For many players trying to improve their game it is usual advice that they should take lessons and play more drills to improve their levels of consistency.
As this is the case, when should a player start to stretch his wings so to speak and start playing with better players?
Should they start doing this whilst taking on a training program or should they do the training 1st before testing themselves against better players?
What is the right way to go about this?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Roy
First of all, drills and classes and books and dvd's will not make you a better player.
I am an instructor and an author, and yes, I am saying that.
What drills and and classes and books and dvd's provide is information. It comes down to what you do with that information. I know many players that have collected so much information, that when they need to put that knowledge into action, their brain goes dead and they need to reboot.
Collecting information and knowledge is one thing. Being able to apply that knowledge under pressure is something completely different.
Which brings us back to your main question -
"What is the right way to go about this?'
There is a right and a wrong way. You have to know the difference between the two.
The wrong way is what I call the road of self induced pressure. This is where the player places unrealistic expectations upon his skills and abilities.
The players says things such as -
"You better win or else!"
"Winning is the only acceptable result!"
These may sound as if they are "warrior-like" statements, but in reality, they are mantra's of self-destruction.
These statements place a lot of undue stress upon the player, and sooner rather than later, they become victims of self sabotage. They don't learn from their mistakes because they have tunnel vision towards elusive victory. Victory is something that they are chasing - not achieving. In their mind, victory is NOT a stationary target or goal. It is sort of like running a race where the finish line keeps moving farther into the distance. The faster you run, the farther it creeps ahead. That is what causes frustration.
Most players believe that the answer is to collect more information. If one remedy doesn't work under their self induced pressure - they toss it aside and use something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
Nothing works, and they just get lost in that repetitive cycle.
The answer is not "more information. It's about how you process the information through your thinking patterns.
So what is the correct way?
The correct way, is to relax and learn from every situation - both negative and positive. You need to know what makes you tick. You need to know how you react under pressure. Lastly, you need to know your opponent, as well as you know yourself. Easier said than done.
Be realistic in setting short term, mid term and long term goals. Ensure that goals are geared towards gradual progress, not strictly on performance outcomes. Strive for progress, not perfection. If you miss a shot, find out why. If you get nervous or flustered in certain situations, find out why. One you find out why, ASK QUESTIONS. Experiment with the answers and make sure that the answers fit your style of thinking and moving while under pressure. One remedy does not fit the needs of every player.
Learn how to generate positive and effective self talk during competition. It is just as important to learn how to do this while you are at the table as well as in the chair. It is also a good idea to learn how to do this when things are going wrong and when they are going right.
Evaluate your results and chart your progress. Sometimes when you lose, the silver lining of that black cloud is that a weakness has been exposed to you (and everybody else). It is your responsibility to transform that weakness into a strength.
View losses and setbacks as opportunities to grow as a player. Do not view them as ultimate failures. Setbacks and losses are part of the growth process, and they are the best thing to get your attention and get you back on the right track.
If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to get with me.
