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Oct 11, 2004 :: Handle A 9-Ball Rider
Be FREEEE!! (a side note from Samm's Side Pocket)
A couple weeks ago, I was waiting to play my next match in a rather large tournament. I had been calling to update The Monk on my match results as the day went on, but I began expressing some concerns regarding my ability to stay focused and maintain my concentration level.
When I spoke with The Monk he said, “Sammantha, I don’t care if you call and tell me you lost, as long as you tell me you played free.” Free?!?! Yes, FREEEEEEEE… Free of fears, nervousness, anxiety, tension, and mostly, the preoccupation with results. Do you just say “I want to play free!” and wiggle your nose to make it happen? Well, it’s not quite that simple. However, I will share with you my experience and some examples of what playing free meant to me.
After I got off the phone, I reminded myself that today was just another tournament day. Today’s tournament is one of many tournaments that I will be competing in and that I will not lose a match due to my own fears. Then I said to myself, “Self, what are you afraid of?!? What’s the worst possible thing that could happen???” This reminded me that it would truly not be the end of the world if I did not win (however, it would be mighty fine to do so). I then said (and a couple times under my breath), “Who cares?!?” Some may disagree with this attitude, but in the big scheme of things, you may not even remember this tournament ten years from now.
Next, a couple times during the match, I ran to the last ball and (as this sometimes happens) felt an instant rush of anxiety overcome me as I leaned down to shoot it. As I stood up and got back down on the shot, I chose a specific spot on the table that I wanted the cue ball to be. I convinced myself that this wasn’t the last ball on the table and I needed to play position for another ball. So, as I reminded myself to keep a loose grip, I firmly stroked the ball into the center of the pocket and the cue ball came around to the middle of the table as I envisioned. Often times, tension causes our muscles to tighten up and we may push or pinch a ball by rolling it instead of delivering a confident stroke.
Another thing I do not waste my energy on, is the score of the match (or where I am on the tournament board). My friends or spectators will come up and ask what the score is and I honestly respond with a shoulder shrug because I’m not thinking about that nor am I conscious of it most of the time.
I also like to stay isolated between matches. I allow myself enough “Samm-time” (which can be tough if you’re a socialite), make sure I’m well-hydrated and practice my breathing. Long, slow breaths help calm the body and send plenty of oxygen to the brain. This also helps you stay loose and relaxed.
So, the next time you begin feeling anxiety before a match, I hope that some of these tips were helpful for you. Without compromising your killer instincts and competitive edge, you can still condition your mind and body to play free and confidently. Remember, you came to win. Therefore, whatever actions help you control your nerves in order to play freely to win, consider them.
P.S. I did go on to win the tournament. Playing free may not have been the sole inspiration for my win, but it definitely helped.
