Opponent slammed butt of stick on ground and made me miss, just part of the game??

[cardiac kid]

Let me get this right, YOU pulled the trigger while something was bothering you....or your were thinking of something else...and you want to blame someone else?

When you learn to own your game.....you will never be sharked again.

Teach,

Think after reading this thread, the OP probably understands he erred. Belittling him does no good. Pretty sure he feels bad enough right now.

Again I remind you of Earl. If a player of his stature can be sharked, anyone can be. Regardless of the training received. At 71 years young, I have nearly 180 degree peripheral vision, a 20/20 dominate eye and ADD. Learned to concentrate the hard way. It can be learned IF the player wants to spend the time, effort and money. Perhaps you can teach him?

Lyn

 

[Teacherman]

Belittling?

One of the best lesson he's ever had belittles him?

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Only those who allowed themselves to be sharked can be sharked. Grow up.

Whaaaa.

You sound like one who sharks others. Just guessing. But for certain, you sound like a douche.

KMRUNOUT

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Let me get this right, YOU pulled the trigger while something was bothering you....or you were thinking of something else...and you want to blame someone else?

When you learn to own your game.....you will never be sharked again.

Ok, that's great. But the sharker still disrespected his opponent. For $4k, he's lucky he didn't get the shit beat out of him. Then he can learn to own his game too.

Wrong is wrong. Can people rise above? Sure. But as long as the attitude is promoted that it's OK to be a piece of garbage, pool is doomed. Think beyond yourself teacherman.

KMRUNOUT

 

[KMRUNOUT]

So just to be clear, did you miss your position because he slammed the butt on the floor, made a loud noise and the floor vibrate, or did you miss because you were upset that someone would try to shark you? Those are two very different things with different solutions.

For me, most sharking falls into the 2nd category. It isn't really the act itself, it is the disrespect the act implies that bothers me. Any advice you have on this type of irritation would be most welcome.

KMRUNOUT

 

[Teacherman]

You sound like one who sharks others. Just guessing. But for certain, you sound like a douche.

KMRUNOUT

Yes, I know it is highly unusual to ask a pool player to get control of himself to the point that no one can shark him.

I mean.....what would a pool player do it he couldn't blame a loss or a miss on someone else.

And I love how teaching one to learn how to not get sharked....is turned into.....promoting sharking.

Pool player IQ on display here.

 

[cueenvy]

It's only a shark move if it works. Eventually you will learn to clear your mind and take the time to do so. If not you are going to lose a lot of sets.

The main tournament room was a very tough environment. Tables on top of each other. Announcements nearly screamed over the PA. People walking through your shot to get to their tables.

Invest in a soft pair of plastic earplugs. Practice using them. Think about being sharkproof. Nail down your preshot routine. Cut out consciously thinking about the shot when you are down. Next time you are in a tough environment, pop in the earplugs and step into your bubble. Just you and the table.

 

[j_zippel]

Opponent slammed butt of stick on ground and made me miss, just part of the g...

Welcome to the world of meditation.

Feel free to call it whatever you're comfortable with.



DK

Welcome to AZ, where sarcasm meets sarcasm. Respect the Pidge


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Yes, I know it is highly unusual to ask a pool player to get control of himself to the point that no one can shark him.

I mean.....what would a pool player do it he couldn't blame a loss or a miss on someone else.

And I love how teaching one to learn how to not get sharked....is turned into.....promoting sharking.

Pool player IQ on display here.

Agreed. IQ among most pool players is not impressive. Or really among most people in general. I don't think you read my post(s) carefully. There are two totally different things going on here. First, should pool players develop a resistance to sharking. Second, is it OK to shark, which was really the op's question. Obviously developing an immunity to sharking or other distractions is a benefit. But this fact exists independently of whether behavior like the op's opponent is OK. It isn't.

The point is if someone is specifically asking if particular behavior is to be considered part of the game, or no good, and he gets replies about how he should thicken his skin, well then those advisors really missed the point.

