| Sometimes, being the clear favorite
to win in a match can feel like just as much pressure as when you’re
the underdog. Many times you and your opponent are pretty evenly
matched but there are other times when there’s a clear favorite.
And when that favorite is you, there’s a natural expectation
to feel you should win. Often times those expectations can result
in unnecessary pressure.
What can you do to remain the favorite? Keep reading…
How do you identify the lower-level player? Usually, he/she is
the one who:
Makes more mistakes.
Does not break as well.
Is often careless.
Rushes shots.
Is more aggressive.
Plays fewer safeties.
Misses more.
The time will come when you lose a match where you felt you should’ve
won. These are those matches where, instead of getting beat, you
feel like you beat yourself. Your opponent has nothing to lose.
They may not even expect to win.
It could’ve been that you underestimated your opponent or
maybe you put too much pressure on yourself to win. Whatever the
case may be, you were technically the more skilled player but you
did not perform to your potential. It can take just as much discipline
and concentration to defeat a weaker opponent as it does the tougher
one. If you don’t take them and the match just as seriously,
you’ll find yourself as the weaker of the two.
Here are three simple tips to help you remain the favorite in a
match:
1. Challenge yourself not to give up one single game. Watching
your opponent miss and scratch can be contagious. If you begin to
get careless, that three game lead can easily turn into a hill-hill
match. Don’t let the match be closer than it should. When
you feel like you should win, don’t just win. See if you can
play a perfect set.
2. Do not change your game. There are few things worse than a
false sense of security. It can be very easy to take your opponent
for granted and start making aggressive decisions. Have the discipline
to play the safety versus the fun, low percentage shot.
3. Be thankful for the opportunity to warm up. Instead of getting
hasty, really bear down and be deliberate with your decisions and
execution. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Utilize
this match as an opportunity to get in stroke for your next match.
When you’re the better player, more often than not you will
come away the victor. The less experienced players reveal flaws
that will eventually cost them games and then the match. In most
cases, the player that demonstrates the fewest weaknesses is the
one that prevails. The next time you find yourself the clear favorite
in a match, keep these three tips in mind to ensure you remain the
favorite.
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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