Is there such a thing as "Potter's Block"!?!?

[noel]

I am currently trying to trade-in my ancient forearm powered form to a new, improved elbow-drive model. Think the difference between Steve Davis and Mark Selby.

My coach, Lee Brett, a disciple of Del Hill's techniques has helped me feel the error of my ways and I know will be a worthwhile change in time... though at the moment I am caught between styles and revert back to the "old" tried and true method when playing under stress in a match... kind of like saying... "No, not today, I'll quit smoking after my exams"...

So my new emerging form is taking shape on the practise table... and everyday as I get more familiar with the new me it gets a bit better... and I'm sure with Lee's awesome help will transition into improved matchplay soon.

The reason for going through this major make-over is that I think have what I call "Potter's Block".
I can play like crap for one or two frames, then lay down a 60-ish break... last night a 62 and a 72,
which is great, but here comes the really frustrating part... after splitting the pack into a totally ton-able opportunity, I do a "Hendry" on a sitting black to end it all.

[sound of shrieking splintered maple and ebony]

Is it like every person is genetically pre-programmed to drop dead at 80 or 55 or 67 or 110 or whenever... ?
Am I destined to built-in obsolescent breaks?
Can I up my snooker break longevity with healthier habits and form?
Can I raise my standard higher with some kind of Snooker Viagra?

Help?

=o\

Noel

[RocketRoy1983]

My HB is 96 (12 reds and 12 blacks) but for the past 6 months I cant get past 65 and when approaching this figure I keep breaking down so its a mental block. As for your ammended action it will always get worse before it gets better just persevere.

[1lawyer]

Snooker Viagra would not make your balls go down though Noel.

[circle]

Im doing the opposite

Im doing a selby at the moment and i want to revert back to the conventional method!

When iv finished my shot i dont like to have any gap between cue and chin.

[neptar]

I am in the same position, I am trying new things to improve my cue action. But when it comes to a match I revert back to my natural cueing action after missing a couple of shots with the new methods. And then I spend the rest of the match worrying about my technique. So when it comes to an easy pot my mind is all over the place concentrating on every muscle of the body, I end up missing the potting and letting the opponent in. It annoys me because one minute I can knock in a long pot with decent position, the next I can't pot sitters. And it's missing these easy shots after doing a good tough shot which is really costing me.

[RocketRoy1983]

I am in the same position, I am trying new things to improve my cue action. But when it comes to a match I revert back to my natural cueing action after missing a couple of shots with the new methods. And then I spend the rest of the match worrying about my technique. So when it comes to an easy pot my mind is all over the place concentrating on every muscle of the body, I end up missing the potting and letting the opponent in. It annoys me because one minute I can knock in a long pot with decent position, the next I can't pot sitters. And it's missing these easy shots after doing a good tough shot which is really costing me.

The only way when changing a fundamental part of your technique to install it rigidly in your minds eye is to simply repeat it shot after shot after shot after sho on the practice table until it becomes a second nature and you can take that into your match game. Beware that at first things will not be all plain sailing.

[joe.l]

Noel , I think you will find that a natural drive threw the cue-ball , and a hold on the cue right after the tip of your cue makes contact with the white , will quickly improve your play. your elbow will naturally drop a bit , the the cueing action must have a rest poistion , backswing ,and an end , don't try to folloowthrough , just let it happen , reduce your backswing ( don't stab ) HIT and HOLD that's the key to keeping the cue on line . hope this helps ....Joe

[noel]

Noel , I think you will find that a natural drive threw the cue-ball , and a hold on the cue right after the tip of your cue makes contact with the white , will quickly improve your play. your elbow will naturally drop a bit , the the cueing action must have a rest poistion , backswing ,and an end , don't try to folloowthrough , just let it happen , reduce your backswing ( don't stab ) HIT and HOLD that's the key to keeping the cue on line . hope this helps ....Joe

Thanks!I'll try that.

Hey Joe! Where ya goin' with that cue in your hand?!?!

Welcome to TSF!
Where are you in Canada?


=o)

Noel

[joe.l]

mississauaga , ontario