I am on a quest. Maybe you all can help me out. Without increasing my practice hours significantly, my goal is to improve my shotmaking consistency (both offensive and defensive). I have three weeks until my next tournament and it is my hope that with the time I spend, between now and then, that I will improve. Any advice???
My primary objective on this quest is to develop a pre-shot routine that I use on every single shot. Even the easy ones ;) and especially the hard ones... Do you have a pre-shot routine? How do you work on and/or improve your consistency?
WPBA San Diego Classic 2009, Photo by Anne Craig
Monday, June 25, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Realistic Expectations
NWPA Tour Stop #3 was last weekend and I was rather underwhelmed by my Sunday performance, out in 2, after playing great on Saturday to make it to the A side final four. I am amazed at my inconsistency and I was rather upset with myself, but then I stepped back and realized that honestly, I have not been practicing. I am not quite sure why I expect more when what I am putting in is not up to snuff, so to speak. There are so many players that are putting more into improving their games and I really need to figure out a way to do the same :), especially if I want to have a shot at winning more of these events.
I haven't won a NWPA tournament since 2009 and I would really like to see myself in the winner's circle on tour... (I have had a few top 3 finishes.) With the likes of Jana Montour, Kim Jones, and Liz Cole dominating all of the events, I am in a tough field. I did improve from my first two events (T7/8 in both) to a T5/6 result. I have been super busy at work, so am hoping that once my current deadline is met that I will be able to get reacquainted with practice sessions. I am going to start learning how to play One Pocket, so expect to see some posts regarding my journey in that respect. Gotta run, take care, and I will be back soon.
I haven't won a NWPA tournament since 2009 and I would really like to see myself in the winner's circle on tour... (I have had a few top 3 finishes.) With the likes of Jana Montour, Kim Jones, and Liz Cole dominating all of the events, I am in a tough field. I did improve from my first two events (T7/8 in both) to a T5/6 result. I have been super busy at work, so am hoping that once my current deadline is met that I will be able to get reacquainted with practice sessions. I am going to start learning how to play One Pocket, so expect to see some posts regarding my journey in that respect. Gotta run, take care, and I will be back soon.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
On the Spot with Jeanette Lee
Do you still get nervous when you play tournaments?
I. Yes. (I absolutely do, absolutely yes.) All pros do, it is a sign that they still want it. The biggest difference between the pros and the amateurs is that the pros embrace it and the amateurs fight to control it. 2012 WPBA US Open (T3-4)
I. Yes. (I absolutely do, absolutely yes.) All pros do, it is a sign that they still want it. The biggest difference between the pros and the amateurs is that the pros embrace it and the amateurs fight to control it. 2012 WPBA US Open (T3-4)
Monday, June 11, 2012
WPBA US Open Adventure- Day 6
The journey is coming to an end today... I am so grateful that the APA has provided me with this absolutely amazing opportunity. I am blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends. I am looking forward to being home with them very soon. In fact, I am going to head to the airport this morning (my flight isn't scheduled until 5 pm) to see if I can get home before Sierra goes to bed at 8. I miss my beautiful daughter and my husband (and the rest of my family too..) Most players schedule their flights to leave on the day of ESPN rounds, I on the other hand planned my trip for the day after so that I could truly enjoy the entire tournament. I am pretty excited about all of the things that I got to take part in and they only could have happened if I stayed the whole time...
Won Kwikfire Cue in WPBA raffle (bought $100 in tickets) and had it signed by finalists Gerda Hofstatter and Allison Fisher
Watched Allison Fisher win her 6th US Open title, back to back for the Duchess of Doom. Semifinal matches were Allison vs. Monica Webb and Gerda Hofstatter (6 months pregnant) vs. Jeanette Lee. When Allison got down 5-2 to Monica, I saw her turn it up a notch. Her mistakes dropped to near none and her precision position was phenomenal... She is a truly class act. Such a competitor, such a great, great player... The final was close initially, but Allison ended up winning the last four racks to end Gerda's chance at the title (7-3 final score).
WPBA dinner at Elements Steakhouse & Grill courtesy of the River Spirit Casino. This complimentary dinner included shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, grilled asparagus, and cheesecake. The staff was amazing, the company was excellent, and I got to be there... WOW... I sat with Steve Tipton, Chris Rogers, Morgan Steinman, Angel Paglia, and Linda Pault (she is a not so behind the scenes guru...)
