Keeping tension out of your game

[crossFade]

Hey guys,

I realized that I tend to unconsciously tense up in my shots after not focusing on relaxing and/or playing a power/difficult shot. Do you have similar experiences and maybe some tips for getting loose again?

I'm curious about your answer's , cheers

[Cue crafty]

Hey guys,

I realized that I tend to unconsciously tense up in my shots after not focusing on relaxing and/or playing a power/difficult shot. Do you have similar experiences and maybe some tips for getting loose again?

I'm curious about your answer's , cheers

Timing and rhythm are very key. Try and keep to a pattern in your shots to achieve this, ie a pre shot routine. A previous post on TSF talked about using a "trigger" word for your action when delivering the cue to the cue ball. Strawberry was a good one. In golf I used to use severiano ballesteros for back swing and follow through, same applies in snooker. Also singing a song that relaxes you in your head while at the table helps to keep the mind of missing and getting tense.

Good luck. ; )

[crossFade]

A previous post on TSF talked about using a "trigger" word for your action when delivering the cue to the cue ball. Strawberry was a good one.... Also singing a song that relaxes you in your head while at the table helps to keep the mind of missing and getting tense.

Sounds funny but this could actually work , Ill try it out in my next session. What keeps me a little 'cooler' is going into the shot in a very slow and relaxed motion, almost like daydreaming ;D

[Cue crafty]

Sounds funny but this could actually work , Ill try it out in my next session. What keeps me a little 'cooler' is going into the shot in a very slow and relaxed motion, almost like daydreaming ;D

Lol, yes I know what you mean, but when you draw the word out it makes a lot of sense. Straaaaw (drawing cue slowly back) then Berrrrrry (thru the strike) creates nice tempo and ingrains the motion. I like your idea of moving into the shot nice and easy, think that will help me in league matches.

[crossFade]

It totally makes sence . Its astonishing how much your mind plays a role in this game. I can tell such a difference in my play when im in a good mood and relaxed or if something bothers me. Maybe some kind of sport meditation could actually help out. I will read myself into that and report back

[Shockerz]

Strawberry sounds like a good word as does severiano ballesteros.

After losing in a pairs competition tonight I may want toi borrow one of these if you don;t mind as 'Twitch' ain't doing it for me.........way too short!

[jonny66]

I've been going through the alphabet in my head lately, or how to make an omelette

[crossFade]

.... or how to make an omelette

Hahaha, thats a good one

[Shockerz]

I've been going through the alphabet in my head lately, or how to make an omelette

I've now got a picture of you shouting something random out when you win the game. I'm sure there are a lot more random ones out there.

[Cue crafty]

Strawberry sounds like a good word as does severiano ballesteros.

After losing in a pairs competition tonight I may want toi borrow one of these if you don;t mind as 'Twitch' ain't doing it for me.........way too short!

Lol, its not got any easier for me in my recent league matches either. I'm trying to enjoy it with a smile, pretending im all relaxed and haven't a care in the world but really I can feel a monkey on my back saying "don't miss that one cos you will look a complete mug"! That's what losing a couple of matches can do to you! I think I need to get angry...maybe wear tighter pants or something? : )

[crossFade]

Hahaha, totally get you there . You somehow need to not put yourself under pressure. Now that's way easier to be said then done. I often try to tell myself to not care, just enjoy and be grateful to have the opportunity to play this awesome game. But its just a question of time when the tension and pressure (which I build up myself) comes back and f...'s around with me...

[Csmith]

I've done a bit of research into tension and I agree with the group that timing plays a huge role.

However, tension can still work itself into your game even with a good stroke and proper timing. Stretching your arms before matches can help a bit, another trick is before a match to squeeze your hand and flex your the muscles in your arm for 10 seconds. When you release, your muscles will be completely at rest. Often times we may not even realize that our muscles are tense even when we think they are at rest.

[Cue crafty]

I've done a bit of research into tension and I agree with the group that timing plays a huge role.

However, tension can still work itself into your game even with a good stroke and proper timing. Stretching your arms before matches can help a bit, another trick is before a match to squeeze your hand and flex your the muscles in your arm for 10 seconds. When you release, your muscles will be completely at rest. Often times we may not even realize that our muscles are tense even when we think they are at rest.

Thanks for this useful info. Very evident in ROS match with Mark King that tension played a huge part. At least we can forgive ourselves for the odd "stiff arm" shot in a match if guys at this level suffer in what was an early round match. (They got history of course and that added to it I believe) good viewing never the less!

[Shockerz]

I think I need to get angry...maybe wear tighter pants or something? : )

Hmm.......the picture in my mind has now scarred me!

[Cue crafty]

Hmm.......the picture in my mind has now scarred me!

Use this awful experience as a launch pad to renewed excellence! Now you've hit rock bottom there's only one way...Up!! 😉