digging out of a hole

[Travis Bickle]

OK, for whatever reason, lousy play and/or rolls, you are on the edge of getting routed in a set. Let's say it's 3-0, 4-0, 5-1 in a race to 7, 9 ball. What's your approach for getting back in it? Lately, I've done this to myself a fair number of times, but have managed to scratch back the majority of the time. Not always winning, but if losing, then on the hill or close.

What I question is the common analysis you hear in TV matches: Well, he's gotta make something happen, get more aggressive, take on the monster shot. Maybe that makes sense for pros, though I'm not certain ... but for mere mortals, I think the opposite is the way to go. Keep it simple, look for opportunities to duck or play aggressive but-not-too-risky safeties. Let your opponent cool down and tighten up. In other words, let the game come back to you rather than trying to chase it. Opinions?

 

[poolstar31]

First!


You are absolutely right! All you gotta do is cool your opponent down.
It also helps to play good too.

 

[dabarbr]

You're right. Keep it simple and deliberate. Wait for it to come to you.

Many players tighten up when they get near the finish line. Don't concede any easy game balls. If they miss one because they get too relaxed this will linger in their mind for a good while, giving you more opportunities.

If they beat you let them work hard for it. Do whatever it takes to win each game. The old saying is true "one game at a time".

 

[JimS]

Forget the 'game'.. and the match. Just play pool. FOCUS on every shot. Nail bending focus. (thank you Tom Simpson)

Read Mark Wilson's quote in my sig. Focus on that quote, copy it and carry it with you on a 3x5 index card, in your case and lay it out next to your drink so you can read it between shots. You wont' miss a shot. You can't miss.

 

[TX Poolnut]

My best advice would be to take a break. Nothing slows down an opponent like taking a break. It may help get the wheels back on your game too.

Take a lap around the bar.

Go to the bathroom and wash your face.

Go out to the car and smoke a cig.

Just get away from the table for a few minutes. Sometimes, you'll notice the momentum swing immediately.

 

[ShootingArts]

Good Advice

My best advice would be to take a break. Nothing slows down an opponent like taking a break. It may help get the wheels back on your game too.

Take a lap around the bar.

Go to the bathroom and wash your face.

Go out to the car and smoke a cig.

Just get away from the table for a few minutes. Sometimes, you'll notice the momentum swing immediately.

Excellent advice here and I agree with Travis in the original post. Taking a break and changing the pace of play isn't likely to hurt you and may help. I am a big fan of a bathroom break every thirty minutes or an hour. I often just go in and wash my face with cold water. Wakes me up and gives me a minute to remind myself that I need to tighten up and play better. I have to admit that I don't think smoking a cigarette would work though. As a lifetime nonsmoker I'd be coughing and choking for thirty minutes after that. A good shot of tear gas would probably work as well for me!

I strongly agree with Travis that when you are losing isn't the time for a hero move, make a low percentage shot or sell out. It is a good time to look for options you might normally not consider. You have an easy shot and your next three balls are looking pretty easy but you also have a triple lock and bar the door awesome safety available. You making an unexpected move and getting ball in hand will derail the other player's mental game. It will at least distract him for a minute or two and usually for much longer.

I used to almost always beat a far higher level chess player. I was well aware he was playing a solid seven moves ahead while I was playing three to five moves ahead. Every four or five moves I would do something that seemed stupid, an even trade or maybe even something that cost me slightly on the board. However I kept him off balance since no knowledgeable player could anticipate I would deliberately set up a queen swap or something of that nature. If you can get the other player off balance and keep them off balance you have gained a huge edge. That is what sharking is all about. While I am strongly against sharking, legal and ethical means of putting the other player off balance are great.

The tough shot that will reward you if you make it and leave the other player in a bind if you don't is fine, as long as you feel good about the shot when you get down on it. If you are the one uncomfortable at the table, simplify, simplify, simplify!

Hu

 

[Travis Bickle]

Hah, no debate! Nobody saying you should bring out the heavy artillery. But good points made. Take a break, slow down, etc. I agree it's your best shot. But I do wonder if A or better players would tend to ramp up the offense.

Also agree with Hu that doing something unexpected can change the game. The way I see it, when you get that first game on your way back, you feel like you can breathe a little easier. After 2 games, your arm's loosening up, and after No. 3, the other guy will start feeling tight.

The other factor, I think, is that if you fight back, even if you end up losing the set, you've gained a few things. You've shown some heart and your opponent will be more wary of you in the next set, or if you meet again in the tournament. So would anybody else watching ... and you'll believe a little more in yourself. And ... hell, it's a lot more satisfying to be playing hard than just going through the motions, waiting to lose ... that's not going to help you in any way. Unless, you're hoping to rob someone, I guess!

 

[IA8baller]

Great post guys! One of the better ones I've read in a while. :thumbup: