DUNEDIN POOL ASSOCIATION

Hi all.  Pool playing can give one highs and lows like any sport.  When you are on a low it can be hard to snap out of that and regain confidence. 

In Dunedin we are lucky to have a lot of class players like Sam Chin, John Whelan just to name a few of the many excellent players further supported by the likes of Adam Marlow the national pool champion for 2009. 

Without giving away all of your best tips but giving something to help those aiming to improve what tips can you give emerging players to improve their game?  Like table drills, mental preparation, time and how one should train, focussing and getting in the zone etc.    

The only real training method I know is setting balls up in the middle of the table in a line and sinking them.

What other tips are there, particularly mental preparation tips?

Regards Phil

The basis of the game is TECHNIQUE... without a Strong Technique you will always be limited in what shots you have and how you deliever them... ball 'drills' are secondary to Technique...

talking about the 'mental' side of the game, have a read of this...

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-avoid-choking-under-pressure

I think the key is to play with confidence, play within the limits of your ability and to really concentrate to ensure that you do the simple things well all of the time.  The key to good pool is to control that white ball and make it do as little work as possible in order to achieve your shots and run out the rack.  By making sure that you execute the 'easy' shots as consistently as possible, by moving the white ball around as little as you can and by learning how to control it, then your confidence will improve and then the 'harder' shots wont appear so daunting to take on.  Ideally you dont want to leave difficult missable shots, so always plan how you are going to tackle each ball and how you get on each ball considering the limits of your ability. 

I always say about all pool players that we are 'consistently inconsistent' so as long as you are cueing in a straight line, doing the basics well and learning from what does and doesn't work then you will be on the right track.  Another thing, and not many people seem to realise this is, you can also learn a hell of a lot from observing better players than you playing the game and taking note of what they do.  By mentally watching the game and how you would differ from their shot choices, then you will get a better appreciation of whats possible and how easily acheiveable positional play can be when you get onto the table.

Ultimately if you dont think you can beat your opponent, then you wont, simple, so confidence in your ability and body language will help you get the results you want.

Hi Maggi, I totally agree with you that you need to gain your confidence first and play with you concentration and importantly, do not get nervous. For pool, if you don't let your opponent come on the table, you can win anybody. If not, then you need to control the game.

For my practice, I always spread all the balls on the table and try to clear them in one short. Importanly, try not to use spin but practice with follow though, stun short or draw back. This will help you on the basic.