PRACTICE

“When I’m practicing, I visualize myself playing against a top player.”

-Grady Matthews

Practicing and playing are different. Competition has a built-in motivation factor, because no one likes to lose. It also brings a level of intensity to performance that is difficult to duplicate in practice because nothing is on the line. Still, there is great value in creating excellent practice habits.

Practice as though you are playing in tough competition. Imagine the players, the crowd, the noise, and the music all in great detail.

Bear down giving each shot your full attention. Do your best to block out distractions, but if you lose focus for any reason, handle it as if you were in an actual competitive event.

For example, if someone walks in front of you just as you are about to shoot, stand up, refocus and go through your complete shot routine again. It takes discipline, but the essential idea is to bring a competitive level of focus and intensity to your practice.

One of the best ways to do this is to establish a simple goal for each segment of your practice session and devise a way to track it. This creates a self-imposed sense of pressure that is not all that different from what you’ll experience in actual competition.

The pros have a secret; keep your tip on the cue ball.

Love our Tip of the Week with Mike Roque, you can purchase your own copy of his book "Build Your Game" at the BEBOB Publishing Website at http://bebobpublishing.com/