Take this opportunity to give yourself the gift of pool. It’s that time again, when everyone likes to set resolutions for the New Year. Studies show that at least 90 percent of these resolutions will not be kept. Many goals are unrealistic. Unattainable resolutions can be very discouraging. Sometimes it’s a good idea to throw in a couple no-brainers, just so you have something to cross off your list. Build your confidence a little bit.
Here is a list of some reasonable goals to set for your upcoming pool season. Commit to following through with as many of these as possible. Who knows? Some of them may just stick.
Are you ready to become a better player? If the answer is yes, then read each resolution aloud and repeat them as needed.
10 SIMPLE POOL YEAR RESOLUTIONS:
1. No more excuses
I resolve to accept responsibility for my misses and losses. No longer will I blame the equipment, my opponent, or my surroundings for my errors at the table. If I was distracted, I will remember to stand up next time and start the shot over. If the table rolls to the left, then I will remember that the next time I shoot in that direction. From now on, when I lose a match, it will be because my opponent outplayed me or because I played poorly, NOT because of anything else outside of my control.
Related article by Mikey Verkruyse: No More Excuses
2. Take a pool lesson
I will take at least one pool lesson this year from a recommended instructor. Regardless of my skill level, there is always something I can learn from the right teacher. Lessons will prove to be an invaluable part of my overall pool journey.
Related article by Samm Diep: Time For Some Pool Lessons
3. Introduce a new friend to pool
I vow to bring at least one new friend to my favorite watering hole this year and introduce him/her to the game. This will be someone that either has never played before or has never been to my pool room. I might recruit them to play on my league team or just have a casual night of pool and fun.
Related article by Emily Duddy: Getting Newbies Better At Pool Is Fun
4. Invest in an instructional book or video
I will purchase at least one book or DVD this year toward my billiard education. Not only will I make the purchase but I will complete the book or study the video and apply as much as I can to my current pool game.
Or skim through the 100s of FREE Billiard Training Articles in the PoolDawg Academy
5. Enter new competitions
I will compete in at least one new pool league or tournament before the new year is over. This should be an event that I have never been to or competed in before. I will step outside my comfort zone and venture into new territory because I know it will only make me a stronger player.
Related article by Liz Ford: Competing In Pool Leagues And Tournaments
6. Practice more, play around less
I promise to devote more of my time at the table to dedicated practice and less to casual games with friends. Though it’s fun to bang balls around with my teammates, I plan to maximize my time at the table with quality, not quantity. I will set up shots and work on specific drills. Only after I get some solid practice in will I play games with my friends.
Related article by PoolDawg Staff: Will Not Playing Seriously Hurt My Game?
7. Be more patient
I want to win more games and I understand that one big step is to be more patient at the table. I will choose defensive shots over the low percentage offensive shot. I will shoot as many safeties as it takes to win me the game. I will play smarter and I will not rush my decisions or my execution.
Related article by Liz Ford: Ten Tips To More Smarter 8 Ball
8. Keep my cool
I will always do my best to maintain my composure during a game. I will face whatever shot my opponent leaves me and you will never catch me cursing or slamming my cue on the ground from anger. The only way I can make the best decision is with a clear head and that is impossible if I let my frustration get the best of me.
Related article by Jennifer Barretta: Mind Control
9. Play better position with the cue ball
From now on, I will make a concerted effort to be more specific with my cue ball position. Rather than playing to a general area on the table, I am setting a higher standard for myself by choosing a pinpoint position and doing my best to get the cue ball there for the next shot.
Related article by Mark Finkelstein: Stun Shots: Learning To Control The Cue Ball
10. Be a better winner and loser
I resolve to always practice good sportsmanship at all times. I will always shake my opponent’s hand after a match whether I win or lose. I will not gloat when I win and I will not whine when I lose. I will always give my opponents the respect I expect from them as my integrity means more to me than winning or losing a game of 8-ball.
Related article by Mikey Verkruyse: Good Winners, Better Losers
Add your own resolutions and have some fun with this list. Print it off and keep it in your pool case with you so you can check each one off as you complete it. Have a safe and fun holiday and we’ll see you next year!
The next time you’re in the mile high area and looking for a Denver billiard instructor, be sure to look me up.