Pool mindset

[smokey777]

Recently I've been in a slump with pool I'm not very good (4 in 9ball 5 in 8 ball by apa standards) and trying to get better at the game I entered a double elimination 9 ball tournament and did bad. When I was about to leave a friend asked me to play him a few games with him. Not really caring anymore I said sure and didn't even bother to grab a house cue to break with and after a game I was out of it and really just hitting balls not really paying attention.


After two more games he said, "damn! Someone must have pissed you off," I said "no, why?" And he says "we'll hell you just broke And ran two racks on me."

I played it off as lucky, but really I don't remember doing it but I wasn't counting either, I had my mind on other things.

As far as league matches go I haven won a match in 2 weeks, partially due to the fact I can't run 5 balls consistently and I'm still learning shape.

Might the above example prove that I'm trying to hard during a match or just a lucky case of dead stroke.

I would love to hear your opinions and stories about what mindset you were in during your most successful matches.

 

[cajunbarboxplyr]

I always do better when I'm completely 100% focused on the game. And controlling my emotions after a bad shot or safety or whatever. Staying confident. Telling myself " I will overcome " whatever the situation is on the table.

The moment you feel your game is in the gutter is when you will start playing like it. Stay positive. If you miss a shot or leave yourself bad. Think about why that happened and what you could have done differently. This is a bad memory game lol

 

[MapleMan]

I used to be a serial over thinker. Afraid to lose and afraid to miss I would lack the confidence in tournament play. I was really frustrated and it showed. I basically mailed in a winnable match in the expo and said enough was enough. I just wanna play. I did that attitude and it alleviated the pressure but didn't make balls. Then I decided I wanted to make balls. So I got better. I started to put blinders on and block out all negatives and/or people watching. Then I wanted to win and if I lost well atleast I lost playing my best.

If I was gonna lose I wanted them to have to play hard and know the next game was gonna be tough. I am no shark or pro player but it has paid off. I play with enthusiasm and went from hoping the guy choked the 9 and left me an ez 9 to believin I could runout. I don't want to sound like a blow hard or cocky because I am not a runout player but I try and it works. Just play your best, play calm and block out everything but each shot. The position will come as it is starting to for me. Just play hard and people will notice and help you because every pool hall I have been to has had people that have tried to improve my game

 

[cajunfats]

Find What Sets Your Mind at Ease

We all have a balance point in our daily life. That balance point allows us to know that whatever we are doing, the result is not an overwhelming indication of who or what we are.

If you are at a tournament in familiar surrounings, with familiar people, it is easier to find this balance. It is the comfort level to start.

When the tourney begins, remember it is never personal. The Balls will stop wherever they were destined to stop. You should approach the table with a clear mind, walk around the table, and observe the layout. Then decide. Play the table the way you feel best. Do Not second guess yourself.

You will win many games, and you will be defeated many games. You will never be perfect, but you will always seek to be balanced.

Breathe.
Relax.
Aim.
Shoot.

Good Shooting,

cajunfats