Need help, quickly

[pdcue]

Steve,
Thanks for the input. Unfortunately for me, you are exactly on target with the attitude assessment (even my opponent has criticized this on occasion).

I will definitely work on the attitude. It's a fine line though between having confidence and a positive attitude, or just having bravado and false-confidence. If the table was looser I believe I could change my attitude more easily - my shotmaking is definitely improving steadily, and I'm getting more used to playing in the presence of a strong player (though it's still a bit intimidating - especially with the inevitable trash talk thrown in - with the handicap we use, every match is hotly contested, and my opponent HATES to lose).

I'll let you know how it goes tonight.

The other aspect of attitude, is trying to avoid getting down on yourself when you do miss. The punishment for a miss often lasts an hour. Usually I handle it fairly well; but after pulling off several really difficult runs last night, I just got discouraged when I missed some very makeable shots. I will change this.

Will,

Being, as you are, from the great state of Indiana, I'm guessing
you are more than passingly familiar with Basketball.

The numero uno cliche in BB is: 'a shooter has no conscience'
which I always thought should read - a shooter has no memory.

My humble advice
1. forget every miss - you may want to evaluate why you missed,
that can be helpful for the future - but dwelling on it is not.

2. shoot every ball with the same focus you would the game ball -
I know, easier said than done - esp in 14.1.

Try comming back to the table with an attitude of 'I'm going to
make this ball, and then run out... one shot at a time.

Dale

 

[Williebetmore]

Update:
Thanks to pdcue for his input as well as everyone else I've already mentioned.

I've finished my stint as punching bag; it was an intense couple of weeks for me. I've never played that much pool (7-12 hours a day) against such fierce competition; and it was especially stressful because there was almost no time to practice for me; and I lost my stroke frequently.

My attitude has definitely improved, much more positive. During one session where I actually was able to warm up for about 45 minutes before playing, I did outscore the pro to 87-72 (match suspended to go have dinner with Mark Griffin who was passing through Indy). I had a 31 and a 21 in consecutive innings; and my attitude was good.

Unfortunately, I also had a game where I did not warm up at all, never found my stroke, and never ran more than 4 balls. I took it like a man; my opponent missed only 3 balls in 250.

My goal at this point is to get my stroke grooved, and try to compete enough to learn how to bring that "best stroke" every time I come to the table. It is a tough task.

 

[Gerry]

Willie, I used to have some of the same issues back when I first was "converted" to 14.1. I was a hard core 9baller, and you just get more shots playing 9ball, so I would get into stroke easier playing that. After 2 years of playing 14.1 with my mentor who was a MONSTER 14.1er and been known to play 80 no count, I HAD to get up after long runs and perform. At first it was pitiful, running 2 missing, shooting hangers into the rails....uggg flashback!!!.....then after a while I learned to get up, forget what the score is as long as the game is still going, and get to work on the pattern at hand. I also never got pissed if I missed shooting the correct shot...a miss is a miss, but a miss shooting an easy shot to avoid a tougher CORRECT shot was DEATH!

Granted, I would play more general position shots early in my turn, but I learned to get into stroke quick. also watching a monster at the table, and everything he does, and table/ball speed helps you when its your turn too IMO....

good luck,

 

[Noncrookedpool]

Many thanks to jondrums, bluepepper, Steve Lipsky, and Blackjack.

Pick me willie I want be on the team too pick me, Ahh its funny how even when we get older were still in highschool. I don't worry if the sign reads your not in the click it does not mean you can't wear your seatbelt.
I guess he did'nt like my advice cause he would't pick me for his team, ohh well.

 

[Williebetmore]

Pick me willie I want be on the team too pick me, Ahh its funny how even when we get older were still in highschool. I don't worry if the sign reads your not in the click it does not mean you can't wear your seatbelt.
I guess he did'nt like my advice cause he would't pick me for his team, ohh well.

DH,
NO, NO, NO.....you missed a post.

I loved your advice, and I gave you a separate reply in the post just above the one where I mentioned the group.

The main reason I spend so much time on AZB is that it gives me access to the thoughts (AND advice) of the experts such as yourself. I am deeply appreciative of the time the pro's spend here (you must have missed the post directed to you above).

Good luck in the match.

 

[hippiepool]

Willie, this calls for drastic measures. I say shark the #$^@$ out of him.

I'm pretty sure it is a "her" ......

Willie , I believe it has something to do with your style of play ... some players can take time off and not have a problem getting in stroke again very quickly ... I would talk to "the pros" husband ...a friend of his helped me with my game ...unfortunately he moved , good luck , H.P.