Just a simple poll about how you approach the game.
Mental game poll
- Thread starter Straightpool_99
- Start date
DeeDeeCues
Well-known member
It varies. Playing tourneys or leagues, I'm usually pretty amped up, so I try to relax and get to a good competitive level where the pressure works for me. In sparring matches I work myself up to about the same level.
I've found that I play best if I stay focused on each shot, not so much the outcome of the game or match.
My game tends to fall apart when I get distracted. I have to stay focused on the table only- not other people at the bar, other players on other tables, or people singing karaoke, etc.
My game tends to fall apart when I get distracted. I have to stay focused on the table only- not other people at the bar, other players on other tables, or people singing karaoke, etc.
Last edited:
JABSolstice
Well-known member
Mental game is something I struggled with for a long time. I can make shots, get good shape, and run out without problem when I'm in my rhythm, but I would always get complacent and not really focus on a run or specific shot. Then I would get pissed off at myself and let the doubt creep in.
I'm getting better... but not all the way there yet.
I'm getting better... but not all the way there yet.
Most of my misses come from me TRYING to make the ball.
Focus on my process. P.S.R.
Mental game, IMO, is just the ability to play very consistently at the highest level one is capable of performing.
That mental process involves simply the absence of any thoughts that keep you from playing your best.
This process will be different and must be discovered by each individual as to what allows their mind NOT to interfere with each shot execution.
This answer may lie in your PSR, your speed of play, your timing, the mechanics of your stroke,or any combination of such that work together to boost confidence and eliminate negatives.
That mental process involves simply the absence of any thoughts that keep you from playing your best.
This process will be different and must be discovered by each individual as to what allows their mind NOT to interfere with each shot execution.
This answer may lie in your PSR, your speed of play, your timing, the mechanics of your stroke,or any combination of such that work together to boost confidence and eliminate negatives.
Well said!!!
George the Greek
Well-known member
The mental aspect is my toughest opponent and hard to overcome on a regular basis. I know I'm no spring chicken and my eyes and arm work pretty good. It feels great when I let my stroke out but get tentative on easy shots/position and lose games and matches to people i should beat handily. It's definately a slow process and curve to overcome but I'm trying
George the Greek
Well-known member
I had a big stepping stone today and let the arm loose and got more motivated on the cinch shots and had plenty of decent outs. My buddy thought he was playing bad lol
George the Greek
Well-known member
No shortage of members lol.Welcome brother!! It's a big club.
While lotta members.
VTEC John
Active member
My latest successful battle with the mental game (the successes are always temporary) has been forcing myself to take two simple steps and not think about anything else. 1) Line up and get down so precisely that I feel I can close my eyes and make the ball. 2) Shoot the shot without allowing myself to look where the OB goes, i.e., maintaining permanent eye focus on the target area. No doubt players with strong fundamentals have other fixes, but this has helped me.
I feel those same problems, I have started a full shot instead of a pre shot routine, I am working on focusing on the shot all the way until my arm comes to a stop, I sometimes miss easy shots because in my mind the shot is easy and I don't follow my full shot routine,.
One born every minute.
I still do this. I'll get down on the shot line, turn my head or close my eyes and stroke the shot. Table length straight ins. If I'm not making a high percentage of these, I find the problem and fix it. Be careful when turning your head away that you aren't moving your shoulder. It can throw off the shot. This also allows you to see exactly what's happening in forward delivery without a video camera. It helped me.
Idk if I'd recommend it for anyone but advanced players tho.
Just close your eyes...