At dinner, I had all of the players in attendance (and Steve of course) sign the Pink Delta 13 rack box (rack included) that I will be raffling off between now and September. All proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen foundation. Players include: Allison Fisher, Jeanette Lee, Ewa Mataya Laurance, Helena Thornfeldt, Angel Paglia, Morgan Steinman, Tamre Geene' Rogers, and little ol' me...
At dinner, I received a compliment from Allison Fisher. "You really are an excellent shotmaker, you just need to learn better control of your cue ball." She told me how impressed she was with my ability... Now I really must begin to learn, so I can become all that I know I am capable of.
Got to help Morgan and Linda tear down the WPBA booth. Seeing how things work and appreciating all of the time and effort that is required behind the scenes to make events what they are. They couldn't believe it when Chris and I walked into the room. They were so appreciative to have some help. It took hardly any time at all and I know that if the opportunity presents itself again, I will most definitely be available to assist. What an amazing organization the WPBA is... I am very hopeful that I can be a part of it in the future.
Well, that's it for now. Thank you for reading. I look forward to my next adventure.
Won Kwikfire Cue in WPBA raffle (bought $100 in tickets) and had it signed by finalists Gerda Hofstatter and Allison Fisher
Watched Allison Fisher win her 6th US Open title, back to back for the Duchess of Doom. Semifinal matches were Allison vs. Monica Webb and Gerda Hofstatter (6 months pregnant) vs. Jeanette Lee. When Allison got down 5-2 to Monica, I saw her turn it up a notch. Her mistakes dropped to near none and her precision position was phenomenal... She is a truly class act. Such a competitor, such a great, great player... The final was close initially, but Allison ended up winning the last four racks to end Gerda's chance at the title (7-3 final score).
WPBA dinner at Elements Steakhouse & Grill courtesy of the River Spirit Casino. This complimentary dinner included shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, grilled asparagus, and cheesecake. The staff was amazing, the company was excellent, and I got to be there... WOW... I sat with Steve Tipton, Chris Rogers, Morgan Steinman, Angel Paglia, and Linda Pault (she is a not so behind the scenes guru...)
At dinner, I had all of the players in attendance (and Steve of course) sign the Pink Delta 13 rack box (rack included) that I will be raffling off between now and September. All proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen foundation. Players include: Allison Fisher, Jeanette Lee, Ewa Mataya Laurance, Helena Thornfeldt, Angel Paglia, Morgan Steinman, Tamre Geene' Rogers, and little ol' me...
At dinner, I received a compliment from Allison Fisher. "You really are an excellent shotmaker, you just need to learn better control of your cue ball." She told me how impressed she was with my ability... Now I really must begin to learn, so I can become all that I know I am capable of.
Got to help Morgan and Linda tear down the WPBA booth. Seeing how things work and appreciating all of the time and effort that is required behind the scenes to make events what they are. They couldn't believe it when Chris and I walked into the room. They were so appreciative to have some help. It took hardly any time at all and I know that if the opportunity presents itself again, I will most definitely be available to assist. What an amazing organization the WPBA is... I am very hopeful that I can be a part of it in the future.
Well, that's it for now. Thank you for reading. I look forward to my next adventure.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
WPBA US Open Adventure- Days 4 and 5
Sorry no post yesterday, got a later start than usual due to our evening activities in the Brady District.
Friday Day- I had my interview with ESPN. That was another first for me. I was asked about my experience at the US Open, how it felt to play against Allison, what lessons I learned, and my feelings about the opportunities provided by the APA through the US Amateur Championship. The interview will air July 14-15 with the quarterfinal/semifinal/final matches from the event. Please do check it out. I feel confident that it went much better than my first interview (right after I won the USAC).
My sister and I both love to indulge in foods of the region, so we headed to two areas to submerge ourselves in Tulsa "culture". Downtown Tulsa is filled with little hotspots and based on our interests, we were pointed to both the Brady and Blue Dome Districts... With the Tulsa Tough bike race in town, traffic was diverted here and there, but ultimately once we got parked, there was no issue for foot traffic.
FRIDAY- Brady District
The Tavern- Guinness Welsh Rarebits (Sliced/toasted bread covered in cheese sauce/pickles)
Valkyrie & Sound Pony- Tulsa Culture/OK microbrews
The Hunt Club- Lime Spice Chicken Wings
Caz Chowder House- Bacon Soup and Fried Green Tomatoes
SATURDAY- Blue Dome District
El Guapo's mexican restaurant for Dinner- Carne Asada Tacos, Pacifico con limon
James McNellies Irish Pub for microbrews/ciders
Today will be another fun filled time. I get to watch the semifinal and final rounds of the US Open: Allison Fisher vs. Monica Webb and Jeanette Lee vs. Gerda Hofstetter. I get to take photos and watch some of the best pool players in history duke it out for the title. I am kind of routing for Allison to defend her title, but ultimately at this point I am just along for the ride. It should be a great afternoon for pool.
