Get back that killer instinct???

Jaden

Jaden

"no buds chill"
Silver Member
I've been thinking about some things recently and I've come to the conclusion that I lost my killer instinct, my desire to win against all comers...

I mean 12 or thirteen years ago I wasn't as good as I am now, but I would win the majority of matchups money or tournament that I played in.

I did have better eyesight and I was fearless, but I know so much more about the game now and am capable of doing things consistently that I would have not been able to then.

It has become really frustrating to know how I am capable of playing but to not be able to do it when it matters, especially when I look back at those times and see that I wasn't as good as I am now but would consistently play how I needed to when I needed to.

Driving on the freeway, I had a realization. Back in those days, I was an asshole. I didn't care about other people, I would cut people off, I would start fights over nonsensical things, I just had a certain idea in my head about what was right and that's what I did.

I didn't want to lose for anything. I wanted to win against anyone I played. Now, I don't feel comfortable cutting people off on the freeway any more. Even when someone needs their ass kicked I find myself thinking about my family and my clearance and just not doing it, (not that that's a bad thing), but I have just lost my killer instinct. I've just wanted to have respect for my playing ability and I've now realized that that has to change...

I need to get my killer instinct back and as my Daddy always says" If you can beat em 10-0, beat em 10-0".

So that's what I'm going to start working on getting back, that killer instinct and selfishness that I used to have.

we'll see how that works and if I'm even able to...

Jaden
 
Maybe, just maybe, the people you were winning against in the past, were beginners or just novice players.

Now you have to have an excuse to use when you lose to better players. The only time I hear the term 'killer instinct' is when someone is losing. Funny you never hear it when someone is winning.... "yeah I won easily because my 'killer instinct' is working"
 
Sure,, you're right.....

Tom In Cincy said:
Maybe, just maybe, the people you were winning against in the past, were beginners or just novice players.

Now you have to have an excuse to use when you lose to better players. The only time I hear the term 'killer instinct' is when someone is losing. Funny you never hear it when someone is winning.... "yeah I won easily because my 'killer instinct' is working"
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Yeah, if you consider players like Tommy Baker beginners......

Jaden.

Seriously, some of them were amatuers, but they weren't all weak players, and it wasn't about the caliber of player I was playing then versus now.

It was about playing at or above my speed when it mattered then and below or farther below my speed in the last several years when it mattered and a lot of it has to do with my mindset when I'm playing now versus then.

I'm just trying to figure out what the difference is, if you have something helpful to say then do so...
 
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Jaden said:
I've been thinking about some things recently and I've come to the conclusion that I lost my killer instinct, my desire to win against all comers...

I mean 12 or thirteen years ago I wasn't as good as I am now, but I would win the majority of matchups money or tournament that I played in.

I did have better eyesight and I was fearless, but I know so much more about the game now and am capable of doing things consistently that I would have not been able to then.

It has become really frustrating to know how I am capable of playing but to not be able to do it when it matters, especially when I look back at those times and see that I wasn't as good as I am now but would consistently play how I needed to when I needed to.

Driving on the freeway, I had a realization. Back in those days, I was an asshole. I didn't care about other people, I would cut people off, I would start fights over nonsensical things, I just had a certain idea in my head about what was right and that's what I did.

I didn't want to lose for anything. I wanted to win against anyone I played. Now, I don't feel comfortable cutting people off on the freeway any more. Even when someone needs their ass kicked I find myself thinking about my family and my clearance and just not doing it, (not that that's a bad thing), but I have just lost my killer instinct. I've just wanted to have respect for my playing ability and I've now realized that that has to change...

I need to get my killer instinct back and as my Daddy always says" If you can beat em 10-0, beat em 10-0".

So that's what I'm going to start working on getting back, that killer instinct and selfishness that I used to have.

we'll see how that works and if I'm even able to...

Jaden
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I get EXACTLY what you mean....let me guess, you are about to turn 35 also :grin:

Whether pool, golf, or any other sport, I found a way to win, and sometimes against much better talent.....it was a mix of will, arrogance, and assholedness :grin: .....I think selfish plays a big role, as well as just an air of not giving a sh*t.....I used to drive 90mph everywhere I went....went through women like they were fast food....

