What makes you, better than others?
- Thread starter Ronoh
- Start date
Well I'm not "better than anyone else"...
But what has given me an "edge" over other players in a tournament many times is that "one shot" that I know how to make, but they don't.
And these are seldom used shots. Shots which may come up only once in a month. And since they are not regular shots, you can't get good at them unless you specifically practice them.
So practice shots from the book 99 critical shots as an example. Then when they come up, you will know what to try to do. Maybe you will make it. At least you know the shot is possible.
Also things like using the mechanical bridge. Practice using it. I don't know how many times I have seen someone miss a shot because they did not know how to use the mechanical bridge.
Practice what you are not good at.
Anyway these "little things" are that "one shot" you need to continue your run - may make you win the game. That one shot...
But what has given me an "edge" over other players in a tournament many times is that "one shot" that I know how to make, but they don't.
And these are seldom used shots. Shots which may come up only once in a month. And since they are not regular shots, you can't get good at them unless you specifically practice them.
So practice shots from the book 99 critical shots as an example. Then when they come up, you will know what to try to do. Maybe you will make it. At least you know the shot is possible.
Also things like using the mechanical bridge. Practice using it. I don't know how many times I have seen someone miss a shot because they did not know how to use the mechanical bridge.
Practice what you are not good at.
Anyway these "little things" are that "one shot" you need to continue your run - may make you win the game. That one shot...
Oops! Almost forgot the most important thing!
"Learn all you can!"
Hang around here and read, read, read. Ask questions.
Learn what is possible on the table, learn which shots are low percentage and best to avoid if possible, and learn what is not possible.
Just knowing what is and is not possible is a BIG help....
"Learn all you can!"
Hang around here and read, read, read. Ask questions.
Learn what is possible on the table, learn which shots are low percentage and best to avoid if possible, and learn what is not possible.
Just knowing what is and is not possible is a BIG help....
I think what gives me an edge is two part:
1: I have inner strength, and I don't choke. I play good in pressure situations, and on multiple occassions I've beaten someone who beats me in practice situations due to missing a shot that they should have made. Consistancy is key.
2: I play the person rather than the table. I dont always go for the "best" shot but I will play whatever I feel gives me the best advantage at the table depending on who I'm playing. I make sure to leave myself an easy run out and play a strategic game rather than straight run-out pool.
1: I have inner strength, and I don't choke. I play good in pressure situations, and on multiple occassions I've beaten someone who beats me in practice situations due to missing a shot that they should have made. Consistancy is key.
2: I play the person rather than the table. I dont always go for the "best" shot but I will play whatever I feel gives me the best advantage at the table depending on who I'm playing. I make sure to leave myself an easy run out and play a strategic game rather than straight run-out pool.
I like to think about something I read in one of the Monks books. During a match, if I'm ahead or behind I have the thought in my head that I'm supposed to win. I may not see how, or why. I just keep the belief that He's gonna miss an easy one, or I might just steam roll the set. It's not an outward arrogance, it's inward knowing I can't lose.....That thought alone has pulled me through matches I should have lost on days I'm playing above my head , or playing poorly.
Gerry
Gerry
things that give me the edge in clinches
Time on the table and willingness to learn from books and other shooters definitely comes into play. However, if I have to describe one thing that gives me an edge when dollars are on the line it is a will to win. Most people will tell you they are competitors but when things are tough most people have at least a tiny bit of quit in them.
The real competitors often find a way to win when they are, or should be, outclassed on a given day. I can't say that I can beat anyone anywhere but at the same time I know that I have reached deep many times when I needed to and pulled out wins that weren't supposed to be possible.
It all boils down to heart and keeping playing wide open until the last ball drops. If you watch the televised matches you often see that a competitor has accepted a loss fairly early in a match. They have given up and it is obvious in their posture and in their play. Then they get real openings but manage them poorly. They are defeated more by themselves than the other player.
What separates the best is heart and determination.
Hu
Time on the table and willingness to learn from books and other shooters definitely comes into play. However, if I have to describe one thing that gives me an edge when dollars are on the line it is a will to win. Most people will tell you they are competitors but when things are tough most people have at least a tiny bit of quit in them.
The real competitors often find a way to win when they are, or should be, outclassed on a given day. I can't say that I can beat anyone anywhere but at the same time I know that I have reached deep many times when I needed to and pulled out wins that weren't supposed to be possible.
It all boils down to heart and keeping playing wide open until the last ball drops. If you watch the televised matches you often see that a competitor has accepted a loss fairly early in a match. They have given up and it is obvious in their posture and in their play. Then they get real openings but manage them poorly. They are defeated more by themselves than the other player.
What separates the best is heart and determination.
Hu
Ronoh said:
talent. Lately I've been playing the luck factor thanx to reading az thread and to go for my best shot. And oh I play everyday..
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Inner Desire: I want it more. Whether that be running out, playing the needed safe. I will not lose.
Never-out-of it Mentality: I have all the same tools as him. I can get out too. Opponent gets complacent. String a couple together and I am back in the match.
I was playing my friend who plays pretty good. I think he got the 190-220 money in the Open in Vegas, lost his 2nd match. He wanted to warm up for Vegas by gambling me or another guy a longer set to 7 for $20. I said lets go. He jumps out 4-1 and then getting complacent he misses a not tough 8ball. Instead of it getting 5-1 his advantage I won and then ran out the set to win 7-4. Then beat him 7-1 the next set. Some warmup.
Never-out-of it Mentality: I have all the same tools as him. I can get out too. Opponent gets complacent. String a couple together and I am back in the match.
I was playing my friend who plays pretty good. I think he got the 190-220 money in the Open in Vegas, lost his 2nd match. He wanted to warm up for Vegas by gambling me or another guy a longer set to 7 for $20. I said lets go. He jumps out 4-1 and then getting complacent he misses a not tough 8ball. Instead of it getting 5-1 his advantage I won and then ran out the set to win 7-4. Then beat him 7-1 the next set. Some warmup.
From an ability point of view I'm probably a better shotmaker than most of the people I beat, and I probably have a better break. My biggest edge though is in knowledge, particularly in kicking, banking, and safety, but especially in kicking. Put two players on the table and the one who kicks better will win the set, all other things being equal.
maybe not in that order.
gromulan said:
Now that is someone who will get me every time!
That is someone who can most of the time kick and pocket their ball or bank and pocket their ball. This wrecks my game winning strategy which is to leave them with a bank or kick shot (if I don't have a shot).
You can't leave them *any* shot. If they can see a ball, they will make it!
I've been told I'm ruthless, I've put alot of time and effort into learning banking systems, throw shots, caroms blah blah blah. So I'd have to say knowledge is a big part.
My ATM card is good for $500.
i think my biggest asset is my love for the sport itself and the respect i earned by having respect for every player and behave respectfully around the table, so people who are ALOT better then me, find me worthy of teaching me things they wouldnt spend time on if i was an ***hole and they do it for free. im a very good listener.
thats my mental strenght.
my physical strenght is my hard long pots. im a potting machine!!! if the ob is 30" or 3" away doesnt make a difference to me.
thats my mental strenght.
my physical strenght is my hard long pots. im a potting machine!!! if the ob is 30" or 3" away doesnt make a difference to me.
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