Kato
03-27-2003, 12:00 PM
As many of you know I found out a few weeks ago that I had astigmatism (I just thought I was blind) and have had loads of trouble shooting pool, actually giving up the game other than my league play (and even then I haven't really played) /ccboard/images/graemlins/mad.gif. The optometrist told me that wearing my glasses religiously would help my eyes focus even when I wasn't wearing them. Well the only time I don't wear my glasses is when I play pool basically and sometimes when I read. Then something quite wonderful happened.
I haven't played much for the last 6 months or so but I have been playing a great deal in my mind. Situations and what I would do in them. Not so much playing safeties but shooting out open tables, smooth stroking, simple pool. I also found a wonderful open bridge on Monday (simple things make me happy) that is really steady and comfortable (also original I believe, I've never seen it before).
To make a long story longer I locked up with JackPot George last night in our conventional 9-ball, after league, grudge match for about 2 1/2 hours. I didn't win but I sure gave him a run for his money and darnnit if I didn't play as well as I've played in a long while (for the record, George a level or so above me). I'm positive that because I've worked so hard on rhythm in my mind that it played out during physical execution and table layouts were handled with suprising ease. I got out virtually every time I was supposed to and that pleased me to no end.
As most amatuers know, just becasue you play at the top of your game one day doesn't mean you'll play the same way the next time. But dang it I can play a little and this fortifies that. I've never used any visualization before even though the better players on this board use it. I've been reading this board for years and finally it sinks in. So for all you visualization, practice while you sleep buffs, thank you. For Tom in Cincy, our super pre-shot routine buff, thank you, I've finally got one that I like. /ccboard/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
And now the kicker. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME AND PRACTICE!!!!!!!! /ccboard/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Kato~~~definitely a work in progress.
I haven't played much for the last 6 months or so but I have been playing a great deal in my mind. Situations and what I would do in them. Not so much playing safeties but shooting out open tables, smooth stroking, simple pool. I also found a wonderful open bridge on Monday (simple things make me happy) that is really steady and comfortable (also original I believe, I've never seen it before).
To make a long story longer I locked up with JackPot George last night in our conventional 9-ball, after league, grudge match for about 2 1/2 hours. I didn't win but I sure gave him a run for his money and darnnit if I didn't play as well as I've played in a long while (for the record, George a level or so above me). I'm positive that because I've worked so hard on rhythm in my mind that it played out during physical execution and table layouts were handled with suprising ease. I got out virtually every time I was supposed to and that pleased me to no end.
As most amatuers know, just becasue you play at the top of your game one day doesn't mean you'll play the same way the next time. But dang it I can play a little and this fortifies that. I've never used any visualization before even though the better players on this board use it. I've been reading this board for years and finally it sinks in. So for all you visualization, practice while you sleep buffs, thank you. For Tom in Cincy, our super pre-shot routine buff, thank you, I've finally got one that I like. /ccboard/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
And now the kicker. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME AND PRACTICE!!!!!!!! /ccboard/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Kato~~~definitely a work in progress.