Finding that balance between competition and confidence

A

abie10

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm a fairly new player. I've been playing since July of 2009. I'm like a sponge. I try and pick up any and all knowledge I can from whoever it comes from. I don't shoot with the nicest cue and don't pretend to be a player better than I am.

In my effort to try and improve, I have done several things. I have expanded from playing strictly in my APA league and started playing in a BCA league on 7' diamond tables. The competition is ridiculous (for someone like me) as 2 of the top 4 players in the mens advanced and mens open at the BCAPL Southwest Championships came from that league (including both champions).

I have also started playing in tournaments with very strong players (Desert Classic Tour, Southwest Regionals, etc) in an effort to expose myself to the level I someday hope to be at. Obviously I have not performed very well at these tournaments, which is expected.

My question is this, how much of this should I expose myself to? Mentally I am stronger than a lot of people with even more skill than me, but these tournament losses have really given me a hit to my confidence...lol

I'm thinking I need to start playing in tournaments with players closer to my skill level. I have no doubt that I would compete for more and perhaps even win a few of them. But I'm wondering if that will "stunt my growth" when it comes to pool and my skills...

What do you guys think?
 
I think if I was in your shoes (we all have been a new player someday), I would play tournaments with approx. the same caliber as you but I would try to get a few practice partners that are better than you and one Pro player to hang out with.

You get competition where you can win. You get stronger opponents in practice (of course, never forget individual practice) and you get that one Pro player for inspiration who can pass on knowledge to you.
 
I think you should try to do a little of both, tournaments with people more your speed, and some of the higher-level stuff you've already been doing.

I'm kinda in your boat, I also started last year, and am constatntly trying to improve. I guess I don't have the time to do as much as you can, but I've played with people MUCH better than me from the outset, as well as regular league play and now a few small tournaments when I can. I also understand your desire to be able to do better than just showing up, and I believe you will benefit from going longer into any kind of tournament, no matter what the level of comepetition is. I know the first time I went all the way through to the finals of our little weekly tournament here, it was definetely a mental challenge as it was completely new to me. Closing the deal, in a match or in a tounament, is a battle unto itself. I know I could sure use the practice at that, as often as possible. :o

Sounds like you have to time and where-with-all to do both levels of play, so by all means do so! Good luck!
 
abie10 said:
I don't shoot with the nicest cue and don't pretend to be a player better than I am.
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two things
1) Always shoot with the nicest cue you can afford
it will improve your game in the long run , and it helps you appear professional
2) Always pretend to be a better player than you are
. . . . you just might trick your opponent into believing it !
Your mental approach to the game is one the most important keystones of the game . Go into the game believing you can't be defeated - then all you have to do is convince your opponent of the same thing .
So what if you're not a professional - act like one anyway . (uh , but limit yourself to professionals like Martin or Mosconi - Earl Strickland is not your role model for this part . . . :nono:) Quiet , assured , self-confident - this is the image you want to project.
Don't babble on about things before or during your match , and don't let your misses affect you - or at least don't let it appear like they affect you , and you can gain a psyschological advantage over your opponent .
 
Good thread. Most of us have been in this situation. I would have very sound fundamentals that you can focus on to get back on stroke. This may also take your mind off who your playing. You are only as good as you are. Once you accept this then the negative self talk can go away. If you want more from your game, then you have to put the time in. If your missing balls, work on aim and alaignment. If its shape then run some drills. Practice with a purpose and improve the parts of your game that need it. I agree with most of the other posters that you have to play a mix of people. Playing people you can beat is important.
 
justadub said:
I think you should try to do a little of both, tournaments with people more your speed, and some of the higher-level stuff you've already been doing.

