Pieces Of Eight - Tip Of The Week

Number: 62 Jim Tellier August 2012

TOPIC: What kind of loser are you, anyway?

CATEGORY: All Skill Levels

INTRODUCTION:

When we play on a team, as part of a league, its not the same as playing one-on-one in some Podunk bar for drinks. We probably know the players on the other teams pretty well (or will soon enough as the session progresses). Weve been playing together for a while now, and know each others personalities. As a team, we dont have any problems that need to be addressed. But individually, some food for thought may help you enjoy the evenings we spend together, and may even help you improve your own game!

If you have ever watched a pro match, you realize something fundamental very quickly: somebodys gonna lose! Hey these are professionals right? Somebodys gonna lose every match that is played, on one side or the other. The same will be true for you as well. It helps to put things into perspective.

The key thought to take away from this is: how do you deal with the loss?

TECHNIQUE:

Even if you play the best game youve ever played, you may still lose! Realize that, and you will see how a loss can be an opportunity to learn from your mistakes!

Whether you win or lose, congratulate your opponent! Showing respect for their effort is recognizing that, on this day, in this match, they did something better (if they won); or if you were the winner, acknowledging their effort shows that you see they put up a good fight. If you lost, pay attention to what you could have done differently, but dont focus on the negative! Focus on the thing(s) that needs improving! By accepting responsibility for the loss, you prepare your mind to be receptive to learning how to improve. If you just tell yourself I sucked, you miss that opportunity. It makes a huge difference!

Shoot well!

Capn Carom

ARRRR!!!! J