Snooker Psychology | How to Cope With NERVES & PRESSURE

[@RustyOutside]

Just searched this topic out after game fell apart last night! Picked up a cue again after a break of 25 years and have recently joined a team. P3 L3...not good and feel like the pressure is building way too high! I missed 2 simple yellows last night, the 2nd time I was so desperate to pot the yellow I didn't even focus on position on the green! Played a friendly frame after and knocked in a 50 break so I know I can still play a bit, i just can't manage my nerves. Will put some of these techniques into my game and fingers crossed. cheers.

[@GormlyKeep]

Brilliant. I'm stuck on 48 and always conscious that I'm a red and black away from 50. Can't stop twitching

[@markgilmore2077]

Exactly - I'm stuck on 47!!

[@djw34]

48 here too 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@deanoliver468]

Ask the person you're playing against to not count your break out

[@djw34]

@@deanoliver468 I’d actually mentioned that I might do that last week 👍

[@robertbruce4362]

Set your goals higher like 60....then when you make a 61 starting thinking 80 :)

[@davidmcgowan8388]

Hi Steve, excellent advice, I do seem to get nervous, luckily I have overcome them and won my matches but your advice will help as gas all your other advice, one of the teams I play for will not warm up and play cold, any advice on how to get it across about pre match routines please? Tell them all to watch your channel which a couple do.... I play in different leagues and been asked to join better teams, it seems the better players I play it raises my game, keep your videos coming, I take om board all your advice and knowledge

[@dstarkie1able]

My issue with nerves is that my arm starts shaking, and I cue the shot really badly. Is there any way to tackle that?

[@BartonSnooker]

Don't be scared of the arm shaking. I get that at key times in important matches as well. If I don't panic and do the right things, I can still pot balls. Don't believe that just because you have a shake it will stop you playing good snooker... It won't!

[@poolmaster18]

If you watch John Higgins on the TV, he is shaking like a leaf on every shot. It doesn’t stop him from playing good snooker.

[@eduardosokem6848]

🇧🇷👍

[@Felix-78]

A friend told me not to push the nerves away. He would describe it as pushing a ball under water. You can hold it there for a while but it will always find his way back to the survice. Instead embrace the nerves and start to enjoy the buzz if you managed to succeed with the nerves and use that as a reward to look forward to when the nerves kick in.

[@jeffbarker4067]

Excellent approach.. I'm going to try this.

[@Knightlore10]

Yeh, I tried this approach. When my left leg starts shaking and I feel a little embarrassed in case other people notice, I say to myself Go ahead, bring it on and I’ll crush you….doesn’t work. Nerves win 😂

[@lilchris26]

Thanks for this, I must try this. I play a guy every week, I usually start with giving him 20 points then plus 5 each frame I win, sometimes win 5-0/4-0. But last week he had so many flukes it got to me in the end, I still won 3-2 but I did not enjoy the game's at all. He had one fluke so bad a guy on the next table had just got a pint of beer and was taking a sip and he nearly choked. I have tried to look the other way and watch other games etc but like I said it got to me bad last week. Chris

[@TheRagBag]

Very good video. Also important not to worry about getting on the pink properly when you are 3 shots away from it which is what im prome to do, just focus on getting on the blue properly then the blue is your oyster as it were!

[@MrXeberdee]

If anything will beat your will, self respect and confidence to death - it's snooker.

[@obs4281]

Yep, so true to all of that. Only 10% of snooker is actually played on the table, the rest in your head. Fun as game tho

[@zryanjamal8819]

Most of the time I think about clearance the table and my highest break is 50 that is why I miss shots. Thank.

[@boltslad32]

Loving these videos. Bite size so can go and have a session thinking about 1 subject and build on it. Not played in 20 years had 50 breaks when a teenager so good to be getting back at it. Im in Malta and club where play not many players around in afternoons so far so just good setting a few targets and get some focus. Hopefully ready for when Tony Drago wanders in !!!!

[@eki7777]

One of your most important Videos!!! 6:28 "...i rushed the shot because i didnt like it" Exactly what i am doing all the time. This is an eye opener for me

[@LIVERNIL723]

Come On Ronnie ;-) That's the pressure situation hahaha

[@michaelpaterson8355]

Super stuff. Love psychology.

[@chsrivenkat8259]

Sir super tip,thx for sharing.as always ur the best.

