what do you do when....

justadub

justadub

Rattling corners nightly
Silver Member
...you keep making basic mistakes that costs you a match? Three times in a week?

I seriously don't want to play right now. I am so very tired of the feeling I get when I do that....and I know, I have to realize that I'm not going to make everything. These are basic shots that I am referring to.

I know, the answer is more practice, and more competition.

I just needed to vent. Move along now, nothing to see here....
 
You already know the answer....

I really get tired of people who I play with who never practice or try to learn something.

You need to play more in gambling situations.

JMO

Ken
 
Keep calm. That's how. I had to do it tonight in my match, I called a short break and used the bathroom and grabbed a water. I was down, but ending up winning the last 4 and taking the match.
 
justadub said:
I know, the answer is more practice, and more competition.
Click to expand...

I would say your remedy is to do just the opposite. Get away from the game entirely for a period of time. Don't practice, don't even think about the game. Take a complete break. Let your mind do something else for a while.
 
Work on your ball pocketing. The confidence in the game comes from the ability to pocket balls consistently. You start there. There are plenty of resources for aiming. Seek them out and use what makes sense to you. Then I would work on falling on the correct side of the ball. You must shoot soft, the balls want to roll in, not slide in. In order for you consistently hit the object ball soft you must fall on the correct side of the pervious ball. Work on hitting the head ball perfectly full in the break. Stay down, follow through, and play position for corner pockets whenever possible. Use follow instead of draw. That's all I got.
 
I , like you, have been playing terrible.
I also know , as you do , it is from lack of practice or incorrect practice.
If I wanted to gamble , why would I gamble when i am playing terrible?
Am I going to magically start making balls because the pressure is on?
I decided I am tired of playing poorly, and I know the only way to stop that is put in "GOOD" practice time.
If I were going to gamble , it would be when I am in dead punch , not when I am dogging balls or missing straight ins.
What can happen if you gamble when you are playing bad?
Some goof will beat you, you should be spotting, and get your nose open. Or you will beat yourself, and then when you are playing better , find out you can't beat the opponent anyway, and you lost twice to someone , you had no chance against.
The third is that even playing poorly , you will beat someone and then when you start playing good , they will be mad because you hustled them.
No thanks to those scenarios for me.
I hate getting beat when I am playing bad, if I play my speed and get beat, I know I played a better player.
I can live with that.
 
Two things. I have this problem, too, this is what I've done it seems to help. You're breaking your rhythm somehow at a critical point in the game/match, making it impossible for you to close. Doubt creeps into your mind, then becomes reality as you dog the pedestrian out. Depending on your game, you could take the case ball plus the previous two (7-8-9 or 8-9-10) and just spend 30 minutes or so randomly running them. Get used to getting out from everywhere. That seems to cock my brain against the problem of closing out a rack/game/set.

The biggest help I've found is video taping your self in competition. It's amazing what you'll see...I struggled last weekend in a 10 ball tournament, going two/out against two players who were clearly much weaker. I turned the camera off in disgust and refused to look at it for two days. When I did, I was very surprised...I actually shot much better than I thought, doing all the work but dogging the last three balls. I also noted that I was decelerating on my stroke, with almost no follow through; my stroke was very accurate and straight, my mechanics were great, my CB control was really great, but because I wasn't accelerating my stroke, my deflection (in TOI) wasn't taking and I was undercutting everything by the exact same amount. I should have been able to see this and adjust while playing to get it back in dead punch, but I couldn't for some reason. Told me everything I needed to know about what I was doing wrong. Video taping while practicing helps a lot, but video while competing is MUCH better, as your mistakes will stand out more to you. You'll see the one thing that's screwing you up.
 
Couple years ago I dogged the winning ball on an easy shot and lost 1/2 money for my team at the time. Thinking about what you did wrong. Think about what you need to do to make it better. Work at it. I know I did, and I'll be ready the next time.
 
