Everyone has found themselves way behind in a match, it looks hopeless, and you are tempted to hurry up, and lose. However, there are practical techniques you can use to stay calm and talk yourself into mounting a comeback.
I’d like to describe the techniques I’ve used to come back in matches numerous times, and walk through how I used them in an actual match.
The main principles are:
Rule 0:
Throughout the match, actively say (think actually, not verbally say) things to yourself that will put you in a positive frame of mind. Many of the below rules are examples of this.
Rule 1:
Be stoic (“the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint”). If you miss a shot, or get bad shape, or a bad roll, say nothing. It should have ZERO effect on your outward appearance. Just calmly go back to your chair and keep a focused appearance. Give your opponent ZERO to feed upon other than that you look focused (which in itself is intimidating).
Rule 2:
A special note about bad and good rolls. If you get a bad roll it should have zero effect on your internal emotions. KNOW that everyone gets good and bad rolls. In the long run they even out. It’s just something that will statistically happen. However, If YOU get a lucky roll, internally laugh loudly to yourself! I LOVE getting a lucky roll! If it’s in a serious match I offer no reaction and just move on to my next shot (the lack of a reaction will grind on your opponent all the more).
Rule 3:
Related to Rule 1, be on the lookout for signs of frustration from your opponent. Complaints, grumbles, talking to themselves, staring at the table after a miss, whatever. Say to yourself “Yup, look at that, he’s getting frustrated”.
Rule 4:
When you are far behind, say to yourself “Well the pressure isn’t on me anymore; I’m expected to lose. The pressure is on my opponent because at this point, he’s expected to win.”
Rule 5:
Don’t think about how many games behind you are. Think “Lets focus on THIS game”.
Rule 6:
Imagine what your opponent is thinking to himself. Put words in your opponent’s mind that helps your mental state. For example, say this to yourself: “If I win this game he’s going to be thinking ‘Wow, this guy is coming back. What if I blow this match after being up so much! My friends are all going to laugh at me for weeks!’”.
Rule 7:
Don’t view a match like a final exam that determines whether you are a success or failure. That puts impossible pressure on you. Instead view every match as an opportunity to practice your combat skills. Win or lose it’s an opportunity to improve your combat skills. Even in the finals of a tournament, think about it as an opportunity to practice tournament-finals combat skills. This tip comes from Pleasures of Small Motions.
Rule 8:
If you find yourself “rehearsing” what you’ll say to others if you lose the match, or some other negative comment, internally yell to yourself “STOP!!”. This will help break you of that and get back to focusing on the NOW, on the current game.
Rule 9:
If it will help you win, strategically pick one point in the match to take a bathroom break. A good example is if your opponent just made a silly mistake which cost him a game. This lets him stew on that. A more desperate example is if your opponent is rolling over you and you feel hopeless. Heading to the bathroom at this time breaks your opponent’s rhythm, and gives you a chance to wash your face and hands and come back fresh. Just like Fats in The Hustler.
Rule 10:
In advance, talk with your teammates about what kind of encouragement you like. For example, I believe it’s a huge mistake for a teammate to yell out “You got this! Easy out!”. Geez dude, thanks for piling a ton of pressure on me :*)
Rule 11:
If you start coming back, it’s because you have been doing something the last few games to make it happen. Keep doing that. Stay 100% focused. Keep saying positive things to yourself. The worst mistake at this point would be to change your mental state. For example, don’t think “Hey I might win this match”. Instead, just keep using these rules.
Rule 12:
Never make excuses. If you lose a match, don’t complain about bad rolls, the cloth, distractions, the other players style of play, blah blah blah. It all makes you weaker. If you must talk about the conditions, treat them as neutral facts that affect everyone and what you need to do to adjust your game.
Each of these rules make you think in a positive way. Which allows you to be more comfortable, play better, and cause a momentum shift (which itself is worth multiple games on the wire). I’m not claiming these techniques always work. But they will keep you in a positive frame of mind and maximize your chances to win.
