Strengthen your mental game

itsfroze said:
Curious as to how others who read this article will rate it as far as to content. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being weak and 10 being strong. I know where I would rate it, and
I will hold on to that for now, as I want to see what others think. What would you rate it ?
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I think if you are one of those amature players that get into your own head then you would rate it kinda high...

I think if you are one of those players that think it's just psychobabble bullshit then you would rate it kinda low...

With that being said... I give it a 6. Definitely worth your time to read, but I dont think it's going to help everyone.
 
Thanks for posting Jerry. I enjoyed the read and hope to put some of those practices into place. Looking forward to more.
 
Thanks Jerry, for the heads up.

I think most 'pool players' do not have an issue with confidence...well if so, it would probably be overconfidence.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there needs to be balance as with everything.

For those that lack confidence, like many newer players, the article is well worth the read. For those that are overconfident...not so much.

I'd be interested to see what the Dr. would have to say about overconfidence & an over inflated ego.

Perhaps that should be the subject of the next article.

Best 2 You & All,
Rick
 
Nice read, so you sum-it up basically in one word "Confidence" its so simple yet so true.
 
FINALLY! Something AZB has needed for a very long time.
Good story.

JoeyA


Jerry Forsyth said:
AZBilliards will be publishing a series of articles from Dr. Christopher Stankovich concerning the development of the mental aspects of pool. We are very pleased that Dr. Stankovich is sharing his expertise with the AZB audience.

The first article: "Mind of Steel" is on the top right of the front page or you may just go here: http://www.azbilliards.com/news/stories/11786-mind-of-steel/
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I agree that confidence is key, but I'm not so sure that it will come simply by improving your pool game and reflecting on your successes.

I think that confidence is a personality trait that is formed in childhood. Those who are confident as adults are usually successful at multiple things.

So, can an adult who lacks confidence --- find confidence? I don't know the answer, but I think that if it's possible, that process would be incredibly hard.
 
FranCrimi said:
I agree that confidence is key, but I'm not so sure that it will come simply by improving your pool game and reflecting on your successes.

I think that confidence is a personality trait that is formed in childhood. Those who are confident as adults are usually successful at multiple things.

So, can an adult who lacks confidence --- find confidence? I don't know the answer, but I think that if it's possible, that process would be incredibly hard.
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Confidence is an emotion and it is proven that emotions are caused by both your body chemistry and your thoughts or beliefs. The thoughts and beliefs can be worked on and changed for sure even if formed in childhood but it is the body chemistry that is harder to improve on without working out, eating a clean diet, or simply taking medicine but medicine imo sucks because the good is temporary and the negative effects can last forever.

I do believe there is value in what he teaches though.
 
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Long on the what, very short on the how. Kind of a "no S Sherlock"...I was hoping for a little more technique on how to develop confidence, not just that I need it.:frown:
 
I purchased his Mind of Steel pool program awhile back. The thing that I like about it was the practicality of his program. Some of the mental stuff that I've read have been been of the mumbo jumbo variety. His approach has practical appeal such as if you are overly nervous take a deep belly breath to help combat the nerves. He offers other ways to tone down nervousness and even ways to pump yourself up if you are in the I don't care or feel like it mode. Glad he is doing articles for AZB. Thanks Dr. Stankovich.
 
(((Satori))) said:
it is the body chemistry that is harder to improve on without medicine imo.



.
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I've played guys that step into the bathroom for their "medicine" & came out chock full of confidence due to its affect on their body "chemistry". It still didn't help them get the cash. Confidence is an unshakeable belief in oneself and your abilities. I do believe that is developed at a young age due to successes or lack of it due to failures at a young age.

Can it be learned or developed, I believe it most certainly can, especially in this sport. Pool is a"visual game" and by that I mean that what those that excel at this sport learn is that the best way to perform not only the shot you are attempting but to get the necessary position on the next ball is to actually "see" it in your minds eye prior to getting down on the ball. This picture in your mind programs your subconscious to pull the "file" for that particular picture up and set your muscle memory in motion to perform what you've "seen" in that picture.

It is a proven fact that you can not only keep muscle memory honed but also develop it through visualization & meditation. Meditate, then once relaxed visualize in your "minds eye" that you are at the table performing well. Actually see the shots as you progress from the break to where you've run the table. Take a shot that you have problems with and perform it over & over again in your mind, "see" the ball dropping in the hole every time. Allow yourself to enjoy that feeling. Do this for at least an hour a day, daily positive reaffirmation. Soon you will discover that when faced with that tough shot at the table that you have been "practicing" in your mind that instead of feeling that dread you feel when faced with this shot that instead you feel the confidence you felt as you practiced it your mind while meditating. Then just "see" it in your mind at the table, once you "see" that picture then drop on the ball and let your subconscious execute. Sounds crazy huh? Try it, you might discover something.
 
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