NEVER LOOK AHEAD - Viking Cues Tip of the Week with Mike Roque author of Build Your Game.
Posted by Mike Roque | Viking Cues on 9th Mar 2020
Never Look Ahead
“...only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.”
-Winston Churchill
Tournaments are full of energy and excitement and it's hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind. However, if you keep your focus on the match you're playing, you'll give yourself the best chance to perform well.
Don't get caught up in the drama of the draw. Stay in the present and take care of business with the match you're playing. Thinking about who you will draw next puts you in the future and steals energy from the game at hand.
If you're leading in a match, as soon as you think you've got it in the bag, you're in trouble. You can lose concentration and bang—you dog an easy shot and your opponent runs out. As luck would have it, he snaps a couple of nines and suddenly he's on the hill and breaking for the match!
Keeping playing one shot at a time until you sink the winning ball. After you win, there will be plenty of time to check out the draw sheet.
Sometimes it's unavoidable; you will be aware of possible match ups. But try not to spend any energy on them. Pressure comes from doubt, worry and lack of self-confidence. Avoid this by staing focused on the game you are playing!
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/