Most Players Do Not Employ a Developmental Approach To Pool.
Here is my advice......take it or leave it.......but you can’t deny the game of pool is played
between the ears more than on the table. Your mental outlook determines what happens.
First and foremost, never take the game so seriously that it stops being fun and enjoyable.
Next is take the time to sit down and decide whether you just want to be a sociable, affable
kind of player that plays more for the recreational aspect of playing a game with others you
may or might not know. In so far as your performance expectations, forget about it & just play.
If however your inner self says I like playing pool & I’d like to be seen as a better skilled player,
then watch.....closely observe the best players you know or encounter. Watch what they do. Pay
attention to their bridge and stroke, observe their shooting stance, watch the roll of the object ball
after being struck, look at the speed of the cue ball and how it moves & then compare that with the
player’s stroke. Absorb as much imagery as you can and bring that to your practice sessions.
If you find that you awaken the desire to become a strong player, then embrace the fundamentals
and practice what is preached. In other words, don’t deviate. Try to develop a consistent pre-shot
routine. When you miss a shot, re-examine your stance, head & body alignment, Chalk after every
shot because it slows you down and that allows you to avoid playing quick which a sure fire road
to a miscue or poor position play. Most importantly, realistically evaluate your current skills and flaws.
If you want to become serious, practice and play with partners or opponents better than you and avoid
playing down to the level of lesser skilled players you may encounter. It is a clear temptation that befalls
so many players. Consider taking instruction and don’t take advice from every player that offers any.
Lastly, decide if you want to become a really good player or just an okay player. Do you want to possess
the skills and confidence to run the table after your opponent misses or after you just smashed the rack
wide open on the break shot? It is a great feeling to hear your opponent remark as you walk the table, “It
looks like the table is set for another easy runout.” Gosh, wouldn’t you prefer to be recognized and known
for being a talented player versus just another ho-hum type that can’t run more than 5-6 balls. Remember
you decide how good you can become, what satisfies you and how much effort and commitment to make.
“Never take the game so seriously it stops being enjoyable; when that happens, realign your expectations.”
Matt B.