You didn't "teach" anyone how to do anything. You made a vague suggestion to block out distractions and "own his game". That's great, but it is beside the point of the thread. Engaging in the behavior that the op's opponent did should be an embarrassment. And it it the duty of tournament directors and other players to instill that value in the other players. Teach the asshats how to show respect and sportsmanship. That's a better lesson...better for everyone.

KMRUNOUT

 

[Runner]

quote=
When I see the videos of Efren and other Filipinos playing in open air pool rooms with chickens and traffic sounds and people having to ripple out of the way when they shoot I actually am embarrassed for the times that some small thing "sharked" me.

This... I watched a video of Efren playing in some open air Manila pool hall, and there were guys walking around the table shouting bets, people leaning on the table, babies crying, you name it! Man, THAT'S seasoning... a guy slamming his stick?

'Walang Problema" (no problem)

 

[thubosky]

Agreed. IQ among most pool players is not impressive. Or really among most people in general. I don't think you read my post(s) carefully. There are two totally different things going on here. First, should pool players develop a resistance to sharking. Second, is it OK to shark, which was really the op's question. Obviously developing an immunity to sharking or other distractions is a benefit. But this fact exists independently of whether behavior like the op's opponent is OK. It isn't.

The point is if someone is specifically asking if particular behavior is to be considered part of the game, or no good, and he gets replies about how he should thicken his skin, well then those advisors really missed the point.

You didn't "teach" anyone how to do anything. You made a vague suggestion to block out distractions and "own his game". That's great, but it is beside the point of the thread. Engaging in the behavior that the op's opponent did should be an embarrassment. And it it the duty of tournament directors and other players to instill that value in the other players. Teach the asshats how to show respect and sportsmanship. That's a better lesson...better for everyone.

KMRUNOUT

Kmrunout you nailed it on the head. Very well said.

Also, I have been shooting more than half my life. This ain't the first time I've been sharked, but most of it isn't like a loud noise, surprise tactic. I think that's what got me. It startled me and got me out of my routine. Got me thinking about how it was my opponent and that I thought what a sore loser.

In one tourney I played a guy who I know now who is sort of like Russian Kenny in terms if always barking and saying something. I broke and ran like 2 in a row and this guy started complimenting me and just kept on talking when I was shooting the whole entire match. Won 5-1 I believe. After the match my friend asked how'd I shoot that good when he was sharking me. I said it really didn't bother me at all. I was in the zone and no one was going to beat me. So like I said it was more of the unexpectedness than the art of sharking if that makes sense.

The best part is that I was on a run. So it's not like the guy missed and then did it when I shot my first shot. This came at the ball before the 8 ball. Made me lose my focus and lose my positioning. If he doesn't act like that I go on to win the match, simple as that.

 

[Dan White]

For me, most sharking falls into the 2nd category. It isn't really the act itself, it is the disrespect the act implies that bothers me. Any advice you have on this type of irritation would be most welcome.

KMRUNOUT

I can't say I'm an expert on this in real world experience. I think just understanding the difference can be a help, though. I've had situations like that where I played better because I wanted to drill the guy. Anger can do wonders for your concentration if it is controlled.

 

[rrick33]

Agreed. IQ among most pool players is not impressive. Or really among most people in general. I don't think you read my post(s) carefully. There are two totally different things going on here. First, should pool players develop a resistance to sharking. Second, is it OK to shark, which was really the op's question. Obviously developing an immunity to sharking or other distractions is a benefit. But this fact exists independently of whether behavior like the op's opponent is OK. It isn't.

The point is if someone is specifically asking if particular behavior is to be considered part of the game, or no good, and he gets replies about how he should thicken his skin, well then those advisors really missed the point.

You didn't "teach" anyone how to do anything. You made a vague suggestion to block out distractions and "own his game". That's great, but it is beside the point of the thread. Engaging in the behavior that the op's opponent did should be an embarrassment. And it it the duty of tournament directors and other players to instill that value in the other players. Teach the asshats how to show respect and sportsmanship. That's a better lesson...better for everyone.

KMRUNOUT

You make an excellent point but there are fine lines between poor behavior and bad behavior. Most sharking behavior is very subtle and difficult to define as sharking except by those who choose to define it as sharking because they believe it impacted their performance.

