Intimidation, Pressure, And a combination

lastdimetaker said:
Thanks thats pretty generous, i actually have your DVDs. .. your definitely right confidence is the opposite of doubt. I am trying to get as much knowledge as i can from every resource i can. I will review the videos this week. . You know reading post i am starting to think that i may also associate the feelings of intimidation and pressure as part of losing. Maybe I am trying to use it as an excuse. Maybe the guy is just better than me. Not sure exactly how to put it. When I lose I feel ashamed I wanna believe there was something I could do. With these guys are so freaking good. Lol. Im definitely thinking about the subject differently. Thks
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Absolutely. .... When I play someone that runs the table consistently, I try to learn from what they did. I don't mind losing against someone like that. When they are running racks, I look at it as a thing of beauty! There is no dishonor In losing this way. When I do stupid stuff and beat myself, making mental errors, thats when I start looking inside to see what I did wrong and for ways to improve. Put less emphasis on winning and losing....instead immerse yourself in the game. I love the game for what it is. Not for just the win. If you want to improve, put in the time. All the greats got that way by spending a lot of time with a cue in their hands.
 
sr 9ball said:
In my younger years I folded on pressure. After I beat a couple of big dogs. I told myself I can beat them so why get nervous. I tell myself I'm going to make them pay for their mistakes, not getting nervous and thinking if I miss I will pay for it.
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Same here.

I was playing in a local 1pocket event a few years back and drew a big name early in a tournament and got beat pretty good. So I'm playing my way through the loser's side and my wife calls and asks if she should drive up to watch and I'm like, "Naw, if I win my next match I'm in the finals, have to play the big name again, would have to double dip him, so don't bother."

So I make it to the finals and win the first set cold. And right about the time I had the other guy 2-0, going to three in the second set, it dawned on me: I can actually win this. I can beat him. And I did. Made a big difference in my confidence level.

Lou Figueroa
 
lfigueroa said:
Same here.

I was playing in a local 1pocket event a few years back and drew a big name early in a tournament and got beat pretty good. So I'm playing my way through the loser's side and my wife calls and asks if she should drive up to watch and I'm like, "Naw, if I win my next match I'm in the finals, have to play the big name again, would have to double dip him, so don't bother."

So I make it to the finals and win the first set cold. And right about the time I had the other guy 2-0, going to three in the second set, it dawned on me: I can actually win this. I can beat him. And I did. Made a big difference in my confidence level.

Lou Figueroa
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Lou, Have you won any other one pocket matches when the pressure was on? I mean, recently? :smilewinkgrin:
 
Play your game against a better player

Dealing with the pressure of playing a better player is different than the pressure of playing an opponent of equal skill or someone you outmatch.

Here are some tips for when you are the one with a little less skill.

1) Remind yourself that he is the one expected to win so all of the pressure is on him. You have nothing to lose. You are free to play your game and enjoy the challenge of putting even more pressure on him.

2) Don't build him up to be more than he is. He isn't perfect. He has lost before and he will lose again so why not against you? If you build him up to the point that you expect perfection from yourself you will start to try too hard and that is never good. Just relax and have fun.

3) Before the match picture yourself getting out of the gate strong. Great, intimidating players are used to the luxury of playing players who are tight and they are used to getting a lead quick. When you get out relaxed and loose and hang with him in the beginning this puts pressure on him while it builds your confidence that this is your day.

4) If intimidation is still a factor then make minimal eye contact with him. This will help with your emotional state. You don't want to let him know you are trying to avoid eye contact though it is more of a I could care less if you are even here attitude that you want to put off. This is a look that says you have no fear. This attitude can also be a bit unsettling for him because he is used to being the big dog who gets respect. Take pleasure in making him feel uncomfortable if it has an affect on him. This is war and you're in it to win it. Take the attitude that if anyone is going to be scared in this match it is not going to be you.
 
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(((Satori))) said:
Dealing with the pressure of playing a better player is different than the pressure of playing an opponent of equal skill or someone you outmatch.

Here are some tips for when you are the one with a little less skill.

1) Remind yourself that he is the one expected to win so all of the pressure is on him. You have nothing to lose. You are free to play your game and enjoy the challenge of putting even more pressure on him.

