Tweet
I played like a chump!
I played a match last night against a club regular. The pressure was on from the first shot as we both have it for each other and are both competitive. Whomever loses has to pay table time - and in clubs in Vancouver that isn't a small fee either at 13/hr for table time (non match tables) 
My opponent was an older chap (retired) and he has a bad habit of snide commentary like "oh, you didn't go far enough". Or when I'm down looking to see if I can make a shot, he comes right behind to see the shot as well. Just last night I was sizing up a 3-ball plant into the side, and he came around to see the shot for himself. Boy, I felt like punching him at that point, but I knew that was my nerves talking.
He has this habit of seeing virtually every freaking shot I play!!! I'm pretty sure it's intentional but I can't accuse him of it either. It's either an unconcious habit on is part, or he is doing to throw me off - and yes it worked splendidly to do so. Now, I know you are going to say.. oh, don't worry about it.. just ignore him.
That's the first question: How do I ignore my opponent, his comments, his shots, etc????
Anyways, we ended up playing three, best of 3 matches (score was 2:1, 2:0, 2:0 for him) and my total bill was $30 for the table time
At one point, I was literally missing balls over the hole. It was downright embarassing!!! To make things worse, the local club guru walked in at the start of the 3rd match and at that point, the pressure was REALLY on cause he was watching and he KNEW (as well as I did), that I could play better. I played like a chump and I deserved to lose.
The amazing thing about last night is that I'm usually a great entertainer and love playing well. When I'm playing against friends/mentors, I end up playing superbly, and scoring all of my highest breaks. a bunch of 40+ breaks in the last 8 weeks.
Second question: How do I "reset" my thought patterns and get myself back to zero (whatever that's called), so that I can approach the next shot with a fresh mind? I have tried to learn from seeing the pro's (I download all my snooker from the net) and it seems they just phase out, or use some other method to zone out between shots. Ronnie, in the World Open recently said he was preparing for his next turn at the table. Any insight into this would be great to hear.
I'm still reeling from last night and hoping to prepare mentally for the next time I see this arch enemy. The pressure is on, but I'm not sure I have the tools needed to cope with them.
Please help!
My opponent was an older chap (retired) and he has a bad habit of snide commentary like "oh, you didn't go far enough". Or when I'm down looking to see if I can make a shot, he comes right behind to see the shot as well. Just last night I was sizing up a 3-ball plant into the side, and he came around to see the shot for himself. Boy, I felt like punching him at that point, but I knew that was my nerves talking.
He has this habit of seeing virtually every freaking shot I play!!! I'm pretty sure it's intentional but I can't accuse him of it either. It's either an unconcious habit on is part, or he is doing to throw me off - and yes it worked splendidly to do so. Now, I know you are going to say.. oh, don't worry about it.. just ignore him.
That's the first question: How do I ignore my opponent, his comments, his shots, etc????
Anyways, we ended up playing three, best of 3 matches (score was 2:1, 2:0, 2:0 for him) and my total bill was $30 for the table time
At one point, I was literally missing balls over the hole. It was downright embarassing!!! To make things worse, the local club guru walked in at the start of the 3rd match and at that point, the pressure was REALLY on cause he was watching and he KNEW (as well as I did), that I could play better. I played like a chump and I deserved to lose.
The amazing thing about last night is that I'm usually a great entertainer and love playing well. When I'm playing against friends/mentors, I end up playing superbly, and scoring all of my highest breaks. a bunch of 40+ breaks in the last 8 weeks.
Second question: How do I "reset" my thought patterns and get myself back to zero (whatever that's called), so that I can approach the next shot with a fresh mind? I have tried to learn from seeing the pro's (I download all my snooker from the net) and it seems they just phase out, or use some other method to zone out between shots. Ronnie, in the World Open recently said he was preparing for his next turn at the table. Any insight into this would be great to hear.
I'm still reeling from last night and hoping to prepare mentally for the next time I see this arch enemy. The pressure is on, but I'm not sure I have the tools needed to cope with them.
Please help!
Comment