I'm kinda in your boat, I also started last year, and am constatntly trying to improve. I guess I don't have the time to do as much as you can, but I've played with people MUCH better than me from the outset, as well as regular league play and now a few small tournaments when I can. I also understand your desire to be able to do better than just showing up, and I believe you will benefit from going longer into any kind of tournament, no matter what the level of comepetition is. I know the first time I went all the way through to the finals of our little weekly tournament here, it was definetely a mental challenge as it was completely new to me. Closing the deal, in a match or in a tounament, is a battle unto itself. I know I could sure use the practice at that, as often as possible. :o

Sounds like you have to time and where-with-all to do both levels of play, so by all means do so! Good luck!
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I like this approach... a mix of both is good.

Just to add one thing to what everyone else has posted... take the time to practice, practice, practice. I can't emphasize this enough.

Ray
 
I agree with Ray...especially practicing the right things the right way, and then, always reward yourself for the disciplined practice (30-60 minutes), with an hour or two of either competitive practice, or practicing playing (i.e.: just throwing balls out, or playing the ghost). If you could do this daily, it would be the quickest way to improve.

Confidence in your game starts with confidence in your stroke. When you can truly trust your stroke, you can utilize all the shot and strategy knowledge that you acquire through tournament play and/or gambling.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

BigCat said:
I like this approach... a mix of both is good.

Just to add one thing to what everyone else has posted... take the time to practice, practice, practice. I can't emphasize this enough.

Ray
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Learn to play all the games on the big track. Rotation, 14.1, one-pocket, bank pool. Knowledge in each of these games will help you in all of the others. At the same time develop rock solid fundamentals. After that it is just time and dedication, whether it is through gambling or tournament play.

On a side note, the best learning often occurs by simply watching and ultimately immitating. That being said, it would collect a library of accustates tapes or if you can't afford it, watch the many matches available online.
 
Salamander said:
Learn to play all the games on the big track. Rotation, 14.1, one-pocket, bank pool. Knowledge in each of these games will help you in all of the others. At the same time develop rock solid fundamentals. After that it is just time and dedication, whether it is through gambling or tournament play.

On a side note, the best learning often occurs by simply watching and ultimately immitating. That being said, it would collect a library of accustates tapes or if you can't afford it, watch the many matches available online.
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cant agree more. I think most people are visual learners and watching the top players run rack after rack will help anyones pattern play. Try to guess how they will get out.
 
Salamander said:
Learn to play all the games on the big track. Rotation, 14.1, one-pocket, bank pool. Knowledge in each of these games will help you in all of the others. At the same time develop rock solid fundamentals. After that it is just time and dedication, whether it is through gambling or tournament play.

On a side note, the best learning often occurs by simply watching and ultimately immitating. That being said, it would collect a library of accustates tapes or if you can't afford it, watch the many matches available online.
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Players IMOP should start the game off with 14.1 preferably....but 8 ball is a great beginning game...they are both furniture moving games where strategy comes into play first and foremost.

Banks and 9 ball is your next step up in progression as banks will errrr help you learn to bank em and spank em and 9 ball will learn you to move your CB around the table more effectively over long distances.

Being that the best is usually saved for last One Pocket should be your final piece imop....as it takes a culmination of the skills and tactics of all the distinct games. Unless of course if you are lucky enough to go some advanced study in snooker and on the Billiards table playing some 3cushion.

If you could learn to play all the games at a good level then you will be one solid player, as many players are only good at one or maybe just a couple games....you rarely see a great player that doesn't excell at every game from 9 ball to one hole. Tho some don't play one pocket just like some can't stand 14.1....IMOP the more games the merrier.

OH I almost forgot.....PLAY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ON THE BIG TABLE....don't b/c a BB champ that can't get out on the big track like you see with so many league players......its great for league but if your ever wanting to go anywhere with your game your going to have to get off the kiddie table and get on the big boy equipment. If you can get around a 9ft then you can get around a BB but it doesn't necessarily work vice versa.

AND play in those regional tournaments whenever you can....you will make mistakes that are invalueable to learn from. It will also help you to learn that it doesn't matter who your playing, B/C your not playing anyone your playing the table.

This isn't poker or trying to hustle, you don't play the opponent in general (unless its to the effect that he can't bank for sh*t so you leave him bank shots) You play the table....so the opponent doesn't even matter.