Now let’s look at how this has worked in an actual match
It was the semi-finals of the annual league city championship. My opponent was about my speed. There was a crowd watching the match and he started off playing terrific, getting out from everywhere. I on the other hand was very nervous. NO shot visually looked right and my arm was trembling so bad I was worried people would notice it. My opponent won the first two games, I won a game, then he won the next two games…
Score: I’m down 1-4 (race to 7)
I was frustrated but didn’t show any emotion (Rule 1) and just kept thinking “ok, just focus on THIS game” (Rule 5). Down 1-4 suddenly I started feeling less pressure and got more comfortable (Rule 4). After a few innings, I run four balls, leave myself a medium difficult cut on the 9 in the side, and miss it! He was left an easy shot on the 9. At this point the crowd thinks I’ve totally melted down, and my friends are probably fiddling for their car keys.
Score: I’m down 1-5 (race to 7)
Amazingly I now felt better than I had at any point in the match. I said to myself “Ok, I’m feeling comfortable now; I’m starting to run balls. I just need an opportunity.” (Rule 0). I win the game.
Score: I’m down 2-5 (race to 7)
I keep thinking “Just focus on this game” (Rule 5). I show no emotions and avoid all distractions by focusing my attention on the table, whether it’s my turn or not.
Score: I’m down 3-5 (race to 7)
I’ve now won two games in a row. My opponent still has the same outward behavior and I haven’t detected any slip in his game, it’s just that now I’ve been able to take advantage of my openings.
This is a terrific opportunity to completely reverse the momentum of the match. I say to myself “He’s starting to get a little bit nervous. It’s not as easy for him as it was 20 minutes ago. If I win THIS ONE GAME, he is going to have a ton of pressure on him. He is going to start thinking about how embarrassing it would be to blow this match!” (Rule 6)
Notice I’m not think about being two games behind. I’m not thinking about how much better my opponent has played so far. I’m not thinking “geez, I have to win 4 games and he only has to win 2”. I’m instead recognizing that this one current game can turn the entire match to my favor. I'm finding ways to feel more confidence RIGHT NOW based on the anticipation of something happening in the future, that will shift the momentum.
Score: I’m down 4-5 (race to 7)
At this point the mood of the entire room has changed.
Most of the match I stand/sit on the side of the table opposite my teammates, to avoid distractions (that’s just my personal style). But when I want some encouragement, I’ll stand near my teammates and exchange a few upbeat comments, as they know I like (Rule 10). Meanwhile my opponent’s teammates are throwing their hands up, talking to themselves in disbelief, and my opponent is having to absorb all of it.
My opponent starts to play poorly and starts to show frustration. I feed off every sign of this to make myself more confident (Rule 3). During my opponents turn I even start to analyze the layout and imagine what shot in the runout has him nervous (Rule 6).
Score: Match is tied 5-5 (race to 7)
This is a key point for both players. If my opponent can gather his wits, he can frame this as the start of a new phase of the match, and that either player can win. He should probably take a bathroom break (Rule 9). It’s also a key point for me. I must keep thinking the exact same way I have been during the comeback (Rule 11). This is similar to being way ahead of an opponent and starting to let up or even feel sorry for them. I’ve learned the hard way not to do that. This may sound graphic, but here is a trick that helps me stay determined in this situation: I think “I am going to keep my boot on his neck!”
My opponent does not take a bathroom break, continues to show a lot of frustration, and continues playing poorly.
Score: I’m up 6-5, on the hill
Now the entire room is thinking I’m going to win. That’s dangerous for me because it could change my mental state. So, I just keep thinking the exact same way that brought me here. And I keep feeding off any weakness my opponent shows. 100% focus.
I broke dry, then my opponent missed a ball. I recognized the layout was trickly but I knew how to run it out. The first shot was an easy straight shot but I needed to roll the CB forward exactly 6 inches for position on the next shot. I suddenly felt very nervous again. It was impossible not to let it slip into my mind that I could now win the match. I tried to just focus on the current shot. Thankfully the shot was easy and I settled down to run out the rack and win the match.