Played tennis as well, had this kid on our team that was older, yet I had a better game and he hated it.....well, got tired of his mouth, told him I would stomp his butt left-handed....well, I beat him 6-2, talked trash the whole time, and my left-handed game was pitiful, he just choked....granted, he deserved it, somewhat, but I never should have beat him left-handed....

Anyway, I think I get exactly what you mean.....I accept losing much better than before, I used to want to win everything and if I loss it made me sick....eating contest, chicks at the bar, whatever....well, I'm married and responsible, so I think I lost my edge :grin:

Just need to find a mature version of that old self :wink:
 
Jaden said:
I'm just trying to figure out what the difference is, if you have something helpful to say then do so...
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Maybe try matching-up against people you don't like?
 
You hit the nail....

Big Perm said:
I get EXACTLY what you mean....let me guess, you are about to turn 35 also :grin:

Whether pool, golf, or any other sport, I found a way to win, and sometimes against much better talent.....it was a mix of will, arrogance, and assholedness :grin: .....I think selfish plays a big role, as well as just an air of not giving a sh*t.....I used to drive 90mph everywhere I went....went through women like they were fast food....

Played tennis as well, had this kid on our team that was older, yet I had a better game and he hated it.....well, got tired of his mouth, told him I would stomp his butt left-handed....well, I beat him 6-2, talked trash the whole time, and my left-handed game was pitiful, he just choked....granted, he deserved it, somewhat, but I never should have beat him left-handed....

Anyway, I think I get exactly what you mean.....I accept losing much better than before, I used to want to win everything and if I loss it made me sick....eating contest, chicks at the bar, whatever....well, I'm married and responsible, so I think I lost my edge :grin:

Just need to find a mature version of that old self :wink:
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I turn thirty five in about three months..... and everything else you said is the truth....

And that's what I'm trying to do as far as finding an older version of my younger self.

Jaden

Thanx.... Rep to you.
 
I find it easier to drill someone I don't know. If I am crushing someone I know and like, it is too easy for me to let up - be it consciously or not. If I am behind someone I know and like, I will fight like hell though.

Good OP Jaden. I have fallen into a similar trap and you have pointed it out. Thanks, and I owe ya a greenie after reload. :thumbup:
 
I usually lose my killer instinct when i am broke.... I know it's not a good mind set but it is what it is....=(
 
I'm gonna try that.....

jingle said:
Maybe try matching-up against people you don't like?
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Thanx for the advice I'll try that. One of the things I've been doing and haven't paid much attention to it is that I've been matching up only with people that I like or am indifferent to. Of course that hasn't stopped me from occassionally playing my game but I can't just win though I only break even, like with Jamie ferrel the last couple of times we've played, although he's good enough that even on my game it's a toss up.

Jaden
 
remember those days when you were the underdog but couldn't wait for a chance to knock off a good player, cash or tourney, nervous, shaking the whole match? when is the last time you were that pumped up? getting older means different values, motives, goals. everything is quite different now. some say bet more, others just enjoy the game, i say never play anyone you can beat, travel if you have too.
 
The last game I played with my husband, I pretended I was playing against Karen Corr. Every chance I got at the table was my last. Every shot was the $25,000 shot. I played better and felt that I had truly done my best.

Don't know if that helps, but I walked in there not really wanting to play, I've been in a slump. Now I want to play better than I played yesterday, because I know I can.
 
The thing I've started to do.

Neil said:
I know just what you are saying Jaden. As I am in the same boat! Call it killer instinct, competitive spirit, desire to win no matter what the odds, whatever. It's all the same thing.

Back when I was younger, I would spend all day on a pool table and wonder where the time went. Today I played alone for 1 1/4 hours, and thought I had been there at least 2 1/2 hours.

When younger, there was so much to learn, and so little time to learn it in. There was always the thrill of a new discovery. The thrill of finally beating someone that had always beaten you.You were very naive about the game, and wanted to master it. What a life one could live if they mastered this game! (Or so we thought.)

