Slump Solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chuckmcf
  • Start date Start date
C

Chuckmcf

Guest
Last week I was shooting lights out. I could see the whole table. The last few days I've been lucky to see a 3 ball run. I decided to take today off. This evening I changed my plans. I went to a local bar with a couple of 9' and practiced for an hour or so. I hit a few cut shots, full table shots, and then threw 3 balls out on the table and ran them. I eventually worked my way up to 5 balls, then racked up for a game of 9-ball. I don't think I made it past the 3 ball in most games. I just can't see the leaves and that's usually the best part of my game.

I know it's just a weird slump, but I don't know how to work through it, anyone got any advice?

I play league on Mon and Tue and I sponsor a tournament on Sat, so taking time off will be tough. What do you guys do when the "Big S" hits you?
 
I think this happends to all pool players. Ive been there many times and i hate it!!! it seems like you have forgotten how to play pool, the best thing is to keep playing and work your way out of it. I normally check my stance my bridge see if im keeping my head down and have a good follwo-thru, just the little things. but most of all just keep playing!!!
 
Usually when I fall into a slump, it's back to basics !

Also, sometimes a sort of a trick works for me: just quit trying too hard; throw balls on the table and just shoot them without any thought over position play etc. Clear your mind and just shoot them and don't pay any attention if they go in or not, just shoot them and try to get your unconscious nerve system and muscle memory into play with an empty mind. Usually it's your brain that prevents you from shooting well. Within a short period of this "excercise" I suddenly find my "real" stance and technique. Doesn't work always... especially if you haven't played for a while.
 
GREAT advice from both of you. I think my biggest problem is that I am trying to gear up for Planet Pool on Feb 7/8 and I'm actually trying to play serious again. I have been playing "mindless" pool for so long that trying to get serious is unnatural. Guess I need to play through it. I have been playing better the last few days. I think I'll beat a few around tomorrow and try to get my brain out of it.

Again, thanks for your advice. I'm sure nerves are a big part of it, too. I'll be lucky if I can see straight during the first Planet Pool event!!

Chuck
 
well, since there is basically no way for you to take time off, I'd have to agree that it's back to basics. Checking your stroke, bridge, stance, the motion of your eyes, everything.

SNAP OUT OF IT BEFORE the 7th!!!

Sonja
 
Thanks again to all. Sonja: looks like I've started to turn it back around. I won my Monday match (8-ball) 4-0 against a pretty good player. Most important was that I was getting the leaves I needed and breaking out when it was called for. Not 100% but don't expect to be with the gitters I'm going to have anyhow.

Thanks for your update on the tour also. I'll make sure I'm there by 11 or a bit earlier. I'd like to bang a few around if that's OK.?? If not, I'll stop at the old Champions in Frederick on my way down.

See you Sat!!
Chuck
 
Hey Chuck, showing up early is good. Nick will be there around 10ish, and I'm pretty sure the room will be opening early as well. I won't be there for the start on Saturday, but I'll check in on you. When (not IF here, when!) you make it to Sunday, I'll be there all day for the women's event.

Congrats on your win, that'll help boost your confidence.

Don't focus so much on the gitters, just let your game come!! It's just another tournament, don't put too much unnecessary pressure on yourself.

See you next weekend

Sonja
 
change the mood. Put on some music, turn off the music, smoke if you dont smoke, dont smoke if you do smoke, get a drink, have your girlfriend slap you. Make a goofy side bet thats funny, anything to just change you state of mind. And its usually nowhere related to pool. And then your game just snaps in, well sometimes. Works for me. sometimes :confused:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top