I got up I dusted myself off and I went into the arena ready to do battle. My confidence had been severely shaken by the previous days experience bur after talking to my coach Dan Carlson I had a plan, stay down follow through and trust my stroke. That along with taking the long way to the chalk each shot, thus giving myself time to servey the table was all I needed to get trough a really tough opponent, Sarah Ellerby currently ranked 19th the world. By the way what was she doing over in the “Ellen” bracket so soon??? Check out the tournament results on the W.P.B.A. website and you’ll see that quite a few of the Giant’s joined me early in the event. My next match didn’t go so well. I couldn’t seem to get started. I wasn’t pocketing the ball very, which is one of my strong suits .When the score was 6-5 in Susan Mellows favor she took a break and I used the opportunity to try to figure out what was up. I knew it was fundamental; it always is when you’re missing shots, and it came to me….I wasn’t bending over. This is something that happens often to me due to my lover back and neck issues. Once I bent over I felt that “pop” that happens when you fall into stroke. I couldn’t wait for my opponent to get back from break. Unfortunately by the time I realized what was up it was too late I lost 9-6.
While talking with Bruce, the love of my life he came up with a great idea that I am going to put into use and would like to share with you. Over and over again the same basic fundamentals fall by the way side when I get under pressure. Everybody has their own unique set. Mine are, am I using my shot making mantra, am I taking the long way to the chalk, am I bending over enough, am I breathing deep enough and is my back hand loose ? When ever I fall out of stroke I’m not doing one or more of these things. Bruce’s idea was to write them down and put them in front of me at my matches, a checklist of sorts. I think it’s a great idea and I have made it part of my winning strategy. You’re welcome to make it part of yours.
Ellen
