Overcoming Failure and Embarrassment in Pool

All of us play pool for the pure sake of fun and excitement. But in certain situations, it can also be scary, especially when you're feeling the pressure to do well. Nobody wants to mess up a shot or look silly in front of their team or an audience. This fear of failing or feeling embarrassed is something that happens to everyone, from the amateur league player to the pro who’s been playing for years.

But here's the good news: learning how to handle these fears is a big part of getting better at pool, and it can also help you feel more confident in other parts of your life. Let's explore why we feel these fears, how they can affect our game, and share some great tips on how to beat them, so you can play your best and have a great time doing it.

The Roots of Fear

We all feel scared or nervous at times, especially when we're under pressure or in the spotlight. But why does this happen when we play pool? Well, a lot of it has to do with our brains and how we're wired.

We all have our own expectations and goals. When we set the bar really high, we might worry about not reaching it. Past experiences can play a big role too. If we've had a tough game before or missed an important shot, those memories can stick with us. They might make us doubt ourselves or worry that it could happen again.

And finally, there's the fear of the unknown. Sometimes, not knowing what will happen next or how we'll perform can make us feel uneasy. It's like when you watch a scary movie and you don't know what's around the corner—it keeps you on the edge of your seat!

So, all these factors—personal expectations, past experiences, and fear of the unknown—mix together and can create that nervous feeling in our stomachs when we're about to take a shot. But remember, it's all part of the game, and learning how to handle these feelings is what helps us grow and get better.

The Impact on Performance

Fear can be a tricky thing. It has a way of sneaking into our minds and affecting not just how we think, but also how we perform, especially in a precision-based game like pool. I've experienced this firsthand.

I remember countless moments where the fear of failing or looking foolish got the best of me, throwing me off my game. I'd be lining up a shot, and instead of focusing on my technique or the task at hand, I'd get caught up in a whirlwind of self-doubt and anxiety. It was as if my own mind was working against me.

To combat this, I started a personal post-tournament ritual. After every tournament, win or lose, I'd record a voice message to myself. In these messages, I'd dissect the mental traps I fell into, analyze how they affected my performance, and brainstorm strategies to overcome them in the future. This practice was not just cathartic; it was enlightening.

As a matter of fact, this eventually becamemy very first video series on YouTube. It covered a range of topics that I knew were not just a struggle for me, but universal in the world of pool: fear of other players, managing thoughts while shooting, understanding your own rhythm, and dealing with anger and frustration, just to name a few.

Looking back, I realize how this fear, if left unchecked, can harm decision-making and disrupt the fluidity and precision required in each shot. It's like trying to shoot with an invisible weight on your cue, dragging you down and throwing you off balance. But by acknowledging the fear and actively working to understand and overcome it, you can lift that weight and play with a clearer mind and steadier hand.

Strategies to Overcome Fear

Breathe and Reset

When you start to feel the pressure, take a deep breath. Focus on your breathing for a few moments to reset your mind and ease the tension in your body. This simple act can work wonders in high-pressure situations. That’s the thing that has helped me the most while sitting in the chair and waiting for my next turn.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Instead of fixating on the need to win or make a perfect shot, focus on the steps you need to take to make it happen. Concentrate on your technique, your stance, and your cue action. Trust in your abilities and let the outcome take care of itself. Visualize the shot, and then just try to replicate it. It doesn’t really matter if it goes in or not, as long as you did what I’ve just described.

Embrace the Pressure

Remember, feeling nervous is a normal part of competition. Instead of trying to eliminate the pressure, learn to embrace it. Use it as a source of motivation to sharpen your focus and elevate your game. I remember one of my matches against Mark Bijsterbosch in the German Bundesliga. I remember that my hands were literally shaking. So I turned my anxiety into something positive, by embracing it. I told myself, that my body was simply excited to play this match and I just smiled. Within a couple of minutes, my initial nervousness actually turned into excitement and I played one of my best matches. Unfortunately, I still lost 7:9 – but I was happy with the match and my performance.

Practice Under Pressure

Create pressure situations in your practice sessions. Play drills and exercises where you have to beat a high run. Straight pool is the perfect game for that. I remember times when I was all by myself playing here in my apartment. Once I was getting close to my high run or 100 balls, I slowly became more nervous and literally started shaking again. Of course, playing matches and tournaments is as important as practicing. By regularly exposing yourself to pressure, you can learn to handle it more effectively in real game situations.

Don’t Suppress Negative Thoughts

Whenever negative thoughts or emotions pop up, don’t try to suppress them. This is just not going to work. Instead, accept the thoughts or the fear. When I am on the money ball and suddenly the voice in my head is saying: “You better not miss that ball,” it’s very important for me to become aware of what just happened. Instead of trying to stop those thoughts, I tell myself: “Yes, I am afraid of this shot. Yes, it’s difficult and missable. But you know what? I don’t care, I’ll just do everything I can to make this shot, and if I still miss it, at least I gave 100%.” That way I lose the fear of the outcome and just focus on the process.

Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

Having a consistent pre-shot routine can help to calm your nerves and provide a sense of familiarity and control. Develop a routine that works for you and stick to it, especially in high-pressure situations. This repetition of things your body does before taking the shot will activate your muscle memory and can actually help to fade out unwanted thoughts.

Learn from Experience

Reflect on past experiences, both good and bad. What worked well? What could you have done differently? Use these reflections to grow and improve, turning each experience into a valuable lesson.

Conclusion

Remember, facing and overcoming fear is not about eliminating it completely; it's about learning to manage it, so it doesn't control you. It's about transforming that fear into a source of strength and motivation, allowing you to play with confidence and enjoy the game to its fullest. So take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and embrace the journey. After all, it's not just about becoming a better pool player; it's about becoming a stronger, more resilient person both at and away from the pool table.

Cheers,
Sharivari