Well, it’s that time of year again. This Saturday is the Preliminary Round Qualifier tournament for the US Amateur Championship. This year, it’s at Table Steaks South. Just like last year, it’s back to pool again for me. After qualifying last year and having a rough weekend in Atlanta with a disappointing 7-8th finish, I am really going to need to prioritize my practice and, I hate to admit it, but also my interest level before this weekend.
I finally had a serious practice today for the first time in weeks and it was only three hours long.
I read in this month’s Cue Times today that Melissa Little likes to practice at least five hours a day, six days a weeks, for at least three weeks leading up to a WPBA event. If that’s the winning formula, I’m in big trouble!
I’ve been so consumed these past few weeks with getting our tournament underway, sprinkled with some much needed break from competing/traveling, along with some Q.T. with Mike & Vegas, that I have hardly been practicing seriously at all.
My session today with Juan was pretty grim. We played five sets to the style of the US Am format and I only won two sets. He claimed to have not been playing much but was still getting out from everywhere. I always know when I haven’t been practicing because that’s when I start missing money balls and key balls. Ugh!
This year’s event has a little extra meaning to me.
Since the new WPBA business model for the regional tours, who knows when or if I will ever play in a WPBA event? The only way for me to play on the WPBA at this point is to make it to every single AWBT or OB Cues Tour stop, do well on the tour, get invited to the Regional Tour Championships, and do well enough there to get invited on the tour. Even then, there are no more paid spots. They give you the invitations. You’re on your own for the entry fees.
It’s okay, at this point, I’ve always said that my journey is much bigger than the WPBA. That’s not the end of the road for me. Whether or not I ever play on the pro tour does not define who I am as a player, an individual, and an ambassador for our sport. It just stinks being so close. Regardless, if I give up on the regional tours, this could quite possibly be my last shot at winning a paid spot.
After tomorrow’s practice, I should have a better idea what areas I need to focus on to really prepare for Saturday.
This week’s training agenda:
Monday – 3 hours @ Rack ‘Em, 1 hour @ the gym
Tuesday – 4-5 hours @ Table Steaks South, 1.5 hour teaching @ Rack ‘Em
Wednesday – 1 hour @ the gym, 1 hour teaching, 4-5 hours practicing @ ???
Thursday – 1 hour @ the gym, 9-Ball Tourney @ Table Steaks South
Friday – 4-5 hours @ Table Steaks, 2 hours of tennis
Saturday – GAME DAY
I’ve heard that many pool professionals and aspiring pros practice up to 8 hours a day.
Maybe you and Melissa need to try that too?