Nervous during League Play

[Da Poet]

The added pressure is always there and we all know it's just a state of mind. All the advice looks good to me too, but I'd only add that I always tell new players, no matter how good they are, that it takes at least four or five nights of playing to get at least somewhat in tune with the environment.

Hope your having fun and good luck!

 

[JimS]

In 1999 I started playing after a 40 year layoff and I figured that league was the way to make some pool playing friends. I found that the competitive spirit in me was not strong and that I had to work on that. The more I worked on that the more nervous I became because most of my attention was focused on how well I was doing in the match and on how others might be percieving my performance.

More experienced players on the team noticed my distress and they talked to me about focusing on the table only and on how I might play the rack at hand. Once I learned to do that my game improved a lot.

Focus all your attention on the table and your plan for your next shot. While your opponent is shooting watch the balls carefully and plan your next shot. Soon you will be thinking only of the game and you'll forget about the people and all the social issues. Focus.

 

[DelaWho???]

I am glad to see I'm not the only one who gets the jitters.... I have been shooting about 2 yrs, got into the APA about 6 months after I started playing seriously (ie I want game and am on a mission to find it). I couldn't put 2 balls together to save my life. I was all nerves and adrenaline. I couldn't understand why it was happening, until I went to a regional qualifier. I was the lowest handicap in the room and I won the tourney. When I was driving home I realised that I wasn't very nervous at all, and I attributed it to the fact that I didn't know anyone there, so there wasn't anyone, who mattered, to watch me fall on my face (so I didn't). My jitters are a direct result of my teammates. I was putting myself on the spot and buckling. The rest of the session I stayed away from the team and asked them not to talk to me when I shot. My win percentage went way up and I shook the jitters. I had to learn to focus on the game not my surroundings or the team.

I still don't like to have my match hyped. I don't want to discuss my opponent or whether it's a good match up. I just want to be called to the table to play. I know how many game I need to win, and the rest doesn't matter.

Great advice by ScottW (2nd or 3rd reply)

Banger

 

[Richardson]

League is nothing to be nervous about.
You are supposed to be going out to have fun and learn to play better.

Give it a couple weeks im sure you will calm down.

 

[JoeW]

Nervous in the league.

Drinking does not make anyone play better, it definitely decreases your fine motor coordination. I suspect that the only ones it may help are those who are far too anxious and then it allows them to at least make a ball now and again. For those who disagree the literature is far to vast on the effect of alcohol to even discuss the matter further.

Consider the difference between playing in a league and playing at home and the problem answers it self. We all know that playing pool requires exquisite control and that slight mistakes lead to missed position (if not the shot). All of us prefer to play run out pool but know that we should not in most games. You are attempting to assess the likelihood of a B&R or a one inning game and the tradeoffs if you shoot and miss (shot or position).

The initial, easy solution is to tell yourself what shots you will and will not play. For instance, "I only shoot shots that I have an 80% or better chance of making in a league. Otherwise I play defense." This type of conservative strategy has several benefits.

My team mates know that I actually play better than I am shooting. My teammates know that I am playing "smart" and that I am trying to make sure there is a "win" for the team, not for me. We have all heard the, "it may not be pretty but it was a win." The team always appreciates that.

Playing safes has several other benefits. It respects the skill and or luck of your opponent and it is more likely that you will win the match as many players can only play safe for so long before they get frustrated. In addition, if you have a few good safes and your opponent cannot get out of them, these safes will often destroy his or her confidence. If you lose, your team knows that you were trying to do what was best for the team. They know that you are not an "ego" player who only wants to win and will take any chance to look good.

With regard to the anxiety that throws you off your pace try a slight change. Most of the players here chalk up on every shot, I will assume that you do too. Every time you chalk up, pay attention to what you are doing and watch the application of the chalk to the tip. During this time take a deep breath by drawing the air through yur nose but across the roof of your mouth and slowly exhaling all of the air through you slightly parted lips. It does not need to be obvious that you are taking a deep breath, just take your time and breath slowly while paying attention to nothing but your breathing and chalk the tip. Feel your body relax.

