Stroking When You Can't Find Motivation?

[Zphix]

Okay so - I was reading the Pleasures of Small Motion and there was a chapter dedicated to stroking when you can't really find a reason to.

The book example was that there was a local wannabe player playing against a pro in a tournament and the pro couldn't bring her stroke out because she basically couldn't find the motivation playing her opponent who wasn't as good as her. The game was clearly in her favor and she had almost no chance of losing so she didn't feel any pressure.

It wasn't until the wannabe called a bogus foul on the pro (the pro conceded that game) which made her mad. With that emotion and motivation (the anger) she ran the next 8 racks against this wannabe.

I didn't read through the chapter as fully as possible because I didn't think it applied to me - but it actually does.

Today, I played around with my dad and sister and I really couldn't motivate myself enough to pull my stroke out playing them. I actually ended up losing about 8 games in the span of 5 and a half hours because I just could not shoot with any purpose. I was playing down to their level instead of playing at mine.

I've also noticed when I shoot with opponent's I consider to be better than me (ScottK is an example) I tend to shoot, in what I consider to be a, better fashion than usual.

So - I play up and down to my opponent's level and when I'm in a match against an APA opponent who isn't a match for me (btw, this isn't something I consciously tell myself, it's more of a subconscious feel that I'm only noticing now as I write this) I start to lose more games because I just cannot pull out all the stops and shoot my way.

When I play with an opponent who isn't as good as me (horrible to say because I don't generally underestimate anybody) - what can I do to motivate myself to really shoot?

Thanks guys,

-Richard

 

[s0lidz]

One thing you can do is play the table not the opponent. Whenever you shoot it is you vs the table, regardless of who is in the other chair. If you run out, play a good safe, or make a good kick, then you have defeated the table that inning.

Practicing alone might help.

 

[Pushout]

I read this earlier this morning and came back to make a couple comments. I have played better after getting angry once in a great while. I'm usually angry with myself for missing a shot and anger directed at me doesn't help. I've played very well on occasion with a splitting headache Usually, I just try to play the table as I come to it and don't need any more motivation other than wanting to win
I would take Pleasures of Small Motions with a grain of salt. Like laminated l/d shafts, it ain't for everybody. I've read it four times now and got much more out of The Inner Game of Tennis, personally. My wife says it's a right brain/left brain thing. Some think it's the greatest thing printed on pool. Some, like me, cry BS!
Good luck!

 

[bbb]

the advice of play the table is good advice imo
also
gamble and give a spot to the weaker opponent
that should get you to bring your A game....:grin:

 

[bdorman]

I think it's human nature to expend only the amount of energy necessary to get the job done. Otherwise we'd have gone extinct by fussing over insignificant details.In pool, we have to consciously fight against this by "playing the table, not the player."

 

[jburkm002]

Don't know your financial situation or skill level. If there were something you would like to buy. You could just buy it or you could find a way to mix your game into being able to buy it. Maybe you put a dollar into a jar every time you run a rack. Let's say you want a new shaft $200 plus. Up to you whether you want to take out of the pot if you don't meet certain accomplishments. Just A thought to always have something to shoot for.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[West Point 1987]

One thing you can do is play the table not the opponent. Whenever you shoot it is you vs the table, regardless of who is in the other chair. If you run out, play a good safe, or make a good kick, then you have defeated the table that inning.

Practicing alone might help.

Tried that this weekend...the table kept leaving me safe.

 

[ScottK]

I think it's human nature to expend only the amount of energy necessary to get the job done. Otherwise we'd have gone extinct by fussing over insignificant details.In pool, we have to consciously fight against this by "playing the table, not the player."

I agree with Bob, it's probably an evolutionary "problem."

However, I don't necessarily agree with the old adage of playing the table, not the player. You have to play the table as well as your opponent. Many decisions can and should be based on your opponents likely ability to counter your strategy. The table, your opponent, and your playing ability will dictate said strategy.

I think everyone suffers from this problem to a certain degree. One thing which might help is to remind yourself it takes the same effort to miss a shot as it does to make it. And, if you miss it, you'll have to make a similar effort at least one more time in order to pocket the ball. Certainly not a fix for the problem, but may be helpful in a small way.