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Getting Back Into Playing Billiards

11/2/2007 10:57:12 AM

Getting Back Into Playing Billiards

I am new to the forums, trying to fill my head up with pool AGAIN!

I am happy to report that I am back in the Game and out of retirement! 2 months ago I came out of retirement and started playing again after a 3 year retirement from playing cue sports.

Started shaking off the rust. I have started getting some confidence back, and have been playing a few nights a week, and playing in a small weekly tourney at a local room. I actually won this week, although I wasn't playing my best, but it was good enough to win.

I am having trouble getting my brain and arm in sync. I guess the more I play I will start programming my muscle memory!

Any Thoughts?

Getting Back Into Playing Billiards

Replies & Comments
  1. rush1fanBishop on 11/2/2007 11:28:42 AM

    I would concentrate on some basic drills to help you find some rhythm. Something simple and repetative might actually make a difference.

  2. rush1fanrush1fan on 11/2/2007 11:57:56 AM

    I'll give it a try, I was never to fond of drills but I guess I should try again.

    Also the other thing that I am having troubles with is a mental issue. I keep thinking of the way I used to play, as compared to the way that I am playing now. I guess I should try not to think of it and think about the here and now, and set a goal to get back to that level or even higher!

    I am sure that I am not the first person to be faced with this!

    I have started reading A Mind For Pool by Phil Capelle, lets see what that does for my mental game. I bought the book a few years back while I was playing, and never read it. I guess I should have!

    Talk To Ya Later! Steve

  3. rush1fanBishop on 11/2/2007 3:44:32 PM

    Pleasures of Small Motions is a book that can really make a difference. Its a bit of a tough read but if you spend some time with it you will make huge mental strides, or at least I did.

  4. rush1fanrush1fan on 11/3/2007 1:02:22 AM

    Thanks a lot! I found it on amazon, picked it up for less than $20 with shipping. I can't wait to give it a read and put it into action.

    I'll keep you posted on my progress!

    Thanks for the advice, Steve

  5. rush1fanBishop on 11/3/2007 9:17:04 AM

    I had some trouble with the book in the beginning but after going back a few times and reading the book in small sections I begin to understand where this guy was coming from.

    I recommend taking time with it and reading it in small doses rather than racing through the entire book. Once it clicks for you I think you'll be happy you picked it up.

    I love how the book teaches you to address pressure, important and game winning shots as just that rather than trying to take gaming winning shots as if they are just another ball on the table. That right there allowed me to process anxiety or pressure shots more consistently by actually acknowledging what they are instead of trying to trick my brain into thinking they aren't more important.

  6. rush1fandkrager on 7/16/2008 10:54:45 AM

    ... I keep thinking of the way I used to play, as compared to the way that I am playing now.

    Steve,

    For what it's worth, I experienced the same phenomenon after about a 15-year layoff from the game. I don’t think this is a mental issue. I think every player has somewhat of a visualization of where their skill set lies and that visualization is relied upon heavily in order to negotiate the rack. By that I mean things like knowing when to take the aggressive shot in order to set up for a run or when to lay up or whatever.

    I think that’s just a sign of just falling out of stroke when the visualization and the physical performance no longer match up.

    What worked for me was to have a video stroke analysis performed and then doing a few follow on sessions with an instructor to have him hammer me on the basics. I then took this to the practice tables for a couple of hours a day in order to re-groove my stroke. I'm still not totally back in form yet but things are getting deadly close. It doesn’t take long its just a matter of building that muscle memory back up.

  7. rush1fanquickshot on 7/16/2008 1:35:56 PM

    Time and patience...and practice..practice..practice. Which you seem to be doing. I had a 40 year layoff and started in again about 8 or 9 months ago. I joined an 8 ball summer league this year, and it is helping to put things in perspective.

    I also practice about 20 hrs a week if I can. Sometimes more ...sometimes less. I am working now on defining my stroke. Easier said than done. But, progress is being made and that's a good thing. Have fun.

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Getting Back Into Playing Billiards

  • Title: Getting Back Into Playing Billiards
  • Author:
  • Published: 11/2/2007 10:57:12 AM