-Jeff
I’d like to describe the techniques I’ve used to come back in matches numerous times, and walk through how I used them in an actual match.
The main principles are:
- How to act and what to say to yourself to stay positive and maximize your chances for a comeback.
- Recognizing the points in a match where a momentum shift is possible.
Rule 0:
Throughout the match, actively say (think actually, not verbally say) things to yourself that will put you in a positive frame of mind. Many of the below rules are examples of this.
Rule 1:
Be stoic (“the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint”). If you miss a shot, or get bad shape, or a bad roll, say nothing. It should have ZERO effect on your outward appearance. Just calmly go back to your chair and keep a focused appearance. Give your opponent ZERO to feed upon other than that you look focused (which in itself is intimidating).
Rule 2:
A special note about bad and good rolls. If you get a bad roll it should have zero effect on your internal emotions. KNOW that everyone gets good and bad rolls. In the long run they even out. It’s just something that will statistically happen. However, If YOU get a lucky roll, internally laugh loudly to yourself! I LOVE getting a lucky roll! If it’s in a serious match I offer no reaction and just move on to my next shot (the lack of a reaction will grind on your opponent all the more).
Rule 3:
Related to Rule 1, be on the lookout for signs of frustration from your opponent. Complaints, grumbles, talking to themselves, staring at the table after a miss, whatever. Say to yourself “Yup, look at that, he’s getting frustrated”.
Rule 4:
When you are far behind, say to yourself “Well the pressure isn’t on me anymore; I’m expected to lose. The pressure is on my opponent because at this point, he’s expected to win.”
Rule 5:
Don’t think about how many games behind you are. Think “Lets focus on THIS game”.
Rule 6:
Imagine what your opponent is thinking to himself. Put words in your opponent’s mind that helps your mental state. For example, say this to yourself: “If I win this game he’s going to be thinking ‘Wow, this guy is coming back. What if I blow this match after being up so much! My friends are all going to laugh at me for weeks!’”.
Rule 7:
Don’t view a match like a final exam that determines whether you are a success or failure. That puts impossible pressure on you. Instead view every match as an opportunity to practice your combat skills. Win or lose it’s an opportunity to improve your combat skills. Even in the finals of a tournament, think about it as an opportunity to practice tournament-finals combat skills. This tip comes from Pleasures of Small Motions.
Rule 8:
If you find yourself “rehearsing” what you’ll say to others if you lose the match, or some other negative comment, internally yell to yourself “STOP!!”. This will help break you of that and get back to focusing on the NOW, on the current game.
Rule 9:
If it will help you win, strategically pick one point in the match to take a bathroom break. A good example is if your opponent just made a silly mistake which cost him a game. This lets him stew on that. A more desperate example is if your opponent is rolling over you and you feel hopeless. Heading to the bathroom at this time breaks your opponent’s rhythm, and gives you a chance to wash your face and hands and come back fresh. Just like Fats in The Hustler.
Rule 10:
In advance, talk with your teammates about what kind of encouragement you like. For example, I believe it’s a huge mistake for a teammate to yell out “You got this! Easy out!”. Geez dude, thanks for piling a ton of pressure on me :*)
Rule 11:
If you start coming back, it’s because you have been doing something the last few games to make it happen. Keep doing that. Stay 100% focused. Keep saying positive things to yourself. The worst mistake at this point would be to change your mental state. For example, don’t think “Hey I might win this match”. Instead, just keep using these rules.
Rule 12:
Never make excuses. If you lose a match, don’t complain about bad rolls, the cloth, distractions, the other players style of play, blah blah blah. It all makes you weaker. If you must talk about the conditions, treat them as neutral facts that affect everyone and what you need to do to adjust your game.
Each of these rules make you think in a positive way. Which allows you to be more comfortable, play better, and cause a momentum shift (which itself is worth multiple games on the wire). I’m not claiming these techniques always work. But they will keep you in a positive frame of mind and maximize your chances to win.
