My Mental game killed my team AGAIN

8

8up

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have a problem playing under pressure. So last night we had APA 8 ball playoffs.
We had to put up first, I put my best player a SL7 up and they followed by putting a SL2 up that can run 5 balls. My guy shoots sub par and loses. 2nd match we win. 3rd match we lose. 4th match we win. Its 2-2 in a race to 3 for the match. I now Have to play.

I am a weak SL5 and have to play a SL2 that can run 5 balls. I win the break and come up dry he runs 3 balls and scratches. I run it down to the 8 and blow an easy 8 but hook him and win. 2ns game I break dry again he makes a couple ball and misses and leaves me hooked and I kick out and make the ball but locked myself up tight. I manage to make a good hit and give up the table. He makes a ball and gives it back and I run out to the 8 and miss a long shot. I missed it 3 more times before he will that game. I win the next game after an ugly performance where he ran 5 balls from the break.

Now I still need 3 wins to his 1 and the sharking begins. He has non stop chatter is stepping in and out of my view as I shoot and even picks up the chalk and puts in back down in my line of site. I am trying to brush it off. I am on the short rail shooting the length of the table to make the 8. its about a 60 degree cut and my nerves are a mess. I stand back up take a deep breath and bend back down and he says YOU GOT THIS as I bring my cue back. I stopped and ask him to just keep quiet and then I rattle the ball in the pocket and he wins. They win the match and I about puked.

He was not being sportsman like, but I feel I should be able to play past that. The bigger problem is my own nerves and the second guessing a missed shot or 2 causes me. I can't really afford to play a lot of small tournaments or gamble so how do I get use to the pressure? How do I beat my nerves?

Thanks
 
Man, that sucks. I can relate, I've had some tough nights as well. When you don't do well and it's in your head, that really sucks...

I do wonder about a league where a sl2 can run 5 balls, much less 2 of them on the same team, but I'm sure everyone else who follows me in this thread will flog that deceased equine well enough...

Keep your head up, keep after it!
 
8up said:
I have a problem playing under pressure. So last night we had APA 8 ball playoffs.
We had to put up first, I put my best player a SL7 up and they followed by putting a SL2 up that can run 5 balls. My guy shoots sub par and loses. 2nd match we win. 3rd match we lose. 4th match we win. Its 2-2 in a race to 3 for the match. I now Have to play.

I am a weak SL5 and have to play a SL2 that can run 5 balls. I win the break and come up dry he runs 3 balls and scratches. I run it down to the 8 and blow an easy 8 but hook him and win. 2ns game I break dry again he makes a couple ball and misses and leaves me hooked and I kick out and make the ball but locked myself up tight. I manage to make a good hit and give up the table. He makes a ball and gives it back and I run out to the 8 and miss a long shot. I missed it 3 more times before he will that game. I win the next game after an ugly performance where he ran 5 balls from the break.

Now I still need 3 wins to his 1 and the sharking begins. He has non stop chatter is stepping in and out of my view as I shoot and even picks up the chalk and puts in back down in my line of site. I am trying to brush it off. I am on the short rail shooting the length of the table to make the 8. its about a 60 degree cut and my nerves are a mess. I stand back up take a deep breath and bend back down and he says YOU GOT THIS as I bring my cue back. I stopped and ask him to just keep quiet and then I rattle the ball in the pocket and he wins. They win the match and I about puked.

He was not being sportsman like, but I feel I should be able to play past that. The bigger problem is my own nerves and the second guessing a missed shot or 2 causes me. I can't really afford to play a lot of small tournaments or gamble so how do I get use to the pressure? How do I beat my nerves?

Thanks
Click to expand...
You have to play the balls and table in front of you. It is not about your team. If you make it about you and your game the results will take care
of itself.
 
Sometimes nerves can work for you or against you. When I play I like to be a little nervous because it helps me focus more. Once you find that focus point nothing else around you matters. When I am playing and I am away from the table while the other player is shooting I am perfectly aware of everything going on around me. But when it's my turn it's like I go into a zone and I don't hear or see anything but the table. It's weird and I have developed it in a short amount of time. It may not come that easy but focus is the key. I know one thing that helps me bring me back into focus is that I wear a bracelet on my bridgehand and if I feel out of focus or overly nervous I just look at that, re-align and shoot.

Hope this helps a little!
 
Out of curiosity why did you lead out the gate with your 7? Were you hoping he/she would get burned by a deuce? It might limit your options on later throws (not knowing your team individual handicaps). I guess maybe you could lead out if the 7 was brutal and does not lose practically guaranteeing a point to start the match.
 
Lesson #1: Do not EVER, and I mean EVER, try to run out against a 2 unless every single ball of yours is open.

Lesson #2: ALWAYS be willing to get into a safety war with a 2, you will win.

Lesson #3: Whenever you have been distracted on a shot, be it a loud noise, music, sharking, or something else, ALWAYS get up and go through your entire pre-shot routine before you get back down.
 
