Somebody HELP me!!!

[JLW]

.....but sometimes, it seems as though the gods are against me.
Rat

You know, I've thought about this sort of thing a lot, and this is my junior psychologist analysis. I think possibly your answer might lie in that statement. IMHO, you have to believe that you control your game and that luck or "the pool gods" don't exist. Yes, sometimes you get a lucky or unlucky roll. But 99.9% of the time, you control what happens on the table when you are shooting. Sometimes, when we have a few "bad rolls" come our way, we begin to resign ourselves to the fact that we're just destined to have one of those off nights, and we mentally check out of the game. It's always easier on the ego to believe that a bad night is the result of bad luck than poor playing or poor concentration. I would suggest that, the next time you see things start to go south, you take a few deep breaths, decide exactly how you want to execute your next shot, and fire away with complete confidence. Try to remember why you play pool in the first place. Because it's fun. Right? Concentrate on that. Enjoy the act of playing without putting so much importance on the results. This approach has helped me a lot.

 

[Purdman]

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, you are probably correct. What I am saying is that most likely isn't the only problem he has. Is his cue level, does he follow thru, does he use SPF, is what he percieves in his aiming what actually is, does he have a comfortable and consistent grip, bridge, stance and stroke. Base this of course on my 7 years as a BCA instructor. As far as the cues are concerned, it is the archer and not the arrow. I do not mean to be testy here, just explaining myself. I hope you find the dream cue that you seek my friend. This of course is JMHO. I think it is a wonderful thing that he can get this kind of infomation here on Az. That is what we are here for. You are doing a great job sir. My best wishes to you and yours.
Peace, Purdman

 

[cubswin]

Your support is overwhelming, sir, and boosts my self confidence to knew levels!!

*laughing* Glad to help out Mark. Pay attention the next time your playing bad and see if your lifting up. Then if you figure out how to fix it let me know would you.

I've though about a chain around my neck and balls, but didn't want to change my singing voice that much.

 

[cubswin]

cubswin, you are probably correct. What I am saying is that most likely isn't the only problem he has. Is his cue level, does he follow, does he use SPF, is what he percieves in his aiming what actually is, does he have a comfortable and consistent grip, bridge, stance and stroke. Base this of course on my 7 years as a BCA instructor. As far as the cues are concerned, it is the archer and not the arrow. I do not mean to be testy here, just explaining myself. I hope you find the dream cue that you seek my friend. This of course is JMHO. I think it is a wonderful thing that he can get this kind of infomation here on Az. That is what we are here for. You are doing a great job sir. My best wishes to you and yours.
Peace, Purdman

Don I'm sure you could be more help than me. I'm not a instructor, I'm just inconsistent and thought I'd share something that tends to be the bane of me. I don't know how to fix it, which is where good instruction could really help I'm sure. One of these days I'll go that route myself I'm sure.

 

[8-ball Rat]

I've though about a chain around my neck and balls, but didn't want to change my singing voice that much.

Chalk up yet ANOTHER mental image I will never be able to get rid of. Thanks for that.....I think I vomited in my mouth a little bit........

 

[poolcuemaster]

Hey what about the trade offer, yo0u mean you'll just give them away without trying out mine. I'm depressed now Leonard

 

[cubswin]

Chalk up yet ANOTHER mental image I will never be able to get rid of. Thanks for that.....I think I vomited in my mouth a little bit........

*laughing* maybe a choke collar would be better than a loop, probably work quicker.

Good luck, and listen to Don.

 

[8-ball Rat]

You know, I've thought about this sort of thing a lot, and this is my junior psychologist analysis. I think possibly your answer might lie in that statement. IMHO, you have to believe that you control your game and that luck or "the pool gods" don't exist. Yes, sometimes you get a lucky or unlucky roll. But 99.9% of the time, you control what happens on the table when you are shooting. Sometimes, when we have a few "bad rolls" come our way, we begin to resign ourselves to the fact that we're just destined to have one of those off nights, and we mentally check out of the game. It's always easier on the ego to believe that a bad night is the result of bad luck than poor playing or poor concentration. I would suggest that, the next time you see things start to go south, you take a few deep breaths, decide exactly how you want to execute your next shot, and fire away with complete confidence. Try to remember why you play pool in the first place. Because it's fun. Right? Concentrate on that. Enjoy the act of playing without putting so much importance on the results. This approach has helped me a lot.

Very valid point, sir. I wound up playing Matt24 last night in D.C. (and he can work the HELL out of that Predator SP he has, by the way)....and I had made mention of the fact that I just wasn't able to put anything together. After a few rounds, I do believe I had mentally "checked out" for the night...and really expected the rest of the evening to be piss poor playing.

