From Little Acorns Do Mighty Oaks Grow
by Max Eberle
In pool, as in life, it is the little things you do over and over that
create the reality you experience, and it is your thoughts which control your
actions. You do have the freedom to choose your thoughts at all times. You
must be very clear about your desired results so that you can create thoughts, and hence action, that will produce the intended outcome.
When you are faced with a shot and have already determined where you want
the cue ball and object ball(s) to go, then it is time to figure out the best
way to get them there. Now, formulate your approach considering the path of
the balls, spin, speed, stroke, stance, bridge, equipment, humidity and so
on. Next, imagine the shot happening perfectly in your mind. If you think you cannot do this, think again – you can.
Visualize the exact line and resting point of the cue ball – instead of
thinking "in that direction somewhere over there." While in games such as 9-Ball you can run out by playing area position, it will always improve your
touch to pick an exact spot within the position zone. See the line or gutter
of the object ball going right into the pocket – instead of "towards the
pocket." You may be playing on tight pockets or have to squeeze the object
ball around interfering balls. Many times it is necessary to shoot the ball
into a certain side of the pocket for positions sake, so develop clarity of
purpose. Do your best not to miss a shot on account of position.
Feel your cue tip strike the cue ball. Thin, feel the cue ball roll, hit
the object ball, slide, spin, jump, decelerate and stop – as if you were one
with the ball, because you are, feel the object ball roll and drop into the
empty space. My grandfather asked Willie Mosconi what was the most important
thing in pool, and he said "touch."
Hear the cue ball click the object ball, smack the back of the pocket, or
softly drop in and roll into the ball return tray. Smell the dust swirling up from the pockets and taste what it feels like
to sink a shot with perfect position, run a rack, or five, or a billion –
it’s up to you. What do you think?
Big runs do not happen in one shot, and yet they do. EVERY shot is "THE
SHOT." Always keep your mind on the present shot, because that is ALL THERE
IS. So make the best of it and concentrate. Every shot is YOUR PRAYER TO THE UNIVERSE, but it does not really matter what you are doing. What you are
being in relation to what you are doing, makes all the difference. So be positive, confident, focused, relaxed, determined. You name it, your game
can only get better. If you consistently think clear, positive thoughts, you
will consistently get clear, positive results.
Feel free to discard negative thoughts at any time, and replace them with
new ones, higher ones. If you should happen to miss, BIG DEAL! Be stubborn
and keep your ideals. Create rhythm, remember who you are…and remember to
breathe.
Max Eberle
Max Eberle is a
professional pool player and instructor, and some of you might have seen
him play in the ESPN Ultimate 9 Ball Challenge on various occasions.
Presently, in addition to playing
pool, Max is painting for a May art exhibition at Art Framing & Design
in Arlington, VA., (5179 Lee Highway, ). Max is a
nutrition and home based internet business consultant, for more
information visit www.maxeberle.freelife.com.
He has recently been creating a new line of billiard designs and apparel
which may be available soon at www..
For more about Max, read his Bio.
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