shot

Eliminate variation

Simplification

Variation is what causes peaks and valleys more than mechanics. If you stroke like shit the exact same way every time, you're going to eventually become a run-out machine (by "playing" the imperfection).

Anyways, pre-shot routine. Final answer, Regis.

Even simpler than that...routine, routine, routine! Whether it's while your are studying the shot, standing over the shot, or shooting the shot, doing everything the same way every time will bring consistent results.

Did I mention, following your routine every time?

Steve
 
It's the "eye" thing.

I've only been playing for 50 years, but pay heed to a quote by Billie Jean King "Champions keep playing until they get it right". Practice alone is simply not enough to make your shooting perfect, "Perfect" practice will perfect your game. Even when you are "religiously" consistent, your changes of diet will affect your vision. When you aim at the ideal spot "the back of the ball", you must strike that spot or you'll miss. There are essentially two states of vision, one is "dead on" the other LOOKS right, but misses the aim spot. For these, breathe as deeply as you can, glare your eyes, then aim. It will probably correct that "eye thing". You might try reading my book "The Mechanism".
 
inner game of tennis

the inner game of tennis is a great book no matter what sport or game you play, But it does have one flaw in relation to pool. Tennis is like boxing, you have to make the right move at the right time. In pool, you can stand and look at the table forever and nothing is going to happen.
 
I think all the advice here is sound, but remember one important thing. Practice your fundamentals, etc...during your PRACTICE sessions, but focus on making the ball, and movivig to the correct side of the next ball during your real competion, whether that be money or tournament play. In other words don't practice during the tournament, you'll miss for sure! I see a lot of people still practicing during a tournament, going through the drills in their head, too much mind clutter. Leave the practice on the practice table, and focus on making the OB and controlling whitey during real play.
 
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