Somebody HELP me!!!

8-ball Rat

8-ball Rat

I'll eat you alive.....
Silver Member
Mornin', guys and gals......

I need some help....and would very much appreciate the advice of those who have been there before.

I wish it was a simple as the "I've reached a plateau" issue...but mine is even worse, in my opinion.

Long and the short of it is, I have GOT to be the most inconsistent player known to man. There are times where I can play super solid....shot making, position play, and even the occasional safety that works out great.

Then, there are times like last night, where I can't string 3 balls together to save my life.

My biggest problem, overall, is that I go back and forth CONSTANTLY. My stance is always the same, my stroke feels like it's always the same.....but sometimes, it seems as though the gods are against me.

Anybody else have (or used to have) this problem?? I try to keep having fun, regardless of how good or bad I'm playing....but times like last night make me wish I had taken up chess instead!! :mad: :mad:

Any advice would be appreciated....regardless of how general or specific it may be.

Thx,

Rat
 
8-ball Rat said:
Mornin', guys and gals......

I need some help....and would very much appreciate the advice of those who have been there before.

I wish it was a simple as the "I've reached a plateau" issue...but mine is even worse, in my opinion.

Long and the short of it is, I have GOT to be the most inconsistent player known to man. There are times where I can play super solid....shot making, position play, and even the occasional safety that works out great.

Then, there are times like last night, where I can't string 3 balls together to save my life.

My biggest problem, overall, is that I go back and forth CONSTANTLY. My stance is always the same, my stroke feels like it's always the same.....but sometimes, it seems as though the gods are against me.

Anybody else have (or used to have) this problem?? I try to keep having fun, regardless of how good or bad I'm playing....but times like last night make me wish I had taken up chess instead!! :mad: :mad:

Any advice would be appreciated....regardless of how general or specific it may be.

Thx,

Rat
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I'm right there with you, man.

dean
 
I would think that your basics (Stance Bridge stroke) sounds like something is not right. You also can not be constantly messing with your Basics like holding the cue some new magic way that you think will make you a champion for example. If you really feel like none of these areas are giving you any problems I would suggest video taping your self play (by yourself)I mean don't play anyone else just video yourself. Then go back and watch yourself to see if you truly are doing everything the same each time. One more very very important factor that not many players consider. The way you approach each time you play mentally. You must also have consistency in your thought process as well as your mechanics. If you start getting mentally down it will have a dramatic effect on your game. Good Luck Dave
 
Same thing happens to me at times. I usually find that, even though I think I haven't changed anything, I am:

1. Not preparing for the shot and the alignment before getting down to the ball, thereby making decisions and adjustments too late

and

2. Not staying down with shot and coming up/out too early

For me, I have to force myself to make up my mind before setting my bridge and then stay with the shot until all the balls stop moving.
 
you need to work on your concentration. wide swings in your skill level are usually more mental than physical. for myself there is a little spot on the object ball & when I can lock in on that spot my game improves immensely, better stroke, better shot making, better position.

someone can have perfect mechanics, a great stroke, but if there not totally focused on that shot, they won't play at there top level.
 
Hey Buddy

Purdman here!
Mark, I went to the Cuetech College of Cueing Arts in 1999. That is Master Instructor Randyg's school. I was a registered instructor for two years. I went back in 2002 and worked with Randy again and became a Certified BCA Instructor. I have taught quite a few people in my day. If you would like, I would be glad to assist you. I have a work book that will address most of your problems. Video analysis is available in my home on my Gandy Big G. I will PM you my number and we can set somthing up this week befor the VF expo. I am off all week so time is not a consideration.
Don (Purdman) Purdy
 
I think too that mental issues are the real problem. The main problem for most people, is that when we don't shoot up to our potential, we try to force ouselves to reach that previous "zone". However, the key is to remain on an even keel. Instead of "forcing" we need to relax and keep moving forward. Overthinking takes us out of our mind's natural mode, which is to do what we already know. This of course is my opinion, and something that once I recognized it, made a difference in my game.

Chris
 
I think

it has more to do with your emotional and mental state. As you age, you will realize that you go through cycles, and sometimes, mentally, you just aren't there, no matter how hard you try.

I do not 'warm up' before little tournaments, other than getting my mind in the right place, to where I can focus on Pool, and nothing else. I have found that the mental preparation does more for me to tune up than anything else.
I don't forget how to make shots from day to day or week to week, and if I do stroke some before a medium to large tournament, I practice banks almost exclusively. The various bank shots tell me the table's speed, how the rails are, and narrows down my aiming.

Other than that, being pure to the sport is a factor. That means maintaining an athlete's attitude and lifestyle. Eating right, getting enough sleep, not drinking, and exercising to stay in shape and strong. A tuned body helps to have a strong mind, that can withstand stress better.
 
Sound advice, all around.

I did notice last night that once I started shooting poorly, I began to "try too hard.".....and focused more on the shots I had already missed, rather than the shots coming up.

All things being equal, though.....I just didn't "feel" right about playing. I wanted to be there, I wanted to play.....but that "feel" wasn't there...no matter how hard I tried to find "the zone." I guess "the zone" was closed for construction!! :(

Don - Much appreciated for the info in the PM. I'll hit you back soon, sir. Might have to wait a few days before I can break away, but I'll take you up on it sometime soon, for sure.


I love the idea of videotaping myself while I play. I've heard of a few folks that did that....and they said they immediately saw areas with plenty of room for improvement. I suppose it's time to stop swapping out playing cues each week....and just settle on one to re-learn the game with.

That said......I do believe I know what specs and such I really like...and what feels most comfortable to me (I've bought enough cues to figure that out!! :) :) ).....so now I just have to find the right one, and start REALLY focusing on the game...and not the gear.

