Choking.. Why we do it..

Interesting article. I, too, seem to play much better in practice or a casual game than when any kind of pressure is on. That's why I don't gamble much. But even when there's no money involved, I just seem to play my worst when it means the most. Just last night I lost my first match in league playoffs so bad that it was embarrassing. I'm one of the top players in our league, yet in that game I lost to a player I should have beat handily while in the process looking like I never picked up a cue before (missed 2 easy cut shots and then completely whiffed a ball while attempting a safety to give him ball in hand). I kid around and say I must have Lou Gehrig's Disease or something, but it's true. In pool, something about clutch situations seems to bring out the worst in me. And it's all mental.
 
Good article. Thanks for the link. Author mentions the book, "Inner Game of Tennis". I've read this book and it has helped me to not CHOKE as much... but I still do! :D

-Abe - i4pool
 
Joey,
I thought I would never finish that article but I'm glad I did. I used to use one of the techniques: actually someone else introduced me to the technique and that's how I came to use it. I won't share that "secret" now but I agree that this is one of the best articles on pressure that I have ever read.

Thanks for sharing it.
JoeyA
 
MOJOE said:
I found a great article on choking and found it very interesting and informing.. YMMV

Check it out here if interested, thought, comments...

Choking Article..
Click to expand...


Last time it happened to me I was eating Popcorn reading an intresting thread here on the forum!!!!:)

No more Popcorn for me!!!!!
 
I feed off the pressure. Love it.

My only experience with really "choking" was during a high level golf tournament summer of 08. 36 holes, missed 1 fairway and 4 greens all day. Shot 78/80. Couldn't make a putt to save my life. Yips up the wazoo. One hole I drove 310 to stuff a sand wedge to 4 feet. Proceded to 4 putt. That's right, 4 putt, from 4 feet. The f*ing ball wouldn't go in the f*ing hole. (Still finished 54th in the state of California btw, not too bad).

That's the only time I can recall really choking. I dog a shot now and then sure, but when cheese is on the line I don't choke (knocking on wood). I love the pressure. It brings my game to another level. I guess I let my subconscious take over, just trust myself and keep my eyes on the prize. If you trust yourself, and your stroke, you shouldn't have to think about it. If you don't have to stop to think about it, you don't have time to choke. IMO.
 
Good stuff

JoeyA said:
Joey,
I thought I would never finish that article but I'm glad I did. I used to use one of the techniques: actually someone else introduced me to the technique and that's how I came to use it. I won't share that "secret" now but I agree that this is one of the best articles on pressure that I have ever read.

Thanks for sharing it.
JoeyA
Click to expand...
Interesting stuff. I do disagree with trying to distract your opponent with questions of his skill and form. What's next? Hey, how did you lose all your hair? I watched a guy for many years screw with people and it worked for years. I guess he got into a lot of peoples heads. He really got in one guys head really good one night. That guy knocked out most of his teeth and broke his jaw! He had bad teeth anyway but now his teeth are absolutely perfect, and he can take them out and look at them.
 
+1 for interesting. I posted up a while back asking why I was continually playing down to the level I perceived of my opponent. Was playing great against the good players, but kinda crappy against players who really shouldn't stand a chance. The article gave a good reason for that - not enough stress. It also explains why I play better in league, even during practice (don't want to sit and wait for my turn to come up if I lose), than I do at home - no stress.

I think I may have to play some strip-pool with the wife this weekend. You know, up the stakes a bit for better practice.
 
MOJOE said:
I found a great article on choking and found it very interesting and informing.. YMMV

Check it out here if interested, thought, comments...

Choking Article..
Click to expand...

This is a great thread,my friend put me on this pool player,my friend tells me i have the nuts,well we are playing 6ball 50 a game,the guy has me stuck 400,i go to my friend and say i dont know whats happening, i cant seem to get out of my own way,so i get the guy to spot me the 5ball,now i start running him over,then we go back to playing even and i bust him for 1200,but not before i could see it with my own eyes,i could not beat him,but when I SEEN and knew i had the nuts for sure,then i just ran him over,i guees i was really choking,until i seen what i needed to see,that my friend was right,i was stealing!
 
Pure horse fodder ... Choking is your reaction to pressure because you're a wimp , a menu item , a no playin' terd ... People , for the most part run away from confrontation , or pressure , very few relish it . Those who want it , perform with honors . It's simple , instead of getting physically tight under pressure and mentally loose , do the opposite . Like shooting a rifle , take a deep breath and let half of it out , focus and relax ... Trust your aim or stroke and focus on the target , should get better results ... The real game is on the other side of the cue ball from which you are addressing ... I guess the article is for those who can relate to being a choker !!! The next time you come to the pool hall , bring your balls instead of your B-B's ...:angry::cool:;)
 
Johnny,

I really like the article that you mentioned too.. Short and sweet but very good information IMHO.. I love the keyword suggestion and think I'll incorporate that into my game.. Thanks and rep your way..

Thanks for the rep TennesseeJoe too!


stljohnny said:
Last year, I found a series of articles relating to choking, and the science behind it. Now I have to update that entry with this article.

The Science of Choking
Click to expand...
 
How's life under the bridge??

I was wondering when one of these would come along.. Not eveyone can be superman, YMMV.. Yawn!!!:boring:


Eric Wynne said:
Pure horse fodder ... Choking is your reaction to pressure because you're a wimp , a menu item , a no playin' terd ... People , for the most part run away from confrontation , or pressure , very few relish it . Those who want it , perform with honors . It's simple , instead of getting physically tight under pressure and mentally loose , do the opposite . Like shooting a rifle , take a deep breath and let half of it out , focus and relax ... Trust your aim or stroke and focus on the target , should get better results ... The real game is on the other side of the cue ball from which you are addressing ... I guess the article is for those who can relate to being a choker !!! The next time you come to the pool hall , bring your balls instead of your B-B's ...:angry::cool:;)
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top