Performance (sports) Psychology Literature Suggestions

[DeeDeeCues]

So what's wrong with Pleasure of Small Motions? Inquiring minds want to know...

I read that book a long time ago...maybe 22yrs? I bought into it and tried hard to learn from it. I don't remember all of the specifics, but after reading many other books that did help almost immediately, I came to the conclusion that either I was outside his target audience, or that his theories were incorrect or poorly structured.

 

[Stickman9]

I think there is a lot more truth here than many will admit. Many times I would point my cue to the rail on the line I wanted the cue ball to stop at, many times that is exactly where the cue ball stopped, right on the rail. Since I now choose a spot on the playing surface away from the rail I find myself shooting a cue ball frozen to the rail much less often. I see other people do the same thing and Ill be damned if I don't see the cue ball stop right on the cushion for them too.

I read somewhere that the mind does not hear "don't." When you think "don't leave the cue ball behind the 8," the mind hears "leave the cue ball behind the 8."

 

[chefjeff]

Someone recommended The Chimp Paradox to me. I've not got round to it yet, but from their description and what you've said, it sounds relevant.

Chimp paradox???.....CHIMP paradox!!!!!......No wonder it didn't work!!!....I read the CHUMP paradox.


Jeff Livingston

 

[The_JV]

Starting a thread does not give you ownership of it. You got a lot of good answers. Threads always spawn other what seem to be off subject comments.

But they are also often more helpful then the original subject matter. I hope you have been writing down the information people have taken the time to share with you.

You guys can feel free to compare pics of your cats if you'd like. I really don't care. I responded to Rexus because I wanted him to know that I appreciated his input but wasn't interested in personally engaging on his tangent. You don't need to be ok with that.

 

[chefjeff]

If being sharked is your problem, this book can fix that by noon:

A New Guide to Rational Living by Albert Ellis and Robert Harper

Jeff Livingston

 

[The_JV]

If being sharked is your problem, this book can fix that by noon:

No, but thank you for the additional angle to the thread.

 

[phreaticus]

I read that book a long time ago...maybe 22yrs? I bought into it and tried hard to learn from it. I don't remember all of the specifics, but after reading many other books that did help almost immediately, I came to the conclusion that either I was outside his target audience, or that his theories were incorrect or poorly structured.

Yeah that tracks. I have it also, not sure what version. Quick easy read, but I made it about 1/2 way thru & lost interest. I didn’t see anything bad, just nothing particularly new that I think most reasonably seasoned players haven’t already been exposed to. Cheers

 

[Pushout]

I've decided that my GenX methodology of mentally "sucking it up and dealing" isn't doing me any favours on the pool table anymore. Not sure if it's an age thing, but more and more I find myself actively attempting to push through doubt and just general mental noise during play. None of it has to do with specific shots, or opponents. Really just doubt in my ability to perform. Which is odd as I never had those issues before. I think I may just be heaping too much undue pressure on myself.

...So, I figured digging into some sports psychology may yield something of merit and help get my mental edge back. I'm sure this has been a topic on the forum before, and I did do a quick search before posting. Most of the hits were political NPR. Others seemed a tad outdated.

Does anyone have any suggestions on reading/audible material..? Personal reviews on their own experience falling down this rabbit hole..?

Thanks in advance.

Mental Toughness Training for Sports: Achieving Athletic Excellence by James E. Loehr. I've read Pleasures of Small Motions several times. I can't recommend it.