How do I get out of a funk?

Thanks for all the replies. This is helpful.

To answer a couple questions-

- I am playing 8ball in APA but my funk extends to my overall play (sometimes I play 9ball for fun)

- I have tried playing more defensively against lower players in APA.
 
The formula to rid yourself of a FUNK or SLUMP.

1. Take a few days off and DON'T think of pool.
2. When you do come back to the pool hall, spend time with a house cue. Just bunt balls around. Feel the stiffness of the house cue. Try some different weights. Play on the worst table you can find with the worst balls. Let all the equipment be the excuse when you play bad.
3. Spend some time thinking about why you enjoy playing. This is needed to get your mind fixed on the positive.
4. Spend some time watching BANGERS having fun playing. See if that doesn't bring back some of the 'first time you played excitment'
5. Help a banger with some fundamentals. If you don't want to do this, remember when you were learning how to shoot? what was it that turned you on to playing?
6. Get your equipment cleaned. A new tip, shaft(s) cleaned, a new wrap. If you can afford it, get a new case and get it personalized, your initials or something like that. Take a little more pride in your equipment. Spend more time cleaning the chalk off your shafts and tip before you put them away.
7. Take your mind off the overall performance and spend more time on what is the games most important shot..... the one you about to pocket.
 
Purdman said:
There is only one solution to your problem. This is a quick fix used by many professional pool players. Use with caution.
Purd
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That is a great idea and the only one worth perusing. I eat them all the time and
 
It is certain to be mental, ie, lack of focus/concentration. You may be distracted by something at work, home, etc. Even though you don't realize it, these can be on your mind, so you are not thinking about only pool and the shot at hand.

When my game falls off, it is almost always from loss of focus. Sometimes, I will be down on a shot and have the most stupid thoughts run through my head. Unless I stand up and refocus, I will almost always miss the shot. You have to have the current shot in your head...nothing else.
Joe
 
PunchOut said:
take a 2+ week break
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I agree you should take about 2 weeks off away from pool and when you start back concentrate on the fundamentals and I mean on every shot. Take your time and don't shoot until you are ready. If you rush your game your are more apt to make simple mistakes like missing balls and getting bad position.

James
 
Some people have already mentioned it but I find when I get into a slump I go find the guys that I know can beat me senseless even when I am playing my best and practice against them. Throw them a $5 every now and then or buy them a beer and its all good! You will be out of your slump in no time at all.
 
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