I just came in second in a friggin pool tournament where I missed a runout on an open table and MISSED BALL IN HAND with 3 balls on the table. The other guy had great technique, maybe I was intimidated, but in any case I am sick. I'd thought I'd share, since only poolplayers know that particular sick feeling in your stomach that comes when you are so close, then play like crap.
Me whining.
- Thread starter henho
- Start date
Yeah.. isn't that sick feeling great?!!! I just love it... NOT!!! Lol!!! In spite of your disgust you still took 2nd place and that's nothing to Pooh, Pooh about!!! 
We've all dogged it but we survive, learn form it, don't dwell on it, and - hopefully - handle it a lot better the next time! It's simply a matter of being exposed to the "heat" often enough so you can accept it, rather than fighting to supress or to avoid it. "Tournament Tough" is just that, and you have to play in them as much as you can to maintain it. Even the greats can get weak!!!
Deep breathing to calm down, as well as taking the much needed "legal" Bathroom Break -when you feel the wheels starting to come off - can make a huge difference in refocusing!!!
If you still hate yourself imagine what a Pro goes through when they dog it for a Major Title? That should put things into perspective for yah' a little and make you feel better!!! I know it won't but It was worth a try! Keep at it!!! You'll eventually get it right!!!
Best Regards!!!
We've all dogged it but we survive, learn form it, don't dwell on it, and - hopefully - handle it a lot better the next time! It's simply a matter of being exposed to the "heat" often enough so you can accept it, rather than fighting to supress or to avoid it. "Tournament Tough" is just that, and you have to play in them as much as you can to maintain it. Even the greats can get weak!!! Deep breathing to calm down, as well as taking the much needed "legal" Bathroom Break -when you feel the wheels starting to come off - can make a huge difference in refocusing!!!
If you still hate yourself imagine what a Pro goes through when they dog it for a Major Title? That should put things into perspective for yah' a little and make you feel better!!! I know it won't but It was worth a try!
Keep at it!!! You'll eventually get it right!!! Best Regards!!!
henho said:
2nd in a two man tournament....Great Job..
(JK) I can definatley relate to that feeling....I really don't mind getting beat by someone especially if they are a better player...........But nothing gets me madder than giving away a match......Well actually there is...It's when the guy walks up right after I just gave him the match and says "good match".......I tend to like the reply ..."You can go ahead and keep the silver platter".....
Yeah it is some consolation that the eventual winner saw me playing considerably better in my previous matches, and knew that my game had gone out the window....but my disappointment is hard to shake. I just remembered how during the 2001 US open when Danny Diliberto mentioned how Corey shutting out Mika could affect his career, I guess I now know what he meant. My frustration must pale in comparison to his feelings that day.
kwilson
Banned
henho said:
yep it happened to me last night. it has been a while since i have played,but i had great control of my cue ball.problem was i was choking to death because of uncertain decisions on the run-out.i couldnt see the run-out it was very frustrating.but you know what just learn from this and do your best to get your confidence up for the next time.
henho said:
We've all been there my friend! If it did'nt hurt, it would mean you just don't care about the game! (which you obviously do) The only thing I used to do was after calming down a bit, take down some notes about what you can do to better things when this situation comes up next time. Those notes will become your road map to getting better. Read them at home, take them to the pool room during practice sessions to remember what you need to work on. The better you get, the less stuff about technique you'll write down, and more notes on the mental side of the game.....Good luck...G
kwilson said:
Golf clubs? I always have them with me.
CUE-TECH has a school in Charlotte Oct. 14-15-16th. I'm the Guest Instructor.
Email me at
randyg@poolschool.com
I will send you more info and my trip plans.....randyg
F
Fred Agnir
Guest
henho said:
Times like this serve two major purposes:
1) It makes your future game stronger
2) It helps you replace the memory of the last SNAFU.
Fred <~~~ never forgets past SNAFUS
I hate that sick feeling. I was in a tournament last weekend and I lost my first match right off the bat to a player that is significantly better than I am. I took him hill-hill and missed the 8 after I had run out the table. I got a lucky roll and he made a pretty good kick to win it. I came back through the entire losers bracket and not only beat the guy I lost to, but also beat a player who is regarded as the best player in our league. I was really in stroke, but when I got to the final, my game just went downhill. I ended up losing in the final after struggling to make it hill-hill in that match. It was just an aweful feeling, because I couldn't even run out a fairly open table.
Been there, done that...
Don't get down...happens to everyone, (even me), LOL! This shows that you must first play your game, (stay within your ability), play the table, (take what the table gives), if it gives you low percentage, based on your ability, go defensive...if you think your opponent has great technique, break him/her with great defense...and when given a good opportunity, focus, stay down and execute...sometimes we take a shot for granted, or we're not sure of our next move, and we find ourselves down over the shot with all this in our head. Commit before your down, when your down, think of nothing but the shot. Next time your 'King of The Hill'!
my motto...
'don't mind getting beat, but hate to lose'
Don't get down...happens to everyone, (even me), LOL! This shows that you must first play your game, (stay within your ability), play the table, (take what the table gives), if it gives you low percentage, based on your ability, go defensive...if you think your opponent has great technique, break him/her with great defense...and when given a good opportunity, focus, stay down and execute...sometimes we take a shot for granted, or we're not sure of our next move, and we find ourselves down over the shot with all this in our head. Commit before your down, when your down, think of nothing but the shot. Next time your 'King of The Hill'!
my motto...
'don't mind getting beat, but hate to lose'