How do you settle into a match and play your best????

K

Ky Boy

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
You all know what I mean.....arrive at a tourney early to get some time in on the tables to only play like crap when the tourney starts...or maybe its gambling for some you others.....


How do you shake the butterflies off and settle in to a match so you can actually play your game instead of dogging shot after shot???

I have always been a slow starter whether it be for cash or tourney play but yesterday was literaly embarassing for me. I made beginner mistakes, missed straight-ins, and flawed easy position play. I was scared to shoot after I made a few mistakes because I didn't know what was going to happen.....yep, it was that bad!!

The guy I drew first was no stranger to me either....he and I have played several times before in tourneys and a gambling match that lasted for probably 14-15 hours we broke even on.....so it wasn't that.

My next match was with a guy who lives in the same small town as me that I know real well. He happened to drive 2 hours to this tourney the same as me.....actually we both were kinda surprised to see each other there. So I know it wasn't the players that shook me.....the only thing I can think of is that it had been about 7-8 months since I had played any real players.......but there is really no excuse to account for the level of my horrible play!!!



Any suggestions????????????




Gary
 
Ky Boy said:
You all know what I mean.....arrive at a tourney early to get some time in on the tables to only play like crap when the tourney starts...or maybe its gambling for some you others.....


How do you shake the butterflies off and settle in to a match so you can actually play your game instead of dogging shot after shot???

I have always been a slow starter whether it be for cash or tourney play but yesterday was literaly embarassing for me. I made beginner mistakes, missed straight-ins, and flawed easy position play. I was scared to shoot after I made a few mistakes because I didn't know what was going to happen.....yep, it was that bad!!

The guy I drew first was no stranger to me either....he and I have played several times before in tourneys and a gambling match that lasted for probably 14-15 hours we broke even on.....so it wasn't that.

My next match was with a guy who lives in the same small town as me that I know real well. He happened to drive 2 hours to this tourney the same as me.....actually we both were kinda surprised to see each other there. So I know it wasn't the players that shook me.....the only thing I can think of is that it had been about 7-8 months since I had played any real players.......but there is really no excuse to account for the level of my horrible play!!!



Any suggestions????????????




Gary
Click to expand...
You got to play the game not the person. And I like to think about
A quote from a great player. You dont have to miss because your nervous B:cool:
You live too close to Stan to have to put up with that lol
 
I somehow knew that would be the answer to my question....lol

But, when the arm tightens up and you feel like amnesia has set in and you can't remember how to play then what next??? I know that sounds extreme but that is almost literally what happened yesterday....


It was just simply horrific!!!:eek::eek::eek:
 
Remember everybody is nervous, we are all human. Find a way to break the tension and dial in your focus. Breathe and keep breathing.
 
Perhaps you may have seen the thread about players using drugs to improve play???????


J/K man. I don't know the best answer but about 90% of the time I wish I did.
 
Sounds like you spiraled down into a hole, or let yourself succum to fear. You have to break it off before it overwhelms you. Stay loose and light
Laugh and I don't mean some crazed nervous laughter. Laugh at yourself , but don't take it so far and become aloof and careless about your game.
Balance! Breathe again! Lols ! Remember why you play?

A good meditation method is to rest your tongue to the roof of your mouth
With deep breathes. You will relax. Try it ! :smile:
 
Thank for all the replies guys!!!!! Thanks to you too D.....don't know what for though.....lol


After thinking back on my play I don't remember breathing at all.....I think I am looking at this all wrong......the thread title probably should have read

"Set world record for holding breath while going 2 and out in tournament play!!"

Yep, I messed up again....maybe my heads getting in the way....:grin:
 
Were you getting mad at yourself for making mistakes you knew you shouldn't be doing? If so my main advice is to learn to let it the go. Sometimes I can't even remember a dumb mistake after the match is over and it has helped my game as in tournaments and leagues.
 
Been there...done that!

