problem with mental side of game

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Craig777

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I have a problem with my game that I would like some input on. Please allow me to start by saying that for numerous reasons, I do not have time to play beyond my APA league night once a week and the occasional (usually once a month) tournament. That being said, I have been playing off and on for about 30 years, so in consecutive length maybe 8-10 years. I am a 4 rank APA, and my Fargo at last check was a little over 300. Up until about 10 years ago, I was able to play about 10 hours a week.

Here is my problem: Mentally, I know exactly what I need to do on the current shot - aim line, power, english. I know where to be for the next shot and what english to use (and how much) to avoid hitting other balls, all the while setting myself up for pattern play (although my pattern consists of only 1 to 2 more shots max due to my lack of speed control). So mentally, I know exactly what to do and where to be on the table, however my shot does not always cooperate. Especially on long shots where I know I need a lot of draw or follow to get into position, my stroke goes to crap once I increase power and I usually miss. I miss a shot or get bad position and get down on myself a little, then the snowball builds and I get worse and worse from there, eventually the night becomes a losing one and I find myself having less and less fun at the game.

Am I getting into my own head? Is my stroke/stance/preshot routine terrible? Am I way overthinking the game? Something else? Perhaps a combination of all of the above. Any tips (drills, reading materials - maybe sports psychology,etc.) would be greatly appreciated. I have been told to just go back to basics (storke, stance, preshot routine), focus on my fundamentals, and shoot the ball to make it - do not worry about leave.

Thank you for your input and God bless.
 
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It can be many factors and what you are asking is really vague because I ask myself this all the time. You explained that you know exactly what to do but its your mental game that is holding you back. Those are hard to overcome.

My problem is that I can make every shot on the the table and it hurts me because I get real lazy. I don't get down on my shot. I will half ass my stance, toes pointing in weird ways but I still make it.

To add....you need table time.
 
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It’s almost certainly an issue with your fundamentals. If your accuracy decreases when you increase speed, it usually means you’re not hitting the cue ball where you intend. It’s hard to improve fundamentals without some kind of instruction or outside help (or at the very least some video of yourself) telling you what areas need work. The other unfortunate truth is that the only real way to improve fundamentals is through rigorous repetition. If you’re serious about overcoming it and improving your game, get a coach or mentor to help you out, watch some videos on drills to improve/restructure fundamentals, and cut out some time to dedicate to practicing
 
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Craig777 said:
I have a problem with my game that I would like some input on. Please allow me to start by saying that for numerous reasons, I do not have time to play beyond my APA league night once a week and the occasional (usually once a month) tournament. That being said, I have been playing off and on for about 30 years, so in consecutive length maybe 8-10 years. I am a 4 rank APA, and my Fargo at last check was a little over 300. Up until about 10 years ago, I was able to play about 10 hours a week.

Here is my problem: Mentally, I know exactly what I need to do on the current shot - aim line, power, english. I know where to be for the next shot and what english to use (and how much) to avoid hitting other balls, all the while setting myself up for pattern play (although my pattern consists of only 1 to 2 more shots max due to my lack of speed control). So mentally, I know exactly what to do and where to be on the table, however my shot does not always cooperate. Especially on long shots where I know I need a lot of draw or follow to get into position, my stroke goes to crap once I increase power and I usually miss. I miss a shot or get bad position and get down on myself a little, then the snowball builds and I get worse and worse from there, eventually the night becomes a losing one and I find myself having less and less fun at the game.

Am I getting into my own head? Is my stroke/stance/preshot routine terrible? Am I way overthinking the game? Something else? Perhaps a combination of all of the above. Any tips (drills, reading materials - maybe sports psychology,etc.) would be greatly appreciated. I have been told to just go back to basics (storke, stance, preshot routine), focus on my fundamentals, and shoot the ball to make it - do not worry about leave.

Thank you for your input and God bless.
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One of the biggest problems for people who are limited on playing time is movement. Are you moving your body during the shot, especially on shots requiring more power? It will be tough to work out fundamental problems with limited table time.
 
