How does a pro feel when they lose?

[cycopath]

I know how I feel when I play just about as good as I can play, and lose to a guy I should beat everytime who is just simply playing WAY over his head. I feel like smashing my head into a brick wall, selling everything I own that's billiards related and then take up bowling.

It makes me wonder how a professional player feels when they play their heart out and lose.

 

[jay helfert]

I know how I feel when I play just about as good as I can play, and lose to a guy I should beat everytime who is just simply playing WAY over his head. I feel like smashing my head into a brick wall, selling everything I own that's billiards related and then take up bowling.

It makes me wonder how a professional player feels when they play their heart out and lose.

The same as you.

 

[MilwShooter]

I'm thinking the opposite. I'd almost be willing to bet that a PRO doesn't get mad about the situation. They just get up to the table and practice some more before the next game. I sometimes think the difference between a pro player and the majority of us on here is that they can "let it go" the moment they've finished their stroke. ie: if they miss a shot, they get mad about it, but it's gone by the next time they shoot their next shot. They might reference it later, but they won't let that 1 missed shot or lost game affect them the way so many other players are affected.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I'm thinking the opposite. I'd almost be willing to bet that a PRO doesn't get mad about the situation. They just get up to the table and practice some more before the next game. I sometimes think the difference between a pro player and the majority of us on here is that they can "let it go" the moment they've finished their stroke. ie: if they miss a shot, they get mad about it, but it's gone by the next time they shoot their next shot. They might reference it later, but they won't let that 1 missed shot or lost game affect them the way so many other players are affected.

I'm sorry but I can give you a list of professionals who have expressed their emotions in public. Yes, there are a bunch that handle it well and who seem unphased but there's another handful that just flip out.

Look no further than Fabio Petroni who sadly banged his head repeatedly against a table because he wasn't playing well - scared the hell out of everyone that was witness to it.

 

[Richardson]

They like it, sort of how guys like being kicked in the jewels.






PS: might be some sarcasm there somewhere.

 

[crawfish]

I'm thinking the opposite. I'd almost be willing to bet that a PRO doesn't get mad about the situation. They just get up to the table and practice some more before the next game. I sometimes think the difference between a pro player and the majority of us on here is that they can "let it go" the moment they've finished their stroke. ie: if they miss a shot, they get mad about it, but it's gone by the next time they shoot their next shot. They might reference it later, but they won't let that 1 missed shot or lost game affect them the way so many other players are affected.

You show me a guy that doesn't mind losing, and I'll show you a loser. I believe that was UCLA's coach (can't think of his name) Wooden, that's it, that said it.

Or, to prove a point, just walk up to Shannon Daulton and tell him, "Better luck next time. It was just that one ball that sent the match south for you." and see what he tells you. I'd be willing to bet you hear something about getting the six.

 

[jcommie]

I would be the guy who was playing way over his head.
Sometimes when I get the rolls, my missed shots turn into some pretty magical safeties.

 

[MilwShooter]

You show me a guy that doesn't mind losing, and I'll show you a loser. I believe that was UCLA's coach (can't think of his name) Wooden, that's it, that said it.

Or, to prove a point, just walk up to Shannon Daulton and tell him, "Better luck next time. It was just that one ball that sent the match south for you." and see what he tells you. I'd be willing to bet you hear something about getting the six.

But that's an outside force causing him to show his anger. Think about Earl the Pearl...His "pro" status has been called into question over and over because of his inability to stay collected. I'm not saying that pros don't get mad, I'm saying that while they are playing and until the cameras are off etc. they know how to control themselves.

If I lost a game to a nobody, but knew there was another good game in 5 days, I wouldn't be bugged by it either. When I lose, I just remember what i did wrong, and add it to my drills so I don't do it the next time. I stay professional, even when losing, because I am representing the sport.

 

[crawfish]

But that's an outside force causing him to show his anger. Think about Earl the Pearl...His "pro" status has been called into question over and over because of his inability to stay collected. I'm not saying that pros don't get mad, I'm saying that while they are playing and until the cameras are off etc. they know how to control themselves.

If I lost a game to a nobody, but knew there was another good game in 5 days, I wouldn't be bugged by it either. When I lose, I just remember what i did wrong, and add it to my drills so I don't do it the next time. I stay professional, even when losing, because I am representing the sport.

I guess you could lookat it like it "was just business," but you have now reached the pinnacle of calmness. Sorry, I just can't feel and look at it that way. Not that I would classify at a pro level at all.

