CONCENTRATION - Viking Cues Tip of the Week with Mike Roque author of Build Your Game.
“...I’m so locked in I don’t even see the dugout. It’s just me and the glove.”
Roger Clemens
With competitors of equal skill, the ability to block out distractions, stay focused, and concentrate usually determines the winner. No other mental skill is more important than concentration.
In sports, concentration is about giving your full attention to one activity and allowing yourself to become completely absorbed in the game. Imagine a child building a sandcastle lost in play!
When your mind is totally engrossed in pool, your entire world exists inside those four cushions—even when you’re in the chair. Distractions simply blur into the background.
On the other hand, if your mind is distracted, it’s like a puppy off a leash chasing every bird or squirrel in sight.
On the conscious level, be aware of thoughts that pop up while shooting. Use practice sessions to carefully monitor your thoughts and clear any distractions before shooting. Focusing on your breath is a good way to stay settled.
Meditation is also a proven technique that does not need to be long or complicated. It trains the mind to stay present and develops the ability to stay focused for longer periods of time. It can give you skills to help you refocus quickly.