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Don't take this the wrong way. If you are a 300fargo and an apa 4, you don't know what you need to do. All I mean by this is that your expectations don't align with your skills, it isn't your mental game as much as your inaccurate assessment of your ability. A book that will really help you with this is, 'Sports Psyching'. You will have more fun if you figure out the lessons that book offers. If you have more fun, you will improve.

Keeping the attitude that you know what you need to do is likely a gigantic roadblock in your path to improvement.
 
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DeeDeeCues said:
Don't take this the wrong way. If you are a 300fargo and an apa 4, you don't know what you need to do. All I mean by this is that your expectations don't align with your skills, it isn't your mental game as much as your inaccurate assessment of your ability. A book that will really help you with this is, 'Sports Psyching'. You will have more fun if you figure out the lessons that book offers. If you have more fun, you will improve.

Keeping the attitude that you know what you need to do is likely a gigantic roadblock in your path to improvement.
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I think we were all thinking this but thank you for saying it.
 
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Craig777 said:
I have a problem with my game that I would like some input on. Please allow me to start by saying that for numerous reasons, I do not have time to play beyond my APA league night once a week and the occasional (usually once a month) tournament. That being said, I have been playing off and on for about 30 years, so in consecutive length maybe 8-10 years. I am a 4 rank APA, and my Fargo at last check was a little over 300. Up until about 10 years ago, I was able to play about 10 hours a week.

Here is my problem: Mentally, I know exactly what I need to do on the current shot - aim line, power, english. I know where to be for the next shot and what english to use (and how much) to avoid hitting other balls, all the while setting myself up for pattern play (although my pattern consists of only 1 to 2 more shots max due to my lack of speed control). So mentally, I know exactly what to do and where to be on the table, however my shot does not always cooperate. Especially on long shots where I know I need a lot of draw or follow to get into position, my stroke goes to crap once I increase power and I usually miss. I miss a shot or get bad position and get down on myself a little, then the snowball builds and I get worse and worse from there, eventually the night becomes a losing one and I find myself having less and less fun at the game.

Am I getting into my own head? Is my stroke/stance/preshot routine terrible? Am I way overthinking the game? Something else? Perhaps a combination of all of the above. Any tips (drills, reading materials - maybe sports psychology,etc.) would be greatly appreciated. I have been told to just go back to basics (storke, stance, preshot routine), focus on my fundamentals, and shoot the ball to make it - do not worry about leave.

Thank you for your input and God bless.
Click to expand...
You're not alone. Pool is not an easy game. Playing good pool takes work (and instructors for me) and being around the right people. Learn and practice the proper drills...take them to the game.
 
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DeeDeeCues said:
Don't take this the wrong way. If you are a 300fargo and an apa 4, you don't know what you need to do. All I mean by this is that your expectations don't align with your skills, it isn't your mental game as much as your inaccurate assessment of your ability. A book that will really help you with this is, 'Sports Psyching'. You will have more fun if you figure out the lessons that book offers. If you have more fun, you will improve.

Keeping the attitude that you know what you need to do is likely a gigantic roadblock in your path to improvement.
Click to expand...

I also think this needed to be said and it was said in a nice way.

But I will add that knowing or even thinking you know what should be done but not having the table time and stroke to back it up can cause problems. You try to do too much, try to play too perfect position when you don't have the experience to execute it at a consistent level. There are times when it can really help to try and simplify the game...stop trying to do so much with the cue ball, stop trying to get perfect shape in a small window, and focus on making the shot and giving yourself an easier spot to hit that gives you at least a reasonable shot next even if it's a harder shot than what could be achieved by working the cue ball harder into a tougher spot.

It's a lesson I'm working on in my own game.

Table time is likely the biggest issue though, playing once a week in a league situation is not really conducive to getting better unfortunately. You could have issues in mental approach, stroke, stance, etc....but if you don't have time to practice outside of your league night how will you fix them? A league match certainly isn't the place for that. So my advice would be to either find a little more time (1 hour per week at least) where you can get to a table and work on some drills, work on the pre shot routine and stance, etc. Or, if you truly don't have time outside of your one league night, then work on simplifying your game, work on matching your strategy and approach at the table to where your skill level is currently at and not where you think it should be.
 