Some people handle it differently, but they are pissed. You can bet on it. Those that aren't mad for dogging it, please post their names here so I'll know who not to bet on.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

But that's an outside force causing him to show his anger. Think about Earl the Pearl...His "pro" status has been called into question over and over because of his inability to stay collected. I'm not saying that pros don't get mad, I'm saying that while they are playing and until the cameras are off etc. they know how to control themselves.

If I lost a game to a nobody, but knew there was another good game in 5 days, I wouldn't be bugged by it either. When I lose, I just remember what i did wrong, and add it to my drills so I don't do it the next time. I stay professional, even when losing, because I am representing the sport.

I'm sorry but I don't think there's a single professional out there that has their ambassador hat on while they're competing. I think those that choose to be private about their frustrations do so because that's who they are - private. It's like watching one baseball player tip his hat to the pitcher while another breaks his bat over his knee (which really hurts, btw).

 

[Beware_of_Dawg]

Same as everyone else. There is no "pool pro reaction standard". They react relative to their personalities.

 

[ftgokie]

I seen one where I thought I needed to go change his diaper and feed him a bottle of warm milk to make him feel better...and maybe a binky to calm him down some.....next time I see him, I will take some Infamil and a rocker to put him to sleep...


Im sure pros are more devastated (and this is just me) because thats how they make thier money...if your not winning and making money...how are you paying your bills...so yea..I think they pretty much feel like crap like we do when we lose a tourney

 

[cycopath]

Those that aren't mad for dogging it, please post their names here so I'll know who not to bet on.

LMAO!

Agreed.

 

[CrownCityCorey]

It makes me wonder how a professional player feels when they play their heart out and lose.

Like dog-shi*!

If I get beat by good play, and I also played well, it is an easier pill to swallow; however if I played bad and/or my opponent beat me with good rolls - it's all bullshi*! :banghead:

I'm thinking the opposite. I'd almost be willing to bet that a PRO doesn't get mad about the situation. They just get up to the table and practice some more before the next game. I sometimes think the difference between a pro player and the majority of us on here is that they can "let it go" the moment they've finished their stroke. ie: if they miss a shot, they get mad about it, but it's gone by the next time they shoot their next shot. They might reference it later, but they won't let that 1 missed shot or lost game affect them the way so many other players are affected.

The biggest difference between pro's and the rest is, when a pro get's their ass handed to them, they get back up and try again - over and over and over and over again.

The rest, get their ass handed to them and pack it up never to be seen again, or just play amongst people they can beat (social).

 

[cbaumann212]

not sure

What if the only reason that the pro lost is because she was dumping because the person who bought her in the calcutta wouldn't sell half to her after she had already played a few matches? NOt sure if the pro would be mad.

 

[Nostroke]

I'm thinking the opposite. I'd almost be willing to bet that a PRO doesn't get mad about the situation. They just get up to the table and practice some more before the next game. I sometimes think the difference between a pro player and the majority of us on here is that they can "let it go" the moment they've finished their stroke. ie: if they miss a shot, they get mad about it, but it's gone by the next time they shoot their next shot. They might reference it later, but they won't let that 1 missed shot or lost game affect them the way so many other players are affected.

What you point out is a desireable characteristic for a pro but there have been at least 2 World Champions who get real pissed. Many others who are not World Champions

 

[Big C]

I know how I feel when I play just about as good as I can play, and lose to a guy I should beat everytime who is just simply playing WAY over his head. I feel like smashing my head into a brick wall, selling everything I own that's billiards related and then take up bowling.

It makes me wonder how a professional player feels when they play their heart out and lose.

A little wisdom from someone who knows what it feels like to win and lose.

"If you can react the same way to winning and losing, that is a big accomplishment. That quality is important because it stays with you the rest of your life."
-Chris Evert (1954 - )

 

[CharlesUFarley]

I don't think anyone likes losing, but If I play well and lose, it's not so bad. What makes me want to smash my head into a wall is dogging it. If I make every ball I shoot at and play successful safeties, and still lose, I've done everything I can do. If I come up dry on the break a couple of times, or my cue ball gets kicked into a pocket once, but I play really well otherwise, I can deal with a loss....It's my mistakes that piss me off.

 

[Railbird]

That is one image I will never forget, easily one of the most bizarre things I've ever experienced at a pool tournament anywhere. People continually complain about Earl's antics but, Fabio's little stunt has to be the all time leader!

 

[tom mcgonagle]

I know how I feel when I lose a match. I'm bothered a lot if I had enough chances to win the match and I didn't take advantage of my chances. I don't get upset when I get completely out-played and the chances I get are few and far between. The one situation that bothers me the most is if a lesser player, keeps missing and leaving me safe, and I lose. That's frustrating.