Different Rack - Video Diary

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple of weeks - a lot has been going on so I haven't had the time to converse with you all.

In the meantime, here is a video I did from one of my recent tournaments about a different rack one of the pool rooms uses. Check it out!

(thanks to one of my AZB Forum friends who helped me with the audio!!)

Fundamentally Stronger

After my second loss of the season last Friday in my Straight Pool League, I still have other matches to play so I had an appointment Monday night.

I had little concerns about my opponent and even though I was tired, I still felt okay. Ashley came by and sat with us and for some reason she doesn't bother me. I think it's because she knows my game and knows straight pool well, so I actually enjoy her watching. She doesn't distract me, if that makes sense, like others have done before.

Chuck and I start playing and boy are we having fun! We foul six times in just 15 innings, lmao. We started to joke aloud with each other, wondering if there is a stat on the league for Most Fouls in a Game, LOL!

Although I was scratching, I can't begin to express how great I feel right now about my game and my fundamentals!! I was staying down well, not moving my body when I stroked, keeping my eye on the object ball - it felt so beautifully. Yes, I still flubbed some and missed shots, but I am in awe right now about how solid my fundamentals are right now.

I even told Ashley, "I know I'm scratching and stuff, but boy I'm playing well. " She said she could see it too, but she might have just been agreeing with me, hehe.

I had many GREAT breakout shots. Smart breakouts - thinking of where would be the best area to hit the stack and what English to put on the cueball so I would have a next shot. I'm finally not only seeing things clearer when it comes to the breakout shots, but WHY. It's an awesome feeling, btw!

I also nudged balls into position for break out shots - more than once, too. I was really playing smart and playing well, too.

Ironically, I did foul even MORE as the game progressed, though, lol. Lots of scratches and a couple of times I didn't hit a rail playing safe. In a race to 100 with 40 innings, I fouled NINE times, lmao.

I had a 14 ball run and an 18 ball run. :) I won 100-55.

With three matches left til the end of Sept, I have my best record so far of 9-2. It wont get the the trophy, though, as two people are ahead of me. But, I still have next season! hehe.

What I really wanted to share was how happy and pleased I am about my fundamentals. I don't know why or how they seem more solid, but they are and for that I am grateful. I know under pressure they may not "show up," but... I know that I am capable.

Lesson Effects

It's funny to me that when people take lessons, they don't want anyone to know.

"Hey," a friend will confide in me because they want to share it with someone, "I am taking lessons from xxxyyy."

I will reply, "That's great! How much do they charge?" (because I am a curious beast)

They will state the amount of funds and then add, "but hey, don't say anything to anyone, okay?"

"I wont say anything. So, how many times have you met with them?"

And the discussion will ensue about the lessons.

I remember being in the same boat when I took lessons a few times. I didn't want anyone to know, either!

What I want to vulnerably share is how it affects me when I hear others have taken lessons.

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but when I hear someone has taken lessons, it makes the intimidation factor rise when I play against them. A little added nervousness shows up in me sometimes when I play someone who has recently taken lessons. It doesn't stop there - sometime I get that way when I know my opponent recently played in a pro event. It sounds a little silly, I know, but it does intimidate me some.



Rationalization helps calm my nerves because reasonable thought makes one see things in a better perspective.


So, let me explore this with you today because I just found out someone is taking lessons who will be at the same tournament I am playing in this weekend. Go ahead and laugh at my pre-jitters! I don't mind; it's the truth (insert embarrassment here).

But rationalization really does help me. Will you go through this with me?

• She was already a good player.
  
• I may not even play her!
• If I do play her and lose, so what? It's not the end of the world. No one will judge me.
  
• Play my best.
• Be happy for her that she is wanting to improve her game!
  
• There may be many other players taking lessons, and I just don't know about it, lol (I crack myself up sometimes).
• Watch her games; learn something.
• Remember - nerves get in my minds way and hinders me from playing decent.

Thank you for letting me brainstorm my thoughts with you today!

(vulnerability off)