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Nov 15, 2004 :: The Four Stages of Pool
Staying in the Game (A side note from Samm’s Side Pocket)
Is your mind wandering while your opponent is at the table? Are you looking around? Are you wondering who you might play next? Are you watching the match on the table next to you? Are you hungry or thirsty, or do you need to use the restroom?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may discover you have trouble staying in the game. Perhaps you struggle with maintaining a consistent level of concentration or physical stamina. Whatever the reason may be, it is important to keep your mind and your eye on your table.
Staying alert and in the game helps prepare your mind and body for its turn at the table. Staying in the game means knowing what’s going on at all times during your match (not the match beside you.) It means you know whether you have stripes or solids because you were paying attention. It means you know if your opponent just fouled when it’s your turn (just make sure you confirm it with them before picking up the cue ball). It means completely appreciating every stroke you make because you are not just pocketing the ball, you are experiencing it and you’re enveloped in every moment of your match.
I know it’s easy to want to know what’s going on across the room if everyone begins cheering or gasping. But, if you catch your mind wandering or notice yourself getting distracted from the game in front of you, consciously make yourself watch the table. Find a ball or a spot on the table to physically focus on and force yourself to stare in that direction. Once you get into this habit, you’ll begin doing it naturally.
I use the restroom or get food and water if I need to. I also like to spend some time before each match just staring at the cue ball sitting on top of the table. I do my breathing, acclimate myself to the environment and I try to relax. Doing this also helps my eyes adjust to the lighting on the table I’m playing on. As we know, lighting can often be different from table to table. I hope this will help you as much as it has helped me.
