How can I increase focus and stay sharper longer?

Rackemep

Rackemep

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was going to put this in the "Ask the instructor" section but I figured there may be some good insight missed from people who aren't instructors.

What are some tips to increase focus and stay sharp while at the table for extended periods of time? It seems like after a while my head just go's numb and I make stupid mistakes because my brain is tired or something. Its almost like I get tunnel vision and forget to think. The rack just becomes an unsolvable puzzle.

My game seems to go in a little cycle as I'm sure most players do. For the first little bit of play my brain is working great, I feel like I make good decisions and my mistakes are more on the fundamental side. After a while I warm up and still make good decisions but less fundamental mistakes...Then I get in the zone and I honestly couldn't tell you what my thought process is, everything just becomes automatic. Once I snap out of this "trans" all bets are off and this is when I get the numb brain...It's almost like I'm on ether or something lol

I do have a pre-tourney routine...I dont know if its doing me any good or not but I start out the night before making sure I eat well and I'm hydrated...I try to get my 7-8 hours of sleep...I eat a good breakfast and then for lunch something light (chicken salad)...I take an apple with me for a snack just in case...
 
When you get into your "numb" state of mind; Slow down.

It's been stated, a million times, that a PSR is a must; Whether you realize you do it or not. I get down on the shot the same way every time, regardless of the shot/angle. Once I get into that wacky state of mind, I slow down and make sure my PSR is correct.
 
What game are you playing? Nine ball? There is no better game for experiencing longer periods of focus than straight pool.

Notice I said experience focus, not practice focus. Its tougher to practice focus in rotation games than straight pool since you're at the table for shorter periods of time.

Not to mention, missing in 9 ball is far less costly than it is in straight pool, so shots in 9 ball may lend themselves to becoming a little lackadaisical in their execution.

The more often, and longer the length of time you can remain concentrated and focused, the easier it is to call on your brain to recall the experience.
 
5 hour energy, at least that's what the commercial says!

Honestly though, maybe one of the best things you can do to help yourself out is get on a healthy diet and exercise program. You will find that if you are in shape and eating right that your energy level will be higher and your focus will be better. Don't go for the quick fixes, they only lead to setback that take longer to recover from.

My best tip for tournament play is to refrain from greasy foods or big meals in general before a big game. They will make you drowsy and less alert.
 
3andstop said:
What game are you playing? Nine ball? There is no better game for experiencing longer periods of focus than straight pool.

Notice I said experience focus, not practice focus. Its tougher to practice focus in rotation games than straight pool since you're at the table for shorter periods of time.

Not to mention, missing in 9 ball is far less costly than it is in straight pool, so shots in 9 ball may lend themselves to becoming a little lackadaisical in their execution.

The more often, and longer the length of time you can remain concentrated and focused, the easier it is to call on your brain to recall the experience.
Click to expand...

Most everything here in my town is bar box 8-ball (closest 9 foot table is an hour and a half away) I seem to be able to play for 3-4 hours straight during practice before I loose focus and my brain shuts off. I practice everything from shots that give me a hard time to drills and playing the 8ball ghost (non rotation) and the 9ball ghost. ....During tournament play I seem to be ok in a 6-8 hour tourney as long as I rest and try not to focus on anything between matches. I recently played in a fairly long tourney back in January. it started at noon and went until 9 that night...By the time I played for the hot seat I was out of gas and got sent to the one loss side. I ended up taking 2nd...My opponent just seemed to be sharper than me. I would like to extend the mental drive and focus to be able to finish strong in tournaments like this.
 
Cdryden said:
5 hour energy, at least that's what the commercial says!

Honestly though, maybe one of the best things you can do to help yourself out is get on a healthy diet and exercise program. You will find that if you are in shape and eating right that your energy level will be higher and your focus will be better. Don't go for the quick fixes, they only lead to setback that take longer to recover from.

My best tip for tournament play is to refrain from greasy foods or big meals in general before a big game. They will make you drowsy and less alert.
Click to expand...

I do need to get back in shape...Been a tough road after my injuries from the Army...All my weight fell from my shoulder's chest and arms down to my gut lol...I guess I just got discouraged after 2 years of physical therapy and no improvement...Time to try to get back in shape for sure...
 
Rackemep said:
I do need to get back in shape...Been a tough road after my injuries from the Army...All my weight fell from my shoulder's chest and arms down to my gut lol...I guess I just got discouraged after 2 years of physical therapy and no improvement...Time to try to get back in shape for sure...
Click to expand...

Well, I'm no poster child for fitness, I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs. I need to do better. Just keep trying and it will get better. And by the way, thank you for your service. None of us would have the freedoms we enjoy without people like you.
 
Cdryden said:
Well, I'm no poster child for fitness, I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs. I need to do better. Just keep trying and it will get better. And by the way, thank you for your service. None of us would have the freedoms we enjoy without people like you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words I enjoyed the hell out of the Army! I wish I could of stayed in!....youre slender compared to me lol...I'm 5'10 (used to be 5'11 lol) and I'm over 250....Pool has honestly been a great thing for me to fall back into. It gives me something to do and has pulled me out of a depressed state that I was stuck in...Maybe If I can get back in shape I'll play a little better and feel better as well...
 
Chinese food

I had a friend once who got on the game show Scrabble. This was a long time ago. Anyway he ate lots of Chinese food for three days before the show and also during his run on the show. He said it was for increased brain power and focus. He said he picked up that trick when he was overseas. He was a Ranger. Anyway he did really well... He didn't tell me exactly what he ate though. I wonder if that's Bartons secret weapon...

