Q. Matt from Michigan asks...
Hey Angel I am 17 and preparing myself for the BCA junior championship and I know I got a really good chance of winning it. My problem is that when I miss a ball I get really mad at myself and I self destruct and end up losing. How do you handle missing balls and not getting mad?
A. Angel answers...
Hi Matt,
Great Question! You are not alone with this. The first thing that I will stress to you with all my being is to understand why you get angry and find out what anger is.
Anger is not "bad." Anger is a human emotion, but most of us do not know how to use it in a productive, healthy way. As you evolve into the confident, in-control person that you strive to be, you will see that there are really very few things worth the price you pay when you choose to be angry. Remember you choose!
There are no fast solutions to this habit. I do promise you will get less angry if you remember to breath, think before you react and say something positive to yourself. We expect a little too much from ourselves at times since we know what we are capable of. This becomes a reoccurring action of disappointment. The longer you repeat this you will waste valuable time in finding how to make fewer mistakes.
I focus on staying patient and breathing. Never talk negative to yourself. Try to look at the each game and each shot being a true learning experience, even if it is you shooting or you watching your opponent shoot. When you miss a ball or get bad position, stop for a fast second and acknowledge what you did incorrect. Then move on. At this point you will have done all you can do to not make that mistake again. Understand truly that there is nothing you can do about the past.
Conquering hostility requires total commitment! Keep your self busy on improving and treat yourself with respect. You must make mistakes to learn and there will always be another shot! Be ready for it, because I bet your opponent hopes your not! I live by a few words when it comes to losing your composure. Acknowledge, Forgive, and Refocus!
I am so happy that you are catching and fixing this at such a young age! Good luck and watch your confidence grow!
Angel
Q. "San Diego Slim" from Coronado CA asks...
Hi Angel,
Thank-you for your response to an earlier question.Your advise and some table time have smoothed things out...somewhat.
I was in Las Vegas briefly and got the chance to see your first round BCA match. Now I have new questions to pester you with. Does you coach know you compete with high-heeled shoes ? Is he OK with it ? Do you practice with them on ? Just curious.
A. Angel answers...
Very common question for me! Yes, my coach is aware of it. The height is certainly an advantage. I use to live by " the higher the heel, the better I play!" I stressed to my coach that I wear them in practice and in my everyday life. It is never recommended by anyone that wants you to be stable but I I have been doing it for so long. The funny thing is that I have always had a bad back, and it only seems to go out when I wear flat shoes for a long period of time.
My particular stance allows heels to be very comfortable for me. However, recently I have had to perfect my stance and change my feet placement for other reasons and now the heels are giving me a little trouble. This will be something that I may have to change for the future. A smaller heel anyhow!
Thanks, Angel
Q. Michael L. Tosado from The Mercenary asks...
Hi Angel,
Next time you're in NYC at Amsterdam Billiards, it would be neat to spar with you. As I'm 14 years old and single, maybe we could share a soda or two.
Anyway, my dad told me that "a player is only as good as the weakest part of his (her) game…because when you stop adding features, you institutionalize mediocrity."
What are your touhgts on that philosophy?
A. Angel answers...
Very well put. I agree very much with him. I believe the moment that you stop adding knowledge to your game or think that you are good enough it is time to retire the game.
We typically have an A game and a B game. One is when you are in the zone and one when you are out of the zone. The true key is to minimize the difference between them and shoot to always be in the zone.
Your Father is a very smart man! Keep listening to him, he sounds like he will always keep you grounded and encourage you to shoot for the stars!
I will be back to NYC very soon and we’ll have to play! Thanks so much for the great question! Good Luck!
Q. " San Diego Slim" from Coronado CA asks...
Like you, I receive marriage proposals over the internet. I'm just puzzled that I haven't received yours!
Now, for my question. After a layoff from the game, of say 6 months, I have a tough time getting back in the groove. My stroke looks something like a muscle spasm. Now I realize you may not stay away from the game too long but what do you suggest?
P.S. I want to see you put the hurt on those gals in Vegas!
A. Angel answers...
I believe that most of it is mental. If your stroke wasn’t a muscle spasm before your break from the game than I am sure you think it is worse than it is.
Here are a few things you can work on:
1. Pre-shot routine: Address the ball the same way each time looking at your aiming point on the object ball as you get down on the shot.
2. Timing on your swing: Should be smooth, not forced. Think of a baseball pitcher, golfer or even a bowler. The timing on a swing has only the natural hesitation to change direction.
3. Finish your stroke and don’t allow your body to move until the cue ball has contacted the object ball.
Everything is else is mental! Just believe in yourself and your capabilities. Good Luck! I wish you the best!
Q. Joe from California asks...
I saw you playing in California last month and it
looked like you were wearing a bracelet that was
similar to the Lance Armstrong yellow bracelet but
yours looked different. What was that bracelet for?
A. Angel answers...
My Bracelet is for “Aids” awareness. The funds go to Aids research. They come in 5 different colors and have a cool metal latch. You can find more about them at www.until.org until there is a cure! I personally wear the white all the time but add different colors with it.
Q. Corrine Johnson from Ontario, Canada asks...
What does it take to become pro, what did you do to achieve your goals to become pro? What is your practice routine like? What is the best advice you can give to help a player's mental game?
