getting out of the starting blocks.

[Solartje]

Hi all,

i was wondering if there is any real advice on how to improve my starts in tournaments. I think i lose the first set around 80% of the time, and the first 2 around 50% of the time, still im winning 50% of my matches.

i really could use some advice on how to get quicker out of the starting blocks.

mostly the problem ocures between matches. As long as i can play 15minuts of straight pool, before a 8 or 9ball match, i got a fair odd to win the first frames, but in between matches, when keeping my stroke warm with some straightpool isnt possible, i always seem to be very slow in the beginning.

this has helped myself to deal with comebacks, and i love to make a good comeback, but if i should win the first frame 80% instead of lose it (vs opponents of same level), im sure i would win alot of more games as i hardly have more then 2 frames difference at the end.

what advice would u give me to keep my arm 'warm' when there is no table free to play some.

 

[CreeDo]

Before the match, I do a simple drill... I do a straight in draw shot and try to control the distance the cue ball travels. It doesn't sound like much but it helps. I might play a match but I prefer to drill. You can lose a practice match before the tournament and get thrown into a bad mindset. If you can, also practice lagging for a minute.

If there's no choice, just focus on doing your practice game as if you were doing drills. If you don't win, don't sweat it, maybe that guy will underestimate you as a result

There was another thread about keeping warm between matches that you might want to read, posted just a couple of days ago I think. Basically make yourself as physically and mentally comfortable as possible, eat if you're hungry, try to cool off if you're warm, slick your cue up if it's sticking, etc.