Stop Doing This: 10 Bad Habits (or Decisions) That Affect Your Game

1. INDECISIVENESS

When it is your turn to shoot, but you cannot decide which shot to take or you decide to take the easier shot and end up costing yourself the game.  This piece is all mental as we begin to lose confidence in our abilities.  We have to play the game we know.  Plan your shots and stick to your plan.

 

2.  NO PLAN

After watching your opponent make shot after shot and then finally missing the ball in the pocket, you are so excited to shoot that you shoot without a plan.  You always want to be planning ahead and knowing the shot you will take after your initial shot.  If there is no plan, it can make it more difficult for you to make the second shot as you have not set up a shot for yourself.

 

3.  NOT CHALKING BEFORE EACH SHOT

If you are not chalking before each shot, it may cause you to miscue, which can cost you the game.  Make sure to always check your cue tip and that there is plenty of chalk on it.

 

4.  BAD STANCE

When you are shooting, make sure you have a good “sport stance”, as this will help you control your shots better.  

 

5.  CHOKING

Also known as competitive anxiety, when you choke it can affect your internal focus on the game. The pressure and excitement of the game overwhelms you to the point that you start “playing outside your head”, your brain no longer is communicating directly with your body which affects your reasoning playing skills, you may become nervous and agitated and unable to concentrate on the game anymore.

 

6. THINKING DURING YOUR SHOT

This is a no-no, but most players do it. Try to anticipate and plan before, not during your shot. One way you can do this is by thinking about how to break out clusters and isolate your balls as early as possible in the game.

 

7. PLAYING WITH SOMEONE WORSE THAN YOU

This is one of the worst things you can do. You always want to play with someone better than you, so you can improve your game.

 

8.  DRINKING

We suggest not to drink during important matches.  Sometimes you need one or two to loosen up, but note that it can affect your game.  

 

9.  SHOOTING TOO HARD

Be aware of the speed the shot you are taking needs.  A lot of time, we will shoot the ball too hard or too fast, causing us to miss the shot.  

 

10.  PLAYING WITH OLD EQUIPMENT

If you want to be the best player you can, you will need to invest in new pool equipment that will help improve your game.  Do you research on the top cue brands, play with tournament balls, use quality chalk and only break with a Delta-13 rack!  

 

Know any other bad habits not listed above? Share them with us, along with how you were able to break these habits @TheDelta13. If you tweet within the next week with a pick, we’ll re-tweet on our page!