By Samm Diep © July 2010
Photos Courtesy of Mike Fieldhammer, BilliardCoach.com
Good posture can really say a lot about a person.
Think about the player that’s slumped over in his chair or practically spilling over the edge of his stool. He’s looking all around the room and now he’s text messaging his buddies. What impression is this player giving you? Does he intimidate you with his killer instincts? Does he look like he’s focused and ready to snap off a tournament?
Next, take a look at the guy that is sitting upright with his cue in his hand, ready for action. He’s staring at the table. He’s alert and intense. He acknowledges you when you call a shot and he sits deliberately, barely moving when you’re at the table. Doesn’t he look respectful and professional? Isn’t he just oozing of poise and confidence?
Now that you have a visual of these two players, which one are you?
Take a look at my favorite player, world champion Ralf Souquet from Germany. He’s a world class player in every respect of the term and no matter what he’s doing, he’s conducting himself as such. Whether he’s sitting, standing, resting, drinking, or waiting to pounce, he carries himself deliberately. Even if he’s leaning forward, he’s not slouching. Every ounce of his energy is exerted with intent and purpose. They don’t call him “The Surgeon” for nothing. Ralf understands the importance of good posture with every move he makes.
Maintaining good posture not only makes you look like a champion but there are countless benefits to keeping yourself vertical. Here are just a few:
Good posture facilitates breathing. Sitting up straight naturally enables you to breathe properly. Poor posture invites restricted, shallow breathing a host of other problems. For an extreme example, bend over and breathe. When you’re slouched or bent over, your esophagus, trachea, and other vital parts are all distorted and restricted. Sitting up and breathe deeply. Stay relaxed and calm. Who doesn’t want that in their pool match?
Good posture increases concentration and thinking. Better breathing means more oxygen into your body which means more oxygen to the brain. Basically, it helps you think more clearly. I think we can all agree that the ability to think clearly during a pool match is definitely a benefit. Calm your mind and enhance your concentration by staying tall.
Good posture makes you feel better about yourself. Without changing anything else, just start sitting up straighter and notice how much more confident you instantly feel. Test: Slump down in your seat for one minute as you finish reading this article. Then, straighten your back and sit with correct posture for one minute and feel the difference.
Good posture can help avoid health complications. Over time, bad posture can result in a multitude of difficulties. For example, it increases the risk of a slipped disc, back aches and pains, poor blood circulation, and possible pressure inside your chest.
Start by correcting your posture during your matches. Then, before you realize it, you’ll be sitting up straighter even when you’re not playing pool. Be careful not to overcorrect your posture as that can cause back problems too. You want a straight, relaxed spine.
Now, don’t forget to switch to your minute of good posture! It will feel so much better that you never go back. Sit tall, feel confident, and have winning posture.
It’s all about maintaining FOCUS…
This is soooo important.
Good article, Samm!
I thought he was “the Kaiser”. Oh pool players and their bizarre fascination with WWF style nicknames.
Hey Jerry, i cannot tell you how very much this article you wrote here is true, i wish every pool player would be like this and i think this game might have a chance of going somewhere in the future, but right now, all you have is a bunch of clowns who bang the balls, bang the rack, are commenting out loud when they miss, texting in the chair while their opponent TRIES TO CONCENTRATE,these people know who they are , it’s really tough out there on the grind, and when all this other stuff happens while your playing, is it really worth it to even get aggrevated over it? I know where my game is whether i play in these tournys or not, and i’m content and that’s what matter’s!!! Anyway, great article, really great, and keep up the great work!!!