A lesson in Focus - Efren
- Thread starter JB Cases
- Start date
No, we can't. Because combined Orcullo and Shane don't stack up to Efren's accomplishments yet.
And yup, the fact that he plays $2000 long sets with chickens running around AND still plays world class pool IS the example of extraordinary focus. The fact that he never strays from choosing the right shot even when way ahead is an example of the focus I am talking about.
No one was making this a comparison to other players. But since you did, Efren is also a man of the people who doesn't ever consider himself "too good" to gamble for small stakes against his fans. Not saying that other players get a bit snobby but you don't see much video of them playing in the middle of a crowd of chickens and kids do you?
And getting PAID for it as well.
Efren is the man with iron nuts strong enough to allow the whole world to swing from them and still dab it.
My thoughts.
Firstly, thanks for posting this. I really enjoyed watching it.
There is a lot to be learned here, aside from the pattern-play. It truly is a lesson in focus. But, I will make one observation. The combined noises and so-called distractions while they were playing is all part of their "flow". It is expected and part of their culture. I say this without ever having set foot in that country. I have read a lot of Jay Helfert's posts and have spoken to quite a few of their countrymen about pool in their country.
That being said, I would liken it to playing in a bar, with all of its distractions, which is also part of our "flow" and culture.
In both instances, however, the overall general noise is separate from playing in a quieter environment and having one person cause a distraction. This is far more disruptive and noticeable.
I also think this type of singular disruption, while frowned upon in both cultures, would be tolerated and dealt with a little better in theirs. I think sometimes we make too much out of it.
I know a pool room owner (who shall remain nameless) who believes the Earth should stop spinning when he is playing, but he has no qualms about distracting you, making comments during your matches, whether you're gambling or not, and so on. I was once showing another player how to use the Air Predator jump cue three tables away from one of his matches and he complained to us. Meanwhile, I was gambling once in his room and he shot a rubber band at me, right across my face. When I explained we were gambling his reply was, "So? I don't give a sh**!"
Needless to say my attendance at said room has dwindled.
Anyway, that was just a side-story. I was using that as an example of us making a meal out of distractions, ultimately distracting ourselves.
Someone once took a flash photo in Mika's face at the U.S. Open. He paused, then continued shooting without going all "John McEnroe" on the guy. He ended up winning the Open that year. Now that's focus!
Firstly, thanks for posting this. I really enjoyed watching it.
There is a lot to be learned here, aside from the pattern-play. It truly is a lesson in focus. But, I will make one observation. The combined noises and so-called distractions while they were playing is all part of their "flow". It is expected and part of their culture. I say this without ever having set foot in that country. I have read a lot of Jay Helfert's posts and have spoken to quite a few of their countrymen about pool in their country.
That being said, I would liken it to playing in a bar, with all of its distractions, which is also part of our "flow" and culture.
In both instances, however, the overall general noise is separate from playing in a quieter environment and having one person cause a distraction. This is far more disruptive and noticeable.
I also think this type of singular disruption, while frowned upon in both cultures, would be tolerated and dealt with a little better in theirs. I think sometimes we make too much out of it.
I know a pool room owner (who shall remain nameless) who believes the Earth should stop spinning when he is playing, but he has no qualms about distracting you, making comments during your matches, whether you're gambling or not, and so on. I was once showing another player how to use the Air Predator jump cue three tables away from one of his matches and he complained to us. Meanwhile, I was gambling once in his room and he shot a rubber band at me, right across my face. When I explained we were gambling his reply was, "So? I don't give a sh**!"
Needless to say my attendance at said room has dwindled.
Anyway, that was just a side-story. I was using that as an example of us making a meal out of distractions, ultimately distracting ourselves.
Someone once took a flash photo in Mika's face at the U.S. Open. He paused, then continued shooting without going all "John McEnroe" on the guy. He ended up winning the Open that year. Now that's focus!
So I read this and decided to think about it. I think that you are right. When I used to gamble in bars I would walk in expecting a noisy and crowded environment and would deal with accordingly. By the same token I have also allowed myself to get upset in the poolroom by the slightest of movements anywhere close to the table.
Thanks for a very good point to this. For some reason I enjoyed the atmosphere in the Philippines with a crowd around sweating the game and didn't let it bother me. Maybe also the energy level in the room helps to maintain focus on the game as well.
Still I admire Efren for continuously choosing the right shot and never allowing himself to take flyers even when well ahead. If you watch closely you will see a few shots where he could shoot the ball in to the pocket but elects to play safe instead since getting position would be tough if he made the ball. This is discipline and focus as well.