After the event concludes the owner of the River Spirit Casino invited the players to attend a dinner at the casino's steakhouse. I will be attending that as well, with what players remain. Apparently, most players depart once their jouney has concluded. Kind of similar to regional tours, unfortunately, but I do understand the compulsion to look forward and not back. Oh well, it should be great to socialize with the tournament staff and players that are left. More experiences in the making :).
Friday Day- I had my interview with ESPN. That was another first for me. I was asked about my experience at the US Open, how it felt to play against Allison, what lessons I learned, and my feelings about the opportunities provided by the APA through the US Amateur Championship. The interview will air July 14-15 with the quarterfinal/semifinal/final matches from the event. Please do check it out. I feel confident that it went much better than my first interview (right after I won the USAC).
My sister and I both love to indulge in foods of the region, so we headed to two areas to submerge ourselves in Tulsa "culture". Downtown Tulsa is filled with little hotspots and based on our interests, we were pointed to both the Brady and Blue Dome Districts... With the Tulsa Tough bike race in town, traffic was diverted here and there, but ultimately once we got parked, there was no issue for foot traffic.
FRIDAY- Brady District
The Tavern- Guinness Welsh Rarebits (Sliced/toasted bread covered in cheese sauce/pickles)
Valkyrie & Sound Pony- Tulsa Culture/OK microbrews
The Hunt Club- Lime Spice Chicken Wings
Caz Chowder House- Bacon Soup and Fried Green Tomatoes
SATURDAY- Blue Dome District
El Guapo's mexican restaurant for Dinner- Carne Asada Tacos, Pacifico con limon
James McNellies Irish Pub for microbrews/ciders
Today will be another fun filled time. I get to watch the semifinal and final rounds of the US Open: Allison Fisher vs. Monica Webb and Jeanette Lee vs. Gerda Hofstetter. I get to take photos and watch some of the best pool players in history duke it out for the title. I am kind of routing for Allison to defend her title, but ultimately at this point I am just along for the ride. It should be a great afternoon for pool.
After the event concludes the owner of the River Spirit Casino invited the players to attend a dinner at the casino's steakhouse. I will be attending that as well, with what players remain. Apparently, most players depart once their jouney has concluded. Kind of similar to regional tours, unfortunately, but I do understand the compulsion to look forward and not back. Oh well, it should be great to socialize with the tournament staff and players that are left. More experiences in the making :).
Friday, June 8, 2012
WPBA US Open Adventure- Day 3
Well, what can I say? Bittersweet probably sums it up. Playing Allison Fisher at the US Open was truly amazing. After running out the first two racks and taking a 2-0 lead on the defending champion, I was truly elated. I really felt like I could play at her level. And I can, but not for long enough. As my sister said after the match, "She didn't make any shots you couldn't make, but she didn't miss any shots she shouldn't miss." That was the difference in every single rack after the first two. I made some truly excellent shots, missed a few safeties, and missed some really easy shots that I should never miss. I lost the next 9 games to a truly class act. I am even more in awe than I was prior to playing her. The bar is high and I know as long as I keep working and learning the game, I will definitely make the gap much smaller :)
After our match, I went out to dinner with my sister. Fried pickles, black bean salsa with chips, and some local hard cider for appetizers, then we headed to an italian restuarant for some, might I say, mediocre stuffed mushrooms and pasta. The wine was good, but we barely ate... Then we headed back to the room so I could prepare for my 10:30pm match with my good friend Jana Montour.
We got to the room about 30 minutes before my match was scheduled to start and couldn't believe that the 9:00pm match hadn't even started yet!!! Oh boy... I tried to make the most of it, visiting with players and shooting some racks, but really, by the time we got to start our match it was 12:30am. I was exhausted, plus I had decided to shoot in my contacts, and for anyone that has worn them, when your eyes get tired, it can be brutal. No excuses, I just kept missing. Missing shots, missing shape, missing safeties, and missing the game that I know I have. I was disappointed, but not for long, because as soon as we got back to the room we laid down and crashed out.
It is a new day and I have an interview with ESPN in just over an hour. The interview will air the weekend of July 14-15, when they show the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches.