Now move to your shot and think that your first option is to play safe.

 

[JimS]

Great post Joe. Thank you.

 

[pooltchr]

I play well, and I know I do... and here's my chance to prove it to everyone, and that's when I fumble.

I think you just nailed the problem. You aren't playing for yourself...you are trying to prove something to others. Get it out of your head. Play your game. If you're good, they'll figure it out.
Steve

 

[thyme3421]

I'm curious as to which league format you are playing. BCA, APA, etc?

bah... I knew someone was going to ask.
I'd like to be playing in BCA or TAP or even VENA... but after checking with numerous bars and pool halls in the area, APA is the only thing that's available.

So it's APA format.

 

[Gregg]

bah... I knew someone was going to ask.
I'd like to be playing in BCA or TAP or even VENA... but after checking with numerous bars and pool halls in the area, APA is the only thing that's available.

So it's APA format.

What's wrong APA? If you are playing in a league you are embarrassed to mention, they whey get yourself so nervous that you create a thread about it?

Just thought I would ask....

 

[Cheez Dawg]

I remember years ago when I started playing league I would get quite nervous too. I think it was the added pressure of not wanting to let my teammates down. After a couple of weeks, I realized that there were 5 of us on the team, not just me, so I started to relax, and things came together.
I believe it's in our nature to not want to let our friends down when it comes to team play.

I haven't played league in over 3 years now, but I know I could jump right back in and there not be a problem.
For me now in tournaments, if I'm a LITTLE anxious, or nervous before a match, that tells me I'm ready to play. If I'm more nervous or anxious than that I know I have to calm down, and stop sweating it.

A little off-topic, but how many people out there lose to a player's REPUTATION as being good, rather than just playing their game. I see a lot of people losing matches they could win just because they freak themselves out, knowing they're playing a good player, and a negative attitude takes over, and ruins their game.

It all boils down to beleiving in yourself, and playing YOUR game no matter what the circumstances.

 

[pooltchr]

One more point...whenever I have new players starting on my team, on the first night, when I know they are nervous, I point out how many players there are in the room for league. Then I tell them that exactly one half of the players there are going to lose a match tonight. The point being that nobody is expected to win every match. If you win half in a handicap league, you are right on track. It's not about winning, or proving anything. League is about socializing, having fun, and enjoying some friendly competition. Win or lose, the sun will still come up tomorrow.
Steve

 

[8ballEinstein]

Solution for nervousness

Just like in public speaking - just imagine everyone who is watching is in their underwear.

On second thought, maybe I better take that back. A visual of some of those league guys would be too much to handle. I'd probably break down my cue and go home!!

 

[Oddball]

.... and it's time for a league game.... I can't put together a 2 ball run, much less run the table, or at least 4 or 5 and then play safe like I'm used to...

It's the first league I've ever played on...
It's nerves, I know it is, I don't know why it is... and I can't figure it out!

Any advice or tips or anything from anyone to settle nerves before I get up to lag?

You're not alone. I just started playing in my first league two weeks ago. I was HELLA anxious! I just couldn't wait to get started, but I had to since my start time was late. I was really looking forward to playing but I think my adrenaline got to me. I overstroked (is there such a word?) on everything. I even balked on a hanging 8-ball just inches away from the cue ball. Yeah, I gave away a LOT of games. I was disappointed becase I was missing almost every shot. And rushing. I was wondering what the hell was going on? I been through those half-table distance shots hundreds of times. Why was I missing? The handicap of 1 I received didn't seem to help. After the game, my opponent was kind enough to point out one main thing I was doing wrong. I was jerking the stick back instead of following through. And in practice I normally have a very long follow through. I didn't realize I was jerking back.

