Self Implosion

NewStroke

NewStroke

Screamin Monkey
Silver Member
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
 
NewStroke said:
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
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Could it be a slight case of burnout? If you're not playing with confidence, you're probably not enjoying yourself...Maybe stay home for a few nights and watch some pool tapes, and go back refocused and recharged. Watching Efren run out for a few nights always seems to get me back in stroke.
 
NewStroke said:
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
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Two paths to try, one is one shot at a time and keep it simple. Play simple patterns and don't move the cue ball more than you have to.

The other path is almost the opposite, turn loose and shoot. Some folks recommend one stroking everything. I take it a step further, basically playing speed pool until I start free stroking without over thinking things.

Hu
 
ShootingArts said:
Two paths to try, one is one shot at a time and keep it simple. Play simple patterns and don't move the cue ball more than you have to.

The other path is almost the opposite, turn loose and shoot. Some folks recommend one stroking everything. I take it a step further, basically playing speed pool until I start free stroking without over thinking things.

Hu
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Many different methods out there for getting out of a funk. I have tried many things and have found that I have to do something to really get my conscious mind off controlling each shot. I am not much of a drinker when playing but I sometimes do when in a funk and just practicing with friends. I will get a little drunk, not care about shooting, end up shooting lights out without knowing it and be back in stroke the next day.:grin:
 
NewStroke said:
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
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Dan, I just went through the same thing as you describe (except for the RUNNING RACKS part :o). I was in three leagues a week. I was getting burnt-out. I am still in three leagues a week, but I'm really only shooting in one of them. Out of the other two, one I only Captain, coach, and keep score in and the other I only show up at the visiting teams location. So, I've cut my league shooting down by a bunch. I do not think I am going to be but in one league (BCA) after this APA session is over. I think, like myself, a lot of the BS you have witnessed in your APA league has soured you from the game somewhat, so you do not have the enthusiasm that you once had. This WILL affect your shooting. I think that you and I are a lot alike in where we are with our pool lives. I think we BOTH need to make some mental adjustments to get back to enjoying the whole scene again. I hope you get there soon. Me, I've got a buttload of other hobbies to keep me going, but I'll get there eventually. Good luck!!

Maniac (Tony)
 
runninracks said:
Many different methods out there for getting out of a funk. I have tried many things and have found that I have to do something to really get my conscious mind off controlling each shot. I am not much of a drinker when playing but I sometimes do when in a funk and just practicing with friends. I will get a little drunk, not care about shooting, end up shooting lights out without knowing it and be back in stroke the next day.:grin:
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Sometimes I leave my glasses off, grab a bent, dinged-up 'ol house stick, and shoot the pants off of all comers. Weird how this works!!!

Maniac
 
I have a check list I work through when things go haywire.

Are you
1. Striking the Cue Ball on center (or where you think you are)
1b. Taking one last look at the CB before moving to the object ball to be sure.
2. Keeping your head down till the ball is in the pocket
3. Keeping your eye on the object ball on the final stroke (common error!)
4. Pushing the cue through as far as you can in straight line comfortably
5. Gripping too tight

I would advise addressing each point one at a time for short practice sessions of 1/2 to 1 hour each.

Oh and call me in the morning :)
 
Everything said so far is really good stuff but i would also double check your tip. I was shooting a long session the other day breaking with my playing cue and in the middle i lost confidence in most shots. I started over stroking shots and it got me out of the funk but i wasn't confident in soft shots anymore unless it was just center ball. The next day i checked and the tip compressed a bit, wasn't drastic or anything and it still had a curve but once i got it back to a dime radius my confidence came back.
 
ShootingArts said:
Two paths to try, one is one shot at a time and keep it simple. Play simple patterns and don't move the cue ball more than you have to.

The other path is almost the opposite, turn loose and shoot. Some folks recommend one stroking everything. I take it a step further, basically playing speed pool until I start free stroking without over thinking things.

Hu
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this has always worked really for me when my game disappears in the middle of the night. it shuts my brain off and i just start making balls, let my muscle memory and subconscious do all the work. a few racks of that, my arm is feeling loose, i have confidence again (provided i made balls during the shoot-out) and can start to slowly integrate some mental work back into the routine.

although if the slump continues for a week, i don't really have a sure-fire solution for that yet.
 
NewStroke said:
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
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time fixes all wounds,i'm in the same spot. i blewjust under $30,000ijthe pat month. Icouldnt getqcrossthe finishlineevenwhenI had by allrights.sux
 
Dan, it's "quicksand" (cheap movie reference :D)

The harder you try, the worse it will get.....relax, get back to basics, and just play....take win/losing out of the scenario, focus on each shot, and just enjoy the game.....your form will return soon amigo....
 
