In 8 ball, billiards/pool. How do you shake off anger after missing an easy shot?

Question

Say you are about to shoot the black 8 ball because it's the last ball you need to make to win, but you always seem to miss how do you not get angry?

Answer 1

I break the cue stick over the head of the guy next to me

Answer 2

go sit down, have a big swig of beer ( or whatever) and focus on the next shot. thats what i would do ... if i missed.

Answer 3

pause..count to 10..then take your shot. if you still miss..just think that it's not the end of your life. try again on your next game.

Answer 4

go back to your seat, relax and think forwards not backwards

Answer 5

bben proven when drunk ur better at pool so get drunk then u wont get mad or throw it out the window.

Answer 6

Only will endorse everything that "straight" told you.....the bigges thing that I tend to do sometimes is that in getting nervous I rush everything....just slow it all down....step back...chalk up ...get down ....keep your head down thru the follow thru and maybe a little more....but keep your head down and still.....always aim at the center of the "mouth" that you see....not necessary the center of the pocket....for example, on a straight down the rail shot....would you aim at the center of the pocket.....no, you shoot it at the center of the mouth/opening that you see.....do you always miss it the same general area.....maybe this is your problem......but I will bet without a doubt, that you are just nervous rushing and hitting the 8 ball way too hard!!!.......slow down your stroke....just a good but solid follow thru is all of the speed that you need on it.......hope this helps eliminate your anger somewhat......good luck on the tour!!

Answer 7

I agree with most of the other people who have answered "Just go back and sit down"

but here's a twist....

To really learn how to manage your anger, instead of using a chair or a stoll, sit down *very* hard on the tip of your cue stick and grimace as you slide down the length

Answer 8

When I'm faced with an important shot, if I don't feel confident, I step back, take a couple of breaths, and take my time.  If I miss, at least I know I did what I could to try and make it.  Sometimes we all shoot shots we know we'll miss, or know can't possibly be made. But we shoot them anyway.  Getting that c**p under control helps a lot!

Answer 9

It sounds difficult, but you need to try to not give any particular shot more importance than any other shot.  Whether it's the game ball, the money ball, a long cut shot, or a 2ft. straight in shot, they all deserve the same level of attention.  One thing that helps with pocketing the 8-ball is to imagine that you have another ball left on the table that you will be playing position on after the 8-ball.  In fact, you should always be playing cue ball position on every shot, especially the game ball.  Even if that just means that you want to freeze the cue ball on the adjacent cushion after pocketing the ball, you should always have a specific job for your cue ball on every shot.  It should be more specific than "just don't scratch".  Something that will get you into a better headspace is to have a pre-shot routine that you perform on every shot.  Repetition is how pool players become consistent and comfortable at the table.  If you concentrate on your mechanics (stance, grip, bridge, head position, etc.), practice strokes, visualizing your shot, etc., you won't be tempted to focus on the "importance" of the shot.  I can't tell anyone how to control their anger.  If you are regularly taking low percentage shots and taking unneccessary risks, then you will be setting yourself up for anger and frustration.  We all miss shots that we shouldn't from time to time.  99% of the time, it's not an aiming error, it's an error in stroke mechanics.  You knew where to put the cue ball, your body just failed to replicate the picture in your mind.  I would recommend that look into getting pool lessons from a certified instructor.  I think you will find that with improved mechanics and a fuller understand of the game, your level of enjoyment will rise and your anger will dissipate.  Best of luck.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 10

say this......waitress, can I get another beer over here!

Answer 11

Did you scratch? if so throw the cue ball through a window.  If not just break the cue stick try not to cause any injuries.  Also table tipping and chair throwing are accetable.