A. Angel answers...
First, to become a pro it takes a lot of practice and tremendous drive! In my case, I worked a full-time job while trying to go pro and heart was a big factor in my winning the required qualifier’s because I hardly had time to practice. I just gave it my all and was fortunate to come out on top based on natural ability. I actually started training hard once I got
there which I think is a little backwards. If I had the opportunity to do it differently I would have gotten my game together much stronger before I started to go pro.
To achieve my goals as a pro, each qualifier I won would get me into 1 WPBA pro event. When you place in the top half of the field 4 times with in 10 months (which is 4 out of 6 tournaments) you will get your touring pro status. Therefore, consistency is the key! Going Pro is a very mentally challenging process. After dominating at the amateur level you must then learn how to rise to occasion playing in the pro arena.
Most all player’s must pay there dues if you will; get there seasoning. Initially you may get accustomed to losing but you must then learn how to win again. There are so many strong players that have not made it to TV yet that play absolutely awesome!
My practice routine consists of ball in hand, 9-ball and drills. Especially, speed control drills for my style of play. If I miss a shot, I will set it up until I make it 10 times in a row! Having a good coach is also important. There are a lot of things that you cannot see that they can. My practice routine has changed tremendously since I am ripping apart my game
and fundamentals to improve so that I will have no limits.
The best advice I can give for your mental game is to make sure you are in a positive mindframe before you enter a match, make sure your energy level is high and remember to breath. I am currently reading “Pleasures of Small Motions” (Mastering the Mental Game of Pocket billiards) by Bob Fancher, Phd. and highly recommend it.
Finally, I truly believe if you have practiced hard you will then feel deserving to win, and you will.
Best of Luck! Never give up on your dreams!
Q. Huckster asks...
Angel,
How important do you attribute your road seasoning to your sucess?
A. Angel answers...
I think playing a lot of pool and many different caliber of player’s is the key to finding your game. I have never considered myself a seasoned road player, however watching many great player’s compete under pressure teaches me composure. It has helped me also understand the win’s and losses better.
Q. Jeff Kennedy from Saint John, N.B. asks...
Will you be competing in Vegas this year at the BCA Open? When are you going to marry me?
A. Angel answers...
Yes, I will be in Vegas at the Riviera for the Pro event. I play full time on the tour and wouldn’t miss one for the world!
P.S. That was very sweet….Can’t say that I have ever been proposed to through a website! Ha Ha.
Q. Julie Aniston asks...
Hello Angel,
Do you feel that the asian women play a little more agressive than the americans?
Players like Ga Young Kim, Jeannette Lee(although american born),Phoebe Choy, Jennifer Chen etc. seem to be more risk takers in the game of billiards. When I watch you play, I feel like you play too many safes and often play too carefully.Go for the shot!!! What are your thoughts?
A. Angel answers...
Are you sure you have the right gal? But seriously, earlier on in my career I was notorious for being too aggressive and going after the crazy shot’s. But you learn through time and experience that billiards is a game of strategy and you must play according to your opponents strengths and weaknesses. It takes just as much skill to play a locked-up safe when you have knowledge as it is to run out. We should all be confident enough to shoot aggressively when the door is open, but also to play for percentages when we want to win.
When playing Allison Fisher on 2 occasion’s, I knew that if I let her back to the table I was going to lose, so I had to go for it. Fortunately, it worked out and I won 9-7. The next time, however, I should have played safe and it cost me the match 9-7.
As far as the Asian players being more aggressive, it’s hard to say. At least one of the players you mentioned is notorious for playing safes. Personally I prefer not to play safes, but it is an effective strategy against some opponents, and I always play to win.
Q. farrah kim asks...
Hi Angel,
My name is Farrah Kim and I'm 14 yrs old. I've seen you play before and have been a fan ever since. My question is: Do you ever feel like you will never play as good as some of the girls like Ga young Kim for instance?
When will I see you in the finals of the US Open? Soon I hope!
A. Angel answers...
Hello Farrah, Thank you so much for your support. I think it’s great and your questions are very good.
Many players doubt themselves from time to time, but you can never stop believing in yourself. I can’t say that I have ever felt my personal potential can only go so far, or that I am limited. I truly believe that with a little natural ability and lot’s of determination you are never limited if you put in the work.
I have so much respect for Ga Young. She is a good friend of mine. Many player’s have certain strengths about them. For instance Ga Young is a power player. I always have been too. However, her speed and cue ball control is better than mine right now and she was brought up different in her training such as 3 cushion. I am now for the first time in my life really
trying to learn and push myself to another level. I hope that through this journey I will not let you down and will see you in the final’s next year! Good Luck!
Q. Willy Hermoza from Niagara Falls , Ontario asks...
What is your playing cue and what tip and joint do you use? also what is the weight
Thanks
willyhermoza@hotmail.com
A. Angel answers...
At the moment I am playing with an 18.5oz, wood to wood joint. The cue is called “Guisti”. It has an elkmaster tip. I have never heard of this cue and can’t locate them. It was from a friend that I received it. I am currently in limbo on getting a cue made for myself.
