Advanced Thought Concepts

How do most players evaluate the quality of a pool shot? The same way that the majority of those around them do, if the object ball went into the pocket it was a good shot, and if the ball missed, then it was a bad shot. This thought pattern is counterproductive because it places all of the emphasis on end result rather than what creates the end result, which is the method of shooting. Many shots in pool are so difficult that even the experts can miss, but when we label a miss as a bad shot we encourage the incorrect thought pattern for long term progress. Harsh judgement such as, good or bad, pass or fail, true or false, generates the focus on the entire wrong aspect for improved billiards excellence. Change the thoughts surrounding each shot to a more productive approach. The skill set needed to call a missed shot as bad requires little knowledge and understanding of what the most difficult game on earth provides. This is a sloppy and lazy way to evaluate your progress and a more unique mindset will produce much better results, satisfaction, and enjoyment. Adopt a more analytical method, and thought pattern, while you eliminate the harsh judgemental, simple," that was good, or bad" comments about results if you wish to rise above the average player. Thinking the same way that most others think leads us to some form of mediocrity. In order to rise above average, apply above average thoughts and focus. Look upon the pool match that you are about to play as putting on the best performance that you are capable of at this moment, and during this performance some mistakes will likely occur. After an error occurs try to be detached from harsh assessment but use a more detached thought as to what happened on this last shot, "did the back swing seem quick or jerky?" "Did I keep my body still on the stroke delivery?" Most missed shots occur on the transition from fore swing into the back swing so keep that element smooth and rhythmic. "Did the cue tip finish straight and with a follow-through or was it pointed upward indicating that my whole arm moved during the crucial stroke delivery?" Once we place our thoughts on exactly what creates the results we can easier improve and even get more satisfaction out of our playing. This is such a refreshing attitude that is geared toward always making the next stroke delivery better than all previous, and we will no longer make so many errors of inconsistency from applying a general approach. This type of focus is not easy to come by, and will burn up energy at a much accelerated rate from what we are familiar with, so build this into your training. Shoot a set of 10-15 shots and after each stroke concentrate on what will make the next stroke even better and be detailed and clear with your thoughts. Then take a break and relax before attempting to shoot more practice shots until you are re energized to do another small group of highly focused practice shots. This will build the positive habits and thought patterns necessary for great pool playing. This will take time to perfect otherwise everyone would already be good, but if you start applying yourself now, soon you will earn the playing ability you desire based on how much effort that you are willing to supply.