I know the game is mental....and without the right frame of mind, it can be self defeating.

What gets me most, about the whole ordeal.....is that I'll have nights where I think I can actually match Matt, shot for shot........then one of these nights come around, and I can barely figure out which side of the cue to use.

Again, thanks to all for the inputs. I take 'em all to heart (except for cubswin, who just wants my cues ), and very much appreciate the time ya'll took to respond.

Rat

 

[Purdman]

Don I'm sure you could be more help than me. I'm not a instructor, I'm just inconsistent and thought I'd share something that tends to be the bane of me. I don't know how to fix it, which is where good instruction could really help I'm sure. One of these days I'll go that route myself I'm sure.

My last point was that we all help each other. You contibute just as much as I do. I think you were sharing your experience with Mark. That is great. I was trying to add to your sugestion. Please believe me when I say that I was not disagreeing with anyting you said. Iwas just adding to it. You done good my man!!!
Don

 

[Matt_24]

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!!

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

Thx,

Rat

Mark,

I leave most of my opponents feeling that way. I told you, it is quite common. Don't worry about it.

On another note: I sold that JOSS right after you left...hehehehe...

Matt

P.S. I'm kidding. You were just having a bad night...it happens.....and it didn't help that I was having a good (great) night. The pool gods were against you - where you couldn't get a roll..and I couldn't miss, and got every roll. I was just happy to be on the positive end of it for once. Next time we play it will probably be vice versa.

 

[curly]

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.

I agree....lack of concentration and also losing confidence can be negative towards consistant playing. Playing with competition alot will help to develop more concentration and confidence. If you have difficulty with a shot or situation in a game, then practice that shot/situation over and over until you have gained confidence and have demonstrated that it is no longer a problem and the next time it occurrs, you'll be prepared to handle it with confidence.

Curly

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

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

Im interested in your opinion since you have worked with many players. I get like this as well at times. Now let me describe my game, I can cut a ball in from just about anywhere, Kick and hit a ball 65-70% easy and I can bank, my problem is I play near perfect and miss the last ball. I mean 2 foot straight in's! Ive tried everything, and Ive give up alot of tournaments and money because of this, I find if I try I can useualy make the shot any shot but why is it hard to try? I know this sounds weird but its a common problem for me.

I also play tough safties but its a joke because I take advantage of mistakes but end up missing easy shots, the tables I play on have tight pockets, 4.5" sounds about right but these are Olhousen 9's ( not industrial) but I dont believe thats the problem I think its likely mental, any advice on how to kick this habbit?

thanks SPINDOKTOR

 

[Purdman]

Im interested in your opinion since you have worked with many players. I get like this as well at times. Now let me describe my game, I can cut a ball in from just about anywhere, Kick and hit a ball 65-70% easy and I can bank, my problem is I play near perfect and miss the last ball. I mean 2 foot straight in's! Ive tried everything, and Ive give up alot of tournaments and money because of this, I find if I try I can useualy make the shot any shot but why is it hard to try? I know this sounds weird but its a common problem for me.

I also play tough safties but its a joke because I take advantage of mistakes but end up missing easy shots, the tables I play on have tight pockets, 4.5" sounds about right but these are Olhousen 9's ( not industrial) but I dont believe thats the problem I think its likely mental, any advice on how to kick this habbit?

thanks SPINDOKTOR

Well, I hope nobody minds this. They usually do!
This is number one on the Choke Syndromes List. I was taught that this is usually caused by one of two things. Note I said usually. Number one is Error in Ritual. Do you have an established checklist? If not, make one and write it down. Have a preshot routine if you will. Number two is adrenaline. You need to control this with what we call The Adrenaline Wash. You can reduce the chances of choking by reducing the effects of adrenaline. We can do this with stimulus control and breathing rhythm.
I hope this helps you with your game. Sounds like you have a very good game going for you. Good luck and it is my pleasure to serve you.
Don "Purdman" Purdy

 

[chilli66]

OK, this is the kind of question I hate to ask, as the answer will probably be blindingly obvious to me once I see it but here goes.

Purdman, what is "SPF?"

 

[Purdman]

OK, this is the kind of question I hate to ask, as the answer will probably be blindingly obvious to me once I see it but here goes.

Purdman, what is "SPF?"

The only stupid question is the one that you don't ask. It stands for Set, Pause, Finish and Freeze.
Purd

 

[DelaWho???]

cubswin, you are probably correct. What I am saying is that most likely isn't the only problem he has. Is his cue level, does he follow thru, does he use SPF, is what he percieves in his aiming what actually is, does he have a comfortable and consistent grip, bridge, stance and stroke. Base this of course on my 7 years as a BCA instructor.

