How to Win a 9-Ball Tournament

It takes more than just pool ability to win a 9-ball tournament. Even the best pool shooters have been beaten by this game and the mental discipline it takes to stay focused throughout a 9-ball tournament. 9-ball is a fast-paced billiard game that requires shape shooting and luck, usually in that order.There are a few exercises billiard players of every genre can use to help get on the right mental track for winning a 9-ball tournament.

Instructions

Preparation for a 9-ball Tournament

1. Make winning a 9-ball tournament a goal. Write it down if you need to. Say to yourself as you practice, "I will win a 9-ball tournament." State it as fact in your mind, over and over. This may sound silly, but it works and you have nothing to lose by trying it.

2. Get a good night's sleep the night before, and if possible, the whole week before the 9-ball tournament. In addition to the physical endurance needed, your ability to focus for long periods of time will be tested. Good sleeping habits lead to a clearer mind.

3. Get up in time to have a decent--but not heavy--breakfast and digest a little. Stay away from high doses of caffeine or sugar, as this may make your hands shake. Do not drink alcohol the night before, or the week before if possible. Drinking alcohol and winning 9-ball tournaments do not go hand in hand. So if you must, wean yourself from alcohol prior to the tournament to ward off any shakiness.

4. Dress like you expect to win, not flashy. Act like someone might want to take your picture with the trophy or money. Dressing like a winner makes you play like a winner. Consider it a casual day at work if that helps you choose the clothes you will wear. Avoid anything distracting or binding.

Playing a 9-ball Tournament

1. Keep a positive attitude and use affirmations. Staying positive is the key to winning a 9-ball tournament. Not every shot will go your way, even if it was a great shot. How a player accepts the consequences of each shot will help determine the outcome of the tournament.Repeat your goal over and over in your head: "I will win a 9-ball tournament." Repeat things in your head like, "I am really playing well today," "I always take the best shot" and "I am good enough to win." All of these things should play in your head during a tournament like a tape.

2. 

   Before shooting every shot, picture the object ball going into the pocket or desired place prior to shooting the ball. Visualizing the shot first will give you the confidence to shoot without reservation.

3. Play to the best of your ability that day, but remember sometimes you have to win ugly. The difference between a one-time wonder and a champion pool player is knowing this rule. Winning ugly means staying focused when every roll goes against you and none of the shots seem to go in. Staying positive and focused in these situations often throws an opponent expecting you to get rattled, and may actually adversely affect his game.

4. Let the games come to you, and don't feel bad about an opponent losing to you. When every roll and close call is going your way, you deserve it. There will be plenty of times when you won't get the rolls, so graciously enjoy the ones you get.

5. 

   Stay focused and move around during waiting periods. Watch other matches of players in your bracket to learn their game. Don't sit in a chair and get stiff; walk around and watch several matches at once if possible. Learning how future opponents play is critical for winning 9-ball tournaments consistently.

6. Always be a gracious winner. In addition to just being polite etiquette, being gracious is part of game play strategy. The simple fact is people don't mind losing to you if you are a nice person. If you are not nice, people will come after you. Always be sincere in your graciousness, as many people will see right through a fake and like you even less.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble focusing on the affirmations in your head, record some so you can listen to them throughout the tournament. Even after you think you are sick of them, play them on very low volume for a subliminal mental boost.

• Never show anger, even at yourself, during a 9-ball match. Take a short walk if you have to or even a restroom break during a game.

• If there is a question with a rule, ask a referee immediately.