Pool Tales Part Two - Jackass Shooting Pool Syndrome
Before going any further, and since I am going to offer some advice, let me describe myself. I have a nice collection of "how to" books and video tapes on pocket pool. All were written or produced by professionals who offer valuable advice to beginners and advanced players. I read the books and watch the tapes, and I try to apply the more achievable techniques to my game. I practice regularly, play league pool, and participate in tournaments on small and full sized tables. I have been playing pool for 35 years and I have a table at home.
This week I played in three 8-ball tournaments: one against a field of 50, another against 42 players and the third with about 15 players. Most of the competitors were better players than I, but I "managed" two first place titles and one fourth, winning about 27 matches and losing 4. I point this out only to let readers know I am not a beginner, and that my observations and suggestions might be valid. I also lose a lot, usually because of the jackass-shooting-pool syndrome. Since I am not too advanced, I can empathize with the great majority of week-end shooters.
I can't offer advice on advanced techniques, such as jumping or curving around balls. I use them on rare occasion, but I can't explain how. But that kind of instruction is not only useless for average players, it is harmful in that it can cause them to focus on dynamics for which they are ill prepared. I will stick to the mental game, which I believe is most important, and can be shared in print.
Everyone is familiar with the word focus. It is a synonym for concentration. Games are won and lost as the result of focus, or the lack of it. When focus is lost, even briefly, we become exposed to the dreaded jackass-shooting-pool syndrome. Please try to understand what the jackass-shooting-pool syndrome is. It is not, in itself, a lack of focus. It is an airborne virus, floating around in pool halls, looking for unfocused pool players. It requires no gestation period. It is, in effect, instantaneous. Once it strikes, it not only affects one shot, it gets in the blood stream and attaches itself to our nerve endings. It makes us super sensitive to the smallest distractions, like being awake and conscious. We become aware of oxygen and hair, and
Latest Articles