Concentration excercises?

Cameron Smith

is kind of hungry...
Silver Member
Does anyone know any good concentration excercises I can practice? This seems to be the weakest part of my game at this point and can keep me from playing up to my capabilities.

More specifically, I am very easily distracted and have a difficult time getting my head back in the game. I'm not talking about being in the zone, simply about keeping my mind on the task at hand when there are distractions around.

I also have a difficult time playing up to my standard when I am either, playing against someone who is much weaker than me or playing outside of a match format (ie. games not meaning anything). I understand this is a common issue with a lot of people but I think it is major flaw in my mental game.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
Cameron Smith said:
Does anyone know any good concentration excercises I can practice? This seems to be the weakest part of my game at this point and can keep me from playing up to my capabilities.

More specifically, I am very easily distracted and have a difficult time getting my head back in the game. I'm not talking about being in the zone, simply about keeping my mind on the task at hand when there are distractions around.

I also have a difficult time playing up to my standard when I am either, playing against someone who is much weaker than me or playing outside of a match format (ie. games not meaning anything). I understand this is a common issue with a lot of people but I think it is major flaw in my mental game.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Seriously, there is only one piece of advice for you. Bet it up. You don't even have to play for money. Among friends at the poolroom, I've been known to play for push-ups. Trust me, everybody at the poolroom plays their best game when it's for push-ups.
 
Jude Rosenstock said:
Seriously, there is only one piece of advice for you. Bet it up. You don't even have to play for money. Among friends at the poolroom, I've been known to play for push-ups. Trust me, everybody at the poolroom plays their best game when it's for push-ups.

But wouldn't that reinforce the problem I already have? I can't play my game when it doesn't matter. That said I don't lose against weaker players, I simply don't play up to my capabilities.
 
Cameron Smith said:
But wouldn't that reinforce the problem I already have? I can't play my game when it doesn't matter. That said I don't lose against weaker players, I simply don't play up to my capabilities.


Then it's an internal question you can only answer yourself (as zen as that might sound). Play well for the beauty of the game. Play well for money. Play well so you don't make a fool of yourself doing push-ups infront of all of your friends. You have to WANT to win every time. That's the bottom line. What it takes to make you want to win is your call.
 
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