To All Pool Enthusiasts “Corona Virus Got You Missing The Pool Room”
As a Certified Billiard Instructor many of my students have asked what can they do during these crazy times to keep from loosing their sharpness.
I offer the following advice which can actually drastically improve your game:
Since you may not be able to go to your local pool room, work on your mental side of the game.
Make a list of the shots that give you the most trouble. Then watch pool matches of your favorite players on YouTube and observe them making those shots. Next at least 3-5 times per week spend 5 minutes each day with your eyes closed and picture yourself making that shot with the same smooth stroke that the pros do.
Also watch lots of pro's matches and study their form and the way that approach each shot (pre- shot routine).
When watching matches observe the layout of the table, after the break, and ask yourself how would you play the pattern and how would you shoot each shot to get position for the next 2-3 balls. Then compare your plan with what the pro did keeping in mind there often is more than one way to run a pattern or shoot a shot. But you might learn a shot or pattern that you hadn't thought. Next make written notes and when this storm passes and you can get back to a practice table practice those things you noted.
Your mind is always working and often when playing pool negative thoughts crepe in. This often causes us to miss the key ball and lose the game and or match. For this reason you should make a list of positive affirmations and repeat them over and over again until they are permanently stored into your subconscious. Examples:
I am a winner and I always play to win.
I put a perfect smooth stroke on every shot
I will keep my head down on every shot (count of 3 seconds)
I shoot one ball at a time
Easy pool (your name)
These are just a few things that you can do, but most importantly make it a challenge and stay positive.
Keep in mind that in the game of pool like in all areas of your life your mental attitude can make you or break you. “Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or fastest man: but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can!”
David Donovan
ACS Level IV Master Billiard Instructor
www.donovanbill
