What do you say to yourself when struggling in a match?

[mchpddl1]

What do you say to yourself inside your head when really struggling in a match?

[MattCash]

I just say to myself "It doesn't matter whether i win or lose, as long as i am playing well and enjoying the game, I'm happy"

But also, i try to enjoy the game as much as i can, and try not to beat myself up. Because when things go bad this leads to a bad attitude when playing, which will not help your game.

[mchpddl1]

thank you . i should remain inner calm.

[spike]

I just tell myself "not to give up & keep trying 100%." No point being hard on yourself as you will just make things worse for yourself!

[attilahun]

Dont give up...dont get mad, be cool, you are the better player......but it doesnt seem to work when i lose concentration.

[RocketRoy1983]

If anyone ever finds out the answer to this thread be sure to let me know as it is something you can try but never coach you either have this mentality or not. Unfortunately I do not. However some frames will be better than others and if you too arent blessed with a great temperament keep trying and listen to as much advice as you can.

[MattCash]

I used to play in a club with a regular century break player, who everytime he got annoyed with himself or played a poor shot, he would click his fingers and forget about it. It worked quite well for him, but wasn't as successful for me.

[noel]

I do tend to crucify myself and leave ASAP... then come back a few days later feeling renewed.


=o)

Noel

PS. and... I don't say anything I sing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ

[Malachi-b]

i take it out on my cue... i blame it on puberty

[brettski]

I wait to get back to the table, then keep telling myself he or she can't do anything while I keep them sat in their chair. Tends to work quite well, calms the nerves.

[1lawyer]

Inside I'm thinking beeeeeeeeep beeeep beeeeeeepty beeeeeeeep how the beeeeep did you miss that you beeeeeeeeep beeeeeeeep my grandmother could have potted that with her beeeeep walking beeeeeeep stick you blind beeeeeepy beep. Then I laugh (which eases the stress)

On the outside I am calm as a sunny day in the Med.

I always switch back into my pre-shot routine and completely forget about it by the next time I get a chance.

If I have a bad day I have a bad day. no big deal, it happens. I do find I have less if I clear my head and focus my thoughts on the shot in hand rather than anything else and having a pre-shot routine helps keep you more in a routine I find. This repeating of things helps as long as what you do is constant and works these are technical even habitual things that players do and are individual to them.

[poolqjunkie]

If I am playing bad, it is usually because I am not in the right frame of mind. Saying whatever to myself usually will not work, as it only adds pressure to myself.
Deep down I know whether I am running lots of balls or having to grind it out, I still need to win. I know everyone misses so I do not let a few misses on the so-called "easy shots" get to me and bring me down.
I may try to alter my rhythm a bit.
One of the worst thing I have found I could do is trying to change my mechanic in the middle of the game, that always brings worst result.
Another big "no no" is to try to tense up and focus too much, that makes my game really "dead" and is also not good.
The best thing is if I have a chance and get to shoot a few balls, get some breaks flowing, then I will be back in form again.

[bongo]

I don't feel that saying anything to myself really helps me. If you start talking to yourself in your mind then that can take your mind off the game and concentration could go, making you play worse.

[tallguy]

I don't feel that saying anything to myself really helps me. If you start talking to yourself in your mind then that can take your mind off the game and concentration could go, making you play worse.

This is exactly what happens to me too. !!

Misses easy shot.
Talks to myself in mind.
"Forget about it. Happens to the best of them.Concentrate on next shot".
"Damn, I have started talking to myself. Now I won't be able to concentrate"
"No you can. Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate"
"Shut the **** up ! How can I concentrate with all this talking in my head"

[bongo]

This is exactly what happens to me too. !!

Misses easy shot.
Talks to myself in mind.
"Forget about it. Happens to the best of them.Concentrate on next shot".
"Damn, I have started talking to myself. Now I won't be able to concentrate"
"No you can. Concentrate. Concentrate. Concentrate"
"Shut the **** up ! How can I concentrate with all this talking in my head"

Then you accidently say it out loud and people look at you thinking you are a little strange!