In my thinking a shark uses
unethical tactics to take another person’s money
or win in any way possible. Sharks typically circle
their opponents and learn what will throw them off
their game. The shark brings out the known distractions
when it is to their advantage. In general, this would
be known as the short con when it is  confined
to one match or one evening. In a sense the shark
or short con artist evaluates the greed and weakness
of another person quickly and then uses this greed
and the victim’s weaknesses to take advantage.
Con
artists are usually interested in monetary gain and
remaining anonymous. The Shark differs in the sense
that they also want prestige and psychological damage
to the victim. The con artist does not want to be
known by the public, except in his personal circle
of friends. The shark seeks prestige in his particular
circle.
To
hustle someone is to convince the buyer they are getting
a deal that is not a deal. It could be a woman who
does not value her body and hence “rents”
it for some price. It could be swamp land in Florida
or a pool match designed to look like the player has
an advantage that does not really exist. So in my
thinking a player could hustle someone into what appears
to be a sure win and then use sharking while at the
table.
I
think that we use the term “heart” to refer
to a person who digs deep to pull out their best game
in the face of a potential loss. A person with heart
does not quit or give in. Hustling is not a part of
this term though for some it is confused.
Different
sub-cultures use different words for the same phenomena.
Hustling is commonly known in many sub-cultures. Sharking
is somewhat unique to the pool subculture as it involves
an assessment of the opponent’s weakness and
then using these weaknesses at the appropriate time
in the context of a game. In this sense it is a form
of short con.
When
sharking techniques extend over a week or more to
prepare the person to be fleeced it is definitely
a form of hustling. I suspect that many players confuse
or conjoin the terms. Extended sharking is a form
of the long con wherein the victim is not aware of
the idea that they are being setup. The victim usually
thinks the shark is trying to help them get what they
want.
Edited by: Joe
Waldron
Pocket Billiards Review
THE
MENTAL GAME - TIPS ON COMPETING IN THE APA
Playing
pool is not always about making shots. Of course if
you do not make them, there is always a possibility
the outcome will not be favorable. However, there
are many other aspects to the game that we often ignore
which are equally as important.
What's
On The Mind
Its
astonishing the amount of thought that goes through
the mind during a competition. Ask yourself:
- Have
you ever wondered what the other person is thinking
during a match?
Will he take you for granted or is he thinking this
could be very tough?
- Have
you ever checked to see if he too is nervous?
Is his hand shaking, does he miss easy shots.
- Have
you ever checked to see which kind of shot he is
comfortable/uncomfortable with?
Rail shots, long shots etc.
- Have
you ever found yourself worrying about your opponent's
technique?
The way he strokes, follows draws or positions the
ball.
Believe
it or not, your opponent, like yourself, might have
been pondering the same questions too and it is usually
the one who gets a mental grip on the situation that
emerges as the victor.
Knowing
Your Opponent
It
helps to know the limitations and strengths of your
opponent but you should not let it intimidate you,
instead, you should use that knowledge to your advantage.
For example:
- If
he is an offensive player.
Play a lot of defense.
- If
he likes to play fast.
Slow down the pace.
- If
he likes to talk during a match.
Don't have a conversation.
- If
he has a problem breaking up clusters.
Leave them for him or create more if necessary.
- If
he hates shooting off the rail.
Give him rail shots.
- If
he is one to feed off your mistakes.
Act as if they don't matter --- Never let him see
you rattled about a mistake you've just made.
Always look confident even in the jaws of defeat.
If he cannot read you, he'll never know what to
expect.
Knowing
Yourself
It
still amazes me to know that many of us still do not
understand nor trust our own selves.
Let me explain: have you ever been in a critical situation
where you were down on a shot and that little thought
popped into your mind that said" I never made
this shot before but maybe I'll get lucky today".
You go ahead and perform the routine and of course
miss your objective. To make matters worse, afterward
you acknowledge to yourself, that those results were
expected. In any sport, you cannot be successful if:
- You
do not trust yourself.
- You
do not know you limitations.
To
help develop your self confidence and trust during
a game, try the following:
- If
you are down on a shot and it doesn't feel right,
get up and reset.
Do this as many times as necessary.
- If
you cannot make a shot, find an alternative.
Play defense, position your ball for the next play
or call a coach.
- If
your game is off then just roll the balls to the
pocket.
7 out of 10 times they will drop just because of
pocket speed. In addition, if they don't, you'll
have it easier the next time you are at the table.
- If
you are nervous, try to picture your opponent in
his/her underwear. I heard that helps. However if
that doesn't work then try these:
1. Take frequent Time-outs. Talk to your team mates.
It does not have to be about the game, just as long
as it helps to calm you.
2. Do not watch your opponent's technique. When
you are at the table, his technique is useless against
you.
- Try
to control your breathing.
Good breathing techniques can help to calm the body
down.
The
Bottom Line
Ultimately,
even with the above suggestions, there are no guarantee's
that you will win every time you are at the table.
However, with a strong approach, both physically and
mentally, you will be fully prepared for whatever
comes your way.
Written
By: Vincent Morris |