Everytime you win it was b/c you did better when it counted than your opponent, being that there is no such thing as perfect pool there is no such thing as an opponent....you both just take turns trying to work through the difficulties on the table whomever gets to the finish line first wins is all.

When the opponent is not shooting he isn't effecting your shooting. Your opponent has nothing to do with you winning , and should not effect you moving forward towards your goal whatever that may be.

Its the nature of the game that you must always go "take" it....so playing a "PRO" should be no diff than playing a "Schmoe".

I've beaten a few pros in tournaments and even won a few back room matches with some....I've always seemed to draw the top players ever since I can remember, but I look forward to it.

I'll never forget I was 18 and drew lil john in the first round in memphis back when the classic was still on the big tables (03?)....race to 9 and I'm down 6 to 1:eek:
He rattles the 7 in the corner and I then I put a 6 pack on him! My best friend was with me and he was crapping his pants lol....I was up 7-6 and had the 6 by the side, 8 by the spot and the 9 was by the corner....that would have put me up 8-6!

Instead I SOMEHOW (I STILL DON'T KNOW LOL) rattled the 6 ball b/t the jaws of the side pocket.....I swear I closed my fu*kn eyes or held my breath or SOMETHING I DON"T KNOW....but it sure did happen to end a great run.....John went on to finish out the set 9-7 with his own little package delivery back to me :) If I had let the idea that OMG i gotta play lil john get into my head I for dam sure as hell would not have ran all those racks.

I beat my next opponent and then played Richard Pierce.....I had bought him in the calcutta lol. Guy gets up there and plays PERFECT POOL. I lost 9-0, I only shot 3 times and they were all multi rail kicks!!!! It didn't even matter that I was in gear or not.....Richard just played what the table gave him perfectly and it was one beautiful thing to witness.

The only person beating you in a game of pool is YOURSELF....from a LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF IT, OR BOTH....THATS IT!!!!
(Uhummm unless someone never lets you shoot at anything like my buddy rich did to me lol...but all the pratice aint going to change what the other player does)

best wishes,
-Grey Ghost-
 
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greyghost said:
It will also help you to learn that it doesn't matter who your playing, B/C your not playing anyone your playing the table.

This isn't poker or trying to hustle, you don't play the opponent

When the opponent is not shooting he isn't effecting your shooting.

Its the nature of the game that you must always go "take" it....so playing a "PRO" should be no diff than playing a "Schmoe".

best wishes,
-Grey Ghost-
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This is my problem - I always do play my opponent. I rarely miss a ball against anyone who's not as good as me, yet rarely make a ball against a pro.

Are there techniques on how to develop mental strength?
 
TheThaiger said:
This is my problem - I always do play my opponent. I rarely miss a ball against anyone who's not as good as me, yet rarely make a ball against a pro.

Are there techniques on how to develop mental strength?
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Hi,

First: this is no offense against you :) -but i met soooo many ppl who are talking about mental problems.....even if they re not able to execute one straight-stroke. So one step after the other, Fast Eddie! Do your homework, practice and work on your technical abilities. This is a must-be for everyone-
Then later, when you re going to play more and more tournaments and competitions/league and so on, the mental part of the game will be a thing you can (or should) work on , too. There are many ways to work on mental things, like autosuggestion etc. etc. -
But even for that you lll finde tons of information in the internet-or you have the luck to know a qualified instructor, who s able to help you here, too.

lg from overseas,

Ingo
 
More exposure, more events, structured drills and I would definitely go to a pro event once a year if possible, like the US Open in the fall and just watch and take notes. Expect nothing from this game, just put in your time and see how you blossom, as a player and as a person. This game will find and expose every chink in your personality and game that needs work. Today is Sept 2010, if you look up and its Sept 2013, and your playing allot better and your wondering where the last three years of your life went, then your starting to get your feet wet. Remember with this game, Expect Nothing just do your work/learn and put in the hours, how many, hard to say, that's you. Good luck.
 
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