Tips on Playing a Weaker Player

[thelongbomber]

Excellent advice and so very true in my experience

I'd only like to add that 'When you are not at the table, think about the last shot you missed, and what you might not be doing properly (approach, selection, grip, cueing, etc)' seems very equivocal. Rather than pondering about my mistakes or technique I would try to remember some good shots (frameballs ie) instead. Of course spotting flaws of your opponent is a no go, but thinking about one's own might drag you down as well.

I suppose it's possible to get into a downward spiral in your thinking and not be prepared to take on a "positive" shot at your next opportunity at the table if you are constantly analyzing your last mistake. I would say, instead, that analyzing and remembering for future reference is the intention of my statement, and not dwelling on it over and over. Heck, write down something to work on for your next practice session if you have to. That might help you analyze a mistake, and then forget about it until later.

Accomplished snooker players (those for whom this forum topic only makes sense for) learn to have a pretty resilient mind and at least some mental capacity to remain calm and positive in shot choice, regardless of what happened before.

[xpredatorx]

All true thelongbomber, I'm pretty sure that's better to concentrate on next possible moves and the way for handling a new situation on the table, than thinking about missing shot.. but after the match it could be very useful to analyzing mistakes and maybe better possibilities at the time, by cold head.
But, .. I'm total amateur so I will use this Thread to mention some opposite aspect of mental problems.

We call it "Scare of win"!
I know that I'm weaker that opponent and thare is only way that I have any chance is if I'll be in match 120%. So, I thinking carefully about every move, passing throw every single muscle before shot and tones of learning lessons and advices, concentrate 100 % and use every left ball like it's last ball on earth, trying to do everything perfect... and it comes, opponent is confused, he didn't expect this, lead becomes high, ..I win the frame... and another... , I dominate...and just need another few balls to the end................ and than BANG!
I start thinking that I really will win this match! That thought slowly slide into whole body like poison, instead of next ball, thoughts runaways to wining glory, it becomes hot in the room, however hard you try concentration is not stabilized , muscles start shaking but you think "it's not gonna happened this time" and shot.. and miss, become nervous, shot.. and miss, realize that it is happened, and shot.. and miss. But you still have great lead... and than worse of everything, opponent becomes heavenly lucky, whatever stupid move he make, or miss, it somehow becomes even better for his position... and everything start to falling apart. You going down unstoppable... and lose!

Well, I don't expect some cure for that, I know that I just have hard work on my psychology in front, but just need to mention that interesting beginners enemy , even when we play better than opponent, and that thread seems appropriate.

[CoachGavin]

I think one big aspect here for the better player is that they have a lot to lose. They are expected to win and they expect to win. This can place some players under pressure. Many good club players I know are much more comfortable either playing a weaker player or a much stronger one and much of this is psychological. The better player often struggles playing weaker players when he starts to think ahead to what happens if he loses which brings doubt in his ability and a lack of confidence. Instead the player should only be thinking of winning and playing to the best of his ability.

In regards to the above in which the player bottles it when he can beat a good player most of the time this is because the weaker player does not really believe that they can or should win. Once you can see yourself beating the better player in your imagination then doing it for real is easier.

Hope some of that helps.

[Csmith]

I think it's important to maintain a killer instinct regardless of who you play against. Against weaker players, I try to not let them win a single game. I want them needing snookers in every frame before all the reds are off the table. In every match you should be looking to annihilate you're opponent. With that in mind, I will take on a few extra tough pots but for the most part they're shots to nothing wherein I'll have position on a colour but with no pottable red in sight. I also like to pay attention to their idiosyncracies. For example, sometimes they'll take on a lot of reckless long pots and miss every one, so I'll play safe to leave them that shot if I can.

Don't underestimate anyone though, many mid level club players have managed a 50+ break at some point and you never know when they may do it again. Just play a tight game (don't force high breaks where there isn't anything reasonable to go at) and you should win.

[mikeadyla]

This is an old post, but a great one. Thanks longbomber.

[FOXMULDER]

Play the table.
Try to imagine the table as your opponent, and it will never matter who you play.