Sports Psychology

Years ago, someone referred me to a sports psychologist, Jerry Lynch, who has helped hundreds of athletes of a wide variety of sports become champions.  We had a couple of sessions over the phone, which I found to be extremely helpful.  Many people have heard of exercises like these, but very few actually do it.   It’s definitely worth trying.  We only use a small portion of our brains, and I believe this allows us to tap into parts that we don’t normally use.

It’s about a 15 minute exercise that you do before competing.   Before you begin write down specifically what you do when playing.  Write down every detail, then summarize each step into 1 word or a phrase that has you visualize it exactly.   You may want to work with a coach to get your list together.  For example, plan, 4 balls ahead, target spot, calibrate, get down, aim, breath, stay down.

Find a quiet place where you can be alone, sit down and be comfortable.  For the first 5 minutes, close your eyes and think about breathing.  This is essentially a meditation and as soon as your mind goes off thinking about other things, say to yourself, “wandering come back.”  Next, for about 5 minutes visualize yourself playing your best pool.   Visualize each specific step of your pre-shot routine.  It’s important to feel everything including the pool cue in your hands, the temperature in the room, how the cue feels when it hits the ball. 

The last part is to say each of these affirmations out loud.  Each one should be written on an index card and kept in your pool case.  You can also read these during your match to help you keep calm and get in the zone.  1) I refuse to give others permission to interfere with my mission.  2) My game is all about me.  Others don’t really matter.  I take the high road.  3) I am a strong, talented, world-class athlete, and I absolutely refuse to let silly fears stand in my way of my greatness.  4) I may or may not win, but I play like the world class champion that I am.  5) Calm and relaxed, I play with confidence and poise.  6) I am a tuff, strong, fearless world-class athlete.  7) It’s not about beating others, it’s about playing like the world-class champion and elite champion I am. 

"Go Time" Review

In class today, 2 people played a match and we talked about when it was time to go for the run out aka "Go Time" or when it was time to play safe.  We marked the balls to practice our offense and the best pattern and path of the cue ball to attack a run out.

Some important points included:

1) If you can not run all of them out or have a clear plan to get problem balls asap, then do not pocket any of your soldiers.  

2) Only break out balls if you are shooting at a high percentage ball and then running into the cluster with the cue ball so that you remain in control of the table.   You do not want to break up a cluster and make it easier for your opponent

3) If you miss breaking out your problem balls, abort your mission.

4) Play the odds and bet on your opponent not running out if it is not a run out "Go Time" table. 

Video Work

1) Who is your favorite pro player?  Watch a video of them playing.  Write down everything that you like about them (ie. pre-shot routine, composure, their pace, their fundamentals...).  Which of those things do you want in your game?

2) Videotape your practice session.  Imagine that you are a commentator and what would you say.   Are u smooth looking confident?,    Run 5 racks of 15 balls.  Run 10 9-ball racks.  Time yourself.  Can u see a consistent pattern?  Do you appear different when you miss or make a shot?  What is your demeanor like and how would you describe the way you shoot?   Ask yourself if you like how you look and is that how you want to look.  Ask yourself what you did and didn't do.   Did you keep your composure?   Make sure you include positive evaluations too.