It’s hill-hill in the finals of your state team championship. Your captain, the strongest player on the team, just gave everyone a little pep talk. Included in yours was a little mention of, “Try not to use so much English. Stay closer to the center of the cue ball.” You know he’s right. You do use way too much spin. He’s a great player and you really respect his knowledge of the game.
As you approach the table, you know that your team is counting on you. Winning this match will secure the victory. It will mean trophies, jackets, and cash, oh my! Your opponent breaks dry. You map out your run. Its stop shot central but the best position you can get on the 8-ball is a spot shot with the cue ball near the kitchen. It’s a touchy shot, but you practice these and you’re comfortable with them.
As you get down in your stance, you hear your captain’s voice in your head, “Try not to use so much English…” and at that one moment, you decide to listen to him and shot it with center ball. Clunk! You’ve just fired the match-winning 8-ball straight into the rail. What a disaster! Competition is never a good time to try something new. New stuff should be saved for the practice table.
When you’re competing, you just have to trust what you know. Shoot the shots the way you’re comfortable shooting them. Make the balls. Your captain won’t care how much spin you used when the ball goes in the hole. We read and see new shots in this game everyday, but the only way to actually learn and implement them is to give ourselves a chance to practice them.
Generally, when our competitive juices kick in, we’re unable to learn anything new anyway. Our right brain takes over and reverts to the shots and strokes its familiar with. On the same token, when we unsuccessfully try to learn something new, it only reinforces the wrong thing. Therefore, save the learning for the practice table.
Don’t change something because someone tells you it’s right or wrong. There is no right or wrong when you’re at the table. You have to believe, whether it’s true or not, that every decision you’re making is the right one. Shoot with confidence. No matter what your teammates tell you, they aren’t the ones at the table. You are.
Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com © January 2009
Dead on Accurate!! Great advice missy!!
I concur 100%. In matches you should be playing to win, and anything you do that changes your routine will hurt rather than help your chances, probably substantially.