Anger leading to super focus???

sidepocket7

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
A Little background......OK, so I play DJ APA on Friday nights, and have done so for about 9 years. After all this time, I would say that the last 1.5-2 yrs I have become much less interested in the whole league play, mainly just going and playing to see my friends rather than being competitive. Anyways, I am up first in the 8 ball part ( my least fav game), and I'm playing a sl6, so I have to spot him a game. Whatever. I get good breaks, decent runs, but I end up getting donuted, 4-0. Fine. I just really dont care.
So im hanging around, scoring, just plain bored. I get a table, and practice some, then go back to scoring. The place crowds up, nobody seems to be paying attention, the waitress moves my stick and throws my BD chalk in the garbage, and the bangers arrrive. Im getting pissed here. Then, my captain puts me up in 9 ball. From out of pure anger, I seem to get this super focus, and I shut my opponent out from the 1st break shot. 55 balls to his 7, and a 3 pack. So, what I want to know, is how can I play my first match and lose so badly, and my next and shoot lights out? Is it possible that anger could trigger super focus....any thoughts?
 
thats a good question, look at earl strickland evertime he gets mad he usually ends up losing
 
I think anger can trigger caring. Good play results from some motivation to put care and effort into your shooting. You found the motivation you needed. It's a shame though if you can't find some other motivation. Anger won't always be available.
 
I don't think anger leads to good play but adrenaline certainly does. I go into a match hoping my opponent tries to shark me at every opportunity. When that happens I slow down, ignore the other player and withdraw into a strong adrenaline fueled concentration. I never retaliate in kind. When I was less experienced anger at bad sportsmanship could wreck my game.

The turning point in my attitude came about after I contemplated an amusing Cliff Joiner 9 ball match. The game was five ahead with Cliff giving the 6 and the last 4 to a local room owner. The first set was played with good sportsmanship. After three hours Cliff lost the set. The bet was doubled for the second set. At the very first game of set two, the owner and his little peanut gallery began a intense campaign of sharking with racial overtones. It appeared that Cliff was totally unaware of the sharking as he calmly ran out the set in a matter of minutes.

The lesson was learned--Don't get mad, get out!
 
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