2) Don't build him up to be more than he is. He isn't perfect. He has lost before and he will lose again so why not against you? If you build him up to the point that you expect perfection from yourself you will start to try too hard and that is never good. Just relax and have fun.

3) Before the match picture yourself getting out of the gate strong. Great intimidating players are used to the luxury of playing players who are tight and they are used to getting a lead quick. When you get out relaxed and loose and hang with him in the beginning this puts pressure on him while it builds your confidence that this is your day.

4) If intimidation is still a factor then don't look him in the eye. The energy given from direct eye contact can be felt and it is good for him and bad for you. You don't want to let him know you are trying to avoid eye contact though it is more of a I could care less if you are even here attitude that you want to put off. This attitude can also be a bit unsettling for him because he is used to being the big dog who gets respect. Take pleasure in making him feel uncomfortable. This is war and you're in it to win it. You are not the one who is going to be scared.
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One other thing I would add is to play within your own game. IOW, when you come to the table, forget about the other guy and shoot the shots you know and are comfortable with and don't try and match the superior player's style of play. He can't do anything when you're at the table so forget about him and don't let your opponent become a distraction.

Lou Figueroa
 
Very Helpfull responses, Thank you

I read everybody's responses And put a lot of thought and everything, And with a good night's sleep I have Changed my perspective About intimidation. I think the feeling of intimidation Is my intuition Warning: me of danger. It's like an indicator light That goes from green to yellow to red. Green means go No intimidation, Yellow means caution This means that I'm playing A player equal. A Respectable match. The red or dull light yet I'm in over my head. . This is a mental indicator light, A mental gauge So I can manage my feelings. That way I can play my game. I'm hoping That once I tell myself That I recognize the danger. The warning my intuition is sending me Will stop. I think my body Was screaming Danger Danger Danger And thinking Whats this guy doing .then screaming louder. And then I'm like a deer in the headlights. So I have to convince my body and my mind. I am aware Of the danger. Let me handle this. Basically self one talking to self two. If you're familiar with the book innner game of tennis. I cannot believe The feedback I got From this post. It has definitely Shine a bright light . I said this was one of my biggest weaknesses. I have been fighting this for years. Now I feel like I have A better understanding of the problem, A plan of attack. And I don't feel alone. Thks
The indicator light idea came from the pro book by bob henning. He talks about mental gauges.
 
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I would bet that when you practice or just shoot around by yourself you're probably pretty good. Don't miss much, shape is better than when you play a match, stroke is confident and unafraid? Try this - Outside of pool, off the table you're really a polite person, not an aggressive driver, probably not much of a drinker and the thought of being rude kinda makes you cringe. You probably better against friends than against other people that you don't know. You would almost consider beating the other guy rude. Maybe it's not that you're intimidated, but you don't want to be responsible for someone else's disappointment. I'm a big believer about showing the game and your opponent the proper respect, but put that in it's proper place. When you play a better player, well, he's supposed to win and you probably think so to and for you to out play them - that's just not polite. When your opponent is intimidated and not playing well, you kind of puff up and once again your stroke is sure, your shape is good and you're not terribly concerned if you disrespect them
Any of that sound right?
Of course, I could be completely wrong and you just have a little stage fright.
 
Celophanewrap said:
I would bet that when you practice or just shoot around by yourself you're probably pretty good. Don't miss much, shape is better than when you play a match, stroke is confident and unafraid? Try this - Outside of pool, off the table you're really a polite person, not an aggressive driver, probably not much of a drinker and the thought of being rude kinda makes you cringe. You probably better against friends than against other people that you don't know. You would almost consider beating the other guy rude. Maybe it's not that you're intimidated, but you don't want to be responsible for someone else's disappointment. I'm a big believer about showing the game and your opponent the proper respect, but put that in it's proper place. When you play a better player, well, he's supposed to win and you probably think so to and for you to out play them - that's just not polite. When your opponent is intimidated and not playing well, you kind of puff up and once again your stroke is sure, your shape is good and you're not terribly concerned if you disrespect them
Any of that sound right?