Anyway, the 2nd week (last week), I had 4 beers to calm me down. Yeah, I had a buzz, but my stroke this time was lighter. And I seemed to have lucked into many shots. I either made my shot, or the cue ball rolled luckily into a safety position. I received a handicap of 2 and paid attention to it this time. Chin on stick, aim and "just let the pendulum swing". Whether I missed or not was no concern of mine. I had to complete the stroke and trust it. I was also psyched. I got to play on a "center stage" table. I always wanted to do that but thought I'd never get a chance being the beginner that I am.

All I know is after the buzz of the beers wore off, I was able to "not think about losing" but to focus on all shots at the table, even when it was my opponent's turn to shoot I thought about what shots I would take if I were him. Everything seemed to fall into place after last week's debacle.

Yeah, all this sounds corny, but I am enjoying the game. SO remember, you're not alone....

 

[ez2h8]

I think you might be playing out of your comfort zone for the time being. You are new to the area, new to the people in the league and new to the APA league it sounds like. When you are used to playing alone or in the comfort of a familiar room/bar, tossing yourself into a new pattern of play like this can cause nervousness and uncertainty. Imagine walking into a new bar or hall every time you played pool and trying to play at the same level as you do at home or on your own. Can't be done unless you are a natural or have conditioned yourself to this style of play. Once you get through 1 session of league play, I think your confidence and comfort levels will go up and your true skills will show up. Playing in different bars/halls/leagues over time helps make you a stronger player and expand your ability to adjust to any and all conditions. Many of us went thru this phase and at least for me it makes it part of the fun of league, traveling to different bars and playing in front of new people. For me, playing in the same place over and over bores me.

Good luck and enjoy league
ez

PS: Don't get bummed about not shooting well either this first session, it will only help your handicap-naturally. Knowing you are a good player, but having trouble adjusting to the new conditions will keep your handicap low longer. All the while, you know you have plenty of skill in reserve. Just another way of looking at this instead of getting frustrated.

 

[emccune]

bah... I knew someone was going to ask.
I'd like to be playing in BCA or TAP or even VENA... but after checking with numerous bars and pool halls in the area, APA is the only thing that's available.

So it's APA format.

Hey, D. Why didn't you mention this over at that other place? Worried Jack would get on you for playing apa? Don't worry. I won't tell.

Ed

 

[thyme3421]

Making Progress

Hey, D. Why didn't you mention this over at that other place? Worried Jack would get on you for playing apa? Don't worry. I won't tell.

Ed

I totally thought I mentioned this! HAHAHA
I started a couple other threads the same week, but didn't get much of a reaction over yonder.... so I figured not to mention this one, I guess. But it's mentioned now. lol


Since I posted the first post in all this, I've played 2 league games... and I feel myself relaxing at the start of the match... and as it goes on, I see shots that I'm "not allowed" to make due to the rules... IE, masse. I'm a SL 3 and in APA SL 5+ can do Masse... I could make balls, get out of safeties, and do whatever I want to with the rock... but I'm not allowed due to rules.
And I understand why the rules are in place, and don't disagree with them. In fact, I'm glad they're there.

But as the match goes on I see these shots that I'm not allowed to make because of my Skill Level... then I find myself getting frustrated when I miss or rattle a ball. Things like that.. and feel myself falling back to where I was last week or the week before that.
This, will just take time.


But last 2 league matches I've played in I felt more comfortable and just focused on the table at hand. When I got down for a shot, my PSR was interrupted due to distractions or whatever.... so I reset, walked around the table... grabbed some chalk, drink of beer... wahtever... and went up to the shot again, when everything was perfect pulled the trigger.
Won both games... but ended up hill hill on both accounts. Winning by 1 ball, or 7... winning is winning.

I pay attention to the shot at hand... before I get down to make the shot, I decide where the ball is going... where the cue ball is stopping, I accept the shot... and go.
1 shot at a time.

When my opponent is up, I'm analyzing the table and figuring out how I'm going to break up my clusters, and what angle to do it so I don't move his problem balls.


