Power of the mind

[Cdryden]

The thread on high runs got me to thinking. Why is it that at one time I could run so many racks, but can't do near that number regularly? That question brought to mind a guy I new many years ago. We were in a ring game, and this guy was not only the worse player in it, but he was as drunk as I have ever seen anyone that wasn't passed out. He literally could not sit in a chair, he would actually pour out of it and end up on the floor each time he tried to sit down. We would have to walk him to the table and tell him to shoot. Not kidding or exaggerating at all, he played some of the best pool I have ever seen. The guy just could not miss anything. Masse's, kicks, he made them all. He normally was a low B player at best. Might run a rack if all was sitting pretty good.

The other day I was watching on you tube some guy climbing a wall like a monkey. It was unreal. You watch it, and you want to say that people can't do that!

Why are we sometimes able to do the seemingly impossible? With pool, I believe that many of us have the knowledge and ability to play almost flawless pool. And, for some of us, at least once in a lifetime, things come together just right. We essentially have all out stuff in one sock with no hole in it.

I feel that most of the pros really aren't any better than a lot of the amateurs skill wise. They just make a lot less mistakes than the amateurs. Now, you can call that part of the skill, and it would be hard to counter that argument. But, I think the real difference is in their mental attitude.

How many of the amateurs have become upset at some point, and mentally told their opponent "oh yeah, well watch this sucker" and suddenly their game jumped up several notches and they destroyed their opponent. So, the knowledge and the physical skill are there, but something had been missing.

That something missing I believe to be the mental part of the game. The champs think like winners. The rest of us really don't for the most part. When things start going good, the champs expect that to happen. The rest of us may be a little surprised and happy, and....waiting for the wheels to fall off. We don't EXPECT to maintain that level, so our subconscious sabotages us in some way to get back to our own expectations of ourself. Usually by altering our stroke a little.

Too many times we have been told we can't do this or that, or shouldn't shoot this shot or that one. And, we have fallen for it over time and started to sell ourselves short. We get to where we believe we can't do this or that. We shouldn't be able to run X amounts of racks. So, when we get close to doing it, we commit mental suicide.

We label certain shots. Oh, this is a hard shot. I made the last two of these, so I am do for a miss so I should play safe on it. Where the pro goes, oh, I made two of these, so I have full confidence on making it again. Not mention even labeling shots as hard or easy. They should all just be shots, period. If it goes, it goes. If it doesn't, maybe there is a way to make it go.

We get so ingrained into the mentality that we can't do such and such because we aren't pros that when someone else does break through that barrier, we tend to scoff at them. Instead of scoffing, maybe we all ought to be looking at just what is really holding us back mentally, and work on fixing that. THAT is going to be my goal for the coming year. To start treating the game, start treating each shot, with the respect it deserves, and start respecting myself more and be willing to break through those mental barriers. Will I succeed? I want to say "I sure hope so", but that is a defeatist attitude to start with, so I will say "YES". Let the chips fall where they will.

Great post Neil. Here is a little saying that has turned my whole mental attitude around, "Turn obstacles into opportunities". When something seems difficult I use that as a opportunity to improve myself". It may sound cheesy but it works.

 

[dardusm]

To make it real simple- just stop labeling. No hard shots, no easy shots, no rankings, no wins, no losses. Just have a job to do and that is to put the ball in the hole and get shape on the next one so I can put that one in the hole also. Keep doing that until I run out of balls, then re-rack and do it again.

That is how it works with our subconscious. Which is what is supposed to be playing the game. It takes some training to let go of our conscious with all it's pre-conceived B.S.

The difference between the pros and the amateurs is consistency. Better ball pocketing, cue ball control, decisions, etc. Pool is such a dynamic game with variables changing all the time. Is your mindset strong? Are there outside factors in your life that are affecting your play? Do you feel physically the same? Fatigued? Hungry? Blood sugar stabilized? etc. There are so many variables that can have an affect on play.

I've thought about it the same way that you did. I have played pool for an extended time a very high level. Beat some very good players. I have played at that level before and shouldn't I be able to do it all the time? But it just doesn't seem to work out that way. It takes hard work and dedicated practice to become a better player. There really isn't a magic pill.

For the person that just thinks that you are either born with it or not, needs to read the book "Talent is Overrated" by Geoffrey Colvin. The real talent is the desire to get better and using whatever means to achieve that goal. Most amateurs aren't willing to put in the time and resources that it takes to become a good player.

 

[C.Milian]

Hi Docter

From my experiences most of what you want to do with your mind requires a strong nourished body. Then, your surroundings will influence your mindstate. I have always been blown away at the amazing things a pool player has to go through, but it was only recently that I realize the importance of your mind, body, and equipment and how it affects your progress. Because there are so many levels, you have to do everything right, or you just might not get there (your world will fall apart). I'm at a point where pool is consuming to much mental space......

So I have to be strong and make use of that fireplace, get banned, rent a beach house for a week. The only action I want to execute is "toe action"...toes in the sand. But then it would be such a suitable environment to train. I have to break it NOW!...when I'm alone I hear it calling me.

See you next week and I need a refill.

 

[TheThaiger]

The difference between the pros and the amateurs is consistency. Better ball pocketing, cue ball control, decisions, etc. Pool is such a dynamic game with variables changing all the time. Is your mindset strong? Are there outside factors in your life that are affecting your play? Do you feel physically the same? Fatigued? Hungry? Blood sugar stabilized? etc. There are so many variables that can have an affect on play.

I've thought about it the same way that you did. I have played pool for an extended time a very high level. Beat some very good players. I have played at that level before and shouldn't I be able to do it all the time? But it just doesn't seem to work out that way. It takes hard work and dedicated practice to become a better player. There really isn't a magic pill.

For the person that just thinks that you are either born with it or not, needs to read the book "Talent is Overrated" by Geoffrey Colvin. The real talent is the desire to get better and using whatever means to achieve that goal. Most amateurs aren't willing to put in the time and resources that it takes to become a good player.

Couldn't agree more with the first two paras, and guess the final one is aimed at me. Obviously, natural talent is not enough on its own, but it's a bloody good start! Ultimately, it's all about capacity - all but the very best don't have the capacity to become the very best - be that mental, physical, temperament, tenacity, durability, brains, judgement, whatever. Just having a sound grasp of theoreticals is not enough, not by a long way. They will make you a better player than you would have been, but not by as much as many people think. As you say, there is no magic bullet.

I had considered using the consistency angle before, but will do so now because you raise it. I had a break from the game for a few weeks when on vacation recently, and played very well on return, sort of rejuvenated, and enjoying it again. I held the table for around 4 hours, winning about 40 straight games. I'm not saying my opponents were any good - they weren't - but I played pretty well, with everything flying in from all angles. It was just one of those rare nights when everything goes right. Anyway, this fella I'd just beaten comes up to me after our game and says 'the only difference between us is consistency'. I could've punched his lights out. That line of defence is risible and insulting. The difference between us was VAST, on every level. I wouldn't dream of saying to Appleton the only difference between us is consistency.

I would be genuinely interested to hear what the pros have to say on this debate.

 

[dardusm]

Couldn't agree more with the first two paras, and guess the final one is aimed at me. Obviously, natural talent is not enough on its own, but it's a bloody good start! Ultimately, it's all about capacity - all but the very best don't have the capacity to become the very best - be that mental, physical, temperament, tenacity, durability, brains, judgement, whatever. Just having a sound grasp of theoreticals is not enough, not by a long way. They will make you a better player than you would have been, but not by as much as many people think. As you say, there is no magic bullet.

I had considered using the consistency angle before, but will do so now because you raise it. I had a break from the game for a few weeks when on vacation recently, and played very well on return, sort of rejuvenated, and enjoying it again. I held the table for around 4 hours, winning about 40 straight games. I'm not saying my opponents were any good - they weren't - but I played pretty well, with everything flying in from all angles. It was just one of those rare nights when everything goes right. Anyway, this fella I'd just beaten comes up to me after our game and says 'the only difference between us is consistency'. I could've punched his lights out. That line of defence is risible and insulting. The difference between us was VAST, on every level. I wouldn't dream of saying to Appleton the only difference between us is consistency.

I would be genuinely interested to hear what the pros have to say on this debate.

If you have the chance, check the book out. It is really an interesting read. The author uses case studies such as Tiger Woods, Mozart, etc. to strengthen his argument that natural talent isn't as important as some think. Now, it doesn't say that it doesn't have a part just not the major part that many believe. That's the good news. The bad news is that it takes much dedication to become the best at something. IMO, that dedication is the real talent.