When I am shooting poorly, I find that I have a death grip, or steering wheel grip on my cue. I seem to tighten up my grip at the end of my stroke, which pulls the tip out of line.
Scott Lee gave me a gimmick to correct it. He told me to take my index finger off the cue, because it has the most grip. It sounded to me like he was telling me to put all my change in my left pocket and to tie my shoes in knots (which is why I used the term gimmick), but I did what I was told and low and behold it worked for me. When I'm playing poorly I think about pointing my finger at the ground, and bam my grip is loose and smooth.
The whole situation reminded me of Tin Cup when Roy had the shanks and Romeo told him to move his change to one pocket, roll up one pants leg and turn his hat sideways.
Maybe this isn't the best advise for you Rat, but take it for what it's worth. After all you been playing longer than I.

McCue Banger McCue

 

[alpine9430]

Mark

The game of pool is a beautiful game to watch and the person who masters the stroke and maintains a consistent stroke is generally the one that will continue to improve. I know you are looking to improve and I too am looking for an answer but there is no quick answer to this.

First thing I would recommend is to have your stroke evaluated by someone who really knows how to evaluate effectively for each person who is out there. From what I have gathered from reading on this forum, Scott Lee may be the best out there who travels through most areas helping people like you and I. Know for a fact that Scott will be up at VF and may have some time available to get a session in with you and get you straightened out. But make the appointment after your matches so as to hopefully go in with an open mind without thinking about the next match.

In the meantime, I am neither an instructor nor claim to be an expert in the game but here my observations based upon playing with you for about 20 hours already.

1) Bridge Length
What I understand is that the length for the bridge should be equal or slightly less than the distance of the upper part of your shooting arm. The measurement is from the ball socket in the shoulder to the elbow joint.
What I observed is that on most shots your bridge length is about 12-14 inches and may be too long for finesse shots. Let Scott Lee evaluate for you.

2) Stance
The stance should be balanced and with generally equal weight distribution on both legs.
I see that you put most of your weight on your rear leg. This may not be a problem but Scott Lee is better to evaluate this.

3) Grip
I believe you and I have the same problem. Inconsistent grip!
When we are shooting well, the grip is loose and the wrist is not locked. On the shots I have seen you miss, your first two fingers were white knuckled and the cue actually rotated in bridge while you were increasing the grip on the cue. Generally what I saw when you gripped harder, the cue rolled in the bridge in a Clockwise direction and your contact point between the cue and the cue ball to the left of your aim point.

4) SPFF (Set-Pause-Finish-Freeze)
In this area, you commented that Hunter saw that you were getting up before the shot was completed.
When Matt completes his stroke, he is always going straight though his contact point. His cue generally does not waiver off his aim point.
What I have observed, is that you either get up before you finish or you are pulling up the bridge hand before you finish. And when you move your bridge hand you are generally pulling it across the table prior to pulling the bridge hand up. If you have not completed the stoke, you may be aiming off the contact area of the cue ball. Only a video recording will show what is going on.​

I would have to say that a class with Scott Lee or Randy G would be money well spent. Take a look at Cue Techs school and I believe they will be coming through Frederick MD in June which may be closest they come to our area.

Hope that you find out what will improve your stroke because it is the fundamentals that will get you over the hump.
Myron

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

Well, I hope nobody minds this. They usually do!
This is number one on the Choke Syndromes List. I was taught that this is usually caused by one of two things. Note I said usually. Number one is Error in Ritual. Do you have an established checklist? If not, make one and write it down. Have a preshot routine if you will. Number two is adrenaline. You need to control this with what we call The Adrenaline Wash. You can reduce the chances of choking by reducing the effects of adrenaline. We can do this with stimulus control and breathing rhythm.
I hope this helps you with your game. Sounds like you have a very good game going for you. Good luck and it is my pleasure to serve you.
Don "Purdman" Purdy

Thanks Don, I appritiate your feedback, and No, No checklist, Ive never done this, heard of people doing this but never followed suite. and yes I practice very hard to make the tough shots, Playing Roatation played a role in my ability to kick. as well as one pocket. As you can imagine after a tough saftey battle and getting the upper hand only to miss an easy 9 ball for instance is very frustrating. I dont do this all the time, but I have let alot of easy racks escape me because of this.