Of course, I could be completely wrong and you just have a little stage fright.
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I think I'm a nice guy off the table. In practice I'm pretty intense I get very frustrated The ball just won't land on that Perfect spot. During practice I am a perfectionist. And sometimes it drives me nuts. During a match I'm very happy Because I lose myself in it.. I am amazed at the things I do. My cue ball lands in the perfect position And I almost feel guilty. But When I play Certain players That I look up to. My game drops. I become a spectator. I almost feel like I'm trying to prove that I belong. Its absolutely ridiculous. Is certain players That I know, I have played a couple players that I don't really know and perform a great. My favorite match I ever played Was against A well known Road player In a 10 ball tournament. I beat him 7 to 1. This guy was a monster, but I have never had any contact with him I have no history with him. I knew I was an underdog. At the same time, there is a local player did I should destroy on a regular basis. But I just about shake. I still win Most of the time. But I look bad doing it. There are several players They just kill me mentally. I never played good with them and I do try to avoid them. I think I need to face my fears, trust my game, take my licks, just start fighting back. I do know what you mean About trying to please somebody. I also think I try to avoid confrontation. 1 player that drives me crazy. Missed the 9 ball to win the match. I won the next three games to win the set. he started calling me lucky. Trying to provoke me in the gambling match. Everytime I see him He barks at me. I avoid playing him. That's the player I think I really need to be playing. He's just a little bit better than me. But I don't wanna donate money to him Because he's a butt.. I appreciate the comment. And I do relate to it in some ways. Oh and I can't stand when there's a group of people watching me. I can hear every comment From a thousand yards And I'm def. Lol I think my imagination goes crazy too.. You get me one on one With an empty pool Hall. I scare myself. Hell I've been intimidated Buy a spectator To the point I would lose against somebody had no chance... I'm rambling now. I'm playing for 400. Giving a guy in a ball, I got the nuts. Here comes this player Whispering in my opponents ear then all of a sudden I'm a 400 loser. I'm no I need a therapist.. . I'm working on it though.
 
Greetings.
When I first entered the league- and I am very new- intimidation and pressure were really big issues that consistently affected my "game." Everyone knows, no matter the sport, that nerves diminish your game. It was not until I started to work on all of the shots that I frequently missed during a match that the intimidation factor and pressure went away. Spending 4, 5 or 6 hours practicing mostly really sucks. I have a passion for pool, a hunger that forces me to spend that time on the table but it can be seriously monotonous. Some days are better than others but it is still mentally exhausting to focus consistently for that period of time. The up side is that intense practice has clearly made me a better player technically and the unexpected bonus is that competing is much easier than practicing (doesn't take as long either). Now, I really don't care who the hell is on the other side of the table, what they are saying or how good they are shooting. Nothing that they do can ever convince me that I can't make a shot or a safety that I have practiced literally hundreds of times. If they don't run out, i am going to be right there in the hunt at a minimum.

Finally, I also recommend the following in helping to deal with nerves, pressure and intimidation:
* Regular exercise- Anything cardio that raises your heart rate way above normal and puts stress on your nervous system, i.e. jogging, jumping rope, pushups, swimming.
* Studying and emulating the table presence of a few of your favorite azz kickers.
example: Neils Fejien=Zen, Ko Pin Yi= Zen, John Morra=Zen, SVB=Zen.

Thanks
 
Odysseus said:
Greetings.
When I first entered the league- and I am very new- intimidation and pressure were really big issues that consistently affected my "game." Everyone knows, no matter the sport, that nerves diminish your game. It was not until I started to work on all of the shots that I frequently missed during a match that the intimidation factor and pressure went away. Spending 4, 5 or 6 hours practicing mostly really sucks. I have a passion for pool, a hunger that forces me to spend that time on the table but it can be seriously monotonous. Some days are better than others but it is still mentally exhausting to focus consistently for that period of time. The up side is that intense practice has clearly made me a better player technically and the unexpected bonus is that competing is much easier than practicing (doesn't take as long either). Now, I really don't care who the hell is on the other side of the table, what they are saying or how good they are shooting. Nothing that they do can ever convince me that I can't make a shot or a safety that I have practiced literally hundreds of times. If they don't run out, i am going to be right there in the hunt at a minimum.

Finally, I also recommend the following in helping to deal with nerves, pressure and intimidation:
* Regular exercise- Anything cardio that raises your heart rate way above normal and puts stress on your nervous system, i.e. jogging, jumping rope, pushups, swimming.
* Studying and emulating the table presence of a few of your favorite azz kickers.
example: Neils Fejien=Zen, Ko Pin Yi= Zen, John Morra=Zen, SVB=Zen.

