Competition question.

[pixie]

Hi Keith!

i just had an embarrassing showing at my local competition and i got hit pretty badly. this is my 4th competition since i've been playing pool seriously and i have to admit, nerves do get the better of me.

i won't say that i'm really good nor i'm really bad. i find playing with my girlfriend really easy-going and fun, especially because i play really well when i'm with her. same goes to my buddies! keith, how come i can't bring that game into competition play?

something i've realised, i get a mental block. suddenly i don't know how the balls run, i don't know how fast the ball comes off the cushion, i don't know how fast the cloth goes. have you had this experience before? what can i do to eradicate this problem?

i need to bring my fun game into my competition game!

pixie.

 

[Keith McCready]

Pixie, I always try to have fun when I'm playing, whether it's competing or just banging the balls around.

Before a tournament match, practice all the shots that you have problems with and get accustomed to the speed of the table and the equipment. I try to make the shots that I do have problems with 10 to 15 times before my match begins.

If I'm practicing by myself, I like to play the ghost and just see how many racks I can run by myself. This will help to fine-tune you when you get ready to go into combat.

When it comes down to post time, I try to block out everything and only think about balls hitting the back of the pocket. It's important to be loose before you play. If you're tensed up, you're not going to be able to perform. Don't worry about who you are playing against because there's one thing about it. If they're sitting down in the chair, there is not much they can do about it. When it's your turn at the table, try to make every shot count like it's your last one.

The first win is the hardest, but after that, it becomes easier and you'll gain that confidence that you're looking for. I hope this will help, and good luck to you.

 

[pixie]

thank you keith!

anyway, can i ask? do you look for perfection in position play? how much margin of error should i tolerate?

pixie.