Tightening up towards the end of a rack.
- Thread starter BVal
- Start date
Another aspect of the end of the game that I think is important is to stop what you're doing long enough to mentally go through all of the shots left, especially in 8-ball. Figure out the most foolproof pattern by mentally shooting each shot and seeing what the realistic chances are of getting correct on the next ball so that you can get to the next one, etc. The correct time to do this will vary from rack to rack but should be when there are 3-4 balls left. When I'm shooting, I have a tendency to get into a rhythm and sometimes don't realize I'm shooting myself into a problem until it's too late.
From what I understand "Black Panthers" are generally one of three large cats that happen to be black in color. Cougars, Leopards and Jaguars. They are some of the coolest looking animails in nature I think. Especially if you see them with the sun hitting them. You can actually still see thier spots and/or stripes.BigCat said:
BVal
There was a great interview some time ago with Tiger Woods, and he was asked how he was able to maintain his focus through the end of winning his first Masters, and Tiger admitted that when he holed the last putt, he was still thinking he had another hole of golf to play. He was so focused, he didn't realize till his parents came up to hug him that it was really over.
He said, (I'm paraphrasing) "A track runner doesn't run up to the line, he runs through it."
He also went on to say that it is extremely important to maintain an equal intensity level for each shot and that no shot is more important than another.
Who can argue with that!
Edit - (Where is my grammar and spelling today?)
He said, (I'm paraphrasing) "A track runner doesn't run up to the line, he runs through it."
He also went on to say that it is extremely important to maintain an equal intensity level for each shot and that no shot is more important than another.
Who can argue with that!
Edit - (Where is my grammar and spelling today?)
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Da Poet said:There was a great interview some time ago with Tiger Woods was asked how he was able to maintain his focus through the end of winning his first Masters, and Tiger admitted that when he holed the last put, he was still thinking he had another hole of golf to play. He was so focused, he didn't realize till his parents came up to hug him that it was really over.
He said, (I'm paraphrasing) "A track runner doesn't run up to the line, he runs through it."
He also went on to say that it is extremely important to maintain an equal intensity level for each shot and that no shot is more important than another.
Who can argue with that!
LOL, I had feeling recently. After winning a small tournament, I proceeded to get my break cue thinking I needed to win one more game. My opponent, who was keeping better track of the score than I was, walked up to shake my hand and I insisted there was another game left. It actually took a bit of convincing. I have to admit, it's sorta takes away from that joy of winning but I did shoot that game winning shot without blinking.
BigCat said:
I want to see MONSTER BRADY play Saturday.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, so I'm glad you brought it up.
A quick question: How many game (not practice) hours do you play a week?
My personal theory, which can really only speak for my game, is that the evolution to become a run out player happens in gradual stages. I'm sure you can remember a time when you used to get tight after running two balls in a row. After this became routine, then it was three balls, then four, etc, etc.
I believe after a certain point, running the table becomes routine, and then our next step is dealing with the pressure that comes with stringing two or more racks together. Playing 8 ball against a buddy the other night, I had two different opportunities to put a two pack together (perfect lay outs in the subsequent racks), and faltered on a simple shot both times.
I think it's as simple as just being experienced and being used to the pressure and mental concentration that comes with running out. And we learn to deal with this by playing and playing and playing. The insidious thing about pressure and anxiety is its power to undermine even the strongest fundamentals and the greatest talent.
A quick question: How many game (not practice) hours do you play a week?
My personal theory, which can really only speak for my game, is that the evolution to become a run out player happens in gradual stages. I'm sure you can remember a time when you used to get tight after running two balls in a row. After this became routine, then it was three balls, then four, etc, etc.
I believe after a certain point, running the table becomes routine, and then our next step is dealing with the pressure that comes with stringing two or more racks together. Playing 8 ball against a buddy the other night, I had two different opportunities to put a two pack together (perfect lay outs in the subsequent racks), and faltered on a simple shot both times.
I think it's as simple as just being experienced and being used to the pressure and mental concentration that comes with running out. And we learn to deal with this by playing and playing and playing. The insidious thing about pressure and anxiety is its power to undermine even the strongest fundamentals and the greatest talent.
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Hey, anybody who hasn't had this problem has got to be kidding himself. I second the comments on breathing ... caught myself there in a tourney last week.
But you might also check whether your mechanics are changing toward the end of the rack, as maybe you try to cinch shots rather than hit them the right way. For myself, I noticed I was loosening up my grip, fiddling around my fingers and thumb, and hunching down lower to the table. Not entirely cured, but at least I'm aware of the tendency.