Other items on the agenda... Not so sure, my schedule has freed up significantly. I do plan on making the most of this Tulsa/WPBA US Open Adventure. We are definitely going to check out some nightlife, plus I get to watch this tournament unfold. Check back soon :)
After our match, I went out to dinner with my sister. Fried pickles, black bean salsa with chips, and some local hard cider for appetizers, then we headed to an italian restuarant for some, might I say, mediocre stuffed mushrooms and pasta. The wine was good, but we barely ate... Then we headed back to the room so I could prepare for my 10:30pm match with my good friend Jana Montour.
We got to the room about 30 minutes before my match was scheduled to start and couldn't believe that the 9:00pm match hadn't even started yet!!! Oh boy... I tried to make the most of it, visiting with players and shooting some racks, but really, by the time we got to start our match it was 12:30am. I was exhausted, plus I had decided to shoot in my contacts, and for anyone that has worn them, when your eyes get tired, it can be brutal. No excuses, I just kept missing. Missing shots, missing shape, missing safeties, and missing the game that I know I have. I was disappointed, but not for long, because as soon as we got back to the room we laid down and crashed out.
It is a new day and I have an interview with ESPN in just over an hour. The interview will air the weekend of July 14-15, when they show the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches.
Other items on the agenda... Not so sure, my schedule has freed up significantly. I do plan on making the most of this Tulsa/WPBA US Open Adventure. We are definitely going to check out some nightlife, plus I get to watch this tournament unfold. Check back soon :)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
WPBA US Open Adventure- Day 2
Well for anyone who follows pool the WPBA US Open is the most prestigious professional women's tournament in the United States. Since my last post, I have had the pleasure of being welcomed into the proverbial bosom of the WPBA. Although this is not my first WPBA event, it is my first US Open, and there is a certain type of electricity that runs through the players when a major title is on the line. The defending champion is none other than the Duchess of Doom, Miss Allison Fisher. This woman has won more titles than any other woman pool player in history and I believe more titles than any one in any sport, ever... I will have to confirm that, but I am pretty sure that is the case. Bottom line, Allison Fisher is one of the greatest pool players of all time. And guess who gets to play her in the first round... Yes, you guessed it, little ol' me.
Growing up, I watched pool before I ever really played. Allison was always a fixture on ESPN matches, so her solid fundamentals have been on display for as long as I can remember. I am excited, nervous, overwhelmed and honestly feel like I am realizing a dream. Since I started playing pool in 2001, I have never aspired to play pool for my job. I like it too much and I don't want to put that kind of spin on things; however, that doesn't mean I don't want to play as good as it takes to be a pro... I am truly blessed to be where I am and want to stay in the moment, play my game, and do my best. That is all I can do. After all, I am only playing the table, right? Allison will just happen to be racking when I make those 9 balls. I am looking for 9 of them...
Some of the other activities I have had the pleasure of participating in since my last post:
WPBA RTC Championship match- Megan Smith defeats Liz Cole 9-6
Players Meeting was quite brief. There are a record number of new players to the WPBA for this year's US Open. There are many top players not in attendance, just to name a few that I am disappointed I won't be able to see play while I am here: Ga Young Kim, Kelly Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, and Xiao Ting Pan.
River Spirit Casino welcomes the WPBA players. Each participant received goody bags with a pen, key ring, T-Shirt, hairspray, and a player favorite: the Tiffany & Co engraved keychain. After going through the line for reception all players were then moved through to the arena where several items including posters, sweatshirts, and one of the 9 foot Diamond tables used in the event were signed by all 64 women of the 2012 WPBA US Open.
Charity Pro Am- I didn't stick around to watch this part of the festivities as food and practice did call. Instead of hanging out at the event center, the NWPA ladies (Liz Cole, Jana Montour, Shari Ross, and myself) all went out for some mexican food and drinks. It was great to have some relaxation time with the other girls.
Well... I play in about 3 1/2 hours, so am going to head over to the event center to take some pictures and get some practice in. I am here, living the dream... missing my family, but making the most of each breath that I take. This life is too short not to have big moments and this is definitely one of mine. Thanks for checking in. Wish me luck, I am going to need it ;), along with my best game ever... No pressure, just breathe.
Growing up, I watched pool before I ever really played. Allison was always a fixture on ESPN matches, so her solid fundamentals have been on display for as long as I can remember. I am excited, nervous, overwhelmed and honestly feel like I am realizing a dream. Since I started playing pool in 2001, I have never aspired to play pool for my job. I like it too much and I don't want to put that kind of spin on things; however, that doesn't mean I don't want to play as good as it takes to be a pro... I am truly blessed to be where I am and want to stay in the moment, play my game, and do my best. That is all I can do. After all, I am only playing the table, right? Allison will just happen to be racking when I make those 9 balls. I am looking for 9 of them...