Thanks
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Wow your 2cnd post a good one. I not in league but your comment reminds me the no matter where your at no matter what level. We all experience intimidation and pressure. I'm pretty big on practicing shotS. I think I'm just going to have to work harder. You know its like they say they always say go back to the fundamentals. I am definitely going to take your advice and pay attention to other players table presents. And get somebody to look at my table presents. I think that was solid advice right there. I just like the word table presents. I'm going to use that word instead of intimidation. I think it describes the situation better. when I say intimidation I feel like I'm being bullied. and I'm sure is not the case. Most the guys are really nice. just have strong table presents
 
this will automatically lower your expectations and alleviate pressure. In this new

lastdimetaker said:
Thanks thats pretty generous, i actually have your DVDs. .. your definitely right confidence is the opposite of doubt. I am trying to get as much knowledge as i can from every resource i can. I will review the videos this week. . You know reading post i am starting to think that i may also associate the feelings of intimidation and pressure as part of losing. Maybe I am trying to use it as an excuse. Maybe the guy is just better than me. Not sure exactly how to put it. When I lose I feel ashamed I wanna believe there was something I could do. With these guys are so freaking good. Lol. Im definitely thinking about the subject differently. Thks
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If the thought of losing is having a negative effect, I'd suggest you face it BEFORE you start your match. Visualize what the worse case scenario is and how it will effect your life a year from now.....how about 5 years from now? Will it even matter in a month?

When you put "winning/losing" in that perspective the feelings and emotions will lesson - I believe it's ok to accept that you may lose.....this will automatically lower your expectations and alleviate pressure. In this new "frame of mind" you can relax, and even free wheel to victory against opponents that may even be better than you.'The Game is the Teacher'
 
Something nobody has mentioned here:
When you get trapped into a game with a tush hog...and you know if you win, he and his buddies are going to beat hell out of you and pistol whip you to take the money back, it's pretty tough to remain focused without any intimidation.
I know, I know, "just avoid that kind of game in the first place" but that cannot always be accomplished. Some of these strong arm bar league players with side bets going, flare up at the most unexpected times...and then there you are.....stuck again in a warlike situation.
I go heeled all the time, but I'm not going to blast someone over a pool room hassle and then end up doing heavy time for murder. Kinda' like being between a rock and a hard place.
???...your guess is as good as mine.
 
You sound like the majority of people .
You crush weaker players even with an iffy spot , yet lose to players who play only a little better than you. {you are staying in your comfort zone}
It's the pecking order syndrome.
Instead of trying to climb the ladder one at a time , take several jumps up and play the best player you can find who will play cheap enough that you can afford it and make a game where he is not just freewheeling.
You will pass some of those guys you are intimidated by right now and not pay them off .
Then you can bark at them.
Who knows , if they have any money you might get your investment back off them.
 
lastdimetaker said:
I read everybody's responses And put a lot of thought and everything, And with a good night's sleep I have Changed my perspective About intimidation. I think the feeling of intimidation Is my intuition Warning: me of danger. It's like an indicator light That goes from green to yellow to red. Green means go No intimidation, Yellow means caution This means that I'm playing A player equal. A Respectable match. The red or dull light yet I'm in over my head. . This is a mental indicator light, A mental gauge So I can manage my feelings. That way I can play my game. I'm hoping That once I tell myself That I recognize the danger. The warning my intuition is sending me Will stop. I think my body Was screaming Danger Danger Danger And thinking Whats this guy doing .then screaming louder. And then I'm like a deer in the headlights. So I have to convince my body and my mind. I am aware Of the danger. Let me handle this. Basically self one talking to self two. If you're familiar with the book innner game of tennis. I cannot believe The feedback I got From this post. It has definitely Shine a bright light . I said this was one of my biggest weaknesses. I have been fighting this for years. Now I feel like I have A better understanding of the problem, A plan of attack. And I don't feel alone. Thks
The indicator light idea came from the pro book by bob henning. He talks about mental gauges.
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Remember this the next time you intuitively feel "danger".


"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
-Michael Jordan



Everyone loves to win. The rewards that come from winning are numerous and all good but realize that a loss is not "dangerous" and in fact many losses are required in order to become a winner. I suspect that your real problem might be that you see a loss as a statement about you as a person and the "danger" you sense has to do with feelings of inferiority due to a fixed mindset.

