Billiards: Learn to Focus = Learn to Win

Trying to move up a level in any sport often means turning a losing habit into a winning habit. Quite often though a sportsperson will have the innate ability but cannot turn that natural talent into a winning formula.

Generally this is caused by a lack of focus, something that can easily be addressed. In billiards, pool and snooker this is a particularly important aspect of getting into the winning mould. How often do we hear players say "I took my eye off it" or "I just wasn't concentrating?" This is to do with focus and it can be caused by external factors both on and off the table.

Everything we do in our day-to-day life can have an effect on our focus and concentration. Many a time I have heard players in my local league claiming that they just did not play well in a particular match. It is very difficult to focus on a game like billiards when your mind is elsewhere, if you have had a bad day at work or home then this will affect your game. Billiards relies on focus and concentration and without them you may as well not turn up!

How can we try to regain this level of focus to allow us to play our match? It is a very difficult question and not one that has a finite answer; different people will deal with focus in many different ways. This guide offer's a number of solutions as to how to regain your focus whilst playing.

Pre-Shot Routine

To regain or even maintain focus and concentration during a game it is important to have your own pre-shot routine, a set of movements, or a mental checklist before you get down on every shot. If you get into your shooting position the same way every time you shoot then it allows you to concentrate solely on the job in hand and can cut out some of the many external factor's that may be going on around you.

Take a Break

In a match you can sometimes get frustrated when the "roll" does not go your way. I am a firm believer in the old adage that you make your own luck. Take a break from the table; get a drink, a toilet break, anything to refresh your mind. Come back to the table and on your next visit try to put all your efforts into the job in hand.

Re-hydrate

Although billiards is not a particularly physical sport it does take a large amount of mental concentration and calculation. Matches can go on for a long time in often very smoky atmospheres. With this point in mind it is important to re-hydrate regularly, billiards players often miss this factor. Water enables the body to function properly not only in a physical way but also mentally.

Ignore the Surroundings

I have been in a lot of matches where I have allowed my surroundings and what is happening on other tables to affect my focus and concentration. This can be other billiards matches, music or a particularly loud conversation. The best way to eliminate this external factor is to not allow your eyes to move from the table. Whether it is you or your opponent at the table your eyes should not leave the baize. This focuses your mind on the task and makes you mentally ready should your opponent make a mistake.

Eliminating external factors in your efforts to focus will greatly improve your game. This coupled with the will to win and the determination to improve will move your game to a sufficient level to achieve success.

Remember Learn to Focus = Learn to Win.r

P. Williams is the founder of American Pool Network a UK based pool tournament promotions company. He is also the brain behind APN-Leagues the UK's only national handicapped 9-ball pool leagues. He also operates Billiards Boutique A Pool and Snooker supply company.

Bumper Pool Tables

Bumper Pool Tables are used for playing bumper pool, a daily entertainment game played by two to four players. These tables are half the size of a standard pool table and they are rectangular or octagonal in shape.

A bumper pool table has only two pockets or holes where as a standard pool table holds around six holes. The table has 12 bumpers on the table and hence the name. Four of them are situated near the pocket with two each, at the extreme end of the table. The remaining eight bumpers are situated around the middle portion of the table. The bumpers act as a defense mechanism for the player while the opponent tries to bank the ball into the pocket. Bumper pool table has five balls, red and white, for each player,

Bumper Pool Tables are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 48 inches to 54 inches, the most commonly available size is 54 inches by 30 inches. These tables are often made from a combination of solids and veneers, or from fine hardwood. The top playing surface is often covered with green felt fabric over a wood or slate base. Most bumper pool tables have elegantly carved legs, aprons and base.

The bumper pool table serves as a great substitute for a billiard table and can be accommodated even in limited space. They are available as multi-functional bumper pool tables that can be converted into a dining table or card table. The tables come along with balls, brush, chalk and two cues.

Today, the toughest and the most durable bumper pool tables are made by Game Craft. Some tables have leg levelers which enables the player to adjust the height from 26 to 30 inches. Imperial Non-Slate Bumper Pool Table is considered as the most inexpensive one. You may have to pay at least $500 for a good quality versatile bumper pool table and for a multi-purpose table the price can go up to $2500.

Pool Tables provides detailed information on Pool Tables, Pool Table Lights, Pool Tables for Sale, Used Pool Tables and more. Pool Tables is affiliated with Rules of Billiards.