Mental block preventing run outs

[SloMoHolic]

I found that when I truly understood that I was in control of the outcome of each shot, I felt a profound sense of comfort and confidence. It helped me settle down and take as much or as little time that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with what I had to do.

Excellent point! I totally agree. And if I may reference my previous post, this is what I mean when I say it feels more like responsibility than pressure.

-SloMoHolic

 

[Gogafem]

Practice can raise your confidence. Also play with a "runner out attitude".

 

[tsunami]

A preshot routine isn't just for physical functions it covers being consistent mentally as well from shot to shot.

It incredibly common to see lesser players make a incredible shot and leave themselves perfect only to blow the next shot, no matter how easy.

Your preshot routine MUST have a mental component that you work on as well. Experience and repetition build confidence in your ability to execute.

I found that when I truly understood that I was in control of the outcome of each shot, I felt a profound sense of comfort and confidence. It helped me settle down and take as much or as little time that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with what I had to do.

One last thing your tempo or pace that you play at may change dramatically as you start to feel pressure, causing you to not be ready to execute. You have to be consistent with everything period.

It all boils down to discipline......You will never see a un disciplined champion!

This is something that hadn't occurred to me. In golf I have always been able to stick to my routine and have a good thought before I pull the trigger. I've been playing gold since I was 14. But in pool, I have the physical routine down, but over the shot I do find myself adjusting and still thinking instead of committing. Like that 7 I missed, I was thinking how awesome this out was gonna be I'm so cool, instead of finishing what I started. Sound advice all around, thank you all. Just got home from work, time to practice.

 

[Masayoshi]

After getting past the key ball, when you KNOW you are out, take some time to regather yourself. Walk around the table, wipe your cue off, and take another look at the layout taking note of details that might make a shot slightly more difficult such as elevation, reach, too straight, etc. Oftentimes we trip on seemingly easy outs because we underestimate them and rush ourselves where we normally wouldn't.

 

[JuicyGirl]

Like that 7 I missed, I was thinking how awesome this out was gonna be I'm so cool, instead of finishing what I started. Sound advice all around, thank you all. Just got home from work, time to practice.

I have found myself doing this. The best thing for me is to focus on my breathing. It never lets me down



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[DAVE_M]

My advice, from one amateur to another. Learn to play straight pool (14.1), play the ghost, learn patterns.

Watching 9 ball has never helped my 9 ball game. 9 ball is a game, like any other. There is a beginning and end. You need to find the path (pattern) to the end to win.

 

[Cornerman]

I'm a newer player. Been playing two years but really started taking my game seriously about 6 months ago. I have a table at home and I've ran out maybe 5 times in the last two months.

So I just started league and playing a 9 ball tourny and I'm having a mental block when I'm about ready to run out. Last night I made an amazing jump shot on the 1 (lucked it in was just trying to hit it but ill take it). Proceeded to the 4 where I missed position and then made a good bank on the 4 and got back inline. Made it to the 7 with perfect position and that's when it happens. I think this is gonna be an amazing out and then I miss the 7 and lose the game. What should I do when that thought pops up. Before that I was totally focused on what I was doing. Just reset the shot and go through my routine again. Will I get over that lack of focus as I get used to getting out more? I was so pissed but this has been happening almost every time I play now on essentially shots I never miss.

Still happens to me.

 

[stljohnny]

After getting past the key ball, when you KNOW you are out, take some time to regather yourself. Walk around the table, wipe your cue off, and take another look at the layout ... Oftentimes we trip on seemingly easy outs because we underestimate them and rush ourselves where we normally wouldn't.

THIS. I can't count how many times I've blown an out after solving all the problems in the rack just in the last 3 weeks. It's driving me absolutely insane. I'm so glad I found this thread... even though all of these things are things I've read many times before and I tell other people to do - sometimes just finding a little reminder can be exactly what you need to hear.

Now I'm looking forward to Masters league tonight.