But you might also check whether your mechanics are changing toward the end of the rack, as maybe you try to cinch shots rather than hit them the right way. For myself, I noticed I was loosening up my grip, fiddling around my fingers and thumb, and hunching down lower to the table. Not entirely cured, but at least I'm aware of the tendency.
BVal said:
It's not really routine if you don't do it every time, is is?
You should focus on your pre-shot routine when you are practicing until every step has become a habit.
If you learn to do the same things the same way every time, you can expect more consistant results.
I suspect you may be thinking about the end of the game when you get down to the last two or three, whereas early in the rack, you are probably thinking about the shot in front of you.
Try practicing 9-ball backwards....play the 9 then the 8, etc. Your brain will learn to recognize the higher number balls as "just another ball to sink"
Much of the problem you are dealing with is simply a matter of focus....you gotta train your brain.
Steve
Yes it is true,i am a big leopard fan and i have seen black ones,you can really see their spots when the sun hits them.I was just at the Phoenix zoo today,no leopards though.BVal said:
The only thing that has been working for me that has been helping me get out has been my concentration,i go through everything,stance,grip,and really focus on sighting,object ball to cue ball and back and forth until im ready to let go.I have noticed a difference when im really focused that i go through these motions without really putting too much thought in it,its like automatic and a good feeling,before i didnt know how to get into that zone but lately i have been finding it easier.When i get alittle frustrated when things are rolling bad or i botch a game i dont let it take hold of me and drag me down for the set either.I try not to think about missing,i try to picture the ball going in and the cue ball traveling where i want it like a movie in my mind and execute.
Think........What would Steve Wilkos DO !
BVal said:
I finish the racks because I know I can, I know how to play, this is what I do. It is mostly a confidence issue. If you find yourself thinking about missing or making a position error STOP IT!
With all the great advice Brady got I expect to see him win this weekend at Alexander's.
I have received lots of great advice in this thread. I was able to put some to use last night in league and had my best night so far (out of 4 nights). I noticed my breathing or lack there of and refocused took a few breaths got down and executed. One other thing I concentrated on was finishing my stroke and not cinching the ball. That also helped tremendously.CocoboloCowboy said:With all the great advice Brady got I expect to see him win this weekend at Alexander's.
I am hoping to do very well at Alexander's this weekend and all of this advice will cetainly help. No Doubt about it.
Thanks to all of you again. I tried to rep all of you for your help and if I missed you I apologize.
BVal
BV,
I will have to say that the best place to practice all of this advice is in regular games of straight pool for cash.
The unique thing about straight pool is that the pressure is fairly intense and continuous (especially the last 30 minutes of a 2 hour game to 100 or 150). This is an ideal testing ground for your relaxation techniques. You are talking about a few minutes of pressure at the end of a 9-ball rack; the pressure in 14.1 can be intense, and last a LONG time, depending on your opponent.
Your game is bound to improve if you have competitive 14.1 games regularly. JMO.
I will have to say that the best place to practice all of this advice is in regular games of straight pool for cash.
The unique thing about straight pool is that the pressure is fairly intense and continuous (especially the last 30 minutes of a 2 hour game to 100 or 150). This is an ideal testing ground for your relaxation techniques. You are talking about a few minutes of pressure at the end of a 9-ball rack; the pressure in 14.1 can be intense, and last a LONG time, depending on your opponent.
Your game is bound to improve if you have competitive 14.1 games regularly. JMO.
BVal said:
I read this earlier but never commented. If I would have it would have included standard pre-shot routine and breathing to stay relaxed as noted.
This helps lead to a good final execution stroke. Not finishing your stroke is a common mistake made by players of all levels. By finishing I mean going back and forward.
When players get a little excited or tight they tend to not take a slow pause at the c/b. Then the next step is bring the cue back way to fast. When this is rushed the next obvious step is rush their forward stroke.
Its very obvious to the trained eye this happens. Another side effect of a rushed motion is taking your eye off the shot (no matter how slight). It the worst case a player raises or jumps off off the shot.
I think your on the right path, cinching sounds like a faster/short tighter stroke. Your better off without it because your brain and muscle memory remembers all you do. It will creep into your normal strokes to some degree.
My advice, pause at the c/b, bring it back slow, this sets up a smooth transition and a smooth forward delivery. Your accuracy will improve. Plus you look better!! ha ha ha lol
Rod
When I got my lesson from Scott Lee a preshot routine is one of the things we went over. He introduced to me the "pause before you start your stroke" and I am still getting used to it. I need it to be where I do it with out thinking about it. It is my own fault for not doing it on every shot. I did last night and played great. One other thing he noticed was on soft draw shots and soft follow shots I was not finishing my stroke. On medium and hard follow shots I was dropping my shoulder/elbow.Rod said:
BVal
P.S. The only thing I really care about is looking good anyways