1. Always Be Ready To Learn
Just because someone may be less experienced or ranked lower than you doesn’t mean they can’t teach you a thing or two. You can find inspiration and knowledge from just about anyone. Maybe they made an awesome shot you want to try and duplicate later or maybe they have a certain strategy you want to try out for yourself. There is no harm in asking them questions (of course wait until after you are done playing them as an opponent).
2. Stay Down On Your Shots
Players who have been around pool for long enough have no doubt heard this bit of advice. If you take that one step further you should also keep your head down, stay in the moment and follow through on your shots.
3. Have A Pre-Shot Routine
A player wants to find consistency in their game and a great way to achieve this is by creating a routine. If you practice something for long enough you can make it a habit and help improve your game. Try and do the same things every time before you take a shot, you might be surprised the effect it has on your game.
4. Work on Fundamentals
This is true for anything going back to the basics is always a great way to refresh and understand a game from its very core. In pool work on your stance, bridge, and stroke because each one of those will influence every shot you take.
5. Take Notes
If you really want to improve write down notes of shots you missed and why during your practice round and during matches. This way you can have a great list of things you need to work on during your next solo practice round.
6. Be A Good Sport
Nobody likes a sore looser or someone who brags about all their wins. There is nothing wrong with being proud about winning but don’t go overboard try and be considerate of your opponent.
7. Work on Speed Control and Play For Longer Shape
Proper use of cue ball speed can make up for other weaknesses in your game. Understand how the cue ball will come off the object ball or exactly how the cue ball will come off the rail. With good speed you can allow you to run the cue ball farther around the table and land in more forgiving part of the landing zone.
8. Follow Through
Similar to keeping your head down on shots you also want to keep it still. So try and condition your pre shot routine so that you can follow through with a smooth stroke and keep your head still.
9. Always Think Three Balls Ahead
Every shot know what your next moves will be.
10. Play Your Best
If you put your best effort forward then you can’t be mad at yourself for trying. If you don’t put 100% into your game don’t expect to get 100% out of it, playing lazy can get you frustrated but if you understand that your playing subpar and own up to it you won’t get as frustrated.