I know exactly how you feel. I have shot some of my worst pool when the fear of making a fool of myself takes hold. I don't advocate the use of drugs but as a retired teacher I use to frequently advise students who go into brain lock in an exam to take a couple of aspirin half an hour before the test. I almost always take a couple of Advil (Ibuprofen) before a match. (I call them shoot good pills...lol) It just takes the edge off as it would with a tension headache. Any OTC headache med will work. Oh, yeah, and breathe!!!:smile:
 
Ky Boy said:
You all know what I mean.....arrive at a tourney early to get some time in on the tables to only play like crap when the tourney starts...or maybe its gambling for some you others.....


How do you shake the butterflies off and settle in to a match so you can actually play your game instead of dogging shot after shot???

I have always been a slow starter whether it be for cash or tourney play but yesterday was literaly embarassing for me. I made beginner mistakes, missed straight-ins, and flawed easy position play. I was scared to shoot after I made a few mistakes because I didn't know what was going to happen.....yep, it was that bad!!

The guy I drew first was no stranger to me either....he and I have played several times before in tourneys and a gambling match that lasted for probably 14-15 hours we broke even on.....so it wasn't that.

My next match was with a guy who lives in the same small town as me that I know real well. He happened to drive 2 hours to this tourney the same as me.....actually we both were kinda surprised to see each other there. So I know it wasn't the players that shook me.....the only thing I can think of is that it had been about 7-8 months since I had played any real players.......but there is really no excuse to account for the level of my horrible play!!!



Any suggestions????????????




Gary
Click to expand...


I doubt that there is a player out there that doesn't go through this, even after years or decades of play. It can happen going from practice into a match; from one match to another; from one day to the next. Sometimes it passes quickly and we can pull our cookies out of the oven before they burn, and other times, well, we just have to eat some very crispy chocolate chips. In some cases you can go into a funk for days, weeks, or months. Some players abandon the game for years, come back, and find that what they once did with precision and ease is now impossible.

So what is it?

My pet theory is that you're just doing something different. As a ferinstance: maybe because there's doubt in your mind during a match, you're studying the shots longer and then getting into your shots in a completely different way than you do when practicing, when you just smoothly go from shot to shot. Maybe you're holding your cue differently, or altering some motion as you get into shooting position. Even just setting up and shooting a bit quicker (or slower) can result in profound changes in your setup, simply because you're not giving your body enough time to do what it needs to do to get all the parts into position.

So, IMO, that's it. Try videoing yourself when you're playing well and then compare it to when you're not. You're almost sure to see a dramatic difference.

Lou Figueroa
 
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Well, so many things said about psychology in pool..
My humble experience after 20 years says:
1.Practice with a plan, study the game in depth. Don't get intimitaded by people which snob knowledge, they tend to play easier cause they apply less in their game. It's hard to learn to apply more and to be ready which of them to use in each situation. But when you reach some higher steps you will really play better than guys which have studied less. Just be patient in that process.
2. When competing, try to focus on each shot. Thoughts will be invading you all the time, in the battle field and the chair as well. Just remind yourself to concentrate on the shots after you have chosen which elements to use on it. At the moment of execution though your mind should be clear of thoughts. Consious preparation-training, subconscious performing.
3. Maintain your rhythm and spend energy accordingly to each shot.
4. Train yourself to repeat your routine and there you are! You can beat anyone!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, hope I helped a bit.
Petros
 
Last edited:
lfigueroa said:
I doubt that there is a player out there that doesn't go through this, even after years or decades of play. It can happen going from practice into a match; from one match to another; from one day to the next. Sometimes it passes quickly and we can pull our cookies out of the oven before they burn, and other times, well, we just have to eat some very crispy chocolate chips. In some cases you can into a funk for days, weeks, or months. Some players abandon the game for years, come back, and find that what they once did with precision and easy is now impossible.

So what is it?

My pet theory is that you're just doing something different. As a ferinstance: maybe because there's doubt in your mind during a match, you're studying the shots longer and then getting into your shots in a completely different way than you do when practicing, when you just smoothly go from shot to shot. Maybe you're holding your cue differently, or altering some motion as you get into shooting position. Even just setting up and shooting a bit quicker (or slower) can result in profound changes in your setup, simply because you're not giving your body enough time to do what it needs to do to get all the parts into position.

So, IMO, that's it. Try videoing yourself when you're playing well and then compare it to when you're not. You're almost sure to see a dramatic difference.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...



