We hear a lot about the "mental" aspects of sports. I think that in most sports, if not all, one needs to develop a reasonable command of proper mechanics that are executed on a fairly high degree of consistency. Once this is in place, there are certain thought processes that will help one move to their highest level of achievement. I have four books that I feel have helped me to get the "most" out of my game over the years. Two are specifically written for billiards and the other two were written for Tennis and Golf- but have huge applications to the mental side of the game of billiards:
1. Pleasures of Small Motions- Written for Pool Players
2. One Minute Guide to Playing Better PooL (why we sometimes miss when we shouldn't)
3. The Inner game of tennis
4. Golf is not a game of Perfect (my Favorite of the four)
I have also read " A mind for Pool" - but I don't rate it as highly as these four above.
One theme that is present throughout all of this material is that " mental toughness" is mostly about believing that you CAN DO on each and every shot. Every shot requires the same pre shot thought process and pre shot routine, all shots are equal in value in your mind, and the Can DO attitude must be present from the beginning of competition to the last ball pocketed no matter what the circumstances. Great reads worth the time and investment - especially for more advanced players who just "KNOW" they can play better, but can't put a finger on what is holding them back. These reads will help!
1. Pleasures of Small Motions- Written for Pool Players
2. One Minute Guide to Playing Better PooL (why we sometimes miss when we shouldn't)
3. The Inner game of tennis
4. Golf is not a game of Perfect (my Favorite of the four)
I have also read " A mind for Pool" - but I don't rate it as highly as these four above.
One theme that is present throughout all of this material is that " mental toughness" is mostly about believing that you CAN DO on each and every shot. Every shot requires the same pre shot thought process and pre shot routine, all shots are equal in value in your mind, and the Can DO attitude must be present from the beginning of competition to the last ball pocketed no matter what the circumstances. Great reads worth the time and investment - especially for more advanced players who just "KNOW" they can play better, but can't put a finger on what is holding them back. These reads will help!