Getting out of a funk?

NewGuy

NewGuy

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
For about the past two weeks I've been playing like total crap. I've recently had some personal issues that I've had to deal with and even though I don't like to admit it, I think it has totally affected my game. I've tried to stay focused and play through it just as I would with any slump, but it hasn't helped. Some friends have suggested that I take some time off until my head is clear, while others have suggested sticking with it.

My question is, have any of you ever been in a mental funk that is more than just a normal slump? If so, what did you do to get out of it? Keep playing or take some time off?
 
NewGuy said:
For about the past two weeks I've been playing like total crap. I've recently had some personal issues that I've had to deal with and even though I don't like to admit it, I think it has totally affected my game. I've tried to stay focused and play through it just as I would with any slump, but it hasn't helped. Some friends have suggested that I take some time off until my head is clear, while others have suggested sticking with it.

My question is, have any of you ever been in a mental funk that is more than just a normal slump? If so, what did you do to get out of it? Keep playing or take some time off?
Click to expand...


Dude, it happens ALL THE TIME! I mean, as much as people may think it is with me, pool is not the only thing in one's life. When things aren't in balance, it's hard to devote 100% of your attention to the game and when that happens, slumps are likely.

Understand that life has its ebs and flows and your game really is no different. Your bank account is in flux. Your love life (even when you're married) is in flux. Your friendships are in flux. Your weight is in flux. Even the amount you can drink on league night is in flux!

Play when you feel like playing. Remember that the game is supposed to be fun so just try to have fun pocketing balls and all will fall back into place. A lot of people think that scrunching your eye-brows will make you play better but really, it's the exact opposite. Just enjoy yourself and you'll quickly realign.
 
slump

i have some weight im dealing w/ personally too and yes it affects the game a lot even when not SPECIFICALLY thinking about it each shot...somehow it is just there....

what i have done to help me get going is just throw all the balls on the table...all 15 of them and just pocket all the balls...working on getting onto the ball i want and if i do i remember it and if i dont then shit it's so many damn balls on the table i just shoot something else...but on every shot im hearing the ball hit the bottom of the pocket...

for me it helps...dunno if it will help for you but it does make it fun to play...if for some reason i miss i just take the ones ive made and throw them back on the table and take ball in hand...
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I have been trying to push it a little too much lately. I have to admit that I was guilty of the "A lot of people think that scrunching your eye-brows will make you play better" syndrome. As a result I stopped having fun. I'm just going to have to relax and take things as they come.

whitewolf, I like the business card idea. It's a good physical reminder of what has made you succeed in the past. I also agree that battling through these slumps will make me a better player. It can become harmful however, if you just keep banging your head against the wall with no success. This is exactly what I was doing the past 2 weeks. Sometimes you have to just take a step back, look at the big picture and dive back in with a clear head.
 
Usually, when I am in a funk, I start taking my time and really picturing the shots . Most shots are missed because you pull the trigger before you are perfectly lined up.
 
Back to basics..

When I am in a slump I go right back to basics. I put running balls out of my mind and think about stance, loose grip, relaxed pendulum arm action and follow through. I imagine the needed speed in my arm. In other words I concentrate on the routine.

Like the other posters have stated you need to relax and remember why you started playing in the first place; because it is fun.

Hope this helps,
Marcus
 
NewGuy said:
For about the past two weeks I've been playing like total crap. I've recently had some personal issues that I've had to deal with and even though I don't like to admit it, I think it has totally affected my game. I've tried to stay focused and play through it just as I would with any slump, but it hasn't helped. Some friends have suggested that I take some time off until my head is clear, while others have suggested sticking with it.

My question is, have any of you ever been in a mental funk that is more than just a normal slump? If so, what did you do to get out of it? Keep playing or take some time off?
Click to expand...


Take some time off until you miss the enjoyment of the game.
 
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