Imagery Drill for Success

Mind of Steel

Imagery Drill for Success

Dr. Christopher Stankovich

www.drstankovich.com

In previous columns I have talked about the importance of imagery and how it can help pool players with focus, composure, shot execution, and controlling emotions during competition.  This month I would like to expand on the concept of imagery and give you a few more ideas to consider when developing an imagery routine that is good for you.

1. Remember, imagery is nothing more than creating thoughts in your mind.  The good news is there is no “wrong” way to do it, but the main idea is to always see yourself being successful when using imagery.
2. The more controlled and vivid the thoughts in your mind, the more real the experience will become, and the faster you will develop “muscle memory” and make more automatic shots.
3. When beginning an imagery experience, first try to relax, close your eyes, and simply “see” yourself walking into the pool room.  As you walk in, look around and try to use all your senses, not just vision (i.e. what does it sound like?  Is there a certain smell associated with the pool room?)
4. Continue to think through the things you normally do before playing – picking up some balls out of the pockets, putting together your stick, chalking your hands, etc.
5. At this point it is vitally important that you really focus on some shots.  For example, after racking the balls start to feel what its like to look over the table, your hand placing the cue ball behind the head string, and the cue sliding through your hand as you practice before making your break shot.   This is a CRITICAL point in the imagery experience – you want to really get into a deep focus before executing your break shot!
6. Next, follow through with your break and be sure to see a ball or two drop into the pockets and allow the rest of the balls to disperse.  Take a deep breath or two, relax, and begin to calculate your run of the table.  Be sure to look for potential problem shots that lie ahead (i.e. a cluster of balls stuck together) and feel the experience of how you would experience this in real life.  If you feel a little nervous that’s OK – remember, YOU control this experience and will find a way to break those balls up so that you can run the table.
7. Begin to execute your shots one-by-one, and with each shot try to take your time, focus, and really include all your sense (for example, if you start to feel your heart race a little, or if you feel warm and start to sweat this is OK).  The key is to make sure that even under conditions of duress that you execute the shots perfectly and leave yourself set for your next shot.
8. Continue to run the rack and with each shot try to feel the exhilaration of making each ball.  Try to include some challenging shots like a long bank, thin cut, or combination shot.  Again, this is your imagery experience so make it unique to you – and remember, ALWAYS make your shots!
9. When you get to your last shot (i.e. the 9 ball if playing 9 ball), make it a challenging situation and try to build up some pressure in your mind.  Of course, you will make the shot in a moment, but it is important that you start to feel what these types of situations are like so that you are ready to go when you experience them for real later on in a tournament.
10. When you are done with your rack, take a deep breath, relax, break down your stick, and give somebody a high-five for a job well done!

     

Dr. Christopher Stankovich is a nationally acclaimed expert in Sport Psychology and the Founder of Advanced Human Performance Systems.  For more information on performance-enhancement products, including the exclusive “Mind of Steel for Pool Success” and the world’s first Sport Performance Assessment for Pool, please visit www.drstankovich.com