Young Players & Attitudes

[lakemifurytour]

I run the Lake MI and Midwest divisions of the KBP Fury Tour. I recently read an article that hit home from my April issue of a magazine that I have a subscription to. The subject was controlling your anger with the game.

The members on the tours I direct range in age. However, I have had some interesting experiences in tour stops recently. More specifically watching players and the anger in both body and verbalizing it. Around a local hall or bar type atmosphere I have experienced many players at different levels of the game. Yes, you will get the typical player who voices their disapproval with a play or shot they made now and then as well as abusing ones equipment.

So for all you instructors and pro's and those more experienced with the game than I, what advice can you give to players about the mental part of their game? This is a question posed at players not only in their 20's but their 50' s and 60's as well........

 

[Muxy]

Well when i looked at this topic i was just about to FLAME!!!!!!. jk

If a golfer misses a putt what does he do, most show anger. Like pool players.
FWIW

 

[landshark77]

I am unsure of what your poll is for.

 

[Muxy]

same here confuzziled.

 

[deadstroke7]

I am no instructor, but I would express the opinion that anger towards ones self over error is common. But letting that anger interfer with good sportsmanship is uncalled for. Pool is a little different, in that their is really no opponant. (like most sports. i.e football) So there is little need for anger towards opponant brought on by the competetive spirit.

I also think that sportsmanship has taken a back-seat to other priorities, which is unfortunate. Shake hands after a match, win-lose or draw.

JMO.

 

[Blackjack]

I run the Lake MI and Midwest divisions of the KBP Fury Tour. I recently read an article that hit home from my April issue of a magazine that I have a subscription to. The subject was controlling your anger with the game.

The members on the tours I direct range in age. However, I have had some interesting experiences in tour stops recently. More specifically watching players and the anger in both body and verbalizing it. Around a local hall or bar type atmosphere I have experienced many players at different levels of the game. Yes, you will get the typical player who voices their disapproval with a play or shot they made now and then as well as abusing ones equipment.

So for all you instructors and pro's and those more experienced with the game than I, what advice can you give to players about the mental part of their game? This is a question posed at players not only in their 20's but their 50' s and 60's as well........

I would more than happy to answer your question, but the area of the mental game is vast and not just in relation to anger/emotions. There are usually other factors that will lead to an outburst such as cue smashing or verbal abuse, yet the triggering events are ignored and the outburst (not the symptoms) gets the attention. This will vary from player to player as we all process negative and positive experiences differently. I have several articles that deal with fear (which is the root of anger) as well as other topics. Feel free to get with me via e-mail blkjackds12@yahoo.com and I will send them to you.

 

[DaveK]

I am no instructor, but I would express the opinion that anger towards ones self over error is common. But letting that anger interfer with good sportsmanship is uncalled for. Pool is a little different, in that their is really no opponant. (like most sports. i.e football) So there is little need for anger towards opponant brought on by the competetive spirit.

I also think that sportsmanship has taken a back-seat to other priorities, which is unfortunate. Shake hands after a match, win-lose or draw.

JMO.

Anger over something will affect you for a while. I find that when angry people become more aggressive and reckless. You need to be more careful with your decisions if you are mad. I see players get mad, then take bad shots, get madder, and totally screw the set ... it's too common. The other thing I find is that when mad, people often get tense (make fists, clench teeth, etc.). Tension in a pool stroke can be disastrous. Better to not let things bother you, it will affect your game.

Ironically, I find that elation over something can be almost as dangerous. This is at the root of the old pool saying 'same guy shot that shot ?' imo. It's more difficult for me to control than anger. Keeping oneself from getting mad is, in many ways, a good thing. Keeping oneself from getting happy seems somehow wrong ...

I learned this mostly playing whack-fuck, er, golf, but it applies to almost any endeavor.

My advise to players would be 'watch Happy Gilmore, and pay attention to the "happy place" '.

Dave, who's seen mad people do some awfully funny things

PS I think the survey is to reflect if you are interested in this subject, yes or no.

