Chasing that Pool 'Jones'

[jjohnson]

Chasing that Pool 'Jones'

Some guys don't get it. Pool doesn't do it for them.
But we get it. We know why. We feel it. And that's enough.

Why do you shoot when you shouldn't shoot?
It is the reward you are anticipating if you make the shot.
It's that dopamine rush that you're going to get.
That's what you're chasing.

Yet it's this anticipation that is overriding your better judgement.
You can't help yourself even though you know better.
So you only get disappointed when you miss.
No reward.
You are your own worst enemy.

If this isn't bad enough, let's say you do everything perfectly.
And you're feeling confident that you're going to make the shot.
But just before you pull the trigger, that hint of doubt creeps up.
You can't help but think: "Damn, I'm not sure I can make the shot."

Where does this doubt come from?
Well, you're not entirely confident because you're still learning the game.
You don't truly know what you're doing.
Now this haunting lingering doubt doesn't help.
Now guess what?
You come off of the shot.
Maybe just a little.
Imperceptibly at first then a cascade that leads to failure.
And disappointment.
No reward.

But you persevere because of the potential for a dopamine rush reward.
You keep on trying.

So be smart.
Think efficiently.

Ultimately, you are in control.
So be in control by taking control.

And enjoy your rewards.

 

[Island Drive]

In my youth.... Here is what.... we thought when another was. there

''he's jones-in''

Lost in his own world.

 

[SSP]

Chasing that Pool 'Jones'

Some guys don't get it. Pool doesn't do it for them.
But we get it. We know why. We feel it. And that's enough.

Why do you shoot when you shouldn't shoot?
It is the reward you are anticipating if you make the shot.
It's that dopamine rush that you're going to get.
That's what you're chasing.

Yet it's this anticipation that is overriding your better judgement.
You can't help yourself even though you know better.
So you only get disappointed when you miss.
No reward.
You are your own worst enemy.

If this isn't bad enough, let's say you do everything perfectly.
And you're feeling confident that you're going to make the shot.
But just before you pull the trigger, that hint of doubt creeps up.
You can't help but think: "Damn, I'm not sure I can make the shot."

Where does this doubt come from?
Well, you're not entirely confident because you're still learning the game.
You don't truly know what you're doing.
Now this haunting lingering doubt doesn't help.
Now guess what?
You come off of the shot.
Maybe just a little.
Imperceptibly at first then a cascade that leads to failure.
And disappointment.
No reward.

But you persevere because of the potential for a dopamine rush reward.
You keep on trying.

So be smart.
Think efficiently.

Ultimately, you are in control.
So be in control by taking control.

And enjoy your rewards.

Someone suggested reading the book "The inner game of tennis" and it's an eye opener, the book is really about how your brain processes information, it's a great read and the only time it doesn't work is when you don't follow what you have learned.

 

[jjohnson]

Someone suggested reading the book "The inner game of tennis" and it's an eye opener, the book is really about how your brain processes information, it's a great read and the only time it doesn't work is when you don't follow what you have learned.

I'm currently dealing with this personally with my pool game. It's called discipline. But I'm making remarkable progress.
Check out my progress in the videos I just posted
Find links in this thread: "Champion/Pro or Shortstop/Amateur/Banger. It's your choice."

 

[straightline]

I gotta ask how much range do you have on these set shots?
Full cue ball - speed AND direction? One cinch way?

 

[SSP]

I'm currently dealing with this personally with my pool game. It's called discipline. But I'm making remarkable progress.
Check out my progress in the videos I just posted
Find links in this thread: "Champion/Pro or Shortstop/Amateur/Banger. It's your choice."

The book has nothing to do with discipline, you can't possibly know what you don't know, it's not a long book and quite entertaining at the same time but you do what you think is best for you and good luck with your game

 

[jjohnson]

I gotta ask how much range do you have on these set shots?
Full cue ball - speed AND direction? One cinch way?

I'm not sure what you mean by "range."

Straight in shot:
The cue ball is placed about 2 diamonds from the rail I'm shooting from.
And the object ball is about 3 rails from the pocket and anywhere from 1-2 diamonds from the side rail.

Long cut shot:
The object ball is 1 ball width from the rail so it's 2.25 inches away, and centered along the rail.
The cue ball is 2 diamonds up from the rail I'm shooting from and about 6 inches from the side rail.

The cue ball hit on all shots is hopefully center ball maybe slightly below center.
Speed on long cut shot is fast enough to get the object ball into the pocket.
Straight in shot speed varies.

The "trick" is obvious.
I first determine where I must shoot the cue ball.
Then I determine the alignment points that the cue stick must align on.
Of course I then do what is necessary to maintain the alignment when I shoot, as best I can.

As of now, I do not intend to point all this out specifically.
I am not intending to teach this.
I only wish to demonstrate that such a technique exists.
That I am sure all the champions/pros use it one way or another.
That anyone can figure it out if they think about it.
And anyone can make it happen by just looking at the shot.

All the alignment points, lines, and relationships are in front of you to see or can be conceptualized after analysis.
You must stay perfectly still.
You must control your stroke.

Remember Dutch (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in the movie, Predator?
"If it bleeds, we can kill it."

Think: If it moves, I can control it.
Exert your will.
Take control.

That includes your mind, too.

 

[straightline]

I'm not sure what you mean by "range."

Speed and direction. It's like flying a helicopter ( I've never been in a helicopter.)

Pocketing "hard" shots can lock you into what essentially become bad and very restrictive habits.

 

[jjohnson]

Speed and direction. It's like flying a helicopter ( I've never been in a helicopter.)

Pocketing "hard" shots can lock you into what essentially become bad and very restrictive habits.

Did you know that if you go out on a rainy stormy night you could also be struck by lightning?

I'll be back in a week or so then we'll see if I have something worthy of further discussion.

Later...

 

[straightline]

Did you know that if you go out on a rainy stormy night you could also be struck by lightning?

I'll be back in a week or so then we'll see if I have something worthy of further discussion.

Later...

True. This has what to do with bonehead never miss drills?