Gurnee_Steve
New member
I've just got to share my thoughts with somebody.
1) When the guy restored my old Brunswick table he said, "You should put traditional felt on to keep that look". After a year of practicing I've simply got to get it changed to a fast Simonis...here's why. I've developed a 'draw shot' mentality. Topspin just isn't gonna get you where you want to go on my table, and I play often. Consequently, I'd guess 75% of my cue ball strikes are on the bottom half of the ball. When I play on a fast table this can be a real handicap. I like topspin but my control can use some practice.
2) I found the key to turn on FOCUS. It just came to me. At times I can get into this kinda 'trance like' state when I'm watching the table...lots of thoughts running through as my opponent shoots. Then, as I step to the table, I retain this 'doe in the headlights' feeling and then sometimes miss a shot. One day as I was running balls I realized that I was kinda squinting my eyes and my brow was furreled. I immediately tried a few shots, turning this on/off. Wow! I found a way to physically rachet up my focus. I just give it a kinda 'Karen Corr stare' and I can be much more precise with the shot.
3) My league play in the last 10 days has put our team up against the top dogs twice. We lost. I played well and won some games. My revelation came when I realized how much I loved being a part of such competition. This doesn't come easy for me. Some of my pool is with family & friends. I play at 75% and spend more time mixing drinks. My practice sessions are good but don't have the intensity. But playing against the best, and as the underdog, I really, REALLY, wanted to win and had nothing to lose. And when I won my first game, I loved it more. I can hardly wait to do it again. Playing well against the best, win-lose-or-draw, is such a boost. If you haven't been there, review #2 above.
1) When the guy restored my old Brunswick table he said, "You should put traditional felt on to keep that look". After a year of practicing I've simply got to get it changed to a fast Simonis...here's why. I've developed a 'draw shot' mentality. Topspin just isn't gonna get you where you want to go on my table, and I play often. Consequently, I'd guess 75% of my cue ball strikes are on the bottom half of the ball. When I play on a fast table this can be a real handicap. I like topspin but my control can use some practice.
2) I found the key to turn on FOCUS. It just came to me. At times I can get into this kinda 'trance like' state when I'm watching the table...lots of thoughts running through as my opponent shoots. Then, as I step to the table, I retain this 'doe in the headlights' feeling and then sometimes miss a shot. One day as I was running balls I realized that I was kinda squinting my eyes and my brow was furreled. I immediately tried a few shots, turning this on/off. Wow! I found a way to physically rachet up my focus. I just give it a kinda 'Karen Corr stare' and I can be much more precise with the shot.
3) My league play in the last 10 days has put our team up against the top dogs twice. We lost. I played well and won some games. My revelation came when I realized how much I loved being a part of such competition. This doesn't come easy for me. Some of my pool is with family & friends. I play at 75% and spend more time mixing drinks. My practice sessions are good but don't have the intensity. But playing against the best, and as the underdog, I really, REALLY, wanted to win and had nothing to lose. And when I won my first game, I loved it more. I can hardly wait to do it again. Playing well against the best, win-lose-or-draw, is such a boost. If you haven't been there, review #2 above.