 

[Celtic]

John McEnroe was a huge boost to the popularity of tennis as a spectator sport. Dennis Rodman helped basketball become even more popular. Ronnie O'Sullivan is a HUGE fan favorite despite his antics and colored past and I would argue possibly partly because of it. Tiger Woods is well known for being pretty intense and showing negative emotions on the golf course and yet golf keeps on plugging away. John Daly has had huge issues in his life and even on the course and yet the fans love to see him play. Phil Hellmuth is for sure one of the most fun poker players to watch due to his antics and childish cocky attitude.

We dont need faceless emotion devoid automotons out there playing pool, that is not going to make our sport more popular or more fun to watch. I think a lack of emotion and attitude is part of the problem this sport is having to tell you the truth.

 

[lakemifurytour]

not sure either

I am unsure of what your poll is for.

I am new to the forum......I just went along with the setup process. I suppose it wasn't needed

 

[lakemifurytour]

agree

I am no instructor, but I would express the opinion that anger towards ones self over error is common. But letting that anger interfer with good sportsmanship is uncalled for. Pool is a little different, in that their is really no opponant. (like most sports. i.e football) So there is little need for anger towards opponant brought on by the competetive spirit.

I also think that sportsmanship has taken a back-seat to other priorities, which is unfortunate. Shake hands after a match, win-lose or draw.

JMO.

And I agree. I played a match against a young man over the weekend at a place in Michigan. I have always shook hands after a match win or loose. But this person wouldn't bother. It doesn't bother me, even though I lost, but it added to what I have witnesses. I suppose what I am hoping is that players on my tours as well as other players read how experts comment about how it affects their game. My hope is that it will help others to improve their mental status and their game.

 

[drivermaker]

And I agree. I played a match against a young man over the weekend at a place in Michigan. I have always shook hands after a match win or loose. But this person wouldn't bother. It doesn't bother me, even though I lost, but it added to what I have witnesses. I suppose what I am hoping is that players on my tours as well as other players read how experts comment about how it affects their game. My hope is that it will help others to improve their mental status and their game.

When somebody signs up for a tournament, why not give out a sheet along with anything else that you distribute that has some basic rules for SPORTSMANSHIP to make the Fury Tour a cut above the others. Maybe they'll think it's kinda hokey in the beginning, but then again maybe some of it will start to sink in after a while. It doesn't have to be a long laundry list, but just a few things here and there to remind individuals that winning is great, and losing isn't fun...but everyone wins through courtesy and respect.

 

[lakemifurytour]

interesting

John McEnroe was a huge boost to the popularity of tennis as a spectator sport. Dennis Rodman helped basketball become even more popular. Ronnie O'Sullivan is a HUGE fan favorite despite his antics and colored past and I would argue possibly partly because of it. Tiger Woods is well known for being pretty intense and showing negative emotions on the golf course and yet golf keeps on plugging away. John Daly has had huge issues in his life and even on the course and yet the fans love to see him play. Phil Hellmuth is for sure one of the most fun poker players to watch due to his antics and childish cocky attitude.

We dont need faceless emotion devoid automotons out there playing pool, that is not going to make our sport more popular or more fun to watch. I think a lack of emotion and attitude is part of the problem this sport is having to tell you the truth.

Now this is interesting.....The article I had read was IP and it mentioned a scenario about a clown. I think we need emotion in any sport otherwise it wouldn't be a sport. I just see more and more young adults that curse so loudly it is appallying to many other players and to throw cues on the floor in a tantrum state make me think of my nephews who couldn't have candy at 9pm when they were 5 years old. The other flip side to this is that people tend to disagree with negative emotion however they always agree with position emotions. By positive emotions I mean if someone wins a hard match that went hill/hill and after the win he throws his arms in the air and screams YES you can pan a room and see the excitement shared, naturally except for the guy who bought him.

So if we think that emotion is good what are the limitations? Also I agree how emotion deters from the ability to play smart. I always talk to my players who "vent" after their matches (about an hour later) and ask them what they learned from the experience of playing a particular player or match. Amazingly, after a discussion about how negative energy can play havoc on their game, they tend to want to work on behaviorism by the next time I see them in say 2 weeks. Heck I always tell them if they are frustrated go to the bathroom and take a breather and come back and finish.

 

[Snapshot9]

Leave them alone

Leave these young guys alone with their unreal expectations and their self control problem, I make a lot of money off of them. As they get older, get beat too many times to count, are broke all the time, and learn some humility, they finally start to wise up that they can not beat all the players like they once thought they could .... and they also learn that there is a whole lot more to Pool than just making balls.

