The phenomenon of the “placebo effect” originated in the medical world when patients responded dramatically to ineffective treatments based on the symbol and belief that they worked. The patient’s ideas played a huge role in their own results.
In pool, we often see placebo effects in the form of the latest book/video, a new cue case, or even just learning a new shot. Of course learning a new safety can help us get out of a jam, but how on earth does getting a prettier case make us play better pool? There’s validity in the effectiveness of most changes to our game, but the most effective changes are the ones that we believe in. If having a new Ivan Belmonte case from Spain gives me more confidence and makes me shoot straighter, so be it.
For instance, I’m not a coffee drinker. So, I like to enjoy a nice, hot cup of Yerba Mate tea in the mornings. Drinkers of this tea have reported a mental state of wakefulness, heightened concentration, and alertness without the negative side effects. I love the stuff! I don’t always have time and it’s not always possible when I’m on the road, but since I’ve been home this last week, I’ve been drinking it every morning.
Lately, I’ve been noticing an extra keen sense of focus and clarity during my practice sessions. Even on a couple tough days where I had a lot on my mind, I seemed to still be able to focus on my stroke and the contact point. I’m not saying I attribute all of it to a cup of tea in the morning, but I enjoy the flavor and there aren’t any negative effects for drinking it or not. If I feel like it’s helping me then it probably is.
Call it superstition, call it a placebo; whatever it is, it’s working for me, it’s not bad for anyone, and I’m not going to change it.
A placebo can also come in the shape of a new cue or a new tip. In this case, there are actual effects from both, but when it comes to the eventual improvement of our pool game, that’s all up to you. Your new CB cue and Moori tip might give you more accuracy, but it won’t make you stroke the ball better. They aren’t making you stay down more. They might make you more excited about playing and in turn result in you practicing more. And, more practice equates to more consistency. But the sheer act of owning the new cue does not make you play better pool.
My point is that no matter what little trick you’ve discovered to help improve your pool game, so long as you believe it’s working and it’s not doing any damage, stick with it. The placebo effect only works if your mind tells you that it does.
Samm Diep, PoolTipJar.com © March 2009
You bring up an excellent point. Pool might not be the most physical game, but many forget to take care of themselves and provide the brain the nutrients it needs for concentration. What you drink as well as eating a well balanced meal can provide the brain nutrients for longer periods of concentration. For me, I switched from drinking beer during match play to drinking coffee. First session; 2 wins and 10 loses and I drank beer during match play. For the next two sessions I switched to coffee; 4 loses and 27 wins with 12 wins in a row, twice. Now maybe it was me just getting better or maybe just “Pool-cebo”..?? Either way, I “believe” coffee is the key. Yup, I’m still waiting for my Caribou or Star Bucks sponsor. =P