Now let’s look at how this has worked in an actual match
It was the semi-finals of the annual league city championship. My opponent was about my speed. There was a crowd watching the match and he started off playing terrific, getting out from everywhere. I on the other hand was very nervous. NO shot visually looked right and my arm was trembling so bad I was worried people would notice it. My opponent won the first two games, I won a game, then he won the next two games…
Score: I’m down 1-4 (race to 7)
I was frustrated but didn’t show any emotion (Rule 1) and just kept thinking “ok, just focus on THIS game” (Rule 5). Down 1-4 suddenly I started feeling less pressure and got more comfortable (Rule 4). After a few innings, I run four balls, leave myself a medium difficult cut on the 9 in the side, and miss it! He was left an easy shot on the 9. At this point the crowd thinks I’ve totally melted down, and my friends are probably fiddling for their car keys.
Score: I’m down 1-5 (race to 7)
Amazingly I now felt better than I had at any point in the match. I said to myself “Ok, I’m feeling comfortable now; I’m starting to run balls. I just need an opportunity.” (Rule 0). I win the game.
Score: I’m down 2-5 (race to 7)
I keep thinking “Just focus on this game” (Rule 5). I show no emotions and avoid all distractions by focusing my attention on the table, whether it’s my turn or not.
Score: I’m down 3-5 (race to 7)
I’ve now won two games in a row. My opponent still has the same outward behavior and I haven’t detected any slip in his game, it’s just that now I’ve been able to take advantage of my openings.
This is a terrific opportunity to completely reverse the momentum of the match. I say to myself “He’s starting to get a little bit nervous. It’s not as easy for him as it was 20 minutes ago. If I win THIS ONE GAME, he is going to have a ton of pressure on him. He is going to start thinking about how embarrassing it would be to blow this match!” (Rule 6)
Notice I’m not think about being two games behind. I’m not thinking about how much better my opponent has played so far. I’m not thinking “geez, I have to win 4 games and he only has to win 2”. I’m instead recognizing that this one current game can turn the entire match to my favor. I'm finding ways to feel more confidence RIGHT NOW based on the anticipation of something happening in the future, that will shift the momentum.
Score: I’m down 4-5 (race to 7)
At this point the mood of the entire room has changed.
Most of the match I stand/sit on the side of the table opposite my teammates, to avoid distractions (that’s just my personal style). But when I want some encouragement, I’ll stand near my teammates and exchange a few upbeat comments, as they know I like (Rule 10). Meanwhile my opponent’s teammates are throwing their hands up, talking to themselves in disbelief, and my opponent is having to absorb all of it.
My opponent starts to play poorly and starts to show frustration. I feed off every sign of this to make myself more confident (Rule 3). During my opponents turn I even start to analyze the layout and imagine what shot in the runout has him nervous (Rule 6).
Score: Match is tied 5-5 (race to 7)
This is a key point for both players. If my opponent can gather his wits, he can frame this as the start of a new phase of the match, and that either player can win. He should probably take a bathroom break (Rule 9). It’s also a key point for me. I must keep thinking the exact same way I have been during the comeback (Rule 11). This is similar to being way ahead of an opponent and starting to let up or even feel sorry for them. I’ve learned the hard way not to do that. This may sound graphic, but here is a trick that helps me stay determined in this situation: I think “I am going to keep my boot on his neck!”
My opponent does not take a bathroom break, continues to show a lot of frustration, and continues playing poorly.
Score: I’m up 6-5, on the hill
Now the entire room is thinking I’m going to win. That’s dangerous for me because it could change my mental state. So, I just keep thinking the exact same way that brought me here. And I keep feeding off any weakness my opponent shows. 100% focus.
I broke dry, then my opponent missed a ball. I recognized the layout was trickly but I knew how to run it out. The first shot was an easy straight shot but I needed to roll the CB forward exactly 6 inches for position on the next shot. I suddenly felt very nervous again. It was impossible not to let it slip into my mind that I could now win the match. I tried to just focus on the current shot. Thankfully the shot was easy and I settled down to run out the rack and win the match.
-Jeff
