How to get confidence back?

[rightoncue89]

Go back to basics, set up an easy practice routine, when im struggling i set up a small line up with just black and pink with 4 reds in between and just do that for a while, il also do a routine with black on spot and 2 reds below it, every time i pot a red i replace it so theres always 2 to play for from the black, just using little screws and run throughs.

Usually my problem is im not getting on line right for whatever reason or my cueing is abit off, but doing easy routines like this soon helps me discover whats wrong, then when i fix it the routines feel easier and i can gradually make them harder.

I find this a much better way rather than playing frame after frame and getting frustrated at missing shots i know i shouldnt miss.

Although sometimes i do the exact opposite lol and i actually just set up difficult scenerios, such as needing a deep screw shot to get on the yellow or something, it sometimes takes a while when im cueing badly but again it helps me identify the problem when im playing the same shot over and over, then when you make the 'miracle shot' you think "i can actually play!"

But really id recommend the first suggestion with basic practice routines!!

Hope it helps.

[grey]

Martj. I'm new to the game, and suspect there's nothing I can teach you about snooker itself.

However - I do play a lot of pool, and if there is one advantage of pool over snooker, and that is the number of games and players we get through!

I played about a dozen players of varying capabilities in about 30 games last night. Because of the sheer numbers involved, pool players naturally have more experience with the phycology of the game. I instinctively know when an opponent is low on confidence, and will take advantage by demonstrating my own confidence around the table (whether I'm playing good or not), this is usually enough to off-balance my opponent and allow me the advantage.

Assuming I have practiced my game: how well I'm playing depends upon how I am feeling. This does depend on how my life is at going at that moment in time... if all is hunky-dory, my game is generally good, if I have a problem at work or with the family, my game may tail off.

However, by being positive, showing confidence, asserting your authority around the table, you will win more games... whatever your capability. If your opponent happens to win, congratulate him wholeheartedly, pat him on the back knowing that he must have had a lucky break to beat you.

We all have bad runs Martj - change the usual scene for a while - concentrate on stabilising life outside the game (if needs be), start developing your new aurora, and punish those muppets who don't deserve to share the same table light as you do!

Polite aggression - or English aggression, is about as intimidating as it can get! You're English (I assume) USE IT!!!

[lesedwards]

Byrom said it, one thing i can add although i'm no expert at it and am trying to do it myself is not try to force anything, i.e when playing you should just do it and not try to do it, because when you try it puts pressure on the shot.....easier said than done, i haven't managed to completely relax yet.

Your exactly right, I was up to see Terry yesterday basically for a visit a few games of snooker and watch the masters and I played very poorly with a high break of 8. Nothing would go in and when I did make something I had no position. Terry told me I have to drive through the ball I look very tentative like I am afraid I am going to miss. So tonight I go down to practice with one thing in mind, drive through the cue ball and relax and I was potting everything. I feel better now especially when I have Cliff Thorburn coming to my place in the morning for a 4 hour coaching session.

[Byrom]

Going to start calling you bus stop Les.

[lesedwards]

Going to start calling you bus stop Les.

Whats that mean? Cliff just left my house a little bit ago. We had a great day and he gave me some real good pointers.

[Byrom]

Whats that mean? Cliff just left my house a little bit ago. We had a great day and he gave me some real good pointers.
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You are surrounded by coaches

Glad you had a good day pal - these are memories you cant put a price on!

[lesedwards]

You are surrounded by coaches

Glad you had a good day pal - these are memories you cant put a price on!

LOL. BUS STOP LES..... Yea really with two coaches I should be giving the Rocket a run for his money...mean while I look like a beginner. Hopefully I can start to gain my confidence and start playing some good Snooker. We have a qualifier coming up this coming weekend and it would be really nice to win a few matches.

[itsnoteasy]

What do you qualify for Les if you win it.

[lesedwards]

What do you qualify for Les if you win it.

We have 10 Qualifiers through out the winter to get a spot in the Ontario's either in Open, Senior or Amature. Of course I am in the A Division. Top 8 are seeded and right now I am sitting 12th. I have some work to do. Need some confidence going into next weekend. I just need to relax but easier said then done.

[inevermissblue]

Hi Pottr! thanks for that! I'm quite happy to play anyone within a reasonable distance! I just love the game...whether i'm playing good or bad. Pottr i hope that we can have that session eventually that we promised to have. So if anyone wants to play me anytime then i'm up for it!!!

[lesedwards]

Hi Pottr! thanks for that! I'm quite happy to play anyone within a reasonable distance! I just love the game...whether i'm playing good or bad. Pottr i hope that we can have that session eventually that we promised to have. So if anyone wants to play me anytime then i'm up for it!!!

You guys are so lucky over there when it comes to getting games. Here I am sitting with a perfect match table in my basement complete with heaters, marked out in white baulk, D and + for spots and no one to play with. Cliff said the table was perfect. He loved playing on it so much he played three games with us after our session and was here for nearly 6 hours.

[inevermissblue]

Now who's the lucky one!!! lol.