Having worked on sports psychology with several pro pool and snooker players I want to share some thoughts that I’ve found useful. I’ve used Mr. Gallwey’s ideas as a general framework where we start from when analyzing the current level of play. When needed, I combine EMDR methods to the mental work.
First, one needs to learn the basic concepts, which are:
The inner game = The game that is in your head where the “opponent” is lack of concentration, self-doubt, nervousness etc. Both conscious and unconscious participate in the inner game.
Self 1 = Conscious you, that is you talking to yourself during the match.
Self 2 = Unconscious, automatic motor performance, that is you executing the stroke. Thus, Self 2 is your physical body including the brain, muscle and body memory (conscious and unconscious) and the nervous system.
Among a lot of players, Self 1 talks a lot to Self 2. Like: “oh, how could you miss that 9-ball”; “How many more mistakes”; “Good, now you did something right”. In order to become a better player, one needs to improve the relationship of these two. Almost every time I see a top player perform poorly and below his or her level, I think it’s a matter of Self 1 being present on the table when in fact it should be far away from the venue.
Now, ask yourself how happy you are with your level of playing today on a scale from 0-10 (0 = not at all and 10 = maximum). If you get a score below 7, then clearly Self 1 does not trust enough Self 2. Your task number one is to let go of Self 1 control and let Self 2 play spontaneously! So, leave Self 1 to the hotel room and don’t allow her or him to enter to the venue. Easier said than done, right?
One way to approach this task is to learn to see your match performance nonjudgmentally: Just see what is happening on the table rather than considering how good or bad it is happening. Note errors, but don’t judge them. So, for example: “I missed 9-ball” and not “I missed 9-ball and therefore I suck!”. Do not add anything to errors, they are just errors.
Another approach is to learn relaxed concentration when practicing: The secret of winning lies in not trying too hard. Stop over-trying. I am sure every pro player knows where they want the ball to go, so you do not have to try hard to send it there, right? Try also to practice “stop thinking” and “quieting the mind”. Because all the wnt players travel constantly, an airplane is a good place to practice it. Next time the plane takes off see how long you can remain thoughtless.
Pool is supposed to be fun, right? That’s why we play it. When you practice try this exercise: Do a difficult drill and every time you make a mistake allow Self 1 to criticize Self 2. After this, give yourself a number from 0-10 on how much you enjoyed that drill (0 = not at all, 10 = very much). Mark the number of errors. After this, do it again, but shut Self 1 outside (send it to another room), and just notice the error when you make one. Do NOT let your inner talk start. Shut it off and just perform the motor task. See the difference?
As a general rule, try to increase the positive emotions you experience during the game. Most importantly: Remember that a good game is one in which your heart is entertained and a game where you are entertained.
Sometimes, Self 1 mistrust towards Self 2 causes “trying too hard” which leads to Self 2 using too many muscles. It also causes self-instruction, which leads to lack of concentration and distraction. In games where one is leading on a race to 9 like 6-1, Self 1 can cause over-confidence which leads to lack of focus. In games, where one is behind like 1-5, Self 1 causes nervousness and performance anxiety and lack of focus. But a match is neither won nor lost until it’s really over. So, why go ahead in thinking?
In order to become a mental master in pool billiards, one has to make Self 1 and Self 2 to be better friends. It does not mean that Self 1 has to believe that Self 2 will do a solid break on every match. Trusting self 2 (your body) in pool billiards means letting your body co-work with the cue to hit the ball. The key word is “let”. Self 1 stays out of it. It’s not his/her business.
The main role of Self 1 is to prepare you for the match (telling Self 2 “you can do it”) and to coach you after the match (what was good vs. bad, what to learn). Who is doing the job on the match situation? Self 1 or Self 2? Right, it is Self 2. During a match, Self 2 is working, and Self 1 should be on a coffee or lunch break. If Self 1 intervenes, it’s like a bad co-worker at an office coming and knocking on your door and interrupting your concentration on your work.
If you view your bodily error as a reflection of who you are, it is not only a very limited view of yourself, but also frustrating and will make you feel shame and anger. You are not your error any more than you are your success. You are a reflection of the two and many more things.
One more thing: There is a lot of talk on playing in the zone or being in the flow state (which we know improves performance). Bring back your recent best flow state and concentrate on how it felt?
Now, answer the question a) Was Self 1 present when you had the flow state?
Question b) Is it ever present during a flow state?
In a flow state, Self 2 is the only one present. It’s about you hitting the ball without the normal interference from Self 1. And that is exactly why it feels so good.