Sadly, many league players seem to be under the impression that sharking is just part of the game. They may find themselves short a few teeth if they try to use those "tactics" in tournament/money play.

Aaron
 
IMHO I have found that most of the time when ppl say that a SL2 can run 5 balls it is out of frustration or that the 5 balls a child could run i.e. in the jaws or so close it doesn't matter.

If someone saying you got this threw you off, then you probably need to get a bit thicker skin as that is on the lowest end of shark moves and if you get hit by that, then the real moves will make you lose it and want to quit playing. No problem if you want to get down and get back up as many times as you need to in order to clear your head. But I can only think back to my teacher long ago saying, think long, think wrong.

Don't let it get to you, shoot your game, and shake their hands afterwards and say good game. Being kind to someone who has been mean to you really bothers them.


8up said:
I have a problem playing under pressure. So last night we had APA 8 ball playoffs.
We had to put up first, I put my best player a SL7 up and they followed by putting a SL2 up that can run 5 balls. My guy shoots sub par and loses. 2nd match we win. 3rd match we lose. 4th match we win. Its 2-2 in a race to 3 for the match. I now Have to play.

I am a weak SL5 and have to play a SL2 that can run 5 balls. I win the break and come up dry he runs 3 balls and scratches. I run it down to the 8 and blow an easy 8 but hook him and win. 2ns game I break dry again he makes a couple ball and misses and leaves me hooked and I kick out and make the ball but locked myself up tight. I manage to make a good hit and give up the table. He makes a ball and gives it back and I run out to the 8 and miss a long shot. I missed it 3 more times before he will that game. I win the next game after an ugly performance where he ran 5 balls from the break.

Now I still need 3 wins to his 1 and the sharking begins. He has non stop chatter is stepping in and out of my view as I shoot and even picks up the chalk and puts in back down in my line of site. I am trying to brush it off. I am on the short rail shooting the length of the table to make the 8. its about a 60 degree cut and my nerves are a mess. I stand back up take a deep breath and bend back down and he says YOU GOT THIS as I bring my cue back. I stopped and ask him to just keep quiet and then I rattle the ball in the pocket and he wins. They win the match and I about puked.

He was not being sportsman like, but I feel I should be able to play past that. The bigger problem is my own nerves and the second guessing a missed shot or 2 causes me. I can't really afford to play a lot of small tournaments or gamble so how do I get use to the pressure? How do I beat my nerves?

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
8up said:
I have a problem playing under pressure. So last night we had APA 8 ball playoffs.
We had to put up first, I put my best player a SL7 up and they followed by putting a SL2 up that can run 5 balls. My guy shoots sub par and loses. 2nd match we win. 3rd match we lose. 4th match we win. Its 2-2 in a race to 3 for the match. I now Have to play.

I am a weak SL5 and have to play a SL2 that can run 5 balls. I win the break and come up dry he runs 3 balls and scratches. I run it down to the 8 and blow an easy 8 but hook him and win. 2ns game I break dry again he makes a couple ball and misses and leaves me hooked and I kick out and make the ball but locked myself up tight. I manage to make a good hit and give up the table. He makes a ball and gives it back and I run out to the 8 and miss a long shot. I missed it 3 more times before he will that game. I win the next game after an ugly performance where he ran 5 balls from the break.

Now I still need 3 wins to his 1 and the sharking begins. He has non stop chatter is stepping in and out of my view as I shoot and even picks up the chalk and puts in back down in my line of site. I am trying to brush it off. I am on the short rail shooting the length of the table to make the 8. its about a 60 degree cut and my nerves are a mess. I stand back up take a deep breath and bend back down and he says YOU GOT THIS as I bring my cue back. I stopped and ask him to just keep quiet and then I rattle the ball in the pocket and he wins. They win the match and I about puked.

He was not being sportsman like, but I feel I should be able to play past that. The bigger problem is my own nerves and the second guessing a missed shot or 2 causes me. I can't really afford to play a lot of small tournaments or gamble so how do I get use to the pressure? How do I beat my nerves?

Thanks
Click to expand...

almost everyone feels the same in that situation...some people drink or talk smack or engage in other illegal activites to calm there nerves lol its a very annoying part about leauges and the bar eliment...but i dont suggest u do any of that! but i completly understand how u feel .....heres some things u can do that work.....when ur on the 8 ball and u feel tight and nervous,stand up and try to talk ur self out of being in a panic...... jus say to urself that ur gonna have fun with the shot and hit it with a smooth confident stroke...its only a game its not life...also try to practice a solid pre-shot routine when ur byurslef...kinda like the set pause finish stroke so when the heat is on all ur thinking about is that....and as far as gambling u dont have to have alot of money but playing for something will help u improve...play people better then u like a race to 7 or 9 for 5 or 10 bucks....or table time....worse case play for a soda....something has to be on the line....leauge play is also tough for me ....i dont want to let my team down and i also hate the rail bird chatter and bar madness sometime...but i do great in tournaments and cash games and i dont feel any pressure so its diffrent for everyone i guess....also keep in mind leauges are handicaped short races its desighned for eveyone to win ...and everyone does win....we all win and we all lose.. its no bigge.... practice problem shots u have when ur alone and a solid pre-shot routine.....gl to u im here if u need anything else
 
I've found from many years of playing that bad nerves often comes from a lack of confidence.. Many others have found the same to be true. YMMV
 
Declared the hammer?

