That's good (and true). The best books I've read on this all have the same idea's regarding this. They say to be awre of the "internal conversation" and once you hear yourself saying negative things you need to stop yourself and dismiss it or change it to a positive. If you let the internal voice keep going on negatively it will destroy any confidence by building this lingering doubt about your game.
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Mental Game
- Thread starter RWOJO
- Start date
That's good (and true). The best books I've read on this all have the same idea's regarding this. They say to be awre of the "internal conversation" and once you hear yourself saying negative things you need to stop yourself and dismiss it or change it to a positive. If you let the internal voice keep going on negatively it will destroy any confidence by building this lingering doubt about your game.
Inconsistency
This response will be contrary to all previous posts but because I had a similar problem with inconsistent play, I thought it might add a little value. I will be the first to agree that a solid pre-shot routine is a great way to achieve a great mental approach and I had one but still had issues.
Through a little trial and error I figued out what was ailing me. I have had ADHD since I was a child but as an adult it is very inconspicuous; nonetheless, I am sensitive to the effects of sugar in my system. I don't bounce around the room like a hyperactive child but it clearly clouds my thinking process and makes it difficult to achieve the required focus.
Since I play mostly at night after work, I would get a soda or candy bar to get energized and for about 15 minutes it was great but after that the focus degrades. I leaned that if I eat a meal a couple of hours before a match and avoid sugar during the match, my focus remained constant.
This response will be contrary to all previous posts but because I had a similar problem with inconsistent play, I thought it might add a little value. I will be the first to agree that a solid pre-shot routine is a great way to achieve a great mental approach and I had one but still had issues.
Through a little trial and error I figued out what was ailing me. I have had ADHD since I was a child but as an adult it is very inconspicuous; nonetheless, I am sensitive to the effects of sugar in my system. I don't bounce around the room like a hyperactive child but it clearly clouds my thinking process and makes it difficult to achieve the required focus.
Since I play mostly at night after work, I would get a soda or candy bar to get energized and for about 15 minutes it was great but after that the focus degrades. I leaned that if I eat a meal a couple of hours before a match and avoid sugar during the match, my focus remained constant.
bar & learning curve
My only opportunity for competition in this small town is at a bar.
I find that endeavoring to tune out the excruciatingly loud music has increased my ability to focus.
Also, although I have much to learn, I most often play on the table where the best players congregate.
How do you block out all the distractions from your personal life? Whether relationships, work, or other stuff going on that may be on your mind.
I've got a decent stroke, good fundamentals and knowledge of the game; but last night was the worst I shot in a long time and I just couldn't stay completely focused.
I go from being able to run racks one day to dogging every other shot the next day. I feel like I'm so close to stepping my game up to the next level and then last night happened and my confidence seems to be at an all time low now.
Any advice would be appreciated.
My only opportunity for competition in this small town is at a bar.
I find that endeavoring to tune out the excruciatingly loud music has increased my ability to focus.
Also, although I have much to learn, I most often play on the table where the best players congregate.
LRNINGtheGAME
Mase-O
I think alot of people are in this boat
LRNINGtheGAME
Mase-O
Im the opposite, i need the music because if not and its quiet I feel like all eyes are on me and can sometimes hear those sideliners who of course make every shot from the side who say "whys he doing that"
I am in a very lucky location. Just north of Atlanta Georgia. I live within 15 minutes of atleast 7 or 8 poolhalls and within an hour of atleast a dozen more. The poolhall I play at regularly is owned by Johnny Archer, plus on any given night I can watch Shawn Putnam and Kim Davenport play.
I notice it is a different environment when you play at a poolhall as opposed to a bar. At a poolhall the other people tend to be more respectful of your space while you are shooting. At a bar you have to deal with people standing right near the table and you have to ask them to move everytime they are in your way. The poolhalls tend to have music or karaoke but it usually isn't too loud. The equipment at the poolhalls tend to be maintained better than at the bars.
It doesn't matter if I'm at a poolhall or a bar, I am always striving to get in the zone. When I'm in the zone I truly feel that I am the only one in the place, the music and noise all fades away, the people fade away and it is just me and the table. This Zone is the main reason I play pool, whether it lasts for a minute or an hour, I am completely free from everything. While in the zone I am not thinking about what shot and position, but rather I just see it then do it. In the zone I can run rack after rack, play air tight safeties and have complete control over the table.
I notice it is a different environment when you play at a poolhall as opposed to a bar. At a poolhall the other people tend to be more respectful of your space while you are shooting. At a bar you have to deal with people standing right near the table and you have to ask them to move everytime they are in your way. The poolhalls tend to have music or karaoke but it usually isn't too loud. The equipment at the poolhalls tend to be maintained better than at the bars.
It doesn't matter if I'm at a poolhall or a bar, I am always striving to get in the zone. When I'm in the zone I truly feel that I am the only one in the place, the music and noise all fades away, the people fade away and it is just me and the table. This Zone is the main reason I play pool, whether it lasts for a minute or an hour, I am completely free from everything. While in the zone I am not thinking about what shot and position, but rather I just see it then do it. In the zone I can run rack after rack, play air tight safeties and have complete control over the table.