Inferiority is a major problem for people with fixed mindsets. People who believe that some people just are born with talent while others weren't are said to have fixed mindsets. They tend to believe that good genetics or some other reason is why Shane plays the way he does for example. They also tend to believe that a failure on their part is a direct indication that they do not have that special something that the blessed ones do and it is embarasing and dangerous for them to compete against someone they see as better because it proves that they are an inferior person. They also get flustered easy. For example when they practice and they can't do something perfect they tend to give up.

A growth mindset on the other hand is based on the truth that the more you work the better you become as long as you work with the right mindset. The thoughts of being inferior are not a problem with people who carry a growth mindset. The limits of a person with a growth mindset also expand much further than that of a person with a fixed mindset. Now, when a person with a growth mindset faces a challenge and comes up short they don't feel like a loser, they take that desire to win with them to the practice table and put in more work for the next time. The loss does not mean that the opponent was a better person, he just bested them on that day, but the person with the growth mindset knows that there is more to them as a person and that they are still cool, besides that everything is constantly changing and they know that they can and will grow in order to win next time. This mindset makes it hard to perceive "danger" in a pool match the way that you say your intuition perceives. I recommend you to just go into a match against a person with more skill with faith that this is your day, if it turns out it wasn't your day then put a target on his back, put in some work, and make tomorrow your day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjjYVROiJIA
 

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lastdimetaker said:
Some players intimidate me, I'm not sure why Maybe my own insecurities about my game. But I am constantly aware That they are there And I'm trying not to think about them.
I feel the pressure to perform, I can feel it building up during a game Or match. I believe it comes from my own expectations of my own performance. I also feel as if the pressure comes From my opponent. .
I think I fear my opponent, which leads to intimidation.
I think I doubt myself, which creates pressure.

The combination of intimidation and pressure, is absolutely overwhelming.
I tried to ignore it, confront the problem, I tried to focus on other things like the shot.

This is my biggest weakness, What's your opinion. Am I looking at it wrong? How should I be dealing with it?

I also play great when my opponent is intimidated , and I feel like I am this superior player. I got no problem with that situation.. lol
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You win a match/set by making one shot at a time. Pressure, intimidation, those are two things that I never run across. If I'm playing a guy that is a better player I'm more relaxed as the under dog. If I can't run out I play safe. One shot at a time bro.
 
An inspiration to us all.

The beautiful Michelle Waterson.
http://youtu.be/PJ-9q01d9_Y

This was a tough fight for her but she faced it full of confidence, never intimidated, knowing that fear does not crown champions.
http://youtu.be/7ExecTW6Xa0

An up close and personal look into the championship fight. Her self talk remained strong even between rounds. Her heart showed through, fighting to win without an ounce of give up, even when her arm was ready to snap. Her ability to remain focused on the task at hand in the present. And best of all imo was her ability to keep her emotions in check until the end when they came pouring out. I love to watch this fight.
http://youtu.be/uVIxvOTDS24



^^^That kind of mental toughness can be learned. Or I should say learned and earned... it takes both knowledge and effort.
 
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I have a second place trophy at home from a doubles tournament I was in. Missed a long cut on 8 for the win. Every time I walk by that trophy I cuss at it. Does wonders for me at league. I will never choke like that again! Works gor me! Lol
 
Since I put thread up, I have read Lee Bret's book. Which was very helpful to me , I have said my fundamentals where solid several times lately. But I have neglected my psr pre shot routine , my focus has solely been on the stroke. I assumed that because I was playing good that I was good to go on fundamentals. I recently played this guy and caught a whole nother gear.I was so focused on my PSR, and my Eye pattern on my ball address, that I did not realize I had someone watching us. I asked the guy after it was obvious that I was up about 8 games if he wanted to quit and he said no, he needed lessons,by playing me he thought he was getting lessons. I think this is hilarious,all I've been thinking about for the last 3 weeks is getting more lessons I mean real lessons.I have come to the conclusion the no matter how good I get my fundamentals can get better. and if it wasn't for this post I don't think I would have got there. thks. my biggest weakness was in the intimidation. now I feel powerful I mean powerful. This game should always be approached from a begginers point of view no matter what level you reach.
 
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