[@Delphiwizard]

An important aspect of the sport, great video as always. 👍

[@theanythingstudio2905]

yes this is useful. thank you.

[@thatpeterboy]

Great advice as usual Steve…I’m going to apply this to misses and mistakes as they can wind me up and frustrate me to a point where I give up in a frame and also my opponent picks up on this and it can bring them down too so I must try and hold on the emotion and look past it.

[@mohammadfardeenandarabi5709]

I can’t handle my hand going to lock

[@breakingballswithtony6897]

Yesterday, I was at a 8 ball tournament and played a match against a tough opponent and everything went right. I sat for a bit waiting for next match and when I finally got to play the balls were bouncing differently and I couldn't do anything right. I tried to stay focused and do the pre shot routine consistently but like you said I didn't have a plan when things went wrong. Instead I started to tighten up, and my core temperature started to rise which made me tighten up more and I couldn't get into the groove. The pressure was getting to me and I lost and not because the guy was better but because i couldnt let it go. Then that loss brought me another loss because I couldn't shake the last match off. I refer to this as low emotional intelligence...lol My game is better than most but what prevents me from going the distance is myself...im getting in the way of myself ....lol Good video I'll will keep working on this idea of a plan when things go wrong.

[@BartonSnooker]

Cheers. Having the plan is absolutely key. You are programmed to know exactly how to behave in all the situations that can arise.

[@all-england-r-we5071]

My main issue is my hands shake when I play,Sometimes I feel nervous-other times I don't,but my hand shake regardoes(my bridge hand) is their any advice you could give,it would be appreciated mate

[@BartonSnooker]

I sometimes shake if I'm under pressure in an important match. What I have found is: it doesn't matter. I found that I have played some excellent snooker even when I am shaking with nerves. Don't be scared of being nervous. The mistake I used to make, was that I wanted to NOT feel nervous anymore. When I realised I will never stop that, it became much easier to accept the nerves as part of my performance as a snooker player. I could then carry on doing the correct things on the table and still play well even though I had nerves.

[@all-england-r-we5071]

@@BartonSnooker Thank You mate,I'll take it on board,Great videos

[@josegeraldodafonsecafilho4472]

Good night Sir. Barton. Initially I apologize for not knowing the English language well. You are a perfect trainer and you try to teach in a lot of detail about snooker, but I started to have a doubt, I don't know if this is important. In the stance classes, I've never seen anyone comment about the angle of the right leg of a right-handed who has the eye right being dominant and I think this is a very important detail that could be the subject of a class. I always thought the right leg remained vertical. I'm trying alone, inside an apartment with the help of a cue, to understand the snooker stance. But when I go to play at the club, I notice that I'm doing something wrong and that only a coach could teach me, like, for example, I notice that in some shots the cue comes out of the contact of the chin, maybe because the back is lower making the cue more horizontal, pushing away the part that was glued to the chin (If I'm right, I noticed that the only one who keeps the cue glued to the chin, even after the kick, is Judd Trump)) However (this is the main subject of the contact), I noticed something interesting that could change all my learning, if I concluded correctly: I am right-handed and my dominant eye is the right and, if I am not mistaken, I could see that your leg and right thigh are not in a vertical position, they are in a straight line but with an angle of around 30° to 40°, and I have the feeling that our head is more displaced on the line of shot. This maybe increases the space from the right knee to the chest, giving more freedom for the movement of the right arm and facilitating the shot, the shot was always uncomfortable for me maybe because I leave the right leg in the vertical position and all of them, including the foot, over the line of the shot. If you have some time, could you confirm that the right leg, even straight, makes that small angle? I consider this a very important detail that I have never seen in the video classes Best Regards. José Geraldo da Fonseca Filho

[@dredwardkingolusegun160]

Thank you

[@adamwilliams6704]

This is a REALLY terrifically useful and sensible video!!!! Such a good overview of how to perform even when feeling nerves, and not be surprise-attacked by them! Thank you!!!

[@jh230377]

Great thanks 👍

[@95harshjoshi]

Thanks mate 🙌

[@kevinbrennan2004]

These sorts of practices, take as the word suggest.. Lots of practice. The main problem though, is that you can only " practice" this approach, in the right environment, which is in the heat of battle. Realistically too, we are not always wired ,appropriately because of our pre-disposition to succeed. In short.. Life gets in the way.

[@silviu-radugrigore5258]

Hi Bart could you tell us how should we cope with over exiting state of mind. My situation...potted a 16 for example a d I feel I can do more but I start to shake a bit and quite afraid of missing pot.