Being an ass is not against the rules and the extent of their bad behavior is often very subjective in its interpretation.

I doubt that any of the OP's issues with his opponent would have warranted his opponent's expulsion. That being said....bad behavior is part of the game. You're going to run into a few of these guys every once in a while and perhaps the lesson here is to be prepared for these unsavory characters.

Based on what I've read, I think the loss falls squarely upon the OP's shoulders. I say that because I too have allowed poorly behaved players to get into my head and affect my performance. It's only natural to want to blame others for our short comings but ultimately, I realized I could have won the match if I'd only been able to control my thoughts and get re-focused on my performance.

There was someone on this website who once claimed they had an issue with their opponent because he wouldn't shake his hand before the match.

Was this bad behavior?
Did it have sharking overtones?
Or was it just a guy with O.C.D. and a fear of germs?

It was certainly impactful enough to get under someone's skin.

This game is 90% mental. If a player can't find a way to filter all the subjective crap that seems like bad behavior....they're doomed to be chum for every shark they meet.

 

[alstl]

You opponent was either an idiot or a shark or both but are you sure that is why you missed the shot with the cue ball on the rail?

I watched a live stream last weekend with Corey Deuel in the semis and finals of a tournament vs Josh Reynolds and Rodney Morris. Corey missed 4 makeable shots with the cue ball on the rail in two matches and he is one of the top players in the nation.

It is a tough shot and if you put side on it you increased the difficulty.

 

[7forlife]

easier said than done. It's not always easy to just tune someone out because of their action/s depending on the type of person you are. You just have to keep at it and try to have things bother you less and less till it no longer that big of an issue, take a timeout and let them sit their in their own stew.

As someone mentioned an incident is actually only for that one shot, if it was hill-hill then i can fully understand but there were still two racks left so end the end you lost on your own, unless you're saying that the guy got up and pretty much break and ran the set.

calling someone on a shot that went their way is something I don't get and find to be one of those things that people use to make up for loosing (pool players, smh). If the shot is so close that it's possible the person could of been aiming at one ball and miss it so bad that he shoots another balls then I understand, if the shot looks like cut and he banks it then come on use your desecration and stop being "that guy". Ok so you thought he was shooting one ball but shot another, are you saying that he missed the intended ball that bad he pocketed another ball a foot away?

 

[PDX]

I play with a guy that is loud, fast, annoying, waves his hands, does all sorts of childish sh*t. He is probably in his late 50's. Sometimes I get angry at him, but he usually retorts that it will make me a better player. I hate to say it, but his antics have helped me focus and allow me to shut out the world at times.

 

[jimtauer]

I think it can happen to anyone, most nothing bothers me anymore and I've seen a lot of tactics, fell victim to some and that's how you learn for the next time.

But it did happen to me again just recently - after a long 8-ball league match just this week. Opponent was constantly commenting after each great shot I made, "great shot, that was the shot of the match", he spoke loudly but he was wearing a hearing aid so I let it slide. He then used the old "have to go to the bathroom" trick after clearing a rack, to make me think about it for a bit. Also after each miss, he loudly berated himself as he left the table. All of that I was able to ignore.

Then on the final hill-hill match, he snookered himself with only one of his object balls left, two of mine, and the 8 ball. There was NO way he was NOT going to foul on the shot. He looked at it for like 20 minutes, then got down. I asked him what he was going to do, he said he was going to intentionally foul. I said OK. Then he looks at it another 5 minutes, gets up, and calls timeout for a coach. And he's the best player on his team.

So that set me over the edge, I tried taking my time on the next few shots but subconsciously I overthought my 3-ball runout pattern and ended up scratching on the 8 ball to lose the match. Looking back on it I should have played 2 safeties that I know would have resulted in a much easier win.

 

[genomachino]

Had a bad experience last night myself.........

Was playing in a handicap tournament where the other player was getting the 6, 7, 8 wild. All the breaks and 2 games on the wire in a race to 5.

I need to play great to win.

