dquarasr
Registered
Not really a question, but an observation that I'm sure all of you here already know, but sometimes we need to come to these conclusions on our own in spite of others having emphasized it ad nauseam.
The value of mental and emotional control cannot be overstated. Misses begat misses. Confidence and relaxation begat more confidence and better results.
Once beyond a certain skill level, where fundamentals are essentially solid, the ability to go off the rails because of one or two misses boils down to control of emotions. That slight squeeze of the cue. That tensing of the shoulder and forearm. The lack of focus on speed control for shape. Etc.
The ability to put misses behind us is one of the major keys to success. Analyze, correct for the next shot, relax, and mentally start over. So much easier said than done.
I'm sure the opposite is true, but maybe not as much as misses: confidence can lead to over-confidence, maybe trying to execute shots against a good player where prudence might dictate playing safe, or trying a more difficult-to-execute shot for shape when an easier but possibly not-as-ideal leave might have a much higher chance of potting the OB.
I have so much to learn. This sport is as high on the list for mental and emotional control as any other sport (golf comes to mind).
The value of mental and emotional control cannot be overstated. Misses begat misses. Confidence and relaxation begat more confidence and better results.
Once beyond a certain skill level, where fundamentals are essentially solid, the ability to go off the rails because of one or two misses boils down to control of emotions. That slight squeeze of the cue. That tensing of the shoulder and forearm. The lack of focus on speed control for shape. Etc.
The ability to put misses behind us is one of the major keys to success. Analyze, correct for the next shot, relax, and mentally start over. So much easier said than done.
I'm sure the opposite is true, but maybe not as much as misses: confidence can lead to over-confidence, maybe trying to execute shots against a good player where prudence might dictate playing safe, or trying a more difficult-to-execute shot for shape when an easier but possibly not-as-ideal leave might have a much higher chance of potting the OB.
I have so much to learn. This sport is as high on the list for mental and emotional control as any other sport (golf comes to mind).