Tip of the week

When competing in a tournament or league play, toss all friendships out the window. Remember that there are no buddies during competition. Maybe I’m wrong to say this, but I know from experience that if you really want something in life no one should stand in your way of getting it. It may just be my competitive nature. Finishing in first place feels a lot better than finishing in second, even if it is second to a good friend. When it comes to competition, don’t let up for a minute! Don’t take it easy on anyone just cause they call themselves your friend. Your goal should always be to win, win, win! That’s what competition is all about! So when you shake hands with your opponent and they say something like,  “Now take it easy on me! Remember, I’m your buddy, your friend, your compadre!” You say, “Sure thing friend,” Then break out your “A” game and tear into them like a hungry dog tears into a soup bone!

Believe me, they will respect you after it is all over. If they don’t, then they were never your friend to start with.

 

The Tip Of Week

Practice on your weaknesses.

Everyone has a weakness in their game. It could be anything from long rail cut shots to position play.

The best way to strengthen those weak areas of your game is to set up your shots and shoot them.

Keep a record of how many times out of ten you make these shots. As you go along you will notice that you’re shot making abilities will become more consistent. I know that practice can become very boring but it is something that is necessary to strengthen your game. In the long run you will be thankful for the time you put in.

It is a great feeling when you no longer have to say those four very common pessimistic words that

we all have said at one time or another-“I hate these shots.”

Till then, shoot straight and true.

God bless!

The Tip Of Week

Cue maintenance.A lot of people use different products to clean their shaft. The worst thing I have come across are those green abrasive pads used for pots and pans. Do you know what they are actually good for? Pots and pans! Not your cue shaft.Because of the abrasiveness it actually takes off some of the wood from your shaft. The way you can  tell that is by feeling the ferrule where it meets with the wood of the shaft. If it is not flush with the wood then you have taken off a half millimeter or more from your shaft.

The best thing I’ve seen on the market for cleaning your cue shaft is Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. You can pick it up in any supermarket or grocery store. You wipe off the dirt with a dry Magic eraser pad. You will see the all the dirt from your shaft appear on the pad as soon as you use it. Then immediately wipe of the residue from your shaft with a dry cloth towel. It cleans the shaft without removing any of the wood.

Another good thing to do is take your shaft(s) to your local cue shop if you have a cue builder in your town (someone reputable), and have them re-seal your shafts. It usually costs about  $15.00 per shaft and it will feel like new.  The best way to maintain a clean shaft is to wipe it down with a clean dry cloth after every rack.  You can also dampen a Magic Eraser pad and gently clean your (Irish linen not leather) cue wrap.  More cue maintenance next week. Shoot straight and true. God bless.

Tip of the Week

 

Dealing with Mr. Shaky

I play in two different pool leagues-Tuesday night APA and Wednesday night BCA.I also play in some of the local tournaments in my town. One problem I am sure EVERYONE has come across is Mr. Shaky(NERVES). Well, don’t beat yourself up over it. EVERYONE suffers from that pesky rascal. Even the pros. I heard that Philippine's great Francisco Bustamante once broke and ran 14 racks of 9 ball in a row during practice. Now how is it that he can do that during practice but never in a match? NERVES. Everyone has them-especially when you’re playing for fifty grand! It doesn’t matter if you’re playing for fifty grand or fifty bucks or for your league team. It’s natural to experience a little shakiness during competition. Tony Robles once said about playing with Mr. Shaky, "Make sure that you know that your true opponent is the table, not the person you’re playing against."

What I do when Mr. Shaky infiltrates my body during a shot is stop dead in my tracks. I stand up from my stance, take a deep breath, shake my arms and get back down on my shot. I then execute it with a renewed confidence. If you’re really beside yourself and the nerves get too bad, try pinching yourself between your thumb and forefinger as hard as you can stand it. Its sought of like when you’re driving half asleep and you suddenly smack yourself in the face to wake up. It works along the same principle. If you’re in a tavern, where most league play is held, have a glass of wine or a beer to help settle your nerves. If you don’t drink…go to the restroom and wash your face with cold water.

If all fails…smack yourself in the face and snap out of it!

That is my tip of the week!

Bob (The Shark)