Having trouble when there's nothing at stake

[PocketPoint]

I seem to not be able to focus at all unless it's in a tournament or I'm gambling. And then my play does suffer a bit due to nervousness.

But if I try to practice seriously I just can't concentrate at all. I actually play my best when I just throw the balls on the table and try to run them without thinking too much.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I have heard this alot. Often used to justify not practicing. . .

A person who is matching up regularly and practicing in between will soon be taking all the money and/or giving up more weight to get the game. Either is better, IMO.

The mentality should be different. Matching up is where you should be leaning towards being more conservative with shot selection. Practice is where you should be trying new shots, ingraining them and making them part of your tool kit. So in essence, either your tool kit is not expanding, or you are paying in losses to add shots to your tool kit.