During the first game the player started talking trash while I was playing. He had been drinking some. I told him to please be quiet while I was shooting and not talk to me.

Everything was fine until I won the first game.

He called me everything in the book. Grumpy old man and cripple. ----head, ---hole it was really pathetic.

he continued to do this all through the match.

During the last couple of games I got in his face. I couldn't stand it anymore and he told me I was an inch from getting it. My reply is he almost got it by saying that. Being drunk and that close I thought he was going to try and steal a punch so it was a self defense thought response.

I saw a baby stroller and a young kid come up to the table and realized this was his kids and wife, not sure. Later someone told me it was. feel sorry for them. Hope this guy gets some help in the near future.

I backed off and finished winning the set.

I really felt bad that this guy got under my skin bad enough that I almost did something I would have regretted in front of his kids. Most people would have had trouble restaining from busting this guy right in the chops.

There were 34 players in this tournament last night and I'm sure the guy was a total creep to someone else.

But the bottom line is he really thought he could win with these tactics.

real good for pool. Sharking at it's worst.......

 

[thubosky]

You make an excellent point but there are fine lines between poor behavior and bad behavior. Most sharking behavior is very subtle and difficult to define as sharking except by those who choose to define it as sharking because they believe it impacted their performance.

Being an ass is not against the rules and the extent of their bad behavior is often very subjective in its interpretation.

I doubt that any of the OP's issues with his opponent would have warranted his opponent's expulsion. That being said....bad behavior is part of the game. You're going to run into a few of these guys every once in a while and perhaps the lesson here is to be prepared for these unsavory characters.

Based on what I've read, I think the loss falls squarely upon the OP's shoulders. I say that because I too have allowed poorly behaved players to get into my head and affect my performance. It's only natural to want to blame others for our short comings but ultimately, I realized I could have won the match if I'd only been able to control my thoughts and get re-focused on my performance.

There was someone on this website who once claimed they had an issue with their opponent because he wouldn't shake his hand before the match.

Was this bad behavior?
Did it have sharking overtones?
Or was it just a guy with O.C.D. and a fear of germs?

It was certainly impactful enough to get under someone's skin.

This game is 90% mental. If a player can't find a way to filter all the subjective crap that seems like bad behavior....they need to consider a different sport.

Well he obviously won that rack to make it 3-2 and then I broke with alternate break and broke great and didn't make any. He ran that out making it 3-3 and then we had a clustered table and safety battle where he won in the end.

The point is it should have never gotten to that. It's like someone popping a balloon behind you when your down on your shot. It startles you and gets your adrenaline going. It messed me all up. The only fault on me is not taking a long break and coming back fresh before shooting both shots and still at that point he already changed the game. Again I would probably be worrying about hearing something else from him or something and I'd be thinking too much while I would be trying to execute the shot.

Believe me this place was crowded and tables in the middle didn't even have seats so you had to stand on the perimeter of the shooting area so it was hectic and I didn't mind anything besides this deliberate sharking incident.

 

[Texdance]

Dear Mr. Tournament TC, re: recent match:

Ooops, so sorry I stepped on my oppo's foot, purely accidental, of course, cause if it was on purpose I woulda crushed his instep instead of just pinching a couple of toes.

O yes I get so nervous and clumsy when I'm matched up with someone who plays as great as that oppo, especially if he has been playing bass drum with his cue bumper while I am down on my shot.

My bad bad bad... I even offered to get him an aspirin, an ice pack, a pedicure, a podiatrist, and a shoe shine. All on me.

I'mm sooooo sooorrrrryyyy, I am soooo embarrrrrassssd. I know I weigh 255 so it musta hurt, all that weight right through my steel-capped heel and onto his big toe (and if it didn't hurt, could I respectfully request a rematch?)

Me, I wear OSHA approved steel-toed Doc Martins high-tops, size 15, with steel taps front side and rear, cause sometimes, matched up against a really tough world-beater opponent like that guy, well sometimes I get so clumsy I step on my own toes.

Thanks for hearing my side of the story, Mr. TD, I feel much better now that my conscience is clear.