Staying in the Game

I recently received a very nice compliment from a fellow player that this article was helpful to him. This is from the March 2005 issue of Professor Q Ball. Is your mind wandering while your opponent is at the table? Are you looking around? Are you wondering who you might play next? Are you watching the match on the table next to you? Are you hungry or thirsty, or do you need to use the restroom? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may discover you have trouble staying in the game. Perhaps you struggle with maintaining a consistent level of concentration or physical stamina. Whatever the reason may be, it is important to keep your mind and your eye on your table. Staying alert and in the game helps prepare your mind and body for its turn at the table. Staying in the game means knowing what’s going on at all times during your match (not the match beside you.) It means you know whether you have stripes or solids because you were paying attention. It means you know if your opponent just fouled when it’s your turn. It means completely appreciating every stroke you make because you’re not thinking about anything other than what’s in front of you. I know it’s easy to want to know what’s going on across the room if everyone begins cheering or gasping. But, if you catch your mind wandering or notice yourself getting distracted from the game in front of you, consciously make yourself watch the table. Find a ball or a spot on the table to physically focus and force yourself to stare in that direction. Once you get into this habit, you’ll begin doing it naturally. Be sure to use the restroom or get food and water if you need to. Also, spend some time before each match just staring at the cue ball sitting on the table. Do some breathing, acclimate yourself to the environment and try to relax. Staring at the table will also help your eyes adjust to the lighting at the table you’re playing on. As we all know, lighting can vary from table to table. These are just some little things we can do during and prior to a match.