Archive for 'Mental / Theory'

Thirty-One Tips: 19. Ignore the Odds

Posted on 19. Jan, 2011 by .

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As a reminder, I’m making an effort to write one tip each and every day throughout the month of January.  I’d like to hear some feedback and suggestions from you!  I’m starting to run out of steam and topics.  Thanks, you can contact me here.

Tip for January 19, 2011: Believe that you can win a match or a tournament even though popular opinion says you’re the underdog.

The 2011 Ladbrokes Mobile Masters Snooker Tournament that wrapped up last Sunday featured two Asian professionals in the finals.  This was a first for a major snooker tournament and helped live viewership of the match to number in the tens of millions.  What I find interesting about this event is the number of upsets, especially in the first round of play.

This event is an invitational where only the top 16 in the world rankings gain entry.  They are slotted into the single elimination bracket according to ranking. Take a look at the “Underdogs” winning their first round matches.  Only the current world champion Aussie Neil Robertson avoid a first round only to be dumped by Mark Allen, a 12 seed.

My advice is the next time you’re about to begin a match in which the pool room buzz thinks you’re about to be road-kill, loosen your collar and give it your best effort. Take this Masters as a fact to boost your confidence.  Upsets will happen and it could be you tipping the odds.

Exciting finals with #9 and #16 seeds. Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Masters_%28snooker%29

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Thirty-One Tips: 15. Stay Positive

Posted on 15. Jan, 2011 by .

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Always Stay Positive and Keep Your Sense of Humor
After weeks of waiting, Johnny finally received the break cue I sold him.  We’ve all been beside ourselves with excitement to run to the pool room and try out a new cue.  The break cue arrived last Wednesday, but Johnny had to put the party on ice for one more night.  He had to take his gal out to dinner on her birthday.  What strength!  I’m not sure I could have resisted slipping in a few minutes at the table to christen the new gear.  Finally on Thursday, he gets his big break.

Miscue on break sends tip flying from Johnny101 on Vimeo.

I felt the pain.  I also had an uncontrollable urge to laugh my butt off!  Shadenfreude! We had a phone call the next morning and I assured him we’d get everything fixed as quickly as possible and we had a great laugh over the crazy situation.  I also told John that I had the greatest respect for his ability to post the video and have a laugh at himself.

Video viewers: the two parts that send me through the roof is when at around 1:22 he does the “Charlie Brown” move.  Priceless!   Then, I love how John optimistically checks the pockets for his tip.  He knows it was an exceedingly bad break, yet he hopes he pocketed something.

I believe making the best of a tough situation is the mark of a true winner.  Johnny shows a great attitude dealing with this bad luck.

You’re the best Johnny!  You show us all how to take a tough blow, be proud of it, and trudge onward with a smile.

Be sure to check out Johnny’s web site: A Journey Into Billiards

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Thirty-One Tips: 8. Play Up

Posted on 08. Jan, 2011 by .

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Never be afraid to step into the box against a superior player.  The rewards are immeasurable.

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Thirty-One Tips: 5. Bad Rolls

Posted on 05. Jan, 2011 by .

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Mental Tip:  Deal With Bad Rolls.

Try to find some way to deal with bad rolls.  They will happen to you.  They happen to everyone.  Think that your opponent can have that one, they now owe you a roll.  Be optimistic and know that one’s coming your way.  If you dwell on a bad roll, another will surely come your way.  Shake it off and move on.

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