Not Playing Up to My Potential on League Night

[(((Satori)))]

Good posting

But the main thing is: To detect if it s really just a mental thing (what i cannot believe really- jmho)
I would say it s both, like it usually for the most players. The more bulletproofed your fundamentals and mechanics are, the more you practice-the more self-belief you will have. And this will have also effect on your game *under pressure*.

To start here talking about the mental game mastery would be a shot in the dark- there is no *mental game in a nutshell*

A little help from a strong player or an instructor would help for sure.

Great post Ratta!

In the example the OP describes, I would recommend a balance of developing a better physical game and letting go of the expectations. A tell tale sign that his problem stems from having greater expectations from his performance than what he truly believes he can consistantly execute is the excessive anxiety that he recieved before the competition. Excessive being the key word there.

 

[Standbykid]

Hey guys and gals. Hoping for a little advice here. I've been playing pool for years and recently joined an 8-ball league for the first time after a few years away from pool. I'm really struggling with my play. I'm very streaky. Couple of weeks I'll play well and then a couple of weeks I can't shoot to save my life. During practice I'm a lot better. I can run tables, get good shape and nail the banks. But as soon as I show up at league it all falls apart. I know I'm a much better player than what I'm bringing to league.

I haven't had tons of time to practice but that will change at the end of February as I'm setting up my own table in the basement. I don't want to put in hrs of practice, only for it to fall apart every time I get to league. It's getting rather emberassing.

I'm wondering if anybody has some suggestions as to what I can do to improve. I know obviously focusing on the fundamentals is a priority, but my problem seems to be mostly in my head. I find the day of league, I get nervous everytime I think of pool that night. When I get there the nerves kindof settle down a bit, but I can't seem to just relax and play like I know I can.

Can anybody help with some tips/suggestions?

Thanks.

Greg

I think everyone goes through this. So, don't be embarassed at all. You have no reason to be. Exposure and self assurance will help. The more you play, the more comfortable you'll be. You said you know you are a better player than your performance has been showing. So, reassure yourself on league night that you play well and know your game. Then play it. Win or lose, if you play your game, be happy and proud of yourself.

-J

 

[superflychief]

I'm the OP. Thanks for all the advice everybody. I'm definitely going to work with the tidbits that everybody has provided. I think a big thing with me is the PSR. I get a bit amped up and rush the shot sometimes and my mechanics can suffer. I also need to stop thinking that I'm the weak link on the team. I need to relax and stop worrying about that. Definitely easier said than done but it's something I need to improve on. My goal is to start entering some local tournaments regularly but that's for next season :thumbup: Thank you everybody for chiming in. I really appreciate. It's nice to know there is such a great community on here!