Spimp13 said:
Out of curiosity why did you lead out the gate with your 7? Were you hoping he/she would get burned by a deuce? It might limit your options on later throws (not knowing your team individual handicaps). I guess maybe you could lead out if the 7 was brutal and does not lose practically guaranteeing a point to start the match.
Click to expand...

Don't understand declaring your 7 for any reason. I bet they jumped on that. Why did you not complain to their captain about the sharking? OR tell him to move! We have our share of idiots in our leagues but they aren't flagrant like that. Learn how to launch the cue off the table. Slam it hard with high and hope it lands in his teeth!! Next time have your op show up to settle such disputes.
 
As already stated, don't lead with a 7....if you are in the lead, start with a strong 4 if you have one....

If you have issues with your mental game, you need to play first.....head cases are better off playing early.....plan to play your steady and/or better players late if possible....if you lead with strenght and they lose, often it snowballs and your weaker players just donate...

No 2 should be able to run 5 balls ever.....something smells....

Sharking is pathetic.....when it starts, stop playing and address it immediately.....league is supposed to be competitive and fun....
 
The sharking is inexcusable, but we all know it happens. Don't be nice about it. Tell them to sit down and shut up until it's their turn. I tried to be the nice guy for years and I finally had enough. Now, I speak up. Sometimes all it takes is embarrassing them once to get the point across.

As for the nerves, maybe you should be playing earlier in the match when there is a bit less pressure. Or maybe you just weren't confident that night and the nerves took over. It's hard to tell without knowing your game, but remember that nerves are a part of the game. You have to learn to overcome them just like a stance or stroke problem. Just keep at it.

And I'm curious about a team that uses a 2 in the 5th set. Is that all they had or were they hoping that the race was too tough for you? I've never seen a 2 in a 5th set that mattered unless it was a no other choice long shot.
 
The answer your looking for is confidence. Confident players rarely get sharked. The way to get that "confidence" is practice. Take that shot you dogged and shoot it till you own it. You won't be sharked again.
 
Oh, it sounds like you're being too hard on yourself. I'm relatively new to playing pool, and I'm also finding the mental pressure of competing to be one of my biggest challenges as I try to develop a strong game. I recently asked in the "Ask an Instructor" forum for an example of a good, solid pre shot routine. Mark Avlon offered an easy to remember, to-the-point example that I've been trying to incorporate into my daily practice. It's only been a week, but so far I'm finding that making this pre shot routine part of every shot, in practice and in play, really is helping me to stay settled and focused, even when a far better player has me on the run.

A good pre shot routine is helping me to insure that every shot of every game is the best I've got... can't ask for more than that.
 
I've seen a 2 beat a 5 in a playoff set before. Our 5 choked, no question about it. Granted, your 7 could only lose 1 game out of 8, but if he was shooting poorly enough to lose to a 2, he probably would've lost to anyone.

My suggestion is this.. stop telling yourself that you missed because of something/somebody else and tell yourself that you missed. Once you accept responsibility for missing it will help you in the long run. It doesn't excuse somebody else trying to mess with you, but it draws a fine line at where the ultimate responsibility lies.

I'm guessing that you also have a hard time playing down.. either way, buck up and play smarter, not harder. :thumbup:
 
Screw it....in our next league match I am going to tell my captain we need to play in this order 76532. Take it or leave it. I want to see what the deuce is made of. If she loses the match she is obviously not clutch and is off the team.

On a more serious note last time I checked 2's are supposed to barely have a bridge let alone make 5 in a row. Definitely something fishy there but it is APA and to an extent can be expected to see things like that.
 
Just as already said never lead out with a SL6 or SL7 in the dark. I always put up my strongest mid-level player when putting up blind.

That being said, if it was already a known that the SL7's opponent was a 'very good' SL2 then the SL7 should never give that player a chance to shoot. Even a weak SL7 should be able to 'jab and cover' a weaker player to death.

Mental fortitude is where most players have their toughest time improving. Since I've been making a great effort to tame my temper and keep focus I've watched my game elevate.

In the end, don't blame yourself for the team's loss. It's a team effort and everyone has an input to the final score.
 
Spimp13 said:
Out of curiosity why did you lead out the gate with your 7? Were you hoping he/she would get burned by a deuce? It might limit your options on later throws (not knowing your team individual handicaps). I guess maybe you could lead out if the 7 was brutal and does not lose practically guaranteeing a point to start the match.
Click to expand...

He normally never gives a game up unless he is playing a strong player and gets out played. The other team has nothing higher than a 4 and all play close to even so I wanted to get a sure win right out of the gate or at least their best player out of the way. It back fired.
 
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