Some of the other activities I have had the pleasure of participating in since my last post:
WPBA RTC Championship match- Megan Smith defeats Liz Cole 9-6
Players Meeting was quite brief. There are a record number of new players to the WPBA for this year's US Open. There are many top players not in attendance, just to name a few that I am disappointed I won't be able to see play while I am here: Ga Young Kim, Kelly Fisher, Jasmin Ouschan, and Xiao Ting Pan.
River Spirit Casino welcomes the WPBA players. Each participant received goody bags with a pen, key ring, T-Shirt, hairspray, and a player favorite: the Tiffany & Co engraved keychain. After going through the line for reception all players were then moved through to the arena where several items including posters, sweatshirts, and one of the 9 foot Diamond tables used in the event were signed by all 64 women of the 2012 WPBA US Open.
Charity Pro Am- I didn't stick around to watch this part of the festivities as food and practice did call. Instead of hanging out at the event center, the NWPA ladies (Liz Cole, Jana Montour, Shari Ross, and myself) all went out for some mexican food and drinks. It was great to have some relaxation time with the other girls.
Well... I play in about 3 1/2 hours, so am going to head over to the event center to take some pictures and get some practice in. I am here, living the dream... missing my family, but making the most of each breath that I take. This life is too short not to have big moments and this is definitely one of mine. Thanks for checking in. Wish me luck, I am going to need it ;), along with my best game ever... No pressure, just breathe.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
WPBA US Open Adventure- Day 1
I landed in Tulsa last night at 7 pm, picked up my rental car and headed to the Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills. En route, I couldn't help but notice how flat it was, but then again I am spoiled with moutain views to both the east and west back home. The hotel is near the River Spirit Casino where the WPBA US Open will be held. After I got all checked in I headed over to a local pool room. Magoo's. There was a charity event for the Billiards Education Foundation held there earlier in the evening, but it was all wrapped up by the time I got there. I got a set of balls and headed over to the only 9 foot Diamond in the building. Right away I could feel the difference with the measle cue ball. It's so much heavier than the Red Circle I normally shoot with. I am going to have to make adjustments to my break and to my jumping. I ended up shooting drills for about 45 minutes before an older gentleman came over and asked if he could watch. This was a first for me, so I of course welcomed him to sit, but then made sure that he knew that I wasn't a pro... We discussed my win at the US Amateur Championship and how that resulted in my being here in Tulsa. I asked if he would rather shoot than watch and he jumped at the chance. We shot about 10 racks, then four kids came in on the table next to us smoking and talking, laughing, and being completely oblivious to us. Normally this kind of thing wouldn't bother me, but I was really trying to get my practice on. He asked me if I wanted him to see if they would switch tables, but I kind of felt like who am I... You know? Silly, right... Here I am getting ready for the biggest tournament of my life and I am still so modest and reserved about it. THE WPBA US OPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! I am here, I have arrived. Thank you God for the talent and perserverance you have blessed me with, and thank everyone else for all of their support, love, advice, instruction, and everything else.
Today I have already swam laps and had some breakfast. Now, as I nibble on the last of my fresh fruit from the buffet and sip on coffee, I need to finish up some work so I can officially proclaim myself on vacation. Before I do that though, I felt inspired to start my blog entries for this trip. I am not sure if I will do this for all of my traveling tournaments in the future, but I figured if there was ever a trip worthy of report, it would be this one...
The rest of today's scheduled activities include wrapping up here, practice at Magoo's, back to the room to get in dress code, then head over to the River Spirit to watch the WPBA RTC Championship match between Megan Smith and Liz Cole, player's meeting, charity pro am, then more practice. I am looking forward to starting my tournament question as well, but I won't disclose too much now, but definitely come back and check in...
Today I have already swam laps and had some breakfast. Now, as I nibble on the last of my fresh fruit from the buffet and sip on coffee, I need to finish up some work so I can officially proclaim myself on vacation. Before I do that though, I felt inspired to start my blog entries for this trip. I am not sure if I will do this for all of my traveling tournaments in the future, but I figured if there was ever a trip worthy of report, it would be this one...
The rest of today's scheduled activities include wrapping up here, practice at Magoo's, back to the room to get in dress code, then head over to the River Spirit to watch the WPBA RTC Championship match between Megan Smith and Liz Cole, player's meeting, charity pro am, then more practice. I am looking forward to starting my tournament question as well, but I won't disclose too much now, but definitely come back and check in...
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