In my workshops, I always ask the students what they are having the most trouble with. Almost every single time, they answer, "consistency". Most players are working to bring consistency to their game. After all, if they could perform the way they are capable of performing, and do this every time, they would win more games, raise their league average and win more tournaments.
If you are an inconsistent player, you are having problems in your fundamentals. It stands to reason. An inconsistent player does not hit the cue ball the same way every time. Therefore, he/she cannot expect consistent results. And once you miss-hit the cue ball, your mind begins to play tricks on you. You start to think you are having mental problem, something is wrong with you, and then you begin to get down on yourself. You go into a slump. You have no confidence. Your stroke is unsure and tentative and things can only get worse. You begin to change your stance, your grip, your style of play. And once in a while, on that special night, you click into your real self and shoot lights out. Everything works and you are once again drawn into the game with all the enthusiasm of a world class player. "If I can only play like this all the time", you dream, "I could be a real good player".
Inconsistency has everything to do with fundamentals. It is measured in the quality of hit on the cue ball. If you are not a master of the fundamentals, you willl never strike the cue ball the same way. Each shot will be an adventure in timing. In order to build good sound skills, skills that will serve you well, you must be able to hit the cue ball with a clean pure stroke. The cue tip must go through the cue ball on an exact plane. There can be no slipping, no bouncing, no pushing. Everything must be pure.
If I can help you become a more consistent player, you will win more game, enjoy the game, and be satisfied with your performance. Consistency builds good trust skills. It helps you reserve energy for those tough matches late in the tournament. It gives you confidence. Begin work on your fundamental approach to every single shot and you will raise your level of play. You will begin to trust your game. You will be able to trust your performance.
When you become a more consistent player you will always be ready for that match, should it come along. How many times have you heard a player say, "I'm playing so bad, I don't think I will even show up to play tonight." Remember, the reason yoou are playing so bad is because you are not hitting the cue ball the way you intend to. Things are not working like we expect. We must strive for a clean pure hit on the cue ball, and the winning will take care of itself.
Inconsistency is not a curse. It is not something you are condemned with. It is a simple case of not hitting the cue ball the way you intend to every time you shoot a shot. We can fix it.
Next month, I am going to take you through a stroke sequence that will give you confidence and help you become the fine player you really are. Until then, "May All The Rolls Go Your Way."