[@NoName-eo2mv]

Thing is I can miss absolutely anything when I’m feeling the pressure, I’ve won lots of matches , so I know I can do it, but still doubt myself

[@algarvemike]

Nice video!

[@schmurgen5242]

Cracking video, really useful. Definitely helps with not thinking ahead too far.

[@کابلمن]

Thanks for allot for explaining But we need more techniques playing with white ball please

[@corrazin]

Great video. When Michael Campbell won the us open he was up against arguably the best golfer that ever lived (tiger woods) Something he said to himself in those pressure moments thats always stuck with me was… ‘see this as an opportunity not a threat’

[@nickmiller3319]

Another great doorway into how to be a better player. Thanks, as always!

[@mustafa-q3590]

Great

[@g-stroke2000]

Thanks for covering the mental aspect, just as I suggested in e-mail :D Cheers!

[@jonathancox9501]

Thats brilliant....i have played snooker and darts in tournaments for 30 years and it will help me in both....thanks

[@ckwhittaker7894]

Thanks Steve. This aspect of the game is vital as what happens in the brain affects the whole body. Now that you have covered that. Do you have any suggestions on how to train your brain to keep focused, especially over many frames (mental stamina) My concentration at times dips in and out whilst playing. Steve Davis played chess I think. Any suggestions?

[@devonshire56]

I like your analogy at the beginning about driving attitude we have control over. Over the years I have completely changed my driving attitude, just as you describe and now I can apply that to my pool game. Thanks so much for reminding me of that powerful tool, I will certainly apply it to my game...Cheers !!!

[@douglaswilson3978]

Top pro's should watch this video..good stuff ..best coach on the tube .you help me alot ..cheers ps keep the good work up

[@SnookerNepal]

Exactly Sir, never ever came to mind I needed to show no reaction... As always thank you very much Sir !!

[@gummarajuviswanath9894]

Coach Supremus! Though I have been playing on n off for five decades, i now realise my approach in match situation comprised of only a few aspects you detailed. Brilliant and I am sure this lesson needs to be revised by energy player whether a club player or top professional! On my part this lesson is one I shall repeatedly watch to learn by for since I have found old( especially the bad ) surface despite effort to unlearn and change. Grateful to you Sir for the great content on your lessons that you are so generously imparting. Yourr pupil since you started the channel and probably amongst the oldest, with high regards; Vish

[@sharadkantverma]

That makes sense Steve but i find it very difficult to get the last shot or the clearance shot to achiev the win

[@ianwatkins6202]

Fabulous video Steve! Hoping your well!😊😊 Ian

[@Stef1sha]

Very good video Barton. All the best and keep going with these coaching advices and sharing your knowledge.

[@LIVERNIL723]

I enjoyed the break down side of the clearance. Gradual progression in your mind and you remain grounded and focused.

[@robertbruce4362]

I never get mad when my opponent flukes a ball.....I actually have the reverse problem....I feel guilty when I fluke a red and end up perfectly on something that leads to a run and I think I subconsciously miss because of the fluke....help me with that one please!

[@BartonSnooker]

The same advice as in the video. You can't help the fact that you got a fluke and landed perfectly. That's all part of the game. So accept up front that you won't react to it, and carry on the game as normal.

[@dredwardkingolusegun160]

Great lesson. Am gonna apply this ASAP on my games.

[@khannumi7849]

Great video sir Big love from Pakistan ❤️❤️❤️

[@StefanDLazarov]

"Can i give to this video big like? Yes, i can"! Thanks!

[@briansullivan9487]

Excellent thoroughly enjoyed that will help me greatly

[@Isaamh04]

Hey Barton I'm a power hittin player but I always pot the white ball in

[@richarddraycott4695]

Excellent video Steve, some great tips in there.

[@davidmcgowan8388]

Hi Steve, had a practice session with my midweek team last night, put this video into action...... did not lose a frame all night, maximum points against me under 20, so so pleased following your advise getting thee, thank you

[@BartonSnooker]

Awesome David 👍🙂 Nice work!

[@michaelchung9987]

This is very informative, thanks, Steve!