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Your problem is mental you say, learn how to tour off distraction. Cheap ear plug help turn of noise. Tell people to shut up your Plsy pool helps.

At Golf Event noisy spectator get as to leave, monits hold up signs say Wuit when player are tskr shot.
 
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1. Set your fast hit speed limit at 1/2 of what you are currently trying to hit. If getting position requires anything beyond that, then you have to tell yourself you cannot get position, so play defense.

2. Practice long shots with no english at your fast speed limit.

3. Practice long shots faster than your fast speed limit with no english, and expect to miss a lot. Doing this will make your current fast speed limit feel easier.

4. You have to RELAX when hitting long fast speed shots. While practicing, try to be very self aware and notice if your grip is tightening or you are muscling the cue ball.

5. For fast speed shots, use a longer bridge but don't swing harder--the cue will just be accelerating over a longer distance, resulting in more cue speed.

You are not going to make long shots with lots of english. Stick to trying to make long shots with no english. If you can't get position without english on long shots, you either have to settle for worse position or play defense.

EVERYBODY can think to themselves, I remember Fedor Gorst had this shot, and he ripped the CB with running english and went four rails for position, so I know what to do. Okay, but YOU are NEVER going to hit that shot more than 1/20 tries. For fun, you can try the shot in practice, but in a match or a tournament, you have to tell yourself, I am NEVER going to try that shot.
 
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Craig777 said:
Am I getting into my own head? Is my stroke/stance/preshot routine terrible? Am I way overthinking the game? Something else?
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yes you are

maybe

yes way overthinking

other things too


you describe not a mental problem but a physical ability problem, your mind knows what to do but your body can’t accomplish what you know should happen because your body doesn’t know how to do it yet
 
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DeeDeeCues said:
Don't take this the wrong way. If you are a 300fargo and an apa 4, you don't know what you need to do. All I mean by this is that your expectations don't align with your skills, it isn't your mental game as much as your inaccurate assessment of your ability. A book that will really help you with this is, 'Sports Psyching'. You will have more fun if you figure out the lessons that book offers. If you have more fun, you will improve.

Keeping the attitude that you know what you need to do is likely a gigantic roadblock in your path to improvement.
Click to expand...
I really appreciate your response. You are correct, I beyond I think I know what to do and how to get position for the next shot, but my skills don't meet the expectations I have. I will definitely look into that book. It will be VERY hard, but I think I need to stop thinking about future shots and just focus on where I am and what I'm doing at the time. I have run a few tables in the last 15 months or so and I have noticed that every time I do that, I am relaxed and not worried at all about my next shot.
 
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slide13 said:
I also think this needed to be said and it was said in a nice way.

But I will add that knowing or even thinking you know what should be done but not having the table time and stroke to back it up can cause problems. You try to do too much, try to play too perfect position when you don't have the experience to execute it at a consistent level. There are times when it can really help to try and simplify the game...stop trying to do so much with the cue ball, stop trying to get perfect shape in a small window, and focus on making the shot and giving yourself an easier spot to hit that gives you at least a reasonable shot next even if it's a harder shot than what could be achieved by working the cue ball harder into a tougher spot.

It's a lesson I'm working on in my own game.

Table time is likely the biggest issue though, playing once a week in a league situation is not really conducive to getting better unfortunately. You could have issues in mental approach, stroke, stance, etc....but if you don't have time to practice outside of your league night how will you fix them? A league match certainly isn't the place for that. So my advice would be to either find a little more time (1 hour per week at least) where you can get to a table and work on some drills, work on the pre shot routine and stance, etc. Or, if you truly don't have time outside of your one league night, then work on simplifying your game, work on matching your strategy and approach at the table to where your skill level is currently at and not where you think it should be.
Click to expand...
You are correct, I do try to do too much and I get told that by my captain a lot. Any specific (and relatively simple) drills you might suggest if I do find even just an hour a week to myself to shoot?
 
