What am I doing wrong?

[tedisbill]

I think you probably start thinking more about what your body is going through, rather than about situation at the table. The adrenalin must be off scale. Nothing unusual, I am like that as well. It is very difficult to keep a smooth cue action under those conditions, seems impossible. But it can be done of course, as professional players continue to demonstrate time after time.
Just think...if you didnt experience any special emotion while approaching a ton mark or your personal record, that would mean that you are already so good that century means absolutely nothing to you, or that you simply do not care...neither is the truth of course...
From these numbers, your level seems very high, but you will simply need to get even better. There is nothing wrong with your mind, nothing unusual about collapsing under pressure at all.
Myself I have bottled many times when I got over half ton mark with many available reds still. I used to think that I was mentally behind...moron...etc... No. It seems I need a higher level of play. It is as simple as that.

While I agree to an extent that, yes, you can always be better and then milestones become much easier, my main problem is definitely mental.

There's a guy I practice with. He's about the same standard as me. We are very close when we play a session together, but I've won more than I lose. He's made 4 centuries in the last 6 months, and I've made 1. So for our standard of play, it's quite possible to have bigger breaks.

I'm not saying I should be making tons every time I play, but I'm certainly capable of converting my chances every now and then.

Of course, the important thing is, how totally and utterly pointless tons are. I'm capable of frame winning breaks now and do it regularly. It's just the mad number that us humans have put some random importance on.

[tedisbill]

Well! I made another century today (101).

And boy did Byrom's advice help me! I was on about 60-70 odd, and I suddenly thought "right, my only goal here is to remain calm and in control". And I was definitely more relaxed. I just felt a lot calmer for some reason because I'd acknowledged it in my head.

I can't believe how well it worked.

I owe you a pint Byrom!! Or maybe two if you're good

[Byrom]

Well! I made another century today (101).

And boy did Byrom's advice help me! I was on about 60-70 odd, and I suddenly thought "right, my only goal here is to remain calm and in control". And I was definitely more relaxed. I just felt a lot calmer for some reason because I'd acknowledged it in my head.

I can't believe how well it worked.

I owe you a pint Byrom!! Or maybe two if you're good

Cracked it - now remember this feeling and remember how doing this helps you play better - stuff the numbers who cares you and I have both had tons what does it matter anymore what the number? In fact same applies to anyone who can knock in 50 plus regular if you get hung up on numbers or tense up on match ball and stuff - The mind plays tricks on us - and in learning this i found it helped me - many players carry baggage with them they picked up along the way in learning snooker when getting to this 50 plus level or trying too.

Many do need to shake this inhibiting mind stuff off - this is just how I did it and hope it helps a bit.

I find it more important to remember to keep calm in control in your rhythm and focused even when under it - that's the real target as I said - more you do it the more habitual it becomes for you - try also to accept the odd bad day and smile them bad boys off and you will recover quicker - we all have them - but be safe in the knowledge that by doing this and repeating this method I speak of above in the long run on and off the table I guarantee it will bring better results bigger breaks more consistency and certainly more confidence and more enjoyment as snooker is = all together a better buzz when relaxed and zoned up. - JD n Coke please - and all the best - one down one to go in Byrom's motivational Christmas class.

[ace man]

Fantastic! Must be on a high right now...I know I would be...
But there must have been breaks below 100 where you actually potted more balls...more than minimum of 26 required...so not surprised about this news...
Numbers can get into one's head. Even in a lonely lineup drill, let alone in a real game...

[Byrom]

One more thing -

[tedisbill]

Fantastic! Must be on a high right now...I know I would be...
But there must have been breaks below 100 where you actually potted more balls...more than minimum of 26 required...so not surprised about this news...
Numbers can get into one's head. Even in a lonely lineup drill, let alone in a real game...

Yeah, I've potted enough balls for the ton a load of times. That's why it's all been so frustating. Stupid really. And yes, I'm on a nice high today!

Byrom:

Yeah cheers again! It definitely helped me today to get my mind right and stop all my racing thoughts. Just stay in the moment, stay relaxed, don't slow down or speed up and focus on the ball in front of me. I'll get that JD in! Merry Christmas!

[itsnoteasy]

Superb Ted, total clearance next, then on to the telly

[tedisbill]

Ha! Cheers Pal! I'll wave if I get on the tele

[steveflanuk]

Well done ted

It's true what Byrom said that it's mainly about stuff in your head. For the better player, most of the time missed pots are not about technique, but more to do with the mental side (i.e. concentrating on splitting the reds from the black rather than concentrating on potting the black, etc).

Just look at the techniques of the professionals - virtually all different (Mark Selby's head movement, etc), however, they cue in a straight line and control the white. I truly believe that most of the time players can improve just by doing what you've done with your ton, remain calm, etc - rather than trying to find some minor flaw in their technique.

[itsnoteasy]

Ha! Cheers Pal! I'll wave if I get on the tele

Ha! I will look out for it, a total clearance must be within your grasp, I just can't even conceive potting every ball on the table, it must be an incredible feeling to know you have that ability in your locker, I hope you go on to do it.