This is not an official announcement, but I have recently had some pretty intense practice sessions with a super strong former-Ohio player who moved to Denver about three months ago named Danny. I knew he played well three months ago when I first saw him play but didn’t really start talking to him until just last week. He has been truly inspirational in my practice and performance. His motivating and encouraging support and presence could be just what I need.
Okay, I admit it. I need the guidance. I always have and I probably always will. Some players don’t need help from anyone. I have always had the discipline to practice everyday and to even shoot the same shot over and over again, but I’m most driven and work even harder when I’m held accountable for it. It sounds silly, I know. But, if I know that I will be checking in with someone else or following up with someone on my progress, that responsibility pushes me to work harder. It’s like I’d rather not let anyone else down.
I wish I weren’t that way, but I am. At least I’m aware it…
It’s only been two days and we’ve mostly just played a lot of pool against each other. He’s also racks a lot for me and we’ll talked through patterns together. He doesn’t try to talk ‘mental’ game with me, he’s always positive, and he has a tremendous amount of knowledge, stories, and experience in pool.
I don’t know what will become of our practice sessions or how serious he is about working with me. I warned him that I can be a difficult student. Heck! I’ve even been referred to as a “student from hell” (I won’t mention by whom). But, he claims it’s rewarding for him to help me and he’s happy to do it. When I asked him, “Danny, will you continue working with me?” he said, “Will you continue believing in me?” I currently have a lot of respect for not just his pool game but his spirit and dedication. We’ll see what happens.
“He doesn’t try to talk ‘mental’ game with me, he’s always positive”
In many ways, the mental game is half of the game so don’t forget to focus on improving this aspect of your game too.
I dig it.
I’m the same way: I’ll work harder if I’m accountable to a coach.
Have a great year, Samm!
I have not had the best luck or experiences with my recent coaches attempting to force their mental theories on me. If anything, I believe it set me back. I’ve learned to apply what works and just smile & nod to everything else.