Choking nine balls? Help!

[Roadkill]

Tonight I was playing in the finals of a local tournament and missed the nineball in two games. Due to these misses, I came in second place.

Is there a cure for this disease?

 

[I rack balls]

Center. Axis. English.

or just center ball

learn it, love it.

 

[RunoutalloverU]

Try taking the last three balls the 7,8, and 9 and shoot those over and over. Psychologically it helps get the feeling of getting out through the entire rack. Because I mean if you can get through racks consistently enough to get out to the 9, its just a matter of choking. So although its only three balls, I think getting the feeling of visually running out the last three that matter it will help you when you are there for real.

 

[Roadkill]

A pro player once told me to imagine a tenth ball somewhere on the table and try to get shape for that ball. The principle is to maintain the same rhythm since the previous balls required shape.

Tonight in the final game (hill/hill), I was thinking "I'm going to fire this nineball in and put an exclamation mark on my win". I fired the ball directly into the rail, missed the pocket by two inches, and left it hanging in the side pocket. My opponent made the ball and said "thanks".

 

[Russ Chewning]

One thing I have come to realize from watching a LOT of 9 ball, (at least 150 DVDs worth) is that there are only a few different types of shots. Quarter ball cuts, half ball cuts, three quarter ball cuts, straight in, or nearly straight in shots, and finally, cuts than 1/4 ball.

Add to this about 8-10 gradations of speed, and you now have pretty much all the shots you need to practice to become very proficient.

Now, back to your problem. What I have noticed when someone "chokes" on a money ball, is that they tend to change their speed from how they would normally hit a ball of whatever distance/cut the shot happens to be.

Don't do that.

Consciously be aware of the "correct speed" that different shots are hit by most pros. I knew a shortstop in Tampa that used to have a huge like of "draw drag" shots as a way to control his speed on lengthy shots.

Most pros hit these shots firmer with a just above center stun stroke. Well, Mr. Shortstop would do fine against lesser players, but as soon as he went up against someone really good, he would dog his ass off.

So, that being said, you need to watch what SPEED better players use on different shots, not just what path they take to get position. When you get used to hitting all your shots at the correct speed (for that particular shot), then you won't be as prone to "pooch it" when pressure time comes.

This merely comes from a very systematic approach to the game. Hit the same shot, the same way, the same speed (if applicable) all the time. Decide EXACTLY how you are going to hit the shot in your "mind's eye" before you get down over the shot.

There is another crucial lesson here. I said "in your mind's eye", NOT in your brain. Don't use WORDS in your head like "I have to hit this firm" or "I am shooting at half a pocket. SEE yourself completing the shot successully in your mind's eye. FEEL what that stroke would feel like.

You may think this is mumbo jumbo, but there are very specific psychological reasons why these things work mentally. It all amounts to NOT letting your conscious mind tell your how the shot needs to be hit. You need to SEE in your mind how the shot needs to be hit, and your body will automatically take care of the rest. Trust me on it.

You are "thinking" about the shot too much. Just SEE the shot happening.

Russ

 

[Milo]

c player?? lol

One thing I have come to realize from watching a LOT of 9 ball, (at least 150 DVDs worth) is that there are only a few different types of shots. Quarter ball cuts, half ball cuts, three quarter ball cuts, straight in, or nearly straight in shots, and finally, cuts than 1/4 ball.

Add to this about 8-10 gradations of speed, and you now have pretty much all the shots you need to practice to become very proficient.

Now, back to your problem. What I have noticed when someone "chokes" on a money ball, is that they tend to change their speed from how they would normally hit a ball of whatever distance/cut the shot happens to be.

Don't do that.

Consciously be aware of the "correct speed" that different shots are hit by most pros. I knew a shortstop in Tampa that used to have a huge like of "draw drag" shots as a way to control his speed on lengthy shots.

Most pros hit these shots firmer with a just above center stun stroke. Well, Mr. Shortstop would do fine against lesser players, but as soon as he went up against someone really good, he would dog his ass off.

So, that being said, you need to watch what SPEED better players use on different shots, not just what path they take to get position. When you get used to hitting all your shots at the correct speed (for that particular shot), then you won't be as prone to "pooch it" when pressure time comes.

This merely comes from a very systematic approach to the game. Hit the same shot, the same way, the same speed (if applicable) all the time. Decide EXACTLY how you are going to hit the shot in your "mind's eye" before you get down over the shot.

There is another crucial lesson here. I said "in your mind's eye", NOT in your brain. Don't use WORDS in your head like "I have to hit this firm" or "I am shooting at half a pocket. SEE yourself completing the shot successully in your mind's eye. FEEL what that stroke would feel like.

You may think this is mumbo jumbo, but there are very specific psychological reasons why these things work mentally. It all amounts to NOT letting your conscious mind tell your how the shot needs to be hit. You need to SEE in your mind how the shot needs to be hit, and your body will automatically take care of the rest. Trust me on it.

You are "thinking" about the shot too much. Just SEE the shot happening.

