Pieces Of Eight - Tip Of The Week

Number: 77 Jim Tellier March 2013

TOPIC: Dont Look Back!

CATEGORY: All Skill Levels

INTRODUCTION:

OK. Youre at the table, doing what you do. Then you miss a shot. What do you do next? ( important question! --- think about it!!!!).

TECHNIQUE:

I thought about this when I was watching the Andy Mercer tournament match between Ernesto Dominguez and Shane Van Boening this past weekend at the Rum Runner. Ernesto had a really great chance to beat Shane, with what everybody thought was an easy 7-ball side pocket shot, followed by 8 and 9 without much fuss.

BUT--- Ernesto missed the 7-ball!!! WOW! Anybody in the place would have bet BIG $$$$ that he was about to win that game, but it was not to be.

The important thing that everybody took notice of at this point was. Ernesto never even flinched never showed any reaction whatsoever when he missed that ball. Why? He, along with most pro players (well maybe excepting Earl Strickland! J) realize that putting energy into showing that you are upset by your own efforts is counter-productive! Its FAR more beneficial to you as a player to really just let it go! You know that you cant change the outcome if you are going to spend any energy at all, spend it on thinking about what you will do when you get back to the table.

Same thinking applies to end-of-game scenarios, when youve lost the game. Hey, youre still in the match! Do NOT give up the ghost! The reality is anything can happen, and usually does! You can get the mojo back, and your opponent can lose it at any time.

Just think about looking forward to the next shot! Youll eventually train your mind to not even remember what ball you shot last --- because youre looking FORWARD!

Shoot well, and keep your opponent in his chair!

Capn Carom

ARRRR!!!! J