I don’t start many threads, really don’t post all that much unless I’m just compelled to..
With that said, I wanted to share something that has taken my game up a few levels so far.
Caveat, this has helped me for several weeks but I’m playing with more confidence and a MUCH higher run-out percentage than ever before.
Here goes.. I’ve played pool for over 25 years, in the past 4 years or so I’ve really tried to step up my game.. (I’m 42)
I’ve had lessons from Shan S., Scott Lee, attended a pool clinic with Tom Simpson etc in the past decade. Most recent was my lesson with Stan around a year or so ago. I’ve gotten some solid things to work on from each, Stan absolutely blew me away with his knowledge and teaching ability.
I’ve read numerous books on sports psychology, focus, etc.. Watched tons of instructions videos. I’ve gotten a little from everything that I’ve tried but seemed to be stuck at my level.. As a reference, I’m a 7 in APA, usually in the top few of my AA league but I wanted to get to becoming a more consistent player. That's not bragging, just giving a reference.. I've got a lot to learn.
I’ve practiced drills religiously, worked on my stroke, fundamentals and video-taped my play on numerous occasions for self-analysis.
As mentioned above, this has all helped me progress, but I still was not happy with my consistency.
Here is what I’ve taken away and what has worked for me.. YMMV, I’m not looking for arguments, just stating that the following has brought me up to the next level..
My approach to the game has been drastically changed.. By myself..
I used to TRY too hard, I believe. I was always thinking about what I was doing, how I should aim this shot, where my body was in relation to the shot, whether my cue was under my dominant eye, etc.. You get the picture. I would pressure myself to run out thinking about what would happen if I missed a particular shot.
I was getting to where I did not enjoy the game anymore, it seemed too much like work.
Now I practice and play the same way, I still focus, but I’ve pretty much removed the fear from my game. I’m not talking about free wheeling, I’m just saying that I do what I know how to do.(from lots of instruction, 1000's of hours of practice, etc.) I’ve stopped worrying about aiming unless it’s a very difficult shot. I’ve removed the, what if I miss thoughts from my head. I’m running out a ton more and don’t feel pressure to do so. I just don’t worry about what happens if I miss, which I obviously still do but surprisingly, not nearly as often.
Once I got all of the systems and thoughts out of my head when I am playing, my game has sky-rocketed. This is something that many of you good players have been doing a long time, I’ve even know it but I could not work it into my play until now.. I’m just sorry it took me 25 years to figure it out, really figure it out!
I’m having fun again and am playing the best pool of my life. I also took 3 months away from the game this summer, that did me a lot of good as well.
Enough of my ranting.. Just wanted to share, sorry about the length but no one is forced to read it..
Peace, JoeyK
With that said, I wanted to share something that has taken my game up a few levels so far.
Caveat, this has helped me for several weeks but I’m playing with more confidence and a MUCH higher run-out percentage than ever before.
Here goes.. I’ve played pool for over 25 years, in the past 4 years or so I’ve really tried to step up my game.. (I’m 42)
I’ve had lessons from Shan S., Scott Lee, attended a pool clinic with Tom Simpson etc in the past decade. Most recent was my lesson with Stan around a year or so ago. I’ve gotten some solid things to work on from each, Stan absolutely blew me away with his knowledge and teaching ability.
I’ve read numerous books on sports psychology, focus, etc.. Watched tons of instructions videos. I’ve gotten a little from everything that I’ve tried but seemed to be stuck at my level.. As a reference, I’m a 7 in APA, usually in the top few of my AA league but I wanted to get to becoming a more consistent player. That's not bragging, just giving a reference.. I've got a lot to learn.
I’ve practiced drills religiously, worked on my stroke, fundamentals and video-taped my play on numerous occasions for self-analysis.
As mentioned above, this has all helped me progress, but I still was not happy with my consistency.
Here is what I’ve taken away and what has worked for me.. YMMV, I’m not looking for arguments, just stating that the following has brought me up to the next level..
My approach to the game has been drastically changed.. By myself..
I used to TRY too hard, I believe. I was always thinking about what I was doing, how I should aim this shot, where my body was in relation to the shot, whether my cue was under my dominant eye, etc.. You get the picture. I would pressure myself to run out thinking about what would happen if I missed a particular shot.
I was getting to where I did not enjoy the game anymore, it seemed too much like work.
Now I practice and play the same way, I still focus, but I’ve pretty much removed the fear from my game. I’m not talking about free wheeling, I’m just saying that I do what I know how to do.(from lots of instruction, 1000's of hours of practice, etc.) I’ve stopped worrying about aiming unless it’s a very difficult shot. I’ve removed the, what if I miss thoughts from my head. I’m running out a ton more and don’t feel pressure to do so. I just don’t worry about what happens if I miss, which I obviously still do but surprisingly, not nearly as often.
Once I got all of the systems and thoughts out of my head when I am playing, my game has sky-rocketed. This is something that many of you good players have been doing a long time, I’ve even know it but I could not work it into my play until now.. I’m just sorry it took me 25 years to figure it out, really figure it out!
I’m having fun again and am playing the best pool of my life. I also took 3 months away from the game this summer, that did me a lot of good as well.
Enough of my ranting.. Just wanted to share, sorry about the length but no one is forced to read it..
Peace, JoeyK
