Playing under pressure....

[Black-Balled]

that is excess.

You only needed the last paragraph:
you're dealing with a factor that all levels and types of players deal with that I CAN assure you.Just get over it.

 

[Mr Hoppe]

So this may not be what you expected. But, I play better under pressure. I have subconsciously known it for a long time.

My question is this-I tend to play down to lower level players and have trouble in the beginning of a tournament(don't see the money coming yet), so how do I create this pressure for myself when I am not feeling up for a match?

When playing against the lower level players forcing myself to try and win with a shutout has had some results. But, it really doesn't seem to quite bring the edge I am looking for.

Any things you do to get yourself motivated for a match that just doesn't feel that exciting at the moment?

How about calculating and tracking an Accu-Stats average for yourself. That way, no matter how bad your opponent is, you are competing with yourself to produce the best Accu-stats score that you can. Just a thought. I believe that Pat can provide the instructions for tracking errors, etc, and computing the actual number.

IMO, it would end up being like trying to beat your high-run in 14.1. It creates internall pressure for you to perform, and forces you to exert maximum effort.

 

[erikido]

How about calculating and tracking an Accu-Stats average for yourself. That way, no matter how bad your opponent is, you are competing with yourself to produce the best Accu-stats score that you can. Just a thought. I believe that Pat can provide the instructions for tracking errors, etc, and computing the actual number.

IMO, it would end up being like trying to beat your high-run in 14.1. It creates internall pressure for you to perform, and forces you to exert maximum effort.

Intresting idea, but I generally do worst if I have to be keeping score(usppa and behind the rock tour). But, maybe that would be something I could get used too as well

 

[ShootingArts]

one more thing

Something I do is just see every opponent as an obstacle between me and first place. Something to be set aside as swiftly as possible. While I am competing with them I don't like to see them as someone I like or dislike, a good player or bad, just that obstacle in my way. With the focus on the end goal matches tough or easy are just stones in the road. A lot of people lose the next match after winning a tough match because they feel like they have won a big victory and their mind and body are celebrating, no longer in battle mode. Focusing on the end goal and trampling anything between you and that goal avoids that too.

More than one friend has told me I never gave them a chance when we met in competition. They were right, friend, enemy, good or bad player, my goal is to get past them as quickly and easily as possible. I don't give a single ball I don't have to. While I know who I am playing and will respect their strengths and exploit their weaknesses if I can I have no emotional investment in who I am playing.

Hu

 

[Pangit]

All I can say is that a "re-watched" a 2011 US 9 ball match between SVB an Brandon Shuff. Danny D and Jim Wych were commentating. Danny D said he's often asked about the quality of players...old school vs current times. The only difference is that there are more top rung players now.

SVB missed a "lazy" shot as he called it... "I never seen Lassiter miss a shot like that". He "never" missed anything easy.

 

[whammo57]

how does anyone know what their subconscious is doing? that's why they call it your subconscious.

the reason why you "play down to so called lesser players levels" is because you may have an arrogant or self centred attitude towards how good you think you are. that would be the only reason why you would take shots for granted.

you are, or should be after all, playing the balls not the other guy.

insinuating that you normally play much better, but your lesser opponents bore you, isn't a constructive attitude to have.

i know this sounds harsh, i'm not trying to insult you but try to remember one thing:

"you are only as good as your last match"

find some maturity in your game, it could be the only piece of the puzzle missing for you to reach the next level:thumbup:

good luck!

Great..the truth.. tell it like it is.......... I am an APA 6 and I played a 5 the other night. He beat me 4 to nothing in 8 innings. Do you think I should play down to him????? (the sand bagging bastarrd)

LOL

no one is a good as they think they are............. thinking that way will get your aass beat.....

Kim