Russ

Russ,
Hi, hope you are doing well. You sound more than a "c" player. lol
Hope to see you when you visit.

 

[Varney Cues]

A pro player once told me to imagine a tenth ball somewhere on the table and try to get shape for that ball. The principle is to maintain the same rhythm since the previous balls required shape.

Thats exactly what I was going to share with you sir....but this you already know. I always imagine a 10 ball and play shape for it. Kind of keeps your mind in the same pattern & rhythm as while you are running out. I believe its a bad thing to get to the 9 and then relax, thinking you've won already....and kind of short stroke it because you have no further shape to play. This is why straight pool players in general play ALL games well. Now that you know the cure...you should have no problem with a fairly quick fix. Wishing you the best my friend.

 

[Russ Chewning]

Russ,
Hi, hope you are doing well. You sound more than a "c" player. lol
Hope to see you when you visit.

Well, you oughta KNOW, lol. I was playing even (at least) with Clark in 9 ball and One Pocket, and ahead of Rick Jones in 8 ball, 9 ball, and One Pocket when I left Washington. Larry and I used to practice together. I just haven't PRACTICED in 10 years, so it might be understandable that I am rusty, execution-wise.

People say what they wanna say about my game, and I just agree with them... I used to practice with YOU too, ya know! I had a lot of fun in City Lights, and shot there for 2 years, but I'll be darned if anybody remembers me, lol.

Russ

 

[mullyman]

You may think this is mumbo jumbo, but there are very specific psychological reasons why these things work mentally. It all amounts to NOT letting your conscious mind tell your how the shot needs to be hit. You need to SEE in your mind how the shot needs to be hit, and your body will automatically take care of the rest. Trust me on it.

You are "thinking" about the shot too much. Just SEE the shot happening.

Russ

I totally agree with this. If anyone thinks it's horse shit think about it like this. How many times have you had a simple straight shot or light cut up the rail on the 9 and said to yourself "Don't hit it too (thick, thin)." and then do exactly that. Of course you dogged it. You got down on the shot thinking you weren't going to make, imagined it hitting the rail and jawing out etc... You made yourself miss the shot. Can these things happen with positive visualization? Of course, but with a lot less frequency. You dogged the shot before you even pulled the trigger.
MULLY

 

[av84fun]

All great advice so far but they are all missing the SURE FIRE cure that would result in you NEVER, EVER dogging a 9 Ball again.......

.
.
.
.
SUICIDE!!! (-:

In addition to all the other advice, when I am faced with any critical shot, I PROMISE myself that I am going to put the PUREST DAMN STROKE of my whole life on it....including...

SMOOOOOOOOTH acceleration....to my EXACT tip target and finish position....ROCK SOLID body with my right arm being the ONLY moving part and to STAY that way until the ball drops....and I don't care HOW silly that might look on a long, slow shot! Karen Corr does that all the time and she hasn't dogged a whole lot of 9 balls!

Regards,
Jim

 

[MinoInADixeCup]

I totally agree with this. If anyone thinks it's horse shit think about it like this. How many times have you had a simple straight shot or light cut up the rail on the 9 and said to yourself "Don't hit it too (thick, thin)." and then do exactly that. Of course you dogged it. You got down on the shot thinking you weren't going to make, imagined it hitting the rail and jawing out etc... You made yourself miss the shot. Can these things happen with positive visualization? Of course, but with a lot less frequency. You dogged the shot before you even pulled the trigger.
MULLY

I have to agree.

In a small local tournament one night, I broke and ran to the 9 and left myself one of those irritating, but very makeable shots where the 9 is about on the spot and the cue is almost lined up with it right in the middle of the table and rattled it. This was the first game in a race to 4.

He wins the next 2 and then I win a couple. Now I'm breaking with the score 2/3 and do the exact same thing as I did the first game. I broke and saw that 9 ball sitting on the spot again and immediately told myself it was going to be trouble. I tried 3 times during that run to nudge it just a hair even when it meant shooting the next shot from a tougher position. On my last ball, I told myself over and over again not to leave the cue ball in the middle of the table, guess where it ended up. Yep, I missed that one the exact same way as the first.

I have no doubt that from the moment I took notice that the 9 ball was on the spot again and let it get into my head that it was going to be a problem; I was setting myself up for failure and just made sure it happened.

 

[predator]

90% of the time it's probably bad position:
problems most likely started earlier at ball number 6 or 7, maybe even 5...and then we got to the final ball which was very makable, but not exactly what we were hoping for, a gimme...note the word "hoping"...even if you're a high caliber seasoned player, such shots can easily be missed under pressure
there's no cure other than giving 100% effort, but before taking this shot you must forgive yourself for previous bad position play...only then will you be ready to take this on...
much easier said then done, wish i could listen to myself sometimes

other 10% could be lack of good preshot routine or some other bad habits like getting used to conceding easy 9balls in a friendly game, etc...

