Do you feel like if something "clicked" you would be great???

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chefdrew

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Do you feel that if something in your mental or physical game "clicked" that you would jump up a few balls or possibly even be a pro contender?


Have you ever figured out what it is/was and finally fixed it and it came together?

I am having an internal struggle where I seem to not how to get past a certain skill and it's driving me crazy...
 
I don't know if I'll be great but I'm close to a big improvement and will be seeing a pro to nail it down.
 
No

I am 66 and the only click I see in my future is the ones in my knees getting worse, my joints stiffer and my eye sight worse.

Fortunately I can still handle most of the competition in my little hick Alaskan town.

I plan on shooting pool until the ticker stops clicking, I mean ticking.
 
I will never be great at this point as my back and neck just really keep me from being able to get in a consistent position to shoot, but 20 years ago before I stopped playing I was quite good. What I found back then is that often you fix something in your game for the better, but it changes your perception of the game just a little bit and you play really poorly for a time but when it kicks in you are permanently better than before. Focus on being as consistent as possible in stance, posture, bridges and pre shot routine and that will have an immediate positive impact. Do drills, but most of all play players better than you and play tournaments. Nothing can replace the learning you get just by putting yourself in a position where the tension of missing is there.
 
I think that it maybe safe to say that the gap from banger to shortstop using pool terms is closer than the gap from shortstop to top echelon - pro player. Like in golf it's by far easier to go from shooting 100 to 80 than it is to go from 80 to scratch golf. I believe this is why the feeling of being stalled is common. I can relate. Looking to pro instruction would likely be helpful. You may also find that making changes will cause you to go backwards for a spell. Making corrective changes to your stroke, stance etc. can be difficult after years of doing something one way. The other reality that we all must face is that at some point the physical skill vs. age vs ability will top out..
Effort is usually rewarded with result, so keep on keepin on!
 
Ak Guy said:
I am 66 and the only click I see in my future is the ones in my knees getting worse, my joints stiffer and my eye sight worse.

Fortunately I can still handle most of the competition in my little hick Alaskan town.

I plan on shooting pool until the ticker stops clicking, I mean ticking.
Click to expand...

Know a guy in his late eighties that gets in tourneys and does well.

Lol, "no" was my first thought too.
 
Ak Guy said:
I am 66 and the only click I see in my future is the ones in my knees getting worse, my joints stiffer and my eye sight worse.

Fortunately I can still handle most of the competition in my little hick Alaskan town.

I plan on shooting pool until the ticker stops clicking, I mean ticking.
Click to expand...


Atta boy! I'm the same way.
I don't know about you, but it amazes me that when these youngsters get a hiccup in their game they start talking about throwing money at an instructor. :smile:
 
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FUNDAMENTALS is KEY

To play pool well, everything must fall into place. I hate to keep saying it, but solid fundamentals is the foundation of playing the game well and consistently. Everything from pattern, stance/alignment, grip, stroke, position, safeties, and your mental game make or break a player.
 
strmanglr scott said:
Most pros in all kinds of sports seek instruction and feedback.
Click to expand...

I made it to a national contender in another sport.The thing that clicked me over the top from just a local strong player was having a veteran great player take me under his wing as a training coach.A few little tips to make things easier and a very structured practice schedule with zero focus on winning but all on being fundamentally perfect always was what did it for me.The ability to consitanly perform well comes from solid fundamentals.My coach always told me to "impress me with your low scores not the high ones.".....The other thing was how organized his practice was.Everything had a purpose and was so efficient.I drove home after the first day he let me train with him and thought "this guy deserves to win all the time.He outworks me 3 to 1.".......I had a career ender I have never fully came back from but it applies to everything you do in your life.
 
Dont understand something about the game? Hit more balls, it will work itself out... and before I get all you smartallicky snipers setting on me about "quality not quantity of practice" HEEL! Just HEEL.... have a milkbone.

Hit more balls. Pay attention to what is happening as well as what you are doing... If it was an easy thing to do, no one would like the game. I know for a fact that I will be pro level... like a year from now at precisely 3:01 am and then be a solid Touring C again at 3:02 am.... but I will get there. And do not think for a second that me saying HIT MOAR BAWLLZ is simplistic and unhelpful, because its simplistic and doesn't need to get any harder than that because mastering pocket billiards is like surfing while shaving. Make things as easy as you possibly can. The finest instructors... in the wuuullld... will tell you this. Economy of gimmicks and effort are the key my fine feathered friend.

Lesh
 
chefdrew said:
Do you feel that if something in your mental or physical game "clicked" that you would jump up a few balls or possibly even be a pro contender?


Have you ever figured out what it is/was and finally fixed it and it came together?

I am having an internal struggle where I seem to not how to get past a certain skill and it's driving me crazy...
Click to expand...

The concentration-level in takes to play at a consistently high level is higher than average people understand... Even players who've been around the game for many years never pick up on this fact.

The advice you're getting about seeking the help from professional players is good advice but make sure this pro is consistently great and he/she knows how to instruct and inspire. Many pros might not be aware that they naturally concentrate at a higher than average level.

A great instructor will sit back and watch you and then list the things you need to work on. He/she will then monitor your progress --- but none of them can increase your level of concentration.
 
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Tramp Steamer said:
First: You never did answer my question.
Second: Most all of ours did.
Third: When I'm not playing pool (which is a game), I shoot in USPSA competition (which is a sport).
Click to expand...

First off Tramp, what diff does it make if there are pros around here? But now that you mention it, idk does Travis T count?

"Most of ours did?" Who is that? Your telling me they had zero instruction throughout their entire career?

Tiger Woods at his height had a coach. Golf has many parallels to billiards. Most pro golfers have someone helping.

Its v hard in anything in life to reach the highest level w out being taught something by someone. If you didn't you took one of the slowest routes to the top. And if you face a wall, seeking instruction is the fastest way to break down that wall. As most who posted about seeing instructor already know.

That's why I asked if you play any sports.
 
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