I'll use Shane Van Boening as my case study. Every time that I have seen Shane in a competitive environment, If he isn't playing in a tournament he is usually practicing. I've probably seen him at least a dozen times over the last few years at tournaments. A good sample size. He hits a ton of balls. Generally, I just play in tournaments and don't really practice. My game is pretty solid and competitive but for me to take the next level, I believe that I really need to work on my weak areas with deliberate practice as well as continue to play competition. I need to practice with diligence. Usually, when I get knocked out of a tournament, I'll set back relax and watch matches. Or if it was particularly bad loss, I'll leave the room right away.

As far as consistency, I believe that is what separates the levels of players. I may define it differently than you do. Consistency to me encompasses everything about the game. Shot making, position, safety play, banking, kicking, breaking, etc. All of these elements must be done at a high and consistent level to be a champion. I don't see it as an insult if a lower player tells me that they could play at my level if they were just as consistent. Because I think they are right. But getting to that more consistent level is going to take time and work.

 

[pvc lou]

Neil

I am generally a positive person on all things in life...except myself.

John

That doesn't make sense to me. How can you be positive on anything at all if you aren't positive with yourself?

 

[JoeW]

Hi all, I have been off getting cataract surgery so have been off the board for a few days.

Here is an article I wrote a few years ago that addresses Neil's post. You might find if useful. Sometimes things just have to wait until people are willing to talk about them.

http://www.billiards.colostate.edu/PBReview/FakeIt.htm

With thanks to Dr Dave for posting articles from my old web site.

 

[Neil]

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[duckie]

I ran across a copy of Psycho Cybernetics I bought along time ago, back in 75. The book is about how our self imagine affects us in everyday life. There are also exercises to do in order to help redefine the self imagine. There are several sports related examples used to prove the concepts.

It has a interesting view about the sub conscious and very easy to read.

 

[Scott Lee]

TheThaiger...Your real problem is that you just don't seem to understand the context of learning. We are all individuals. We think differently, we perceive differently, we learn differently, and we are built differently. There is no one size fits all (which is, I believe, is probably part of what you are saying). That said, every pro out there has received some kind of "help" from somebody...be it another pro, a pro instructor, a world champion, or just a friend. Almost nobody learns in a vacuum. For many folks, learning from media works...for others learning from instructors works...still other learn by watching and copying others. I don't understand your need to bash instructors, or even those who just try to help others in ways that MAY benefit them. Neil has no ax to grind...he is, however, someone who has a good understanding of what works for a lot of players, communication skills, and a willingness to share them with others.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

OK, but I object to the 'all you need do is xyz and you'll be a better player' type BS. At its core, is a need for self-validation. "Here's what I do and I'm brilliant, so you should do it too"! There's always the faint whiff of trying to flog us something in the background, too - coaching, dvds, aiming systems, books, equipment etc.

The other side of the coin: We will always be unhappy with our game if we are continually striving for something we can never hope to achieve (see how easy it is to churn out this cod psychological nonsense?)

I wonder how many pros are where they are today because of the snake oil salesmen?

 

[Tony_in_MD]

Sorry I disagree, Consistency is the biggest difference between pro's and players like us.

My reasoning is based upon what I heard from a pro-level player. Some years ago, Earl Strickland was doing a show in my area that I was able to attend. He was showing a number of shots, one was a tricky full table cut in the corner. He stated to the audience that the difference between pro's like him and the rest of us was consistency. He could pocket that shot 90 percent of the time whereas an amateur might be at 40 percent.

Anyway, this fella I'd just beaten comes up to me after our game and says 'the only difference between us is consistency'. I could've punched his lights out. That line of defence is risible and insulting. The difference between us was VAST, on every level. I wouldn't dream of saying to Appleton the only difference between us is consistency.

I would be genuinely interested to hear what the pros have to say on this debate.

 

[TheThaiger]

Sorry I disagree, Consistency is the biggest difference between pro's and players like us.

My reasoning is based upon what I heard from a pro-level player. Some years ago, Earl Strickland was doing a show in my area that I was able to attend. He was showing a number of shots, one was a tricky full table cut in the corner. He stated to the audience that the difference between pro's like him and the rest of us was consistency. He could pocket that shot 90 percent of the time whereas an amateur might be at 40 percent.

Q. Why was he able to pocket that ball 90% of the time?
A. Because he's the better player!

The consistency line is a sop to our egos.

 

[Tony_in_MD]

He is a better player because he is more consistent.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk.

 

[Snapshot9]

Consistency

Amateurs depend on consistency too. How many of you play other guys and depend on their consistency to make the same mistakes they always make. I know I do.

How many players really study their game, and ask themselves, "Why did this guy beat me", and "What can I do about that?". And then proceed to work on their 'weak points' in playing the game, and that means mentally as well. I know when I started playing 2-shot out in 9 ball, I used to analyze my game all the time.

I analyze potential opponents games all the time. I can watch them play, study their stroke mechanics for flaws, and then upon discovering flaws, tell you which shots they are most likely to miss. I not only study their stroke, but I study how a potential opponent thinks about his game, and the choices he makes.

If you want to 'improve' the mental aspect of your game, I would recommend reading, 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu.

 

[TheThaiger]

You can keep trying to be 'Debby Downer", but it won't affect me, only yourself. First off, your whole premise is B.S. I can confidently say that, because it is obvious you have no idea what it takes to be a champion, so you have no basis to say that only a few can be one. It's all made up B.S. on your part to give some sort of credibility to your laziness to do what it takes. Easier to say something can't be done and not even try than to spend the effort and time to achieve something. Your continued posting in this thread is just proof of you making excuses to yourself of why you can't achieve a high level in this game. As long as you keep selling yourself short, you don't ever have to worry about achieving. Easier to say you weren't born with the talent, than to actually cultivate and grow what talent you do have.

Do you actually believe that the gene pool suddenly changed and the Philippines and China suddenly have more talent at pool than the rest of the world? No, they just decided to cultivate what talent was available. Your arguments hold no merit in the real world.

Firstly, I'm the one who's NOT making excuses about why I'm not at the highest echelons of the game. I'll leave denial to others.

Secondly, your gene pool query - there's plenty of evidence to support the reasoning as to why certain races are better at sports than others - ever wondered why west africans are so good at distance running, for instance? It's far from inconceivable the filipinos and chinese are genetically pre-disposed to play better pool than white americans, say.

 

[javi2]

Great post, Neil. I'm at a point where the mental part of the game is messing me up! Definitely some very good suggestions for how to handle it from the AZ community. . Keep the reply's coming in. I'm reading every one of them!

 

[Pushout]

Niel, Go to the libary and check out "The Inner Game of Tennis", by Tim Gallwey.

You have the right attitude to get there !!!!!!!

It is a great book and easy to read, Barney

Also "Mental Toughness Training for Sports" by James E. Loehr and "Winning: The Psychology of Competition" by Stuart H. Walker.
I had the desire to be a "good" player years ago and was told by many I was an up and comer. However, I chose to stay with my family and keep a job. It was a choice I made and I rarely regret it. I agree with the consistency being the difference. I've been told that by many a good/pro player. It takes a hell of a lot of work and dedication to get there and I have a great deal of respect for those who do. I know people who were apparently born to play pool and were naturals at it or at least as far as one can be. Irving Crane believed that you "have natural ability or you don't". I know others, maybe a great deal more, who were not born with natural ability and had to work at it. I think I was one who had to work at it. I know more now and in some ways play better than I ever have before. But, if I want to get better than I am now, and I do believe that I can, I'll have to work at it. I just don't know if I have time enough:smile:

 

[Tony_in_MD]

There are many sociological and cultural reasons why certain races are better at sports than others. None are genetic.

I would have hoped that by this time that line of thinking would have disappeared. It is sad to see that it has not.

Firstly, I'm the one who's NOT making excuses about why I'm not at the highest echelons of the game. I'll leave denial to others.

Secondly, your gene pool query - there's plenty of evidence to support the reasoning as to why certain races are better at sports than others - ever wondered why west africans are so good at distance running, for instance? It's far from inconceivable the filipinos and chinese are genetically pre-disposed to play better pool than white americans, say.

 

[chefjeff]

There are many sociological and cultural reasons why certain races are better at sports than others. None are genetic.

I would have hoped that by this time that line of thinking would have disappeared. It is sad to see that it has not.

But what of truth and honesty? Do we ignore truth so as to be p/c?

The size and weight of the runner, the bow in his legs, the necessity of running/walking....many things help one run long distances better than others.

I get sad as Persons use dishonest thinking (to avoid greatness, e.g.).

Jeff Livingston

 

[Neil]

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