Time practicing vs. time playing is different for everyone. Some people get more out of playing, and vice-versa. It's a highly personal thing, as everyone learns in their own way. You can't just do one most of the time, i.e. practice, and expect your performance under match pressure to be up to par; and it is difficult to have the confidence on some shots in match situations if you don't practice them.
I think there is some deffinite merit to practicing shots which you are having trouble with in match situations. Granted, there is no pressure on you to make the ball and get your position during practice as missing has no penalty. But if you set a goal for yourself to make the shot and get the position x-number of times consecutively, it will start to put pressure on you as you get closer to your goal. And it never hurts to set up drills such as the 'L drill occasionally, as it will re-enforce those shots and those position plays for you.
For myself, at least once in the week I'll dedicate my time on the table, (about 3-4 hours min.) to practicing shots, and doing drills. I don't shoot a single rack in that time. This is usually at the beginning of the week, where I can go over some of the shots that I had problems with the previous weekend from tournament or matching up. I'll pick usually 1-2 drills as well, and work on those too.
The key for me, to avoid getting bored and not giving total concentration to each and every shot, is to take a break every 20-30 minutes. I might go smoke a cigarette, give someone a ring on my phone, or have a bite to eat...but I do something away from the table for about 5 minutes. This gives me the opportunity to relax, because while I'm practicing, my concentration level I try to keep at as high a level as I can. From pre-shot routine, to stroke, to follow through. Reset, do it again. When you feel yourself getting lazy about these things, it's either time to reset your mind, or take a quick break, because you really won't get anything out of shooting the shot or doing the drill if you're just going through the motions.
Other times practicing, I'll just practice my run out patterns. Other times I'll work on my break, ect... Don't forget to occasionally practice those "impossible" shots. The 5 rail kicks, multiple rail banks...ect. it might not seem like you're getting anything out of it, but you'll start getting a feel for what you can and can't do on the table, which will help you in a match situation.
Overall, I try and keep my matches - practice ratio at about 50/50. That's what seems to be working for me at this point. That might change later on down the line for me, but I don't think that everyone should be doing the same. It's different for everyone.
Dags
I love that. Thank you