Since Im aware Im proboly needing a routine where do I get one? I mean do you publish anything that would help? Im not one to go out and buy a bunch of instructional tapes, Ive always worked it out on the practice table. Not to say I havent, I have but they cant shoot for me, and I know without first hand instruction its almost impossible to make full use of what is being taught. all I know is something is wrong, I can set up some shots I miss and make them all day, one handed, then miss a mile in a match with hardly any pressure.

Sorry for rambling, I thought using myself as an example I might be able to contribute to this thread in some way.

SPINDOKTOR

 

[Purdman]

Thanks Don, I appritiate your feedback, and No, No checklist, Ive never done this, heard of people doing this but never followed suite. and yes I practice very hard to make the tough shots, Playing Roatation played a role in my ability to kick. as well as one pocket. As you can imagine after a tough saftey battle and getting the upper hand only to miss an easy 9 ball for instance is very frustrating. I dont do this all the time, but I have let alot of easy racks escape me because of this.


Since Im aware Im proboly needing a routine where do I get one? I mean do you publish anything that would help? Im not one to go out and buy a bunch of instructional tapes, Ive always worked it out on the practice table. Not to say I havent, I have but they cant shoot for me, and I know without first hand instruction its almost impossible to make full use of what is being taught. all I know is something is wrong, I can set up some shots I miss and make them all day, one handed, then miss a mile in a match with hardly any pressure.

Sorry for rambling, I thought using myself as an example I might be able to contribute to this thread in some way.

SPINDOKTOR

I will send you a PM after I take cae of a little business here.
Don

 

[Purdman]

Mark

The game of pool is a beautiful game to watch and the person who masters the stroke and maintains a consistent stroke is generally the one that will continue to improve. I know you are looking to improve and I too am looking for an answer but there is no quick answer to this.

First thing I would recommend is to have your stroke evaluated by someone who really knows how to evaluate effectively for each person who is out there. From what I have gathered from reading on this forum, Scott Lee may be the best out there who travels through most areas helping people like you and I. Know for a fact that Scott will be up at VF and may have some time available to get a session in with you and get you straightened out. But make the appointment after your matches so as to hopefully go in with an open mind without thinking about the next match.

In the meantime, I am neither an instructor nor claim to be an expert in the game but here my observations based upon playing with you for about 20 hours already.

1) Bridge Length
What I understand is that the length for the bridge should be equal or slightly less than the distance of the upper part of your shooting arm. The measurement is from the ball socket in the shoulder to the elbow joint.
What I observed is that on most shots your bridge length is about 12-14 inches and may be too long for finesse shots. Let Scott Lee evaluate for you.

2) Stance
The stance should be balanced and with generally equal weight distribution on both legs.
I see that you put most of your weight on your rear leg. This may not be a problem but Scott Lee is better to evaluate this.

3) Grip
I believe you and I have the same problem. Inconsistent grip!
When we are shooting well, the grip is loose and the wrist is not locked. On the shots I have seen you miss, your first two fingers were white knuckled and the cue actually rotated in bridge while you were increasing the grip on the cue. Generally what I saw when you gripped harder, the cue rolled in the bridge in a Clockwise direction and your contact point between the cue and the cue ball to the left of your aim point.

4) SPFF (Set-Pause-Finish-Freeze)
In this area, you commented that Hunter saw that you were getting up before the shot was completed.
When Matt completes his stroke, he is always going straight though his contact point. His cue generally does not waiver off his aim point.
What I have observed, is that you either get up before you finish or you are pulling up the bridge hand before you finish. And when you move your bridge hand you are generally pulling it across the table prior to pulling the bridge hand up. If you have not completed the stoke, you may be aiming off the contact area of the cue ball. Only a video recording will show what is going on.​

I would have to say that a class with Scott Lee or Randy G would be money well spent. Take a look at Cue Techs school and I believe they will be coming through Frederick MD in June which may be closest they come to our area.

Hope that you find out what will improve your stroke because it is the fundamentals that will get you over the hump.
Myron

My, My My Myron, arn't you a good friend. Thanks for thinking about me.
First thing I have to say to you is this, when you met me son, you racked 90% of the time. I have laid off on ya boy because you are no competition for me. I also would like to tell you that Randy trained me and is the one who certified me. That's right Myron, did ya get that. I was good enough of an instructor to be certified by RandyG himself. Now, If I recall, the last time we played straight pool, you lost by 20 balls playing to 50. You son, have never seen me bare down on someone. So my disrespectful friend, anytime you think you got enought game to play me for real, bring your smarmey ego with ya and plenty of cash and I will bust you like a baloon in no time at all.
Now that that is out, I forgive you.
God Bless You, Purdman