Thanks again for all the tips/advice everyone!!

 

[supergreenman]

I did a couple of searches and couldn't find what I was looking for in the threads.

I can play for 8+ hours on my own and my game doesn't drop. I can play with someone or different people for hours on end, and my game stays pretty strong. Play for money, I play fine.

But the minute it hits 4:00pm on Sunday afternoon, and it's time for a league game.... I can't put together a 2 ball run, much less run the table, or at least 4 or 5 and then play safe like I'm used to...

It's the first league I've ever played on...
It's nerves, I know it is, I don't know why it is... and I can't figure it out!

Any advice or tips or anything from anyone to settle nerves before I get up to lag?

Tournaments, tournaments and more tournaments.

 

[JoeyA]

I did a couple of searches and couldn't find what I was looking for in the threads.

I can play for 8+ hours on my own and my game doesn't drop. I can play with someone or different people for hours on end, and my game stays pretty strong. Play for money, I play fine.

But the minute it hits 4:00pm on Sunday afternoon, and it's time for a league game.... I can't put together a 2 ball run, much less run the table, or at least 4 or 5 and then play safe like I'm used to...

It's the first league I've ever played on...
It's nerves, I know it is, I don't know why it is... and I can't figure it out!

Any advice or tips or anything from anyone to settle nerves before I get up to lag?

You've got lots of great suggestions already. You also might consider NOT talking about pool just before the match and find something else to discuss. Talk about fellow team player's interests and such. It may help you relax. Deep breathing exercises help some. You can google up deep breathing relaxation and get plenty on it.

WHEN PLAYING:
KEEP YOUR MIND ON THE PROCESS OF PLAYING WELL AND AVOID ALL THOUGHTS OF WINNING OR LOSING.

JoeyA

 

[emccune]

I pay attention to the shot at hand... before I get down to make the shot, I decide where the ball is going... where the cue ball is stopping, I accept the shot... and go.
1 shot at a time.

When my opponent is up, I'm analyzing the table and figuring out how I'm going to break up my clusters, and what angle to do it so I don't move his problem balls.

See. Getting better already and it'll continue to do so. i hope you never quite get too at ease though as half the fun at league is the buzz of the competition. It can be a lot of fun and a spur to practice as well.

Enjoy.

Ed

 

[ugotda8]

Lot's of good sound advice and some very valid points too.

one of the hardest things to do is overcome the feeling that you are letting others down.

Here are some things I do to prepare for leagues or any other match play.

1. Remember, surrendering to your nerves will cost you games more than they will help. It's like worrying about cancer. The worrying only gets you upset, but it doesn't change anything other than your mental health. The outcome is still the same in the end.

2. Focus on your pre shot routine and forget about everything else around you. It's a focus and trust issue, but believe me it is easy to over come once you accept that being nervous is hindering you more than helping right now. Your team mates are not going to kill you because you drop a match here and there. Accept the nerves as what they are and simply shoot through them. Do what you know how to do and accept that you aren't perfect. You might even find another gear once you learn to get past the tentativeness that comes with a case of the nerves.

3. Don't think about the outcome of the match. That is going to be what it's going to be. Do think about executing your stroke. Nerves won't give you a good or bad stroke. Paying attention to the nerves will though. It is one ball at a time, one game at a time and one match at a time. If you are thinking Miss, you will miss and if you are thinking about the outcome...you will be fast forwarding to the end and will forget to do the things that will help you win. (A good book to read is "I CAME TO WIN", by the monk)

Nerves are good for some and not so good for others. There is nothing unusual about being nervous. Heck, you wouldn't be human other wise. However, how you handle them is what will seperate you from the other guy.

It's your performance against the table versus someone elses. You can't worry about your opponent until they make a rule that says we can jab, bump, push and scream at our apponent during their time at the table. Until this happens, and I hope it's soon...it is you and only you when you are at the table. Since we cannot plan our opponents turn at the table, forget him or her and plan for yourself.

Good Luck!