Giving 100%

(An oldie but goody. New material to come. This one is from the June 2005 issue of Professor Q Ball. Thanks for your patience.) This article is as simple as its title. Are you giving 100% to each and every shot you make? Did you make a solid decision, commit to it and follow through with your choice? Or, did you change your mind and reluctantly stroke the ball anyway? Did you allow the server walking in front of your table to distract you and then later use it as an excuse? When you think about all the possible factors involved in pocketing a ball, there is one important thing that only you can control. That is, the cue tip through the cue ball. When you make a conscious effort to really notice where you are contacting the cue ball, and not just where you are hitting the object ball, this is just another way to ensure your precision. Along with that, take the time to make sure your stance is solid and stable on each shot. Try not to just plop down, no matter how easy a shot may be. Give each shot your 100% respect. Also, once you are down on your shot, the only thing that should be going through your mind is delivering the necessary stroke to successfully pocket that object ball; visualize the object ball going into the pocket. The last thing that should be going through your mind is the last time you missed this shot, how you look, where you are on the tournament board, who your next opponent might be, what the score is, or how early you would have to play if you won this match. So, if you find yourself a victim of any of those thoughts, the next time you approach the table and approach your shot, just say to yourself “....100%....” Give yourself a little reminder to dedicate to the shot in front of you, and every shot after that, 100%, 100% of your knowledge, ability, and stroke.