Why should we educate them and ruin our action, let them learn the same way I did, on their own ... some are just slower than others ...

I am always amazed how many people think they can learn Pool overnight, or by INSTINCT without ever using that thing God gave us called a brain ...

They have one, let them figure it out ...

 

[lakemifurytour]

We do

When somebody signs up for a tournament, why not give out a sheet along with anything else that you distribute that has some basic rules for SPORTSMANSHIP to make the Fury Tour a cut above the others. Maybe they'll think it's kinda hokey in the beginning, but then again maybe some of it will start to sink in after a while. It doesn't have to be a long laundry list, but just a few things here and there to remind individuals that winning is great, and losing isn't fun...but everyone wins through courtesy and respect.

We do. The players are bound to a Code of Ethics that includes violations of throwing equipment etc. I established a book just for my players and it encompasses RULE, CONDUCT, HOME OFFICE INFORMATION,HISTORY OF THE TOUR, PLAYERS WHO CAN PLAY AND WHO CANNOT, POINT STANDINGS, PICTURES, ETC.

And yes I put articles I feel that are important to the game. I think the professor in me is coming out here. I am really looking for suggestions and advice on how to help my players and I welcome them all.

 

[Perk]

Dave,

Just keep up the good work!

BTW, who won the Jacoby in Battle Creek two weeks ago? Matt and Rich think you forgot to call them!

Jeremy

 

[drivermaker]

I think the professor in me is coming out here. I am really looking for suggestions and advice on how to help my players and I welcome them all.

OK...more drastic measures are required. Paddle them...make them sit in the corner with a dunce hat on for everyone to see...or bring in a blackboard and make them stay after a match and write, "I will no longer be an asshole" 100 times.

 

[lakemifurytour]

its not just the young

Leave these young guys alone with their unreal expectations and their self control problem, I make a lot of money off of them. As they get older, get beat too many times to count, are broke all the time, and learn some humility, they finally start to wise up that they can not beat all the players like they once thought they could .... and they also learn that there is a whole lot more to Pool than just making balls.

Why should we educate them and ruin our action, let them learn the same way I did, on their own ... some are just slower than others ...

I am always amazed how many people think they can learn Pool overnight, or by INSTINCT without ever using that thing God gave us called a brain ...

They have one, let them figure it out ...

Its not just the young, it is the old as well. I had a 60 year old man one time actually cry and swear and throw is cues. I have always been taught to respect your elders and the reason why is because they are suppose to be wiser. Well in this case he wasn't.

I guess because my day job is as a College Professor that my ethics are bound to me to teach. The Fury Tours are for amateurs......hence the word. In my opinion both as a player of over 20 years, director for 5 and professor for 5 that as a TD we take on a role of helping and supporting not only the sport but more specifically the players. I believe that helping others only brings out positive aspects and in this reference it is the postive actions of a player to do well and improve their game to be a better player/competitior. After all the better one becomes don't the stakes rise?

 

[lakemifurytour]

smirk

OK...more drastic measures are required. Paddle them...make them sit in the corner with a dunce hat on for everyone to see...or bring in a blackboard and make them stay after a match and write, "I will no longer be an asshole" 100 times.

Smirk, your funny......always treat people with respect and one will get the same in return. Now if I put one of my top 8 point leaders in the corner with a dunce hat HAHAHA (getting a visual here) he would only suck his thumb and then be unable to use that hand to shoot with.

 

[lakemifurytour]

winners

Dave,

Just keep up the good work!

BTW, who won the Jacoby in Battle Creek two weeks ago? Matt and Rich think you forgot to call them!

Jeremy

Dave????

Dave replied to a post inquiring about one of the Fury events. Dave is the TD for the Jacoby Tour. I am the TD for the Lake MI and Midwest Divisions of the the KBP Fury Amateur Tours and my name is Jennifer.

The results were:

1st CJ Jerome $400
2nd Julie Melman $250
3nd Kelly Pendleton $175
4th Tammy Zetzer $110
5th/6th Sunny Ulrich, Angela Mears $45

 

[deadstroke7]

Win with class and lose with class. Be Modest in winning and generous in defeat.

JMO