As the years dwindled by, and we actually got pretty good at this game, several things happened. The money dried up, a big thing right there. We reached a high level of proficiency, and now know what we have to do to reach the next level or two. But, we are no longer willing to do what is necessary, to sacrifice so much to get to that level. We've seen the end of the rainbow, and there's no pot of gold there.:frown:

Now, I have to fight with myself to get the drive back. Then when I do, and go down to the poolhall, like I did today, I get to sit there playing with myself. (I can have more fun doing that at home!:wink: ) You get lucky and beat one guy with added weight, now everybody wants more weight. And that just 'taint happenin'. So, now the 'drive' is kicked back out of you. It's hard to find a reason to even play anymore, other than the fact that I'm still hooked on it.

But, that isn't enough reason to keep doing it considering the cost. For me, anyway, there has to be more than just playing for fun. I'm not traveling around anymore, so I'm stuck with what this area has to offer. Which isn't enough.

I will say to the younger guys- get some lessons while you are young!!! I can't stress that enough. Get your game as high as you can while you still have a reason to. That reason might not always be there.
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I've been wanting to start working out again so what I'm doing is setting up my practice time along with my workout. I'll do 50 pushups and then play two racks worth of nineball, then I'll do 100 situps and play two racks of nineball, then rinse and repeat. I do that for about five sets over the course of an hour, go inside and watch some TV with my wife and then go back out when she goes to bed and do it again.

It keeps me energized and I get to kill two birds with one stone.

Jaden.
 
Thank you for reminding me and that is true...

Tom In Cincy said:
Jaden,

You might want to re-read your post from last year. It might help you.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=1534464&postcount=1
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Thanks Tom, that is true.... and I have been doing that lately. When I play my bro I HAVE that desire to win, it's like I'm not gonna let him get or even think he's gotten better than me. So I'm able to focus.

That is the thing, I find that I'm not able to have that single minded focus like I used to.

I remember playing this guy some sets back in the day and I was running the pool hall by myself, and a bunch of people were there watching us match up including one of the best players around at the time.

This guy moves his coin up an extra spot and I say your coin is ahead an extra spot and I look to his friend (I was naive then) and say come on, YOU know that he didn't have that many games....

His friend of course sticks up for him and it pisses me off to no end. I proceed to run out the set and beat him. He quits and then the owner comes in all pissed off at me for betting when I was supposed to be working...

That really good player comes up to me after the game and says, why did you full draw all the way up table and back on that shot on the seven when you could just go three rails like this, and he proceeds to illustrate what he was talking about.

the truth was that I didn't even think about that. I always relied on my powerful stroke and draw and follow to get where I needed to. But that comment of his helped to open my eyes to the game. Of course I'm surprised he helped me at all considering he had jut found out that I was baagning his ex girlfriend...

Jaden
 
Jaden said:
... I'll do 50 pushups and then play two racks worth of nineball, then I'll do 100 situps and play two racks of nineball, then rinse and repeat...Jaden.
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Check out the Iron Gym. My GF got me one for Xmas. It hangs on top of a door frame and you do pull-ups and chin-ups. Can do dips on the floor as well, etc. Just $25-30, and it stares you in the eyes and begs you to hit it all the time.
 
I've never had the killer instinct and to a certain degree I believe you don't need it, motivation on the other hand is something else. Focus and motivation basically make up what I need to win, my approach is more Zen-like (not my words) so "killing" my enemy or crushing them isn't my goal.

My goal when I compete is to not make a mistake, make the right choices and learn from the experience. I read my opponent, read the table, read myself and try to repeat what I have done in practice to win the match.

Don't know if anyone else understand or agrees, this is just my take on the subject. Hope you find what you are looking for though, it sucks when you think you can't do what you used to be able to do. Methinks it comes down to finding the proper motivation for the match at hand or the right goal when practicing.
 
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I wouldn't go so far as to say killer instinct but I understand what you mean. I'm a more mature player than I was years ago but I don't win as much as I used to. I've figured out that I just don't have the push to fight as hard in a match as I used to. If I get down in a match I don't have that push in me to fight back. I really couldn't care less. Do I want to win? Sure, winning feels great, but if I'm losing I just don't care enough to fight back. I'm not trying to say that I'd win every match I played if I wanted to, far from it, all I'm saying is that I just don't have that same fire in me that I did when I was younger.
MULLY
 
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