Visual Training before play/competition

digitalcrack

digitalcrack

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just finished reading the Inner Game of Tennis and The Pleasures of Small Motions. One concept they talk about is to visualize specific images for body to see before the shot. I've tried it and it works but I believe preplay training will help me even more. What kind of visual training preparations (I guess mental game training) do people do before playing in the US Open or just ready to go into a tough 10 ahead set or even just regular play with friends? Are there any good drills? Any specific aspects of the game to visualize?
 
Here's what I do. When I start my warm up before a tournament, if we have warm up time that is, I set up super easy, a Z class player can make, shots and shoot 2 or 3 racks like that. Super super easy shots like balls right in front of the pockets, straight in from about 2 feet away, very minor cuts but close to the pocket etc... I feel, as most of us do, that pool relies heavily on the mental game. I want my mind to get into the set of making balls. I think if you start out shooting table length cut shots etc... and keep missing them you're not working out the bugs you're actually getting your mind into "miss mode" or the "I'm not seeing the angles very good today" mode, which is definitely setting yourself up for failure. How can anyone be expected to step up cold and start firing in those real tough shots?

Anyway, that's my advice.
MULLY
 
Both are good books, but the bad news is, if you don't have it....."it" already no book is going to help you. Sure maybe some practice here and there will help, hell maybe even 8 hours a day would be nice, but if your just going to practice with a limited amount of talent for that period of time, you will only get so far. Sorry there is no magic formula, it sucks, and most on this forum wont tell you this, but in pool, you need to have it, and then work on the raw talent, which you dont need books for, or you will struggle with your game for the rest of your life, period.
 
mullyman said:
Here's what I do. When I start my warm up before a tournament, if we have warm up time that is, I set up super easy, a Z class player can make, shots and shoot 2 or 3 racks like that. Super super easy shots like balls right in front of the pockets, straight in from about 2 feet away, very minor cuts but close to the pocket etc... I feel, as most of us do, that pool relies heavily on the mental game. I want my mind to get into the set of making balls. I think if you start out shooting table length cut shots etc... and keep missing them you're not working out the bugs you're actually getting your mind into "miss mode" or the "I'm not seeing the angles very good today" mode, which is definitely setting yourself up for failure.

How can anyone be expected to step up cold and start firing in those real tough shots?

Anyway, that's my advice.
MULLY
Click to expand...

I had the problem years ago of not being able to play without some pactice. Then I started playing world beaters 14.1....and figured I BETTER learn to play after sitting for oh I dunno....125 points. You MUST practice playing cold. Almost every practice session I set up a breaker and start running balls cold.....it helps.

Now, as far as getting ready for matches?....visualization is key. I see myself very calm (because I get too ampt at times), and I picture myself playing VEWRY confidently, and hoisting the trophy, or picking up the cash! Be VERY specific while visualizing, and play out in every detail. Some will say it bull, but those who use it know how strong a tool it can be!

good luck at the open.
 
I read about a book that talked about olympic athletes training for their specific competitions. In which it talks about the athlete seeing himself win the tourney or whatever it may be. Before anyone else can believe in yourself you must first. This is gives you confidence. I would spend around ten minutes thinking these thoughts without any interferences and it will work wonders. At least it did for me. Good luck
 
Gerry said:
Now, as far as getting ready for matches?....visualization is key. I see myself very calm (because I get too ampt at times), and I picture myself playing VEWRY confidently, and hoisting the trophy, or picking up the cash! Be VERY specific while visualizing, and play out in every detail. Some will say it bull, but those who use it know how strong a tool it can be!
Click to expand...

Good stuff..Thanks!
 
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