Thought I would take a shot and post this here, see if I can some free advice/therapy/etc. Longer post, but bear with me...
Background: Played pool 15 years, took 5 years off, been playing a year or so now. Finally pretty much back to where I was 5 years ago - some things a little better, some things a little worse. Finally have had some matches and practice sessions where I was in dead stroke, had some nice finishes in local tournaments, even when not playing my A game, overall playing okay and made some good progress.
Few months ago I tear a ligament in my thumb. Can't play for 2 weeks, then start again. This is right in the middle of me really dedicating myself to getting my game back - lot's of practice sessions, drills, playing the ghost, etc. I start playing again, can't bridge right etc. but was really focusing on making the ball since it hurt to play a little, and playing okay in spite of the injury.
So now my thumb is better - it will never be back to normal, but doesn't hurt enough to impact my play. And I suck. I'm doing something I've never done before in pool or other sports - I start out playing well, and 30 - 60 minutes in I miss an easy shot or position. Then another. Then another. Then it all just falls apart, and my rhythm escapes me, simple shots and 1 or 2 rail position routes seem complex, I can't decide or commit how to hit the ball, I don't trust the ball to go in, I adjust my aim last minute or worse twist my wrist or flinch during the stroke. Nothing is easy or guaranteed. And yet somehow during all of this I manage to run out here and there, or make great shots or a series of solid shots, etc. Just without any confidence whatsoever. And the misses can just come without warning.
I don't remember this happening when I used to play - sure I choked here or there, or missed easy shots, but not like this. And it's not a pressure thing, I wish it was, since it happens during practice, fun games, playing for a buck or two, or tourneys. Had another session like this last night, where I played like a C player toward the end of the night after only missing 3 shots the first hour I played. Upon reflection today, a few thoughts hit me:
- Focus on preshot routine - I've been playing with this lately, maybe it's not ingrained yet and throwing off my timing, eye movement, etc.
- Confidence - Maybe my re-learning of pool over the last 6 - 12 months at 1 or 2 sessions a week has not allowed my nerves and confidence to progress the same way it did naturally over 15 years of playing
- CB vs. OB focus - I think somehow I may be focusing more on the CB instead of the OB, and may be inadvertently steering the CB to achieve position and not making sure I make the ball
Those are my guesses, and I will check them out and work on them next time I play, but anyone else go through something similar, and any suggestions for regaining and retaining the consistency and confidence in my game?
Thanks!
Scott
Background: Played pool 15 years, took 5 years off, been playing a year or so now. Finally pretty much back to where I was 5 years ago - some things a little better, some things a little worse. Finally have had some matches and practice sessions where I was in dead stroke, had some nice finishes in local tournaments, even when not playing my A game, overall playing okay and made some good progress.
Few months ago I tear a ligament in my thumb. Can't play for 2 weeks, then start again. This is right in the middle of me really dedicating myself to getting my game back - lot's of practice sessions, drills, playing the ghost, etc. I start playing again, can't bridge right etc. but was really focusing on making the ball since it hurt to play a little, and playing okay in spite of the injury.
So now my thumb is better - it will never be back to normal, but doesn't hurt enough to impact my play. And I suck. I'm doing something I've never done before in pool or other sports - I start out playing well, and 30 - 60 minutes in I miss an easy shot or position. Then another. Then another. Then it all just falls apart, and my rhythm escapes me, simple shots and 1 or 2 rail position routes seem complex, I can't decide or commit how to hit the ball, I don't trust the ball to go in, I adjust my aim last minute or worse twist my wrist or flinch during the stroke. Nothing is easy or guaranteed. And yet somehow during all of this I manage to run out here and there, or make great shots or a series of solid shots, etc. Just without any confidence whatsoever. And the misses can just come without warning.
I don't remember this happening when I used to play - sure I choked here or there, or missed easy shots, but not like this. And it's not a pressure thing, I wish it was, since it happens during practice, fun games, playing for a buck or two, or tourneys. Had another session like this last night, where I played like a C player toward the end of the night after only missing 3 shots the first hour I played. Upon reflection today, a few thoughts hit me:
- Focus on preshot routine - I've been playing with this lately, maybe it's not ingrained yet and throwing off my timing, eye movement, etc.
- Confidence - Maybe my re-learning of pool over the last 6 - 12 months at 1 or 2 sessions a week has not allowed my nerves and confidence to progress the same way it did naturally over 15 years of playing
- CB vs. OB focus - I think somehow I may be focusing more on the CB instead of the OB, and may be inadvertently steering the CB to achieve position and not making sure I make the ball
Those are my guesses, and I will check them out and work on them next time I play, but anyone else go through something similar, and any suggestions for regaining and retaining the consistency and confidence in my game?
Thanks!
Scott
- but I think your response hit home with a few points.