Up and Down (Inconsistent Pool Playing)

[audiopro]

Ok, I am just curious as to who else, and to what extent others may be to this problem I seem to have.

I know that being mature in any sport comes with time. Well not just sports of course, but many things. I have played pool for about 5 years now. I find myself having one real problem, and that is inconsistency. Some nights I play like a strong 6 (APA 8-ball Rank) and some nights I play like a poor 3. I am always able to think correctly, and I usually know what is the best shot to take, safety, etc... But performing them sometimes does not go as planned.

What I think I have found to be the problem is concentration and remembering to follow the basics. Keep your head down, dont poke, follow through, etc..

Anyone have any suggestions on how to mentally curb these inconsistencies? And what thoughts might you have about it in general?

[Tanar]

I have the exact same problem, Audio. I am inconsistent and I feel I need to work on my stroke, concentration, emotional control and safety shots. I have a real knack for sinking the unsinkable after leaving bad shape, but my safety shots are terrible. I also think a huge part of my problem is playing on crappy, uneven tables that need new carpet. I go toother cities at least once a month to play tournaments and itisnight and day from our crappy tables in town to the nice tables elsewhere.

The owner of our local hall bought Dufferin tables about 10 years ago and hasn't re-covered them and hasn't re-leveled them in about 2 years. Yes, I complain to them as most of the players around here do, but he is the only hall in town and doesn't care.

[audiopro]

The table thing makes a bit of sense, and I have thought about it before.. But I still think it may be a little head game.. I have a table at home, it is really crappy, and not level also. And, I play like crap on it. At Clicks where I shoot pool or Trickshots, they both have decent tables. And I shoot better...

However, at home and at pool halls with lesser tables, I already in my mind think, ahh it's not worth the bother to really take my time and shoot well, because it wont matter on these crappy tables. Wrong way to think, as I have seen many people shoot well regardless, but I still think it...

I remember the first time my step dad brought me to a real nice pool hall.. The level of play I did there was night and day to my home play. Because the atmosphere I think, and really settling down, and concentrating.

[dags_lax]

Acupuncture, Hypnosis, Aroma Therapy, Meditation, Confession before going to the pool hall. If any one has a quick easy fix to the problem of consistency please let this guy in on the secret. Until then this mere mortal with his limited natural talent will keep shooting his practice drills.

[dags_lax]

By the way, do you want to know what I really appreciate about my inconsistent game? It means that once in a while I am actually shooting good!

[sonnic]

very true dags... You have to think about the good and forget about the bad. It is no different then walking up to the tee in golf and right in front of the green is a huge lake or bunker. All the player thinks of is how big the hazzard is instead of thinking it is just a short par three hit a good shot and lets make a birdie. play a mind game with yourself and convience yourself the trap is like a trampline and even if you hit it will bounce up and on the green. Same thing in pool you have to be right in the head. Play your game find out what works and what doesn't work and base your decisions on facts and repitition.

as in golf or pool any professional will have a pre shot routine, something he or she does EVERY time they step up to shoot a shot. Do the same thing ever single time weather you are playing your kid brother or Earl Strickland. I cannot stress enough PLAY YOUR OWN GAME!!! Find a good routine do it over and over and over untill your sick with it. You will stroke the ball better and you will see your game improve.

[skor]

It's a mental thing sometimes your mind is just somewhere else could be troubles at home or work or any other thing, these thing affect your game and most of the time you are not aware to this, but it's there, in the back of your head.
you can always do yoga for an hour before you go to the pool room :)

[audiopro]

STOP THE PRESS!!! I did like dags suggested and got hooked up with some accupuncture! Now, not only am I more consistent, but I got scouted to play in a million dollar purse contest! You can watch me on ESPN next weekend!

Yeah, right.. I wish... :D

[sanj]

pool is a very selfish game.
if you don't play well then it is your fault.
if you play well and get beat then so be it.
you have to play the table and what the table gives you ; rather than playing your opponent. it does not matter who you are playing , you have to play the table.