 

[Blackjack]

Tonight in the final game (hill/hill), I was thinking "I'm going to fire this nineball in and put an exclamation mark on my win". I fired the ball directly into the rail, missed the pocket by two inches, and left it hanging in the side pocket. My opponent made the ball and said "thanks".

"Firing" the ball in was your first mistake.

A long time ago when I was learning how to play straight pool, I was told to never sacrifice accuracy for power. You have now learned why I pass on that priceless advice to my students.

 

[Pii]

A pro player once told me to imagine a tenth ball somewhere on the table and try to get shape for that ball. The principle is to maintain the same rhythm since the previous balls required shape.

Tonight in the final game (hill/hill), I was thinking "I'm going to fire this nineball in and put an exclamation mark on my win". I fired the ball directly into the rail, missed the pocket by two inches, and left it hanging in the side pocket. My opponent made the ball and said "thanks".

Don't you mean "THANKS !!!!" at least you get the exclamation mark this way.

I also think that was your problem. You tried to showoff and looked what happened. Play EVERY shot the same way give it no more importance than the last or next don't rate it tough or easy in your head it is just another shot.

 

[satman]

That was my first thought too!!!!!

Thats exactly what I was going to share with you sir....but this you already know. I always imagine a 10 ball and play shape for it. Kind of keeps your mind in the same pattern & rhythm as while you are running out. I believe its a bad thing to get to the 9 and then relax, thinking you've won already....and kind of short stroke it because you have no further shape to play. This is why straight pool players in general play ALL games well. Now that you know the cure...you should have no problem with a fairly quick fix. Wishing you the best my friend.

A few years ago, my nephew who plays on my pool team, was having trouble with the 8 {playing 8-ball} after making a really nice out. I told him to pick a spot for shape on the next ball and stay focused. Now any time he is in a pressure situation, on his last ball, he will find his spot for shape, and almost always gets there. Its a great stress reliever to not think about that winning shot. Have a great day.......

 

[satman]

Also good advice

90% of the time it's probably bad position:
problems most likely started earlier at ball number 6 or 7, maybe even 5...and then we got to the final ball which was very makable, but not exactly what we were hoping for, a gimme...note the word "hoping"...even if you're a high caliber seasoned player, such shots can easily be missed under pressure
there's no cure other than giving 100% effort, but before taking this shot you must forgive yourself for previous bad position play...only then will you be ready to take this on...
much easier said then done, wish i could listen to myself sometimes


"You have to forgive yourself" .... I've seen this a lot. When a fairly good player misses shape a little bit, and the shot is makable, but a little tougher than desired. I tell people {"to step back, walk around the table, and tell yourself that your opponent just missed an easy ball. He gave you the opportunity to shoot. A shot you should never have gotten. Now do your best, and make him pay for this error."}
Make that visual in your head of the ball going into the middle of the hole, and like they said in the movie "searching for Bobby Fischer", don't move until you see it.

 

[3andstop]

All great advice so far but they are all missing the SURE FIRE cure that would result in you NEVER, EVER dogging a 9 Ball again.......

.
.
.
.
SUICIDE!!! (-:



Regards,
Jim

Now thats quite an extreme cure. I have a surefire cure much less extreme. Simply play straight pool instead.

Kidding aside, there is a purpose to this suggestion. When you are playing good straight pool, you kind of look at all those balls as a single frame and work to get set up on the next frame. Running the full rack just happens.

In nine ball, don't view the nine ball as the last shot, rather consider it merely a setup for your next break shot. It's still your inning.

 

[Nine Ball]

"Firing" the ball in was your first mistake.

Your very right......

The first year I ever went to the DCC for the 9 ball event I placed 23rd or 24th..

"Firing" a ball cost me a great deal as I'll never know what would of been that tournament once I won the match and went to the next round.

I was deep into the event with one loss, 350 players.. Had just beaten Jeff Abernathy 7-0 and Cliff Joyner 7-6.. Now playing Ronnie Wiseman..

Pumped up and feelin good, I got him 5-0.... Shooting the 8 straight in with a little roll up shot to be straight in on the 9 to get hill to nothing, I said let me just fire these balls in..

Thats how good I was feeling and just being stupid it cost me greatly.

I fired the 8 with a stop shot, Still an easy shot on the 9, and went on to fire the 9 ball 100mph..... Naturally I hung it up on the diamond and went on to lose the set 7-6 after he hit me with a string of games.

So firing a ball is a bad mistake if not needed... I only did it because I was in punch and feeling cocky.. I learned my lesson after that match.. Never do more than is actually needed.

You probably would of made the shot just playing it like you always would instead of firing it in.

 

[Blackjack]

Never do more than is actually needed.

Great post, Josh - whenever I am giving somebody a class, one of the first things I teach them is that Less = More.

Rep to you for a great story that everybody can learn from.

(I love learning from the mistakes of others... LOL)

 

[Varney Cues]

Also it helps to keep a thick rubber band wrapped around your wrist....if you then "fire" a ball in and miss....pull the rubber band way back & let 'er rip. With the red gashes & pain on your wrist....you'll quickly remember not to do it again.