okinawa77 said:
Set goals.....
Try beating your opponent every single game.
Try to break and run every rack.
Try to play the most wicked safety you can....the kind that makes your opponent want to break down and cry.
If playing 8 ball, try to pocket all of your balls...while not allowing your opponent to pocket any balls.
I think okinawa77 hit the nail on the head. You have to give yourself incentives to perform better than "just good enough to win".
I used to have a friend that I played with regularly, he wasn't close to my speed, but was a good friend. I couldn't hit the end rail for the longest time against him, until I realized it was MY problem.
My inability to beat players worse than me wasn't from my lack of ability, but from my laziness of knowing I didn't have to play well to win.
After much soul-searching, I decided I would rather win 11-0 than 11-5, or 11-4, or whatever. My game jumped immediately when I decided I would no longer accept losing even a single GAME.
I began to play everyone like I was playing Efren Reyes. If I miss a ball, I lose. If I miss position, I lose. If I scratch on the break, I lose. AND if I get another opportunity after a mistake, it's a miracle, which I don't deserve, but I will capitalize on.
When you stop thinking about your opponent's game, and try to play the best pool possible (for you), the results are easily noticeable.
After a while of practicing this mentality, I could run a 3 pack on my mom, and not feel bad.
It's all about playing YOUR best game, and not letting unrealistic expectations get in your way.
JMO,
Michael