Recently a friend of mine was playing in a tournament. They drew a first round bye and didn't play their first match until it was close to midnight. That's a long time to have to wait to play.
I experienced a lot of similar things in my playing days.
I was undefeated, going into the finals, six times, and lost two sets, all six times.
I'm a slow learner but I finally figured it out. I was sitting there, usually talking to people, and gloating, while waiting to get beat. I had to change my methods.
First, I told the people running the tournaments they needed to slow down, running the winners side of the chart. It wasn't fair to have to sit for several hours in the, "Hot Seat." By that time it was the ice cold seat.
That accomplished, I got in better shape and didn't sit idle, waiting to get beat. I would go off in a corner as the match for second and third was about to begin. I would hit balls until that match finished. This way, I was ready to play.
Some things are unavoidable. When your matches are all scheduled, which I prefer, you may have to wait a long time.
The thing you have to realize, your opponent is in the same situation. Don't use the wait as an excuse. If possible, take a nap.
I hope this helps some of you, the next time your in a similar situation.
I did start winning more frequently.
______________________________________________
http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
I experienced a lot of similar things in my playing days.
I was undefeated, going into the finals, six times, and lost two sets, all six times.
I'm a slow learner but I finally figured it out. I was sitting there, usually talking to people, and gloating, while waiting to get beat. I had to change my methods.
First, I told the people running the tournaments they needed to slow down, running the winners side of the chart. It wasn't fair to have to sit for several hours in the, "Hot Seat." By that time it was the ice cold seat.
That accomplished, I got in better shape and didn't sit idle, waiting to get beat. I would go off in a corner as the match for second and third was about to begin. I would hit balls until that match finished. This way, I was ready to play.
Some things are unavoidable. When your matches are all scheduled, which I prefer, you may have to wait a long time.
The thing you have to realize, your opponent is in the same situation. Don't use the wait as an excuse. If possible, take a nap.
I hope this helps some of you, the next time your in a similar situation.
I did start winning more frequently.
______________________________________________
http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