Lou,

Thanks for replying....and you are exactly right about the position of my body and the timing in between shots. Oddly enough I was aware of those things and got down in my stance and the position of my hand on the cue (back hand and bridge)......I kept trying to find the spot yesterday that I'm comfortable with during the match....

Ultimately, I knew I wasn't doing the things I normally do but that's just the thing......absolutely nothing felt like it should have.....If it was just an anomaly that will pass then so be it.....but I literally had some sort of meltdown yesterday that is obviously hard to describe....I literally went brain dead....I don't do drugs or take pills either.....I also have been quit smoking for 2 months....I would sometimes ge real nervous in matches and would smoke like a freight train trying to get myself calm and settled but yesterday I did not have that luxury.....just a ball of nerves!!!


Gary
 
Tournament Preparation

I usually play in a weekly Sunday 8ball tournament against some tough bar box 8ball players. Its a race to 2 on both sides, Valley rules, loser breaks. Its a tough little tournament just to cash in, so here's what I do and did to create an edge for myself.

I quit smoking 18 months ago today. Best thing I did period, but it took a while to notice a difference in my pool game. I carb up the night before. I eat pizza, pasta, ect. No alcohol or very little 2 days before. This improves my decision making process. I never just beat balls around when I practice. I try to get a few games before the tournament with a good player with a few $$$ bet on each game to make me focus. I play with Varney cues and use Kamui ms tips. I am always looking for something that will help me play a little better. I have been keeping notes in small notebooks that I can carry in my pocket for years because I never know when I might think of something that will make me a better player, and I don't want to forget it. I am 60 years old and I cash more often than not when I play now.

Hope this helps. I think the only thing I forgot is I try to get a decent night's sleep the night before too.

Good luck, Steve
 
Easy. Just remember that pool is only a game. And you play it because it is a fun game. No other reason really matters. I just played in my first tourney in about three years yesterday at Bank Shot Billiards in Louisville. It was a bank tourney, my worst game. I played solid and kept it together pretty good, all things considered. I sank some tough shots in clutch positions and am quite satisfied with my performance. I look forward to more tourneys. Just do what you know you can do. If you have a bad game or a bad day, just know that it happens to everyone. A short memory is a prerequisite to playing good pool. Cheers...
 
lfigueroa said:
I doubt that there is a player out there that doesn't go through this, even after years or decades of play. It can happen going from practice into a match; from one match to another; from one day to the next. Sometimes it passes quickly and we can pull our cookies out of the oven before they burn, and other times, well, we just have to eat some very crispy chocolate chips. In some cases you can into a funk for days, weeks, or months. Some players abandon the game for years, come back, and find that what they once did with precision and easy is now impossible.

So what is it?

My pet theory is that you're just doing something different. As a ferinstance: maybe because there's doubt in your mind during a match, you're studying the shots longer and then getting into your shots in a completely different way than you do when practicing, when you just smoothly go from shot to shot. Maybe you're holding your cue differently, or altering some motion as you get into shooting position. Even just setting up and shooting a bit quicker (or slower) can result in profound changes in your setup, simply because you're not giving your body enough time to do what it needs to do to get all the parts into position.

So, IMO, that's it. Try videoing yourself when you're playing well and then compare it to when you're not. You're almost sure to see a dramatic difference.

Lou Figueroa
Click to expand...


This is a lead in to something thats been on my mind lately, rhythm, tempo, cadanece.

How to get into the whole rhythm of playing pool. By rhythm of playing pool, I'm not just refering to shot making but everything that goes into to completeing a match from start to finish.

So, how do you find what your rhythm is? How can you measure how fast you are shooting? I never really clocked how fast I was shooting, going from shot to shot.

So, I just recently started saying to myself after I complete a shot-one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three and so on. This is about a 1 sec. phrase if you say it right.

When I first started doing this, I took note of what count I was at and what I was doing.

I noticed that it takes about me to the 5 sec count to get a good idea of what to do with the cue ball. By the 8 I'm down and by 10-12 the ball is in the pocket. It is this rhythm that I seem to pocket the most balls.

If I find myself rushing shots, its because I'm not doing the count.

