| Find Out Why You Missed |
Ok…
You have purchased this workbook and you are ready to record some of the shots
that are giving you the most trouble.
Don’t forget, you need to evaluate WHY you are missing these shots. There is a
big difference between a reason and an excuse for missing shots. When the balls
don't drop, you need to find out WHY. The "why" will usually fall into 3 different
categories:
Category 1 - Physical Error
Physical errors are caused by weaknesses and deficiencies with your
fundamentals, ie -your stroke, your stance, your sighting, etc. Many beginners
don't realize when they are popping up out of their stance or when they are taking
their eye off of the ball. Usually, minor adjustments and fine tuning with your
stance, head alignment, and stroke could alleviate some of those problems. Never
forget that the game of pool relies upon perfect application of the basic
fundamentals in much the same way a chain depends upon the strength of its links.
Weaken one link, and the chain becomes useless.
Category 2 - Mental Error
Mental errors are evident when you are taken completely out of your normal
shooting rhythm and either over-think or talk yourself out of certain shots. Their is
no quick fix for mental errors. Remember that CONFIDENCE is the prerequisite
to CONSISTENCY. If you believe that you will make the shot, you have a better
chance of having the ball drop in the pocket. If you tell yourself that it won't go,
chances are that it won't. This goes back to self talk - that conversation that is
going on in your head while you are shooting. If you listen to the negative - your
outcome will be all negative. If you decide to listen to that little voice that tells
you can and will make the shot, good things will happen. It is like listening to the
radio. It all depends what station you tune into. If you hear that negative stuff
creeping in, take the time to start over - walk away from the table - CHANGE
THE CHANNEL - and begin your evaluation of the shot, your approach, and your
pre-shot routine all over again.
Category 3 - Tactical Error
Many players get themselves into tough situations because of tactical errors
committed earlier in the rack. Usually, a tactical error will have a snowball effect
as you proceed through the rack. If you miss position on the 7 ball - you will have
to overcompensate to make it - and you may still be out of line on the 8 ball. If you
miss the 8 ball, it is a good idea to look back and see how you got yourself into
that position in the first place. Reading the rack is just as important as running the
rack. Planning then executing. It eliminates that "I don't know where I'm going but
I'm getting there fast" brand of 9 ball that you can see every day in the local pool
hall.
Unless you figure out which of the 3 categories your misses fall into, you'll
always be running east looking for a sunset. Never underestimate the effectiveness
of organized, goal oriented practice. Practices should be centered around
accomplishing short term goals and turning any weakness into a strength. The
more organized your practices are, the more organized you will be when you are
in competition. If you simply toss the balls on the table with little or no purpose or
goal in my mind, you will not improve very much. However, if you take the time
to evaluate these 3 areas of your game on a CONSTANT basis - you will be able
to identify and attack the parts of your game that are holding you back by focusing
your practices on specific deficiencies instead of merely putting in your time, or
merely banging balls around.
You have purchased this workbook and you are ready to record some of the shots
that are giving you the most trouble.
Don’t forget, you need to evaluate WHY you are missing these shots. There is a
big difference between a reason and an excuse for missing shots. When the balls
don't drop, you need to find out WHY. The "why" will usually fall into 3 different
categories:
Category 1 - Physical Error
Physical errors are caused by weaknesses and deficiencies with your
fundamentals, ie -your stroke, your stance, your sighting, etc. Many beginners
don't realize when they are popping up out of their stance or when they are taking
their eye off of the ball. Usually, minor adjustments and fine tuning with your
stance, head alignment, and stroke could alleviate some of those problems. Never
forget that the game of pool relies upon perfect application of the basic
fundamentals in much the same way a chain depends upon the strength of its links.
Weaken one link, and the chain becomes useless.
Category 2 - Mental Error
Mental errors are evident when you are taken completely out of your normal
shooting rhythm and either over-think or talk yourself out of certain shots. Their is
no quick fix for mental errors. Remember that CONFIDENCE is the prerequisite
to CONSISTENCY. If you believe that you will make the shot, you have a better
chance of having the ball drop in the pocket. If you tell yourself that it won't go,
chances are that it won't. This goes back to self talk - that conversation that is
going on in your head while you are shooting. If you listen to the negative - your
outcome will be all negative. If you decide to listen to that little voice that tells
you can and will make the shot, good things will happen. It is like listening to the
radio. It all depends what station you tune into. If you hear that negative stuff
creeping in, take the time to start over - walk away from the table - CHANGE
THE CHANNEL - and begin your evaluation of the shot, your approach, and your
pre-shot routine all over again.
Category 3 - Tactical Error
Many players get themselves into tough situations because of tactical errors
committed earlier in the rack. Usually, a tactical error will have a snowball effect
as you proceed through the rack. If you miss position on the 7 ball - you will have
to overcompensate to make it - and you may still be out of line on the 8 ball. If you
miss the 8 ball, it is a good idea to look back and see how you got yourself into
that position in the first place. Reading the rack is just as important as running the
rack. Planning then executing. It eliminates that "I don't know where I'm going but
I'm getting there fast" brand of 9 ball that you can see every day in the local pool
hall.
Unless you figure out which of the 3 categories your misses fall into, you'll
always be running east looking for a sunset. Never underestimate the effectiveness
of organized, goal oriented practice. Practices should be centered around
accomplishing short term goals and turning any weakness into a strength. The
more organized your practices are, the more organized you will be when you are
in competition. If you simply toss the balls on the table with little or no purpose or
goal in my mind, you will not improve very much. However, if you take the time
to evaluate these 3 areas of your game on a CONSTANT basis - you will be able
to identify and attack the parts of your game that are holding you back by focusing
your practices on specific deficiencies instead of merely putting in your time, or
merely banging balls around.