MGM Tony said:
Artie, you are on the right track. I think that I lose focus or make the shot less important. I met a pretty good shortstop (very intelligent one pocket player) last week whom gave me some good advice, a couple of drills, some pointers and some overall help. Basically, he told me what I need to hear, very similar to what Artie said.
Also, I played again today and I have been becoming much stronger in the last couple of weeks. This is an extension of my new outlook on life. When I get frustrated, I tend to focus better in general. For some reason I care less about the outcome and more on the task at hand. When I get frustrated, I adopt a nothing to lose attitude and mentality. In a nine ball tournament today, I went hill hill with my opponent after being up 4-0, missing a couple of easy but crucial shots. I got so mad at myself, I channeled my frustration instead of go berserk. My opponent pushed, left me a glimmer of a shot and I ran out. I didn't miss due to forcing all that energy (not really negative or positive, it's all just energy but if we attach meaning to it then the outcome is affected) into my play. I made one incredibly difficult shot after that push and then I was perfect for the rest of the rack.
Afterwords, I just stepped back and thought about how to keep that intensity all the time. I still don't have an answer yet, but I think I am on the right track.
Once again, I'd like to thank everyone for the input, there is an array of great ideas here.
Just keep playing and always think. Play as hard as you can and then push yourself harder.
You need lots off playing and experience. And when you are ready.
The real test will be when it counts and has vaue too it. When you miss a shot it cost you youre money. Thats the real test.
If you play in a good money game. Or isn a good money tournement. The value off what you are playing for will show up.
So will all youre hard work and effort. But dont gamble or play in a big tournement tell you are ready. You will no when you are ready.
By howe you perform at the table. And good players play a lot better when it means something.
But you have too learn first and dont make a silly game because off your EgO and give youre money away.
If you gamble and youre not winning that means you need more practice and learning.
It takes a lot off hard work and concentration too become a good player.
It does not happen by axcedent. People put in theier time and hard work.
Nothing is easy. But if you want too be a good player then keep playing. And watching the good players what the do.
I recomend that you watch the finale game especialy.
Because both players play very haed too win. And they dont just shoot up in the air.
Stay foucused on what you are doing . And if you gey in a game. And you need too no what too do on a certain shot.
Ask a good player. Ask more then just one opinion. Umless you no they are realy qualified. And thier are not too meny off those people.
And practice what you missed playing in the game. Tell you no you can make that shot. Next time you play and a similaer shot showes up.
You should be able too execute the shot. And never give up or get aggrevated. If you are agrevated dont play.
Or go and wash your face and get youre head together. Take a few minutes away from the game. That should change your attitude.
And get back too concentrating on the game. It is no good yoo play if youre mind is not on the game or you dont feel like playing. Play another time.
Because youre not going to learn anything when you dont feel like playing and you are agrrivated.
Your mind has too be on the game. And like I always said. You should be playing too win. If youre not playing too win.
You need to go and sit down and ask youself what are you playing for,
Your goal is too play and you play too win. If you cant do that. You realy need too stop and think. WHY you are even playing.
You play pool to win. And its ok if you want too play just too have fun. But you need to answer these qouistions to yourself . WHY YOU ARE PLAYING.
BUt keep youre energy rooling . But what happines too your energy when you are not playing good.
Do you only have all that energy when you are playing good.
You are playing as hard as you can every time you play. Because you want too be a player. You got it Now go ahead and do it.
Nobody can do it for you. But yourself.