Ever Overthink a Shot and Miss?

504Billiards

504Billiards

New member
Man, I had one of those moments where I was thinking about way too much on a shot—speed, English, aiming point, getting the right angle for the next ball—and I ended up completely missing it. It was the key shot, too, and it pretty much cost me the match.

I know I’m not the only one who does this. How do y’all handle it? Do you just trust your gut, clear your mind and shoot, or do you have a way to keep things simple?

I actually caught it on video if anyone wants to check it out:


Just had to vent about it. 😂
 
504Billiards said:
Man, I had one of those moments where I was thinking about way too much on a shot—speed, English, aiming point, getting the right angle for the next ball—and I ended up completely missing it. It was the key shot, too, and it pretty much cost me the match.

I know I’m not the only one who does this. How do y’all handle it? Do you just trust your gut, clear your mind and shoot, or do you have a way to keep things simple?

I actually caught it on video if anyone wants to check it out:


Just had to vent about it. 😂
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It's OK to promote your channel. Nice production quality. You don't need to make up a reason to post here. 😉
 
mjantti said:
The hardest thing in pool is to put so much effort into being effortless.
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Great statement concerning the essence of mind and body co existing at opposite ends in the moment of shot execution!
The late great billiards author George Fels had a statement in the opening of his book “Mastering Pool” - Pool is the highest form of concentration and relaxation that need to happen simultaneously - it is a very difficult thing for most people to master shot after shot after shot.
When this is not a natural gift - as it often is with great champions in many sports - then our road to success is being aware of this fact and then training ourselves - under pressure situations - to perform in this manner.
 
504Billiards said:
How do y’all handle it?
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My solution is to do All the planning and calculations while standing. This can include a complete lap around the table to survey on occasion. Once the plan is solid, I start my Full Shot Dance (not a PSR pre shot routine). My FSD requires me to start with a stance measured and square to the shot. Then a one two step to place the bridge and assume my shooting position. The plan should be complete before assuming the position. If I find myself doubting or modify ing the plan once my hand is on the table, it's time to raise up and start over.
Once my hand is on the table my focus needs to be on The Execution of the plan. The exact location of the strike to the white and path through the ball along with velocity are my focus once down on the shot. Any stray thoughts or concerns requires me to stand up. The starting over only requires a couple of seconds to return to the square to the shot starting position. Clear the mind of concerns and start the dance when I am confident that I have the best plan. Confidence in the plan leads to successful execution, well providing I have the physical ability. 🤷‍♂️
 
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couldnthinkof01 said:
Quick backstroke probably played a factor there.

I work on the p.s.r. religiously. So, once I get down every shot is the same, even under pressure.

That said, I get too quick and dog it too. Pool is a tough game
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Thanks for the feedback. I looked back at my backstroke, and while it could have been slower, it seemed in line with my other strokes in terms of speed and timing. I'll pay more attention to it in the future and see if I can make some adjustments to improve my shots. Thanks again.
 
Dan White said:
It's OK to promote your channel. Nice production quality. You don't need to make up a reason to post here. 😉
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LOL, thanks for the info! I'm excited that this can help promote my channel, but I'm also genuinely eager to ask for and receive feedback to improve my game. It's always valuable to have outsiders watch and make suggestions based on what they see.
 
mikemosconi said:
Great statement concerning the essence of mind and body co existing at opposite ends in the moment of shot execution!
The late great billiards author George Fels had a statement in the opening of his book “Mastering Pool” - Pool is the highest form of concentration and relaxation that need to happen simultaneously - it is a very difficult thing for most people to master shot after shot after shot.
When this is not a natural gift - as it often is with great champions in many sports - then our road to success is being aware of this fact and then training ourselves - under pressure situations - to perform in this manner.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I appreciate the insight and the quote from George Fels. It's true that mastering the balance of concentration and relaxation is key. I'll keep working on this balance to improve my game.
 
gregcantrall said:
My solution is to do All the planning and calculations while standing. This can include a complete lap around the table to survey on occasion. Once the plan is solid, I start my Full Shot Dance (not a PSR pre shot routine). My FSD requires me to start with a stance measured and square to the shot. Then a one two step to place the bridge and assume my shooting position. The plan should be complete before assuming the position. If I find myself doubting or modify ing the plan once my hand is on the table, it's time to raise up and start over.
Once my hand is on the table my focus needs to be on The Execution of the plan. The exact location of the strike to the white and path through the ball along with velocity are my focus once down on the shot. Any stray thoughts or concerns requires me to stand up. The starting over only requires a couple of seconds to return to the square to the shot starting position. Clear the mind of concerns and start the dance when I am confident that I have the best plan. Confidence in the plan leads to successful execution, well providing I have the physical ability. 🤷‍♂️
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Thanks for sharing your approach! I like the idea of doing all the planning and calculations while standing and then executing with confidence. I can definitely remember quite a few shots where I said to myself at the last moment, "this feels off," and instead of getting up and re-doing it, I took the shot and, of course, missed either the object ball or the cue ball setup. Those few extra seconds could have probably paid off. Thanks again.
 
mikemosconi said:
Great statement concerning the essence of mind and body co existing at opposite ends in the moment of shot execution!
The late great billiards author George Fels had a statement in the opening of his book “Mastering Pool” - Pool is the highest form of concentration and relaxation that need to happen simultaneously - it is a very difficult thing for most people to master shot after shot after shot.
When this is not a natural gift - as it often is with great champions in many sports - then our road to success is being aware of this fact and then training ourselves - under pressure situations - to perform in this manner.
Click to expand...
That is true. I read ”the Inner Game of Tennis” which helped me a lot back in the day what kind of things are essential in sports/pool psychology. Highly recommended for any player who wants to get better in all areas of the game.

I play against the ghost a lot to create pressure situations. It also helps me focusing on my true opponent: the table.
 
mjantti said:
That is true. I read ”the Inner Game of Tennis” which helped me a lot back in the day what kind of things are essential in sports/pool psychology. Highly recommended for any player who wants to get better in all areas of the game.

I play against the ghost a lot to create pressure situations. It also helps me focusing on my true opponent: the table.
Click to expand...
I have that book from YEARS ago. Another good book is In Pursuit of Excellence by Terry Orlick.
 
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