[@renewagner7104]

Hi Steve, yes your videos are always helpful and educational! Thanks a lot for this!! I'm currently working on this topic, to let the emotions out of the game. Doesn't always work 😂, but it gets better and helps in the game. Thank you for your video and greetings from Bavaria as always! 👍😉❤️

[@BartonSnooker]

Greetings! Great to help. This new way of thinking requires practice like everything, but once you learn to apply it, you will get much better and doing it more often.

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

Yup helpful, thank you.

[@jeffbarker4067]

Keep these videos coming.

[@ChrisGaynor12]

Hi Steve, Similar to this. I learned a valuable lesson on Saturday by playing a slightly lesser player than myself where I got ahead of myself and saw the winning line too early and didn't "stay in the moment" and ended up losing (narrowly) but it was painful but a lesson nonetheless. Frame 1 was sailing and comfortably won it - but then in frame 2 on a key shot on a yellow and a little bit of intimidation from opponent it all went down hill. Suffice to say the 2 big lessons are... Don't get ahead of yourself and start thinking about what's going to happen or what might happen. 2) Make sure you don't get entangled in someone elses head and way of playing as I think he realised I was starting to become a good player and messed everything up to get inside my head. Good video and I'll be trying my utmost next time to avoid what happened on weekend!

[@BartonSnooker]

Hi Chris, Great comment and I agree with everything you've said. You're exactly right, you just have to keep doing the right things all the time. Stay in the moment and go through your own routine. You now have some experience and know how to behave if that situation comes up again. If you're already prepared for a situation, it is far easier to handle it without emotion or an automatic response. Good luck in the tournament. Let me know how you do 😃👍

[@ChrisGaynor12]

@@BartonSnooker Thanks Steve. Will just add that the positive from that match was even though he got into my head I still went through my pre shot routine even when "I was gone" but it just wasn't enough in the end. One more thing, this is what I recommend to all players - play in handicap or tournaments as you can only learn these kinds of situations from playing in them and even if you lose 10 matches - you've learned 10 things...Sounds painful to say it but thats how I see it anyway. Loving the competing now rather than just doing solo....

[@jonathancox9501]

I have done the same in a final...my opponent was looking down and out and the last 3 reds were tied up and i went for the hollywood and brought them out...he gradually started to get his mojo back and picked up some points...i could see him starting to believe...it went down to the black and i had chances but didnt take it.....i lost that game by my poor choices...he didnt play better than me.....i was gutted......but hey....he didnt even know half the rules...was a pool player.

[@hassanakapanga]

I hope you read my comment. I started playing about a year back, I got so into it that I started playing almost everyday and practice, wanted to improve my game. I got better with time but then nervousness played its role and started missing easy pots. I didn't know how to overcome it, yesterday I watched this video of yours, I implemented what you taught, and made break of 30 for the first time to be honest. For me it's a big thing. I really want to thank you. Bless you

[@BartonSnooker]

That is fantastic! I am so pleased you proved to yourself you can do it. Very well done 😃😃👍👍

[@syedzulqarnainkazmi218]

I am playing snooker since 1999 and my best break is only 38 😂 but I still consider to be one of the best player at my club 🤔

[@briansullivan9487]

Thanks Steve

[@mohammadanwar3209]

Very good video 👍🏼

[@mehranaslam375]

As always sir ❤️

[@thewall1854]

But what if in these bit size situations I have a shot which I‘m thinking about: you are not super sure about making this because you haven‘t practised it enough?

[@BartonSnooker]

Just do your best. All you can ever do is your best. Try to line it up properly, don't panic, stay still on the shot.... As long as you try your best, that's all you can control. If you miss because the shot is hard and the margin for error is small, that's just the nature of the game. But just be in control of the things you can control 👍

[@djw34]

Been working on this with my coach Jamie Dykes but found this really useful to reinforce the message. Thank you.

[@tarcisiolopescoach8994]

Very good

[@maxkennedysnooker2450]

Sorry this question isn’t related to the video but is it bad to sight with your right eye left eye and both eyes for some shots

[@BartonSnooker]

Players always sight in the same way for every shot.

[@maxkennedysnooker2450]

@@BartonSnooker I kinda mostly sight in the middle

[@maxkennedysnooker2450]

@@BartonSnooker another question how long do you think I should be practicing for (I’m 12)

[@BartonSnooker]

@@maxkennedysnooker2450 as long as possible.

[@maxkennedysnooker2450]

@@BartonSnooker would 3 times a week be good (2 hours each day?)

[@mehranbutt165]

Great job❤

[@RyUZak1.]

Bro you just opened my snooker game