concentration and consistency
- Thread starter allfornot
- Start date
I'm sure all of us run into the same problem some time in our pool life.
My first suggestion is to write out your three (3) Pre-Shot Routines.
1. Planning Stage (THINK)
2. Aiming stage (SEE)
3. Execution stage (DO)
Make sure that they are exact for every shot.
If they are perfect then you will stay focused through out the entire routine.
randyg
My first suggestion is to write out your three (3) Pre-Shot Routines.
1. Planning Stage (THINK)
2. Aiming stage (SEE)
3. Execution stage (DO)
Make sure that they are exact for every shot.
If they are perfect then you will stay focused through out the entire routine.
randyg
In what context are you referring? Practice or just hitting balls or in a competition context?
It is a constant thing at all times. It seems to improve though during competition. In a tournament I can i can run at least 7 balls consistently but in practice i cant beat the 5 ball ghost. I appreciate any thoughts and encouragement and constructive criticism. thanks Terrance.
That's sort of what I was expecting.
My 'attitude' is totally different when competing. I think it is a bit difficult to maintain a very high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Also that concentration level is a bit like work.
When I have just put quarters up in a friendly bar game setting, it's been asked of me, 'you just play up to your opponents level don't you'.
My answer is that I do not play down on purpose but I guess I just don't concentrate or focus just as much...that is until I have to do so.
Now the thing is, one can't just try to ramp up because they are now competing in a manner that puts undue pressure on themselves. On has to develop confidence enough in their game to know that they can get done what needs to get done when the time comes, Then when it is time to do so, it is just a matter of increasing the focus & concentration levels up to the level required for the task at hand.
Many amatuer golfers have a very dificult time taking their good driving range shots onto the first tee because they put self induced pressure on themselves & then 'choke' the first tee shot & it usually stays going down hill from there until they reach a point & say, 'oh well, it's over' or words to that effect & then they relax & start hitting good shots that make them want to come back soon & try to play that well from the get go.
I hope you see the points I'm trying to make.
I guess what it comes down to is comfort level but also some knowledge that you also can perform when there is that bit of pressure too. That can only come from experience of both failing & succeeding.
So when practicing or just hitting balls around don't try to stay at that high level of focus or concentration ALL of the time. Instead just have some fun but then every once in while pick a shot & shoot it with that win or lose attitude & bring in the added focus & concentration. I think you will find that you will start to make more of those pressure shots. Then when competing treat every shot like it is the win or lose shot because it very well may be.
As for drills, I'm not that big on them but repeatedly shooting the 8, 9, or 10 ball, or whatever the winning ball is, as though it is the winning shot, might help... & shoot it with the attitude of, I make it I win, I miss it I lose.
Best Of Luck getting over this hurdle.
Best Wishes,
Rick
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Terrance, maybe you love competition more than you love pool. It's not unusual.
I see it with gamblers, too. They seem to wake up when they have an opportunity to play a money match.
It's passion for the game that drives a player to focus in practice. When you truly love pool, practice becomes a joy and not so much of a struggle.
Find your passion for the game and you won't have to worry about missing so much in practice. It's not that cut and dry, of course, but it will put you on the right track.
I've learned a ton by watching Ronnie O'Sullivan. Now I have no idea what's going on in his head while he's playing, but to me, it doesn't look like he's concentrating on much. It's like his eyes are focused on what's going to happen, but his conscious mind is a blank slate.
I think this can be attributed to two things
1. Fundamentals
2. Experience
Fundamentals are learned. Experience is earned.
The more you work on your fundamentals and play, the more routine certain shots, patterns, etc. will become.
I think this can be attributed to two things
1. Fundamentals
2. Experience
Fundamentals are learned. Experience is earned.
The more you work on your fundamentals and play, the more routine certain shots, patterns, etc. will become.
I'm sure you do love the game but you're letting yourself get distracted in your practice sessions. Your issue is psychological.
Find ways to stay interested. Stay passionate about what you're doing and you won't zone out.
Try setting a goal for yourself, maybe to enter a higher level tournament in a few months time. Working towards a goal is one way to stay interested.
Ron Swanson
Banned
And a phenomenal, instinctive understanding of the game - aka a great snooker brain.