The next time you play a match take careful note of your thoughts while you wait your turn to shoot. I'll bet you are like most people and are probably either focusing on your missed opportunity or your opponent as they survey the table and ultimately execute their shot. . The scenario will be something like this:

“I can’t believe I just missed that shot… That could cost me the match… Is he going to play safe or go for it, if he goes for it, what sort of opportunity is he going to leave me... What is taking him so long to shoot the shot… Why did he play it that way… He is getting all the rolls…” etc, etc.

The problem with over analyzing a missed shot or your opponent's game is that you lose focus on your own game. The fact is: your viewpoint from your chair will never be as good as your opponents who can circle the table and have a better look at the layout. Moreover, his selections are never as important as your own. So why waste your time critiquing him? Your mental gymnastics will have absolutely no bearing on your opponent's actions, and will only hinder your performance and preparation. So why bother?

It is far better to take the time to center your thoughts on your game and rid yourself of any negative thoughts that may still linger from having just lost control of the table. It is important to take a brief moment to analyze why you missed or executed a shot poorly but then let it go. There are a few trains of thought to consider while you wait to get back to the table. Circumstances will dictate which option is suitable for you.

1. Keep your focus and attention on your own match and don’t allow your thoughts to stray on outside interferences that you have no control over.
2. Visualize the table and shot selection as if you were still shooting. Never get caught up in critiquing or wishful thinking as your opponent is playing, but rather analyze the shot as if you had to make it and what you would do. If your opponent gets out-of line or fortunate stay focused and think about how you would play the next shot.
3. Relax the mind, regulate your breathing and prepare yourself for your turn at the table. Take the time to recharge your body and revive your confidence with self-talk. If you wish to visualize scenarios in your head, then recall those times when you played like a champion and had full confidence around the table. Pump yourself up and get ready for your turn.

In other words, focus your energy inside and not outside. Your ability to change the outcome of the game once you have lost control of the table is zero, but your ability to change your self-confidence and your actions once you are back at the table is unlimited.

In boxing, the one-minute break between a round is an opportunity for the fighter to recharge and refocus for the next round. While the boxer sits there looking at his opponent across the ring, the trainer will tell him to take deep breaths while the corner man massages the boxer's neck to rid him of any tension. Despite all the chaos that surrounds a championship boxing match, you can be sure that between rounds the champion will always be relaxing.

So the next time you have to leave the table, don't beat yourself up and start directing your energy out. Rather, take the time to become centered on your mission: to win – somehow or other. Deep and regulated breathing can significantly refresh the mind and help you to think clearly. It is these short "recharge" moments that can give you the competitive edge, especially in a long tournament match, or in a game where your opponent is slow.

It doesn't matter how good a player you are, at some point in time you will give up control of the table. The negative player will see a return to their chair as a defeat, but like the boxer, the champion will always see it as an opportunity to refocus and recharge before they come out swinging again with even more vigor and authority than before.

(c) 2008 The Billiards Training Company