Pool Notes

I was going through an old computer that I used for recording some of my practice sessions and found a file called "Pool Notes".  It got me curious, so I opened it to find some thougths you may find interesting.  Here it is in its entirety:

Pool Notes:

Enjoy giving each shot your full, consistent Attention.

Practice the way you want to play.

Don’t pick up the cue unless you are going to give the shot your full Attention.

Pre-shot routine:

1.      Breathe – Oxygen: brain food

2.      Relax

3.      Self Talk:  Relax, Breathe, Confident stroke, follow through

4.      Walk around the table

5.      Plan 3 balls ahead

6.      Touch the position target

7.      See the shot

a.       See the shot, the stroke, the follow through

b.      See the ball go into the pocket

c.       See the cue ball go to the position spot 

Pre-match

            A.  The night before the match:

1.      Get fully rested.

2.      Equipment

a.       Tip maintenance

b.      Clean glove

            B.     The morning of the match

1.      Eat right

2.      stretch

3.      Visualization

i.                     See yourself winning

ii.                   See yourself being relaxed, smiling, breathing

4.      Affirmations:

1.      I am in the match for what I will learn from it.

2.      I have all the tools.

3.      I can make all the shots.

4.      I have the experience.

5.      I have the knowledge

5.      Self hypnosis

During the match

A.     Tunnel vision

a.       Focus only on the table

b.      Composure: Confident, Emotionless

c.       Continuous positive self talk

d.      No conversations.

e.       Bear down from the start.

Self talk

A.     Everything is going extremely well

B.     I am breathing easily

C.     I am remaining calm and relaxed

I use my high intelligence to play percentages, see opportunities, natural patterns.

I know how to win.  I have an excellent record of going undefeated.

I never give up.  Never. 

I have an excellent record of success in my Life.

Situations:

A.       When there are only a few balls left on the table, and no easy runout:

DO NOT TAKE LOW %  shot.

Play a double shot strategy. 

Don’t give the opponent a shot.

i.        Push a ball in front of pocket

ii.    Push a ball in front of his

iii.   Push a ball for breaking cluster

   B.  Sharking:

Ignore it.  Do not reply.  Smile.  Let it go.

Only MY behavior is of importance.