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In science, the “divide and
conquer” algorithm refers to breaking down a problem into
more manageable smaller problems until they become simple enough
to solve directly. This same concept can be applied to understanding
our pool game and conquering those errors during competition.
With nationals just around the corner, who couldn’t
use a little help in conquering those errors?
How many times have you been in a match where
it seemed like nothing was going right for you? No matter what you
did, it wasn’t working. It can often feel overwhelming when
that happens. You make one little mistake and the next thing you
know all the errors start snowballing. When you look back on that
match, you might be able to pinpoint one or two specific things
that resulted in your downward spiral.
If only you could identify it when it starts happening...
You couldn’t because all the combined errors clouded the real
reason you weren’t getting out. You were looking at the big
problem instead of dividing it into smaller ones that you could
attack.
Here’s a perfect example:
You lost your match because you missed too many
key shots. You missed those shots because you were too tentative
and did not deliver a confident stroke. Without confidence you weren’t
following through. You didn’t follow through because in the
very first rack of the match you over-stroked a draw shot and hooked
yourself. Now, instead of adjusting to the table, you’ve managed
to make a mountain of a loss out of the molehill of the table speed.
If only you were able to recognize what was happening while it was
happening.
My personal biggest weakness is when the balls
are really dirty. As soon as I’d over-spin that first shot,
it would ultimately make me so uncomfortable, it would cause me
to jump up or misaim. When you’re not comfortable, it’s
difficult to stay down. You just want the shot to be over with.
My point is that if you’re able to break
down the equation and quickly identify the problem, it makes it
much easier to conquer it. Sometimes confidence can win as many
matches as skill. If you can’t figure out what’s causing
you to feel uncomfortable, you’ll never be able to feel confident.
When a match takes a turn for the worse, break it down and conquer
it! Figure out what’s happening and regain your confidence.
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
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