|
It’s always good practice
to take a deep breath and relax before you shoot. However, there
are certain times when it’s especially important to take a
moment to regroup and calm yourself before your next shot. High
pressure situations can get your adrenaline pumping, which can ultimately
result in an assortment of bad outcomes.
Though adrenal hormones help the body cope with
stress, among other vital bodily functions, they are also known
for increasing your heart rate and constricting blood vessels. Too
much adrenaline can cause you to miss a shot or over or under stroke
a ball and miss position. When your palms are sweaty, your hands
are shaking, and your heart is beating faster than normal, you are
feeling the effects of the adrenaline and it’s a good idea
to take a moment to regroup and settle down.
Here are four instances of when it’s important
to regroup prior to shooting again:
After a lucky shot
Luck happens. Maybe you caught a lucky roll or slopped something
in playing 9-ball. Whatever the case may be, the surprise of the
unexpected fortune might be just enough to raise the adrenaline
level. When this happens there’s no need to feel guilty. It’s
part of the game. Luck happens to you and it will happen to your
opponent as well. Accept the shot, regroup, and focus on the next
shot.
After a great shot
Have you ever come with the shot of your life, only to turn around
and miss the easy one that follows up? This happens to everyone.
It’s very common that when so much focus and energy was needed
for a heroic effort, the subsequent shot is taken for granted. A
fantastic shot can cause excitement and elevate your heart rate.
In these cases, step away from the table and take a sip of water
or do something to break the tension. Refocus and approach the next
shot.
After your opponent’s
lock up safety
Not getting a shot, alone can be frustrating, but when you finally
receive an opportunity and your opponent just put you in jail, it
can be quite discouraging. When your opponent is not giving an inch
and the only chance you’re getting is not even a chance at
all, it might seem easier to throw in the towel and just give up.
This is one time when it’s critical to regroup and do your
very best with what you’re faced with. Do not give up or rush
your decision. Your opponent can sense your weakness and it only
makes them stronger.
After your opponent sits
you for a while
A similar circumstance occurs if your opponent is dominating the
match and you’ve been sitting in your chair for some time.
The anticipation of finally getting a shot after your opponent puts
a five-pack on you can cause some restlessness. But, unless you
have Ralf Souquet’s nerves of steel, don’t expect to
return the favor with a package of your own. As much as you may
want to, do not charge the table. It’s good to be eager but
racing to the table right now can elevate the excitement and again,
your adrenaline level. Calmly approach the table with a clear plan
of attack.
These are four examples of when it’s easy
to get overexcited and allow your enthusiasm or impatience to take
over. Don’t let your adrenaline get the best of you.
Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” (DenverCherryBomb.com)
House Pro at Rack ‘Em Billiards (Aurora, CO)
Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic
Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)”
Player Representative for Chris Byrne Custom Cues, PoolDawg, Predator,
Jim Murnak Custom Cases, & Delta-13 Rack
SammsPocket.com | fun
& unique products for pool players
PoolTipJar.com | random
smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, news, & reviews
PoolCalendar.com | your
source for weekly, monthly, and special tournaments & events
around the Denver Metro area
MileHighPoolPlayers.com
| it’s how Colorado pool players stay connected
|