Thanks for the solid advice, ya'll. By all means, keep 'em coming!!
 
Back to basics, find comfort level, stay in the present, maintain consistency in focus, stick with one cue (maybe try a BG?). Great offer from the Purdman...take him up on it asap! Would love a video analysis of myself with a good instructor to talk about it! Enjoy! :p
 
8-ball Rat said:
Sound advice, all around.

I did notice last night that once I started shooting poorly, I began to "try too hard.".....and focused more on the shots I had already missed, rather than the shots coming up.

All things being equal, though.....I just didn't "feel" right about playing. I wanted to be there, I wanted to play.....but that "feel" wasn't there...no matter how hard I tried to find "the zone." I guess "the zone" was closed for construction!! :(

Don - Much appreciated for the info in the PM. I'll hit you back soon, sir. Might have to wait a few days before I can break away, but I'll take you up on it sometime soon, for sure.


I love the idea of videotaping myself while I play. I've heard of a few folks that did that....and they said they immediately saw areas with plenty of room for improvement. I suppose it's time to stop swapping out playing cues each week....and just settle on one to re-learn the game with.

That said......I do believe I know what specs and such I really like...and what feels most comfortable to me (I've bought enough cues to figure that out!! :) :) ).....so now I just have to find the right one, and start REALLY focusing on the game...and not the gear.

Thanks for the solid advice, ya'll. By all means, keep 'em coming!!
Click to expand...

Mark, perhaps I should mention somthing before we get started.
1. You must have an open mind.
2. Do not insult me by asking me "How Much". I am greatful for your service to our country and this is my small way of thanking you. There is no "How Much".
Don
 
Purdman said:
Mark, perhaps I should mention somthing before we get started.
1. You must have an open mind.
2. Do not insult me by asking me "How Much". I am greatful for your service to our country and this is my small way of thanking you. There is no "How Much".
Don
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Very kind, sir....and extremely generous of you to extend that kind of offer to me.

I'm humbled by it......and VERY MUCH willing to take you up on it, too!! :) :)

The pleasure is mine, sir. I mean that sincerely.

Mark
 
8-ball Rat said:
Very kind, sir....and extremely generous of you to extend that kind of offer to me.

I'm humbled by it......and VERY MUCH willing to take you up on it, too!! :) :)

The pleasure is mine, sir. I mean that sincerely.

Mark
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The PM was the 13 lessons in the workbook. I have some teaching aids and other books that you are certainly welcome to use. Every instructor on this forum that puts SPF on their signature teaches pretty much what I do. My video camera stays next to the pool table. I am not saying we all don't have differant aproaches, but basically we teach the same thing. I stopped paying dues when they insisted that I go to LasVegas every two years to their expo. I have always made a living doing something else so I didn't use my vacations for that purpose.
Purdman
 
I think that it is you Black Boar cues causing the problems you are having so lets try this, you send me the Boars and I will send you my Predators and lets see how we end up playing after a while. I don't think I have anything to lose unless I play worse with a fine custom cue, let me know and good luck fixing your consistancy. Leonard
 
cubswin said:
if I was to bet a dollar I'd say your jumping up...

of course if I'm wrong just send me your cues......:)
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If he is playing inconsistant, he is not doing the same thing everytime he shoots.:rolleyes:
JMHO
Purdman
 
cubswin said:
if I was to bet a dollar I'd say your jumping up...

of course if I'm wrong just send me your cues......:)
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:) :)

I do believe you're correct, cubswin.......I do jump up. Matter of fact, I've been playing, recently, with another guy here on the boards, near Baltimore. That was one of the first things he noticed....that I lift up before I'm done with the shot.

I owe you a dollar, sir!!

Rat
 
Purdman said:
If he is playing inconsistant, he is not doing the same thing everytime he shoots.:rolleyes:
JMHO
Purdman
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And Don's right, too.

I suppose I should spend MORE time playing the game...and LESS time buying and selling cues like they're not going to be made anymore. Gotta give to take, I guess.

I'll drop you a line in a couple weeks, Don, about some pointers and such.....but looking forward to seeing you and the Mrs. this coming week at VF. Please give her my best, sir.

Rat
 
Purdman said:
If he is playing inconsistant, he is not doing the same thing everytime he shoots.:rolleyes:
JMHO
Purdman
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I'm saying if he goes from good to bad he is probably jumping up when he's bad and not noticing it. I'm sure there are lots of things that could be fixed in his game, but my guess is he does jump up a lot when things are going bad.

Base this of course on my own observations of my own game and how I can be inconsistent. Have noticed that I tend to be jumping up when I'm playing bad without knowing it right off. You'd think I'd learn to stay down, but just don't know I'm doing it until its too late.

And...I was hoping I was wrong because I wanted his cues *hehe*
 
cubswin said:
I'm saying if he goes from good to bad he is probably jumping up when he's bad and not noticing it. I'm sure there are lots of things that could be fixed in his game, but my guess is he does jump up a lot when things are going bad.

Base this of course on my own observations of my own game and how I can be inconsistent. Have noticed that I tend to be jumping up when I'm playing bad without knowing it right off. You'd think I'd learn to stay down, but just don't know I'm doing it until its too late.

And...I was hoping I was wrong because I wanted his cues *hehe*
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I'm sure there are lots of things that could be fixed in his game
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Your support is overwhelming, sir, and boosts my self confidence to knew levels!!

And...I was hoping I was wrong because I wanted his cues *hehe*
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Once again....good to know you're there, backing me up!! :) :)

You ARE right, cubs. I do lift up too early quite a bit....and had no clue I was doing it, until a buddy of mine I play with pointed it out.

Tell ya what....if I have 6 more years of bad play, the cues are yours!! ;)
 
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