Observing oneself

[The Statman]

I have long thought about looking at my game on a day-by-day basis, seeing whether I'm playing well, whether there are any tangible reasons, etc., and was thinking of making a real effort to record events each time I play – not necessarily in the statistical form of scores etc., but general observations as to form, enthusiasm etc.

I started that 'Frustration' thread in October as a genuine reaction to – literally – my frustration at that time which, as some of you will have read, has gone up and down since. (Mainly down, thankfully.)

It occurred to me that I am right in between the sort of regular ton-makers and the infrequent casual players who occasionally make 20 – but my trials and tribulations could well have meaning to both ends of the spectrum.

And so, I am proposing to make a thread which outlines my activities on the snooker table during the year, and make little notes of various things – whether I'm playing well, any off-table matters which will affect things (such as having a heavy cold or whatever), whether I think I can explain loss of form or concentration, etc. etc.

Input from you lot would be very welcome, of course.

I just wondered, would people be interested in viewing such a thing? I am certainly interested in doing it for my own reference, but if you would like me to share it with you, I will put it here!

Let me know.

[PaulTheSoave]

Its always interesting to read a bit of gossip. At least you are making sizeable breaks, which i can only envy. If I would make a similar thread (which i wont) you all will get depressed. To make regular 30 or 40 breaks! I would be in heaven.

[Stunrunthru]

Chris,

I don't know how useful that would be to be fair. What is the idea behind doing this? Is it so that you can look at factors that are making you lose form and then attempt to allieviate them?

[The Statman]

Its always interesting to read a bit of gossip. At least you are making sizeable breaks, which i can only envy. If I would make a similar thread (which i wont) you all will get depressed. To make regular 30 or 40 breaks! I would be in heaven.

Well yes, but it's not about the size of your breaks in comparison to mine, it's more to do with the size of your breaks in comparison to your own recent performances.

I always think it is important to compare myself with myself rather than anyone else – think of the number of variables quite apart from raw ability: opportunity to play (time restraints, financial, lack of tables), availability of suitable practice partners, quality of coaching, etc. etc.

[PaulTheSoave]

True. Normally i always compare myself with previous periods I played. In that respect there was a consistency for more than a decade. The last 6 months my play went downhill. That annoys me enormously. As well, my playing partner making long pots by the dozen out of nowhere. (I guess he went for coaching without telling me).

[Stunrunthru]

Too much Folonari could be affecting your game Soavey boy????

Are you going to see the masters??????

[PaulTheSoave]

Only drinks after!! when snooker is played. The Masters, yes.

[Stunrunthru]

Van Der Soave - I'm thinking of going to see the quarter finals on the Friday evening or the Semis. Will mail you if I do.

[hegeland]

On the theme of 'observing oneself' - tip of the day:
Put up a videocamera and film yourself while playing. It does wonders with your basics (stance, followthrough, get down, timing etc.) as well as tactcs, shot selection, well every part of your game basically. It sometimes surprises me that not more people try it. Its cheaper than a coach, especally since we dont have any here in Sweden...

[Belloz22]

i have tried recording myself, and it works pretty well, i get to see what i am doing, and then i can pick up on things i didnt know i was doing, and its always fun to see yourself playing lol (just wish i looked better when i am playing lol)

For a while, i made a diary of everytime i played, after practice, and after a match, i would then write down my thoughts feelings and opinions on what i had done in thag game, i would then also write about the benefits and problems with trying different techniques. It allowed me to have a reference with i could refer to evrytime i was playing bad, it allowed me to look at the days i was playing well and see what i was doing differently then to what i was doing on a bad day. It also gave me the option to looks at trends when i was playing bad, so i could see if by doing that, it affected my game.

My game has improved because of this, i have tried to mirror my actions from my good days in upcoming matches, and my win to loss ratio has improved, alot of people have mentioned how my temperment has improved. My fustration lied in not knowing why i was makimg mistakes, but by doing this diary, it has helped me pinpoint my problems

[The Statman]

I would not wish to have recorded myself today – I would have had to bleep over several expletives!

[Belloz22]

dont worry i have the same problem - ive started to put £1 into a box every time i swear of start losing my cool in a match - god, you should see what i have collected (never knew i had so much money to waste!!! lol)

[berolina]

Let me know.

Why not start a blog? I think this format would fit better than a forum.