Snooker Psychology - Psychological Issues

Here is a selection of psychological issues presented by players  of all standards that were of concern in different ways.

1. “Confidence” - a catch all for many issues.
2. Useful states - accessing ideal states for snooker
3. Mindsets - beliefs that are useful
4. Accessing self belief - how you represent your own ability to yourself
5. Self Belief – Unable to Win Certain Games or Tournaments
6. Self Image - how you see yourself as a player, sportsman etc
7. Transferring form from the practise table to match play and important events.
8. Mental Blocks – certain shots – certain situations
9. Improving Concentration and Focus - attention in and on the game
10. Composure & Balance - stability under pressure
11. Inconsistency - best, norm and worst - variation of
12. Not improving or going backwards - not developed as a player/stagnation
13. Handling Pressure - self explanatory
14. Dealing with Distractions - staying aligned with the game
15. Self limiting behaviour - bad habits & routines
16. Personal Conflicts - addictions etc.
17. Motivation – Quality Practise & Winning Mentality
18. Accessing top form states
19. Developing the winning mentality - Killer instinct etc, determination
20. Handling Mistakes & Misses - Reset stategies
21. Healing the Wounds of Battle - Dealing with sports related trauma - mental scarring.

The above are just a few of the key areas that present problems to players. Each one has its own set of solutions depending on the personal patterns of behaviour and the history of the individual. When one problem is solved it often has productive and useful repercussions on other ones. It often is like peeling an onion as one problem is solved a more fundamental issues appears beneath the surface. It does however mean that thsi can be worked on to even greater benefit.

Technical coaching might only scratch the surface superficially and the presenting symptoms may manifest themselves in other ways in a counterproductive way