Pool Tales Part Two - Jackass Shooting Pool Syndrome

Syndrome victims become paranoid, distrusting of things like chalk, rails and pockets. Every table is unlevel and every stick is warped. In order to free ourselves of the disorder,we shoot harder, or try position shots that would frighten the Miz. Difficult shots are somehow more logical than simple ones. Playing safe seems cowardly. The syndrome tells us to compensate for our incompetence by playing stupid. Those infected believe that respect is achieved by "going for it" instead of playing safe. The jackass-shooting-pool syndrome rearranges our DNA and makes us believe that losing is a virtue, as long as it is accomplished with vigor and aplomb.

The truth is, trying to beat the virus directly only makes it angry and more determined to morph our brains into something resembling pond scum. The only cure is focus. But how is this accomplished when we are in the grip of such a formidable foe? Well, obviously it is best to remain inoculated to the disease by staying in focus from start to finish. But, since this is not easily accomplished, getting back in focus is critical. The best way to get in focus is to keep it simple. Stick to basics.

First, know thyself, and to thyself be true. It has taken me 35 years to discover the kind of pool player I am, and what my limitations are. Of course I am continually trying to reduce my limitations, but during the game, I try to play within them. I am not Jim Rempe or Johnny Archer. I am Jim Meador. I shoot a fair game when I do what I can do best. I can run from the break, and on very rare occasion I do. But that isn't my goal. My goal is far simpler. I simply try to make the object ball while positioning the cue ball for a reasonable second shot. If I am trying a low percentage shot, I try to leave the cue ball in a position to make it difficult for my opponent should I miss. Keep in mind, a safety is not necessarily a shot that leaves your opponent no shot. Making it difficult on your opponent is often enough. The object is to win the game, not prove to your opponent that you know how to make difficult shots.

By playing within your limitations, you increase your chances of remaining

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