Do you play better, worse or the same under pressure?

original palmer

original palmer

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Personally i play better against someone i don't know and under pressure.

You might see me play a friend of mine and say to yourself, he's an ok player.
Then you'll see me play against someone i don't know that is very good and i run the table back to back.

What i dont like about this is that i'm not consistent.

How do you fair under pressure?
 
Better, for sure. I only feel pressure when it means something, and when it means something I play my best. I have dealt with "real" pressure before in life or death situations, so pool pressure doesn't bother me too much...but I still feel it!
 
More pressure, more focus for me. Been that way since sports in college and now pool. Same with the size of the croud. The more people watching the better I seem to play too.
 
I work better under pressure - but I do not play better under pressure.

consistent high-level pool = work
 
Worrrrrrrrrrssssssssseeeeeeeee.

I always feel like I'm trying, but under pressure I start shooting a bit more scared... hitting balls softer, leaving myself longer, cinching shots instead of playing for tough shape, etc. It catches up to me.
 
I seem to play worse in tournaments, but better in a money match. For some reason I can't seem to get over the hump in tournament action.
 
The question does not define what real pressure is. Is it a little money? A lot of money? Or if we loose do we have to cut our thumbs off?

Have you experienced real pressure? I'm not talking about the rent money.
 
shinigami said:
I seem to play worse in tournaments, but better in a money match. For some reason I can't seem to get over the hump in tournament action.
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What he said. There's something about showing up at a tournament, waiting to play and then knowing if you fail to win they won't let you play any more that puts more pressure on you than a money game that can be run back immediately. I think it has to do with playing for the love of playing as opposed to playing for the money primarily. Those that truly love to play want to play more.

JC
 
Tennesseejoe said:
The question does not define what real pressure is. Is it a little money? A lot of money? Or if we loose do we have to cut our thumbs off?

Have you experienced real pressure? I'm not talking about the rent money.
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I have, but not in pool. life and death pressure. yea i have, and i'm best under pressure. how bout you?
 
Pressure? What pressure

There was a time when I put a lot of pressure on myself in various pool situations but not any more. What I've learned/realized is that if my mind is where it should be I'll play my top game or damn close. If it isn't then I don't.

I try to keep my mind where it should be and play my top game any time I'm at a table.

If at any time I feel pressure creeping up on me I beat it back and refocus. Focus on the table. Breath easy. Keep your pre shot routine. Stroke the ball.
 
Tennesseejoe said:
The question does not define what real pressure is. Is it a little money? A lot of money? Or if we loose do we have to cut our thumbs off?

Have you experienced real pressure? I'm not talking about the rent money.
Click to expand...

You mean like people trying to kill you every day?
 
easy-e said:
Better, for sure. I only feel pressure when it means something, and when it means something I play my best. I have dealt with "real" pressure before in life or death situations, so pool pressure doesn't bother me too much...but I still feel it!
Click to expand...

I dont think i like your attitude.

You ever beaat anybody?
 
Definitely play better under pressure now.. My first 10 years or so in the game, much worse. Until I got it, I folded like a tent.

One thing I heard a Pro Basketball player say that stuck with me, DW.. "I look at the big shot as a chance to succeed, not as a possible failure." That really hit home for me. YMMV
 
In a very short period of time I went from banging balls for fun in the odd Bar game to playing on a league team. Thought I had beat the effects of “pressure” by getting over new team-itis...wrong!....I then had to face the “play for a trip to Vegas with your team depending on you pressure.” Sadly, I started to sweat like a pig and choked so bad that I am surprised no one gave me the Heimlich maneuver.

Happily, after paying to go to as many tournaments as possible, many hours of practice and a positive mindset, I am cured. I have not felt “pressure” for a long time and relish the prospect of competing with skilled players.
 
Most of the time I play better under pressure, but there have been times when I have choked under pressure as well. I am sure everyone who says they play better under pressure has choked at times as well...even the best players in the world.
 
I prefer the pressure. There have been times that I have folded but if I had my choice I would rather have the pressure. It seems to sharpen my focus.
 
Better without a doubt , especially on AZ.

If a crackhead with a full on case of Parkinsons had a hair trigger 45 pressed against my temple, I'm virtually unbeatable......as long as I'm on AZ.

;)
 
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