You have to first know WHY you missed a shot before you can correct it. I suggest video so you can see what you are doing from another point of view. Gambling will make you a better player under pressure, but not until you can identify the WHYS of you playing bad. It could be a movement thing or something mechanical. Good luck
 
ok Bro, I'm here 4 ya ....

justadub said:
...you keep making basic mistakes that costs you a match? Three times in a week?

I seriously don't want to play right now. I am so very tired of the feeling I get when I do that....and I know, I have to realize that I'm not going to make everything. These are basic shots that I am referring to.

I know, the answer is more practice, and more competition.

I just needed to vent. Move along now, nothing to see here....
Click to expand...

Dub,

You have lost some of that enthusiasm. You are going thru a slump.
Here's what you do guy,...................

1- Get that chic in yer avatar to kiss & rub yer back for a good 45 mins or so. :grin::D

2- Next structure yourself a "gameplan." You are in leagues, you know pretty much who you are gonna face, make a plan to "take 'em down." :grin::grin-devilish:

3- Get back on that table and hit the Fundies ! Line up & Lean down for that shot . Think about making yer opp squirm in their chair after every ball you pot.

4- You know who you are likely to play. Make the plan, then make your goal to execute same. :thumbup:

5- Get it in yer head yer not gonna lose , --- no matter what. It all starts with going back to the fundamentals and getting hungry! :thumbup::grin-devilish::grin::thumbup2:
 
Hi Bruce,

This is just a guess, but it sounds like you might be starting to take some shots for granted.

I think we all went through this stage at one time or another & it may still pop up from time to time. The shot is so 'easy' that we just don't give it our full attention & then 'badda dump' we mis it.

The suggestion to take a complete break for a short time might be a good one. Then you can come back with a realization that the game & no shots are 'easy' & it requires your full attention. The game is like work or working out, It's not easy but it gives you a good feeling when you know you have given it your best effort & have done a good job at it.

Every shot including the money ball requires a plan for where to send the cue ball, but you really can only shoot one shot at a time & EVERY one of them requires your full attention to detail. Maintaining that level of focus & concentration is difficult at times. One way or another though it must be put forth. If a short complete break gets it back the so be it.

I played my first league(individual) in nearly 20 years. I finished in 1st. but lost, I did not get beat, in the playoffs. I'm sitting out this session to do 2 or 3 things, one work on fine tuning TOI, two, punish myself for losing, & three get hungry for it.

I hope this helps & as someone once said, 'and this too shall pass'.

Best Regards,
Rick
 
justadub said:
...you keep making basic mistakes that costs you a match? Three times in a week?

I seriously don't want to play right now. I am so very tired of the feeling I get when I do that....and I know, I have to realize that I'm not going to make everything. These are basic shots that I am referring to.

I know, the answer is more practice, and more competition.

I just needed to vent. Move along now, nothing to see here....
Click to expand...


dub, the thing is: there are no easy shots.

And while everyone thinks that they should be able to make a good number of "basic shots," when you introduce multiple variables such as speed, spin, elevation, distance, or a different bridge, they become far more complex than they appear. IOW, the shot may look the same but in fact, because of positional requirements and what you have to do to the CB, it is unique. On each shot balls are spinning, and squirting, and deflecting, and throwing to varying degrees. So it is not so easy.

All you can do is acknowledge how tough the game is, not beat yourself up, and hit the practice table more often.

Lou Figueroa
 
For me, it's a balancing act between two opposing forces. On the one side, I have that competitive drive that fuels me. This is the part that wants to destroy my opponent, run out every table, and just conquer the game.

The other force at work is more subtle and more simple, it's my love for the game. This is the part that finds joy in the simple things. Things like the sound of the balls colliding, or the beauty of the table with all the balls spread randomly around it, or one of my favorites is when I'm all alone just practicing with no distractions - no music and no other people, just me all alone putting the balls in the holes.