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Craig777 said:
You are correct, I do try to do too much and I get told that by my captain a lot. Any specific (and relatively simple) drills you might suggest if I do find even just an hour a week to myself to shoot?
Click to expand...
Practice a straight in shot using stun at various speeds. This'll help with your aim,stance and stroke. You'll see what's happening right off the hop.
 

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I didn't read all the replies so prob not original input...

If you are only playing a handful of times a month then you don't develop the muscle memory to be proficient, I say you.

It is largely a game of doing and there isn't enough doing in your pool world.
 
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Craig777 said:
I really appreciate your response. You are correct, I beyond I think I know what to do and how to get position for the next shot, but my skills don't meet the expectations I have. I will definitely look into that book. It will be VERY hard, but I think I need to stop thinking about future shots and just focus on where I am and what I'm doing at the time. I have run a few tables in the last 15 months or so and I have noticed that every time I do that, I am relaxed and not worried at all about my next shot.
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Thanks for taking it how it was intended. Two things:

The book is usually easy to find used for not much money.

In regards to not thinking ahead, I don't recommend that, but I spent a significant amount of my developmental years around a well known instructor, Scott Lee (rip), and as he said--your leave doesn't matter if you miss the shot. So, yeah, look ahead, but always prioritize making the shot... Or play safe.
 
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Craig777 said:
I have a problem with my game that I would like some input on. Please allow me to start by saying that for numerous reasons, I do not have time to play beyond my APA league night once a week and the occasional (usually once a month) tournament. That being said, I have been playing off and on for about 30 years, so in consecutive length maybe 8-10 years. I am a 4 rank APA, and my Fargo at last check was a little over 300. Up until about 10 years ago, I was able to play about 10 hours a week.

Here is my problem: Mentally, I know exactly what I need to do on the current shot - aim line, power, english. I know where to be for the next shot and what english to use (and how much) to avoid hitting other balls, all the while setting myself up for pattern play (although my pattern consists of only 1 to 2 more shots max due to my lack of speed control). So mentally, I know exactly what to do and where to be on the table, however my shot does not always cooperate. Especially on long shots where I know I need a lot of draw or follow to get into position, my stroke goes to crap once I increase power and I usually miss. I miss a shot or get bad position and get down on myself a little, then the snowball builds and I get worse and worse from there, eventually the night becomes a losing one and I find myself having less and less fun at the game.

Am I getting into my own head? Is my stroke/stance/preshot routine terrible? Am I way overthinking the game? Something else? Perhaps a combination of all of the above. Any tips (drills, reading materials - maybe sports psychology,etc.) would be greatly appreciated. I have been told to just go back to basics (storke, stance, preshot routine), focus on my fundamentals, and shoot the ball to make it - do not worry about leave.

Thank you for your input and God bless.
Click to expand...
In all honesty playing 1 night a week will not put you in a spot where your mental game effects you more than the rest such as fundamentals and shotmaking. It takes practice to get solid fundamentals. Practice to make long shots with any kind of spin. Practice to actually know how to hit the ball and to actually be able to do it. Head knowledge is worth very little without being able to execute it.

This isn't to say you can't enjoy pool, but without at least a couple hours of actual practice you can't expect to do what you want to do on the table. I've noticed that my game drops off unless I get at least 5 hours or so of actual playtime a week. I'm not talking about sitting at league/tournaments while waiting to play. Actual 1v1 sparing matches or dedicated solo practice, be it just playing ghost or working on something specific.

If you want to improve or at least not make as many errors, my advice would be to try to play more, get a coach/instructor (best advice), and look for routes/speed/spin/vertical axis play that minimizes variables. To hit that 2" draw or that 6' draw you have to have practiced it enough to be proficient at it, knowing how mentally means very little.

If you genuinely don't have time to practice or the desire to do so, just enjoy the social aspects of pool and try to not be so hard on yourself. Try to play as basic as you can without anything fancy going on. At least this way it will reduce errors. Pool can be enjoyed at any level. Maybe read the pleasure of small motions, it give insight into enjoying the game. Just knowing how SVB hit a nice shot or how Corey Deuel hits a break shot means nothing without practicing until you can do it like them, but you can still enjoy the feeling when you hit a nice shot and the camaraderie that pool offers.
 
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