Terrible problems with morning matches...

P

predator

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Is anyone else having trouble performing at morning tournament matches?

This weekend at my national championships, I got unlucky and got drawn to play at 10 a.m. I did get a good night sleep and took a shower when I woke up, felt really good, not sleepy at all.
But once I got to the table, everything felt awful. Just couldn't see the balls, angles, nothing. And that is my club where I spend around 20-30 hours per week!

Usually I'm rarery at the poolhall before 6 p.m for practice, since I work every day mon-fri. 10 a.m. match is really a shock for me.

Any tips?
 
Last edited:
predator said:
Is anyone else having trouble performing at morning tournament matches?

This weekend at my national championships, I got unlucky and got drawn to play at 10 a.m. I did get a good night sleep and took a shower when I woke up, felt really good, not sleepy at all.
But once I got to the table, everything felt awful. Just couldn't see the balls, angles, nothing. And that is my club where I spend around 20-30 hours per week!

Usually I'm rarely at the pool hall before 6 p.m for practice, since I work every day Mon-Fri. 10 a.m. match is really a shock for me.

Any tips?
Click to expand...

Well, I haven't played pool at 10AM since last time I was up all night playing, but I find the same problem with early AM golf. I usually play late morning or early afternoon, but many tournaments go off much earlier.

I don't usually hit balls (warm up) much before I play, just enough to make sure I don't hurt myself on the first swing, but I find if I have to play early, increasing my warm-up time helps me lose that "fuzzy feeling".

Might try it?

Joe
 
I used to have the same problem before. I felt that my muscles were still a little bit stiff after the night and I felt sleepy. What helps me is that I eat a light breakfast before the game, drink a couple of cups of coffee and stretch my muscles a little bit before the game and during the couple of practice racks. And wake up at least a couple of hours before your match starts. Hope this helps...
 
The time of day has nothing to do with your level of play however, the fact that you are playing shortly after your sleep cycle (which you don't normally do) will throw you off. As difficult as this sounds, try going to bed early Friday night and waking up at about 6 AM on Saturday morning. Also, make sure you get out of your house during this time. Waking up early is useless if all you do is lounge around. As long as you get up, take a shower, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and go do something, you should be close to your normal state when you start playing.
 
Last edited:
It's Bertolli Cried The Chef

It's Bertolli :D

I used to and somewhat do still have the problem.. I could play my last match of the event jam up at midnight, Come back at 10am and play like poo..

Just get there a few hours before your match so you can get your mind right.. Hit some balls for about 30 min alone before your match..

If this doesn't help any, I don't know what to tell ya..
 
Adjust your drinking habits :D

When you get out of bed try to take some time to stretch before you do anything then go take that shower and make sure you use soap on them dogs then have another go at some stretches and get some Starbucks on the way. You really just need to get that blood flowing in the AM. If you know you are going to play early and you've got a couple of days start your practice sessions in check with the rest of the week..

Good luck Bud..
 
ScottW said:
Simple solution:

Stay up all night!

:D
Click to expand...


Beer....the breakfast of champions!:D

I have the same problem....This summer, I plan on practicing for 15 minutes or so each morning to program my mind for early play. It sounds like you don't have a table at home so maybe you could visualize playing each morning?

fwiw,

Jeff Livingston
 
I have teammates with this affliction

Like the other posts say,

Get up a little early and start your routine and practice 30 or 45 minutes. Otherwise you are half asleep
 
Okay so here's the deal when you have an early morning match. Tang used to have the same problem playing anytime before Noon, but we got it handled.

Get up well before your match, say 7 to 8 AM for a 10 AM match. Give yourself 10-15 minutes to get fully awake, maybe drink some juice or coffee, and stretch a little. Now go outside and exercise for a good 20-30 minutes. It could be a brisk walk or a jog, whatever. An alternative would be to exercise indoors doing calisthenics in your room, using the hotel workout facility or swimming in the hotel pool.

After your exercise, eat a light breakfast and go down and warm up for your match. You'll be fine now! And have an advantage over your opponent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top