I just screwed up recently myself -- in a team event it came down to the final rack (bar table 8 ball). I came to the table with ball in hand. I surveyed the table and there was only one cluster I had to break open, but it was a bit tricky. Well, I managed to break that cluster open just right. Now the table was wide open, all I had to do was put them in one at a time and my team was on to the next round. I pocketed the next ball....I was on my way....the table was mine. Then I exhaled. I got down and fired in the next shot and watched the cue ball roll across the side and it kept going, and going, until it dropped right into the side pocket! We lost!

The competitive side started yelling at me "why even bother?" "Just quit!" "What's the point of this stupid game?" "You spend all this time practicing, only to do something like that!"

Then after I calmed down, the love of the game side reminded me that although I failed, just being in the arena was quite exhilarating. Quite simply - it was fun. Of course, it would have been more fun had I managed to pull out the victory for my team, but if you ask me, I would much rather be playing pool than working. Even if there's a chance I may find myself banging balls into the rails or SCRATCHING!

It is tricky balancing out these two forces. I enjoy watching a great runout, sometimes even if it’s my opponent who is doing it. The enjoyment I get sometimes just from watching good pool can sometimes cause me to let down my guard, and lose my focus. On the flip side, it helps me overcome those discouraging times when I look like I just picked up a cue for the first time. At the very least, I know that both of these forces need to be alive for me to stay interested in pool. I think I’m on my way to figuring out the right balance.

One last thought – I bet Earl Strickland has missed more balls than I have made. We have all heard that “Failure is not an option!” but the truth is that failure is mandatory in this game.
 
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BasementDweller said:
For me, it's a balancing act between two opposing forces. On the one side, I have that competitive drive that fuels me. This is the part that wants to destroy my opponent, run out every table, and just conquer the game.

The other force at work is more subtle and more simple, it's my love for the game. This is the part that finds joy in the simple things. Things like the sound of the balls colliding, or the beauty of the table with all the balls spread randomly around it, or one of my favorites is when I'm all alone just practicing with no distractions - no music and no other people, just me all alone putting the balls in the holes.

I just screwed up recently myself -- in a team event it came down to the final rack (bar table 8 ball). I came to the table with ball in hand. I surveyed the table and there was only one cluster I had to break open, but it was a bit tricky. Well, I managed to break that cluster open just right. Now the table was wide open, all I had to do was put them in one at a time and my team was on to the next round. I pocketed the next ball....I was on my way....the table was mine. Then I exhaled. I got down and fired in the next shot and watched the cue ball roll across the side and keep going, and going, until it dropped right into the side pocket! We lost!

The competitive side started yelling at me "why even bother it said!" "Just quit!" "What's the point of this stupid game?" "You spend all this time practicing, only to do something like this!"

Then after I calm down, the love of the game side reminds me that although I failed, just being in the arena was quite exhilarating. Quite simply - it was fun. Of course, it would have been more fun had I managed to pull out the victory for my team, but if you ask me, I would much rather be playing pool than working. Even if there's a chance I may find myself banging balls into the rails or SCRATCHING!

It is tricky balancing out these two forces. I enjoy watching a great runout, sometimes even if it’s my opponent who is doing it. The enjoyment I get sometimes just from watching good pool can sometimes cause me to let down my guard, and lose my focus. On the flip side, it helps me overcome those discouraging times when I look like I just picked up a cue for the first time. At the very least, I know that both of these forces need to be alive for me to stay interested in pool. I think I’m on my way to figuring out the right balance.

One last thought – I bet Earl Strickland has missed more balls than I have made. We have all heard that “Failure is not an option!” but the truth is that failure is mandatory in this game.
Click to expand...
Very well said. Nice post
 
Okay, Justa, you forced me in to this one. I'm going to give you a secret that even C.J. doesn't know about.
Just before you stroke the cue, open your mouth. That's right. Just open your mouth.
By doing so, all the tension will drain from your upper body and your stroke will become smoother than a baby's bottom. Your shot percentage will increase two-fold, I guarantee. :smile:
 
BasementDweller said:
For me, it's a balancing act between two opposing forces. On the one side, I have that competitive drive that fuels me. This is the part that wants to destroy my opponent, run out every table, and just conquer the game.