I also try to time my breathing along with the counting. Like at the 6 count I'm done exhaling ad start inhaling until the 12 and then repeat.

I've found doing this and never hitting more than 1 tip off center of the CB to be of great benefit.

FWIW.
 
Ky Boy said:
You all know what I mean.....arrive at a tourney early to get some time in on the tables to only play like crap when the tourney starts...or maybe its gambling for some you others.....


How do you shake the butterflies off and settle in to a match so you can actually play your game instead of dogging shot after shot???

I have always been a slow starter whether it be for cash or tourney play but yesterday was literaly embarassing for me. I made beginner mistakes, missed straight-ins, and flawed easy position play. I was scared to shoot after I made a few mistakes because I didn't know what was going to happen.....yep, it was that bad!!

The guy I drew first was no stranger to me either....he and I have played several times before in tourneys and a gambling match that lasted for probably 14-15 hours we broke even on.....so it wasn't that.

My next match was with a guy who lives in the same small town as me that I know real well. He happened to drive 2 hours to this tourney the same as me.....actually we both were kinda surprised to see each other there. So I know it wasn't the players that shook me.....the only thing I can think of is that it had been about 7-8 months since I had played any real players.......but there is really no excuse to account for the level of my horrible play!!!



Any suggestions????????????




Gary
Click to expand...

When I'm nervous, I try like hell to get ball in hand as often as possible. That way I can get things started on my own terms.

I also like leaving my opponent difficult shots. If he makes them, fine. If he he misses them, watching him feel the pressure and get rattled helps me to settle down.

Lastly, firing at balls hell-bent for leather can shake the butterflies right out of me.
 
Ky Boy said:
You all know what I mean.....arrive at a tourney early to get some time in on the tables to only play like crap when the tourney starts...or maybe its gambling for some you others.....


How do you shake the butterflies off and settle in to a match so you can actually play your game instead of dogging shot after shot???

I have always been a slow starter whether it be for cash or tourney play but yesterday was literaly embarassing for me. I made beginner mistakes, missed straight-ins, and flawed easy position play. I was scared to shoot after I made a few mistakes because I didn't know what was going to happen.....yep, it was that bad!!

The guy I drew first was no stranger to me either....he and I have played several times before in tourneys and a gambling match that lasted for probably 14-15 hours we broke even on.....so it wasn't that.

My next match was with a guy who lives in the same small town as me that I know real well. He happened to drive 2 hours to this tourney the same as me.....actually we both were kinda surprised to see each other there. So I know it wasn't the players that shook me.....the only thing I can think of is that it had been about 7-8 months since I had played any real players.......but there is really no excuse to account for the level of my horrible play!!!



Any suggestions????????????




Gary
Click to expand...


i jack the bet, for what ever strange reason-the more I bet the moe relaxed and focused I become. I dont play in tournments
 
Ky Boy said:
I somehow knew that would be the answer to my question....lol

But, when the arm tightens up and you feel like amnesia has set in and you can't remember how to play then what next??? I know that sounds extreme but that is almost literally what happened yesterday....


It was just simply horrific!!!:eek::eek::eek:
Click to expand...
I had the same thing happen to me on Saturday. Couldn't find my way out of the exit.
 
And just say 'no' too.

Who knew it was so easy...

Petros Andrikop said:
Well, so many things said about psychology in pool..
My humble experience after 20 years says:
1.Practice with a plan, study the game in depth. Don't get intimitaded by people which snob knowledge, they tend to play easier cause they apply less in their game. It's hard to learn to apply more and to be ready which of them to use in each situation. But when you reach some higher steps you will really play better than guys which have studied less. Just be patient in that process.
2. When competing, try to focus on each shot. Thoughts will be invading you all the time, in the battle field and the chair as well. Just remind yourself to concentrate on the shots after you have chosen which elements to use on it. At the moment of execution though your mind should be clear of thoughts. Consious preparation-training, subconscious performing.
3. Maintain your rhythm and spend energy accordingly to each shot.
4. Train yourself to repeat your routine and there you are! You can beat anyone!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, hope I helped a bit.
Petros
Click to expand...
 
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