Focus disappears.

[Colin Colenso]

I also think Chefjeff had some good points.

My interpretation of the goal.

The goal that works for me, in practice especially, is to 'learn how to control oneself' set an aim, such as pocket the OB and get CB to position x via a-b-c route.

Focus your mind on your perception of how the shot will look and feel in terms of actual cueing. Be as still and calm as possible taking in the visual data and allowing memory of past thousands of shots to help visualize the shot.

Execute exactly as you had visualized and study what happens, not trying to wish for things to happen.

On most shots, the execution will not be exactly the same as your pre-shot visualzed goal. Here is your chance to learn. More data for the memory to help bring together visualization and execution.

It is work, work best done being honest to oneself, requiring focus and calm contemplation as in the writing of a great novel.

As for JR's drill. I wouldn't spend to much time on it. It is artificial. Better to place 8 balls across and make them all in the corners playing position to each. You'll get a wider range of shots and angles and need to think about the CB. This will make in more interesting, perhaps helping to keep focus.

I used to do this drill this way on a snooker table. That really tunes up your alignment.

 

[lewdo26]

Execute exactly as you had visualized and study what happens, not trying to wish for things to happen.

Exactly, I was thinking about it further, and I think the best way to describe it is to focus on process rather than resuts. The moment you wish for the latter, while losing sight of the first, you're dead.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with wishing the ball goes in the hole for the match win. But that doesn't mean that's what you want to FOCUS on while taking the shot.

I also think the whole issue of re-focusing on very concrete, bodily, mundane, physical things in your pre-shot routine is important. I know it's helped me.

Cheffjeff's notion of understanding how the shot fits into your life is eerily similar to what Bob Fancher ("Pleasures of Small Motions") says about concentration. Concentration during a shot is well-ordered thinking centered on the body. Outside that inner circle - body - you have other concentric circles moving outwardly (this is again embarassing): the equipment, lay of the table, competitive situation, game room environment, and anything else in your mind. A concentrated player has each of these factored in and arranged in his unconscious so that none will be a distraction.

Still, it's kind of tricky because you can't will concentration into being. The moment you do that, you lost concentration.

 

[lewdo26]

CAP,

Do you take time to visualize and feel every shot before you shoot it?

 

[JLW]

My .03 worth-

Playing pool well requires a synthesis of the conscious and sub-concious. It's not an either or thing. What usually happens is that one feeds into the other. You can do things consciously to get your sub-concious mind to be more active. And you can do things that break your focus and take you out of stroke. When you first started playing seriously, how was your focus? Probably not too good. Because all of your attention was going into thinking about how you should hold the cue. Or how you should bridge. Or how low you could shoot without mis-hitting the cb. The more training and practice and experience you got, the less your consious mind worried about these things. And the more your sub-conscious mind was allowed to emerge during play. You probably played in a more relaxed state because your experience allowed you the mental freedom to trust your mechanics and play more at that sub-conscious level. So I guess the first part of my response would be-practice more. Or, at least practice in a more focused manner. Don't allow yourself to just go through the motions.

Which leads me to the second part of my novel. I tend to agree with those who advocate doing physical activities to engage the sub-conscious mind. As a player, you want some way of achieving focus that is repeatable and within your control. Sorry, but I personally think the pre-shot routine is the best way of addressing the problem. Too many people, IMHO, use them just for chalking up and lining up their shot. They are also your opportunity on every shot to do something physical that gets your mind and body ready to execute the shot properly; to direct your mind in the direction you want it to go. Watch the pros. They do the same thing on every shot. It doesn't matter if it's the 1 or the 9, every shot gets the same pre-shot routine.

I know that may not be the response you were looking for. Just my long winded opinion, for what it's worth. There is one other thing that really helps me focus- I try to have fun and enjoy every shot opportunity. Seriously. Look at playing pool as an oppportunity to have fun, and trust that your talent will emerge. You'd be amazed what that attitude can do for your focus.

 

[Colin Colenso]

Exactly, I was thinking about it further, and I think the best way to describe it is to focus on process rather than resuts. The moment you wish for the latter, while losing sight of the first, you're dead.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with wishing the ball goes in the hole for the match win. But that doesn't mean that's what you want to FOCUS on while taking the shot.

I also think the whole issue of re-focusing on very concrete, bodily, mundane, physical things in your pre-shot routine is important. I know it's helped me.

Not to disagree with you at all, but to add some emphasis here.

When the shot is executed, that is not a time to wish or hope for balls to do as you had wished. But it the preparation and execution of the shot, the goal should be decided upon and focused upon with absolute tenacity and determination, though in a calm manner.

To me, playing the game is work. Working hard to choose the right shot and working hard to execute it as perceived. With body and mind relaxed, the work can be of higher quality.