How Do I Become a Better Loser?

[jdub]

Whenever I watch snooker, and the match is over, the losing player always extends his hand to the winner. In post match interviews, they almost always have great things to say about their opponent. While I don't throw tantrums, I can definitely be a sore loser at times. I am very competitive and hate losing, so when I do lose, I feel like it's always because I didn't play to my standard.

Maybe it's deeper than that, but I'm no psychologist.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve in this area?

[Phil C]

Yes. Bite your tongue and compliment your opponent. It'll make you a better person in the long run.

[shmeeko69]

Whenever I watch snooker, and the match is over, the losing player always extends his hand to the winner. In post match interviews, they almost always have great things to say about their opponent. While I don't throw tantrums, I can definitely be a sore loser at times. I am very competitive and hate losing, so when I do lose, I feel like it's always because I didn't play to my standard.

Maybe it's deeper than that, but I'm no psychologist.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I can improve in this area?

You actually learn more by losing than winning. You just don't want it to become a habit in the medium to long term.

[culraven]

Concentrate on the positive aspects of your opponents game instead of the negatives in your own. So instead of "I left him an easy starter" think he took his opportunity well.
Its difficult when you know you should have beat them, but its not there fault you didn't turn up?

[jdub]

Concentrate on the positive aspects of your opponents game instead of the negatives in your own. So instead of "I left him an easy starter" think he took his opportunity well.
Its difficult when you know you should have beat them, but its not there fault you didn't turn up?

Hmmm...I like that. Thanks

[jonny66]

I heard Stephen Hendry say the other day "show me a good loser, I'll show you a loser" I'm fairly sure he nicked that quote from someone else but I can't remember who.

One thing to remember though, Stephen Hendry was a great snooker player, but I wouldn't invite him out for a beer if I had the chance.

[shmeeko69]

One thing to remember though, Stephen Hendry was a great snooker player, but I wouldn't invite him out for a beer if I had the chance.

Why not? I think he would be quite entertaining with his dry sense of humour.

[Byrom]

I heard Stephen Hendry say the other day "show me a good loser, I'll show you a loser" I'm fairly sure he nicked that quote from someone else but I can't remember who.

One thing to remember though, Stephen Hendry was a great snooker player, but I wouldn't invite him out for a beer if I had the chance.

Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser is a quote by Vince Lombardi that Hendry nicked

[MrRottweiler]

Stephen Hendry was a great snooker player, but I wouldn't invite him out for a beer if I had the chance.

Because he wouldn't buy a second round

Being a good loser is an important part of the game and it doesn't matter how you feel about your game if you have lost it's important to be congratulatory. You can examine the game later and take it out on a punchbag but the gentleman aspect is part of Snooker heritage. While I like it when I beat someone and they get angry it can also make me think twice about playing them again. I can't be doing with people banging the rails when they miss a pot and getting ratty.

I always examine the game later on and think about what events happened to make me lose. I really try to disect it as much as my mind can let me and will give myself reccomendations for the next time (because there is always the next time) It's good to be determined to win but when you've lost you've lost.

[jdub]

It's good to be determined to win but when you've lost you've lost.

I think adopting this mindset needs to be my first step.

[Catch 22]

Sport psychologists sometimes talk about letting things just happen without judgement . Example .....they say if you play a shot don't label it as a good or bad shot . Don't judge it .it's just a shot and the moment has passed

Some types of Meditation uses the same technique . Try and focus on one thing .....inevitably other thoughts creep in and they tell you to acknowledge the thought but not to judge it as a good or bad thought .....just accept it crept into your conscious , acknowledge it and let it pass without judgement

You could try the same technique to losing . You played your match , you lost , let it pass without judgement .

Disclaimer ......I don't do any of this . I beat myself up mentally until I can get back on the practice table and convince myself il play better next week ........and repeat . I judge the cr@p out of it and sulk

[itsnoteasy]

it always makes me laugh when folk say , I didn't play my best as if you automatically think your opponent did, if you are nervous ,isn't he?, if you feel the pressure doesn't he?, if you are only playing at fifty percent isn't he? If he would shake your hand and congratulate you if you won, shouldn't you do the same if he wins.

[Catch 22]

it always makes me laugh when folk say , I didn't play my best as if you automatically think your opponent did, if you are nervous ,isn't he?, if you feel the pressure doesn't he?, if you are only playing at fifty percent isn't he? If he would shake your hand and congratulate you if you won, shouldn't you do the same if he wins.

Lol .... I hate it when I've played a good frame where I've had some good breaks , good saftey and potted some hard shots . Just for my opponent to say "I played terrible there , kept leaving you in "

Cheers pal !

[jonny66]

Hendry just seems like a bit of a miserable git.

No-one likes losing, I hate it, I've been known to use more than a little foul language when I miss. I'll still shake the other guy's hand and say well played when I lose though, that's just snooks. A good temprament's probably more important than a good cue action though.

[Byrom]

Might surprise a few people but I don't know the right answer here - win or loose I try to be a nice guy cos its natural. I praise the other bloke and always offer my hand and sometimes a drink too. Not a lot you can do about it when you've lost is there and you would not want to give him an edge the next time you play?

Inside it can be turmoil for everyone if it is a game you really wanted to win but that anger is directed at yourself for a bad performance mainly. Try to see it as you and your skills against the table not the other guy, you are just testing your skills at potting a few balls - focus on the table your shot selection and that pre shot routine of yours.

On the other hand some might say if you supress your natural feelings you are just in denial - when you hate to loose shows you care. Then I would say just learn to channel it into some positive action - practice so loosing wont happen as often.

I don't know the true answer because its different for everyone and I don't know you but I do think the best players are the best players because they brush off defeat better - defeat remember is not always such a bad thing - it can be a very positive motivator too.