Think Box/Play Box

[Brookeland Bill]

I started playing pool and golf in the late 50’s. Once you have all the fundamentals down it’s my opinion that both pool and golf are played “between the ears”. Recently a golf professional and I had a conversation about a pre-shot routine that sets up a shot in the “think box” and executes the shot in the “play box”. I applied it to my golf game then started using it playing pool. It’s not a cure all but it sets up a routine that is so much better than getting down over the cue ball and trying to decide what to do.

 

[Quesports]

I started playing pool and golf in the late 50’s. Once you have all the fundamentals down it’s my opinion that both pool and golf are played “between the ears”. Recently a golf professional and I had a conversation about a pre-shot routine that sets up a shot in the “think box” and executes the shot in the “play box”. I applied it to my golf game then started using it playing pool. It’s not a cure all but it sets up a routine that is so much better than getting down over the cue ball and trying to decide what to do.

Congratulations on enjoying pool and golf longer than me, also for still wanting and trying to become better at both sports. It says a lot about you and how much you enjoy both sports.

IMO the pre shot routine is a very important fundamental. Once incorporated into the full act of moving the cue (pausing and delivering) in an optimal stroke only leaves the mental side of the process as the next area to learn about. I look forward to hearing more of what you have discovered and how it helps your game..

 

[WoodyJ]

I started playing pool and golf in the late 50’s. Once you have all the fundamentals down it’s my opinion that both pool and golf are played “between the ears”. Recently a golf professional and I had a conversation about a pre-shot routine that sets up a shot in the “think box” and executes the shot in the “play box”. I applied it to my golf game then started using it playing pool. It’s not a cure all but it sets up a routine that is so much better than getting down over the cue ball and trying to decide what to do.

Yup. First use the left side of your brain (the analytical side and speech center) to decide what to do. Then get down on the ball and shoot the shot using the right side of your brain.

If after you are down on the ball and you start thinking about what to do or talking to yourself, get up and reset and start over.

Personally, I chalk my cue and use that as a trigger to tell myself when it's time to change modes.

 

[chefjeff]

Aim standing up.


Jeff Livingston

 

[WoodyJ]

Aim standing up.


Jeff Livingston

Agreed. I set the cue down on the table and aim it behind the cue ball while I'm standing. Then I conform my body to the cue (as opposed to getting down on the shot first and then conforming the cue to my body).

 

[garczar]

I do the same thing in both games. You have your aim/plot/think box and the execute/do box. Don't mix them up.