The other force at work is more subtle and more simple, it's my love for the game. This is the part that finds joy in the simple things. Things like the sound of the balls colliding, or the beauty of the table with all the balls spread randomly around it, or one of my favorites is when I'm all alone just practicing with no distractions - no music and no other people, just me all alone putting the balls in the holes.

I just screwed up recently myself -- in a team event it came down to the final rack (bar table 8 ball). I came to the table with ball in hand. I surveyed the table and there was only one cluster I had to break open, but it was a bit tricky. Well, I managed to break that cluster open just right. Now the table was wide open, all I had to do was put them in one at a time and my team was on to the next round. I pocketed the next ball....I was on my way....the table was mine. Then I exhaled. I got down and fired in the next shot and watched the cue ball roll across the side and it kept going, and going, until it dropped right into the side pocket! We lost!

The competitive side started yelling at me "why even bother it said!" "Just quit!" "What's the point of this stupid game?" "You spend all this time practicing, only to do something like this!"

Then after I calmed down, the love of the game side reminded me that although I failed, just being in the arena was quite exhilarating. Quite simply - it was fun. Of course, it would have been more fun had I managed to pull out the victory for my team, but if you ask me, I would much rather be playing pool than working. Even if there's a chance I may find myself banging balls into the rails or SCRATCHING!

It is tricky balancing out these two forces. I enjoy watching a great runout, sometimes even if it’s my opponent who is doing it. The enjoyment I get sometimes just from watching good pool can sometimes cause me to let down my guard, and lose my focus. On the flip side, it helps me overcome those discouraging times when I look like I just picked up a cue for the first time. At the very least, I know that both of these forces need to be alive for me to stay interested in pool. I think I’m on my way to figuring out the right balance.

One last thought – I bet Earl Strickland has missed more balls than I have made. We have all heard that “Failure is not an option!” but the truth is that failure is mandatory in this game.
Click to expand...

Like boyraks said, this IS a very nice post. It reminds me of myself.

Dub, not calling anybody out here, but the advice about "gambling will make you a better player under pressure" is based more or less on THEIR experiences and has already been proven by many to not work for everyone. It's an individual thing. If you wish to try that, go ahead. Just remember, it could make your bankroll a lot lighter and you STILL may not be able to play better under pressure.

Mentally, it sounds to me as if you may be suffering from burnout, or you're simply putting too much emphasis on the win/lose/competition aspect of the game instead of the fun/socializing/entertaining aspect of it. Maybe scale back a night or two until your mind gets right again.

Another thing that helped me is just knowing where I stand on the pool "food chain". I realize that I'm never going to be a world beater. I absolutely understand that I'm going to miss shots that I am capable of making. I cannot tell you how many more break-and-runs/table run outs I would have in my life if I wouldn't have missed that makeable ball in the middle of the run (usually one of the easiest shots of the run). With this knowledge comes peace. I have come to realize that it's okay. The sun will rise tomorrow. My family will still love me. I will get 'em next time.

With that said, here is another thing that has helped me under pressure. I have heard and read that you should never let negative thoughts into your head when shooting pool, but the one time I allow that to happen is when I shoot a shot that if missed, could sell out the rack. This is when I make a plan for "in case" I do miss and work-out in my head a specific speed or pocket side in which I should miss if I indeed do so. Believe it or not, this contingency plan has actually helped me win more games, and has not one bit hurt my "pressure shot" chances. Actually seems like it made me pot those shots better. Keep in mind, these are usually shots on the money ball.

Some things you may or may not want to consider. It's just advice. You're getting a LOT of that, and you just have to figure out for yourself what you want to use and what you think is rubbish. We're just all giving in accordance with what has worked for us.

I wish you all the luck in your quest and hope that you keep the game FUN. You're one of the good guys on here and I hate to see you lose your zeal for the game!!!

Maniac
 
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