The next level

[erikido]

I think I may have taken a step to the next level tonight. I will have to see how I play the next couple tournies. But, considering I was getting out on most of the tables that were given to me with an open shot I think I might have taken that step. The biggest difference I found(realized after playing.) was my pre shot routine and focus/mentality.
1. Pre shot routine

Figure out the 1st 3 balls on the table and what I need to do with the cue ball to get position

Set the tip for desired position

take couple practice strokes WHILE looking at the cue ball

forget the cue ball is even there and take a couple more strokes and let it go

(this is the key one i found for those real tough shots with english and or trying to get shape. A lot of times when I get a tough positional shot I think too much about if I am putting enough english or speed on the ball. Today I just decided before I shot and let it go.)

2. mentality. Even when I was getting slightly out of shape I wasn't panicking. Just look to see if it is a makeable shot, with shape. If I don't think it was high enough percentage I found a safety. If there was no safety and no makeable shot then kick or kick safe.


3. Focus. well not much I can say about this. You just have it or you don't. It can be trained. But, today I had it.


This was mostly just for me to have this written down somewhere. But, if anyone else wants to comment/critique or add what they do when they are playing well would be greatly appreciated as well.


Ps...I was at a 51 speed in the usppa as of today. But, I think I played like an 80 speed today.

 

[Cameron Smith]

Figure out the 1st 3 balls on the table and what I need to do with the cue ball to get position

All sounds good to me, good for you!

But I would just like to add one thing to the above statement. At the beginning of each turn, identify the key ball in the rack. That is, find that ball that, once pocketed, the rest of the rack becomes a cake walk. This will sometimes require you to think 5 or 6 balls ahead, and there is nothing wrong with that.

 

[erikido]

All sounds good to me, good for you!

But I would just like to add one thing to the above statement. At the beginning of each turn, identify the key ball in the rack. That is, find that ball that, once pocketed, the rest of the rack becomes a cake walk. This will sometimes require you to think 5 or 6 balls ahead, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Thanks cameron. I do look at the key ball at the beginning of the rack. However I do not necessarily look for the way to get there right away. I have found if I look 3 balls ahead I can get there because I am always on the right side of the ball. If the 2,3,4 are lowest on the table I look for position on the 3 to get to the right side of the 4. then once the 2 is made look for position on the 5 ball. Seems to work out well for me. But, in some very sticky situations I will think a little bit farther ahead. Most likely though I am thinking of where i need to be in position for a solid safety.


oops...edit..I just woke up lol...

I guess now that I think about it I just look for the key ball and make sure that I am on the right side of the ball in that case..planning the 3 balls ahead though. that way the rack seems more manageable.