There are two primary things that happen when I lose my game. Stroke is off and / or I lose concentration -- Seems I just don’t care.

My solution, place a ball on the head string, CB one diamond off the foot rail. Start with a straight in shot and “watch” everything. This takes real concentration. Then move the CB to an off angle by 5 degrees or so. Repeat positioning the CB in the middle of the table after every shot until I am back in stroke and concentration has been restored.

This works for me because there is nothing fancy going on. If I can’t get my concentration back to where it should be then it is time to quit for the night. There are no long runs without good concentration.
 
an

The higher educated people that I study with tell me this:
1. Bring in new information.
2. Play with new people.

SPF=randyg
 
More Jack Daniels!! You will either play better or fall alsleep so you don't have to worry about it! Good Luck.
 
All of the replies have been good but fail, in my opinion, to address the underlying issue and that is you probably suck at playing pool. Now I know that's a hard pill to swallow but I've seen it time after time after time. A guy goes to the poolhall, makes a few easy shots and all of a sudden starts thinking he's Willie Mosconi, or Fats Domino, or somebody.
There is only one remedy to your delimma, and that of course, is suicide. What I suggest you do is dress up in camoflage gear, from head to toe, and walk out into traffic. A busy intersection is usually best, say five-o'clock in the afternoon.
If that doesn't work, sneak into your boss's house, take off all of your clothes and quietly stand in his bedroom closet. This approach can be time consuming, but very effective.
I hope I've been of some help. Your pal, Tramp. :)

P.S. If all else fails, take a short vacation from the game. You'll know when you're ready to come back.
P.S.S. I was just teasing about sucking.
 
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Slump buster

You need to find someone that has no chance of beating you, play however cheap they want to play for, and beat on them mercilessly. You should feel a little better about your game after taking it out on someone weaker.
 
Tramp Steamer said:
All of the replies have been good but fail, in my opinion, to address the underlying issue and that is you probably suck at playing pool. Now I know that's a hard pill to swallow but I've seen it time after time after time. A guy goes to the poolhall, makes a few easy shots and all of a sudden starts thinking he's Willie Mosconi, or Fats Domino, or somebody.
There is only one remedy to your delimma, and that of course, is suicide. What I suggest you do is dress up in camoflage gear, from head to toe, and walk out into traffic. A busy intersection is usually best, say five-o'clock in the afternoon.
If that doesn't work, sneak into your boss's house, take off all of your clothes and quietly stand in his bedroom closet. This approach can be time consuming, but very effective.
I hope I've been of some help. Your pal, Tramp. :)

P.S. If all else fails, take a short vacation from the game. You'll know when you're ready to come back.
P.S.S. I was just teasing about sucking.
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LMAO, rep to you when I can give it again.
 
You could quit

NewStroke said:
Over the last couple weeks my game is really dropping off, just before this, I was running racks and never second guessed myself. Now when I get down on a shot, I have no confidence whatsoever. No only that but every part of my stroke feels out of whack. It's really bizarre but it's a terrible feeling. I know we go through stages, but I don't seem to be getting out of this one. If you have any words of wisdom that don't include using Blue Diamond chalk, I am all ears. I am really fed up at this point.
Click to expand...

but I hope you don't.

You have an unwanted opportunity to self-heal this temporary slump with your unique sense of humor. With the help of 'tramp' and others who will generously give you reason to laugh-you'll be back!!

Have some fun-this game ought to be an escape from other pressures/ not another source of pressure (assuming you play for recreation).

Maybe hit some center ball stuff with natural angles.

Or maybe, buy a house stick and shatter it on the corner of the building(watch out for cars and people in the splinter zone) to relieve some tension.

Been there-done that(the house stick thing-best $20 I ever pissed away)

Take it easy-
 
3RAILKICK said:
but I hope you don't.

You have an unwanted opportunity to self-heal this temporary slump with your unique sense of humor. With the help of 'tramp' and others who will generously give you reason to laugh-you'll be back!!

Have some fun-this game ought to be an escape from other pressures/ not another source of pressure (assuming you play for recreation).

Maybe hit some center ball stuff with natural angles.

Or maybe, buy a house stick and shatter it on the corner of the building(watch out for cars and people in the splinter zone) to relieve some tension.

Been there-done that(the house stick thing-best $20 I ever pissed away)

Take it easy-
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Thank you very much. I started focusing on my process and stopped worrying about the result. That seems to be helping. I think the key is not to panic and just play.
 
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