At times I play jam up....and then there are times I feel utterly lost on a pool table (no confidence, bad choices,lack of concentration etc). What can I do to play my "A" game more consistantly? Is it purely a matter of having repeatable results? Is it practice? I can't stand not playing to my abilities. I owe it to myself to play better. Any hints/suggestions?
mental game/over the hump
- Thread starter ledrums
- Start date
The key to consistancy is doing the same thing the same way every time. Is your pre-shot routine solid really routine? Is your set-up the same every time? How about your stroke? Do you plan for the easy shots the same way you plan for the tough ones? All these things are critical to being more consistant. Try to pin-point what you missed in your routine when you miss a shot.
Steve
Steve
^^ I find that to be my biggest problem. Usually when I'm in a slump I go over everything I'm doing and find out that either I'm tight in the wrist or standing a bit different or my head may be cocked or the stick may be more dominant under one eye then the other, where I'm usually shooting with it directly under the center.
I'd also recomend; Pleasures of Small Motions.. changed my life.
I'd also recomend; Pleasures of Small Motions.. changed my life.
Also, you are not going to shoot your best all the time. I would say most of the time you will just shoot like your average self. There are many factors which will determine how you will be shooting. I agree also with whats been said that fundamentals and a good preshot routine will help, but you will still only play your best a small percentage of the time, but you should always have a good game if you are solid in your fundamentals.
In other words.pooltchr said:
Rock Solid Fundamentals.
It's my opinion that most if not all inconsistencies can be traced to
Fundamentals.
Stance
Bridge
Grip
Stroke
Rhythm
.
.
Practice the basics and be honest with yourself. If possible get a bonified instructor for a lesson. Then the hard part comes. Stick with it. That's what you paid all that money for. That's what the insrructor spent all that time teaching you. A lot of what you'll learn WILL NOT WORK immediately and may try your patience. Just keep at it.
I agree with all the posters here, and one additional thing, clear your mind of non-pool related thoughts. When I'm shooting matches, I try to leave thoughts of family, money, work, home, and friends behind.
I find that if I set my pool time aside just for pool that I enjoy pool more and therefore play better.
Hope this helps!
I find that if I set my pool time aside just for pool that I enjoy pool more and therefore play better.
Hope this helps!
Mental Game
To anyone who is looking for an assist in the mental game I would suggest reading Mind Gym by Gary Mack with David Casstevens. Thi may sound like an arguement within itself but, I don't believe enough attention is given to the mental part of the game and yet it is VERY EASY to get tangled up in thinking to much. As stated in many posts, have confidance in your ability to maintain the basics, your game and even more confidance in your ability to perform under pressure and pretty soon the game is fun all the time. I don't care if your a money player, tournament player or just play because you love the game.......after a lot of hard work, this game becomes easy...NOT
To anyone who is looking for an assist in the mental game I would suggest reading Mind Gym by Gary Mack with David Casstevens. Thi may sound like an arguement within itself but, I don't believe enough attention is given to the mental part of the game and yet it is VERY EASY to get tangled up in thinking to much. As stated in many posts, have confidance in your ability to maintain the basics, your game and even more confidance in your ability to perform under pressure and pretty soon the game is fun all the time. I don't care if your a money player, tournament player or just play because you love the game.......after a lot of hard work, this game becomes easy...NOT
.ledrums said:
When this happens it is usually your fundamentals that are the problem. Does your stroke feel forced or uncomfortable? The problem there would be either lack of rythm in your stroke and/or tightening the grip on the follow through.
While getting into your stance keep your eyes locked on the object ball until everything is set and you are still. This way you can ensure that you are maintaining the line of the shot. Also ensure that your cue is always situated at the same spot below your head. In other words if you have dominant eye, keep it under that eye, if you prefer to have the cue centred beneath your chin do that. I see plenty of people who do not do this consistantly.