This is an interesting topic. I can relate to most of what everyone is saying. For instance, within the last month, I beat two players in a race to 9, playing 9 ball, that I considered better players than me. Had one of them 8-2 before winning 9-5 and the other I beat 9-3. The only thing I can remember, is, I felt confident going into the match and got out ahead and didn't have the pressure of trying to catch up.
Last week I played someone who cannot run more than a couple of balls or play position. I remember going into that match thinking this is going to be an easy one. I started out jarring the 9 in the corner. The next game, my opponent made a wild combination shot on the 9. You guessed it 0-2. So now the pressure is on. I am doing nothing but thinking I can't lose to a player like this. Did I ever struggle, I wound up winning 9-7, and at one point, I really thought I was going to lose it. I hung the 9 again, and my opponent made a couple more combos on the 9. What a night. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
The only thing I can gather from these recent matches is how I was feeling and thinking. Also, the pressure I put on myself in trying to come from behind. Any reasonable person knows that you can't think negative thoughts. I've also tried taking deep breaths and visualizing myself standing at the ocean shores listening to the waves crash. However the pressure of being behind and having to make a shot, not missing seem to take over. If this is the case, then I must be tensing up. If you are not loose, I would imagine, your stroke could be all over the place from tense muscles in your stroking arm. How many times have you gotten down on the 9 for a winning shot. It is a reasonable 20 degree cut with the OB being about 2 diamonds from the corner pocket. You sight the shot, get down to execute, but then starting thinking i can't miss this or I have to make this shot for the win. So you spend a few extra seconds studying the shot over what you normally would and then when you shoot, probably not with an authoritative stroke, you miss. Sound familiar.
I really think it all boils down to focus and concentration and feeling confident. You've made the shot a thousand times, just shoot it. Thinking gets us into more trouble than what we realize. You have played stronger players and weaker players and beat them both. Why put pressure on yourself? Just shoot the darn shot and stop hesitating and thinking about it. It isn't a matter of life or death, it's just a normal shot. See the shot and execute. Amazing how you never miss these shots on a practice table.
Boy, I feel rejuvenated. I think I'll take all of what I have just said into my match tonight. Don't expect to miss another shot or lose another match, all I have to do is just follow my advice. Ha-Ha. Want to bet nothing changes? Good luck everyone with trying to figure it out. If you find the magic bullet, please PM me or put it on here for everyone to see.
Over and out.
Dougster