Me personally I find if you keep well hydrated with water, eat a healthy oatmeal energy cookie and or a banana every hour it really helps, Plus the short trip out to the car for the snack and fresh air clears the head. But lots of water.
 
I don't know about coke or meth but marijuana would be your best choice if you go down that path.

I know it sounds cheesy but yoga prior to play would probably be the most helpful. Really any breathing exercises would be beneficial.
 
Rackemep said:
Thanks for the kind words I enjoyed the hell out of the Army! I wish I could of stayed in!....youre slender compared to me lol...I'm 5'10 (used to be 5'11 lol) and I'm over 250....Pool has honestly been a great thing for me to fall back into. It gives me something to do and has pulled me out of a depressed state that I was stuck in...Maybe If I can get back in shape I'll play a little better and feel better as well...
Click to expand...

Well, if there is anything I can ever help you with don't hesitate to ask. I first picked up a cue and fell in love with the game at a low point in my life too. It was a great way for me to get through a tuff time.

Chris
 
Bishop said:
I don't know about coke or meth but marijuana would be your best choice if you go down that path.

I know it sounds cheesy but yoga prior to play would probably be the most helpful. Really any breathing exercises would be beneficial.
Click to expand...

I'm going to pretend you meant to say Yogurt and not Yoga..

I'd doubt marijuana would help unless your bi-polar and you want to neutralize your lithium meds.
 
yeah I'll stay away from the drugs...already went through that phase in my life. I dont know about the yoga thing either...some of that shit just looks flat out painful.
 
Cdryden said:
Well, if there is anything I can ever help you with don't hesitate to ask. I first picked up a cue and fell in love with the game at a low point in my life too. It was a great way for me to get through a tuff time.

Chris
Click to expand...

Says I have to spread some rep around before I can give it to you again...

I appreciate the offer

Shaun
 
Rackemep said:
I was going to put this in the "Ask the instructor" section but I figured there may be some good insight missed from people who aren't instructors.

What are some tips to increase focus and stay sharp while at the table for extended periods of time? It seems like after a while my head just go's numb and I make stupid mistakes because my brain is tired or something. Its almost like I get tunnel vision and forget to think. The rack just becomes an unsolvable puzzle.

My game seems to go in a little cycle as I'm sure most players do. For the first little bit of play my brain is working great, I feel like I make good decisions and my mistakes are more on the fundamental side. After a while I warm up and still make good decisions but less fundamental mistakes...Then I get in the zone and I honestly couldn't tell you what my thought process is, everything just becomes automatic. Once I snap out of this "trans" all bets are off and this is when I get the numb brain...It's almost like I'm on ether or something lol

I do have a pre-tourney routine...I dont know if its doing me any good or not but I start out the night before making sure I eat well and I'm hydrated...I try to get my 7-8 hours of sleep...I eat a good breakfast and then for lunch something light (chicken salad)...I take an apple with me for a snack just in case...
Click to expand...

Buy yourself some SPARK from Advocare.... this stuff is GREAT
 
As it has been mentioned earlier... drugs LOL
honestly this used to be how I did it... but once I finally got my life turned around and joined the Army, I had to find another way...

So this is what I do... take it for what it is worth.

Develop a consistant pre-shot routine that forces you to slow down... this is mine

Pick up the chalk (chalk during laptime around table)
walk around the table a full lap... look at the path of the OB to the pocket... look at the natural angle the cueball will take given a center ball hit... establish the ZONE I want to be in on the next shot (CONSIDERING the following ball... shape on your next ball means nothing unless it leads to shape on the following ball)... establish what english will be used... Get down on the shot... 3 fast practice stroke... 2 slow practice strokes... pause at the cue ball... and pull the trigger

I found that this slowed my pace down by atleast 10-30 seconds per shot... and it forces you to focus on TANGIBLE things that keep you from second guessing youself while down on the shot

I also make it a point to touch my tip to the cloth after follow through, and keep it there until after the CB has made contact with the OB.
 
Rackemep said:
I was going to put this in the "Ask the instructor" section but I figured there may be some good insight missed from people who aren't instructors.

What are some tips to increase focus and stay sharp while at the table for extended periods of time? It seems like after a while my head just go's numb and I make stupid mistakes because my brain is tired or something. Its almost like I get tunnel vision and forget to think. The rack just becomes an unsolvable puzzle.

My game seems to go in a little cycle as I'm sure most players do. For the first little bit of play my brain is working great, I feel like I make good decisions and my mistakes are more on the fundamental side. After a while I warm up and still make good decisions but less fundamental mistakes...Then I get in the zone and I honestly couldn't tell you what my thought process is, everything just becomes automatic. Once I snap out of this "trans" all bets are off and this is when I get the numb brain...It's almost like I'm on ether or something lol

I do have a pre-tourney routine...I dont know if its doing me any good or not but I start out the night before making sure I eat well and I'm hydrated...I try to get my 7-8 hours of sleep...I eat a good breakfast and then for lunch something light (chicken salad)...I take an apple with me for a snack just in case...
Click to expand...

Can you state clearly in one or two sentences WHY you are playing pool?

Jeff Livingston
 
tumblr_mw4m84QGJc1t0i4uuo1_500.jpg


Snap. It's an all natural super candy you can find at drug stores by the energy bars and 5hour energy drink section.


Also, eat healthy. When you're playing for long stretches of time, eat salads and chicken breats not burger and fries. You need protein!!!
 
Download the pdf in my signature. #7 helps me to keep my focus if I remember to do it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top