🎱 Staying in Control

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This week’s topics:

• Pre-shot routine

• Things we can control

• Lessons from Alex Pagulayan

Let’s dive in:

⭐ Skills & Drills

Routine = consistency

One habit that can level up your game and bring you more consistency is developing a repeatable pre-shot routine. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just a simple rhythm you follow before every shot that helps you get locked in and ready.

There are many ways to do this and every player needs to find what works for them. Some players like to take a deep breath, others picture the cue ball path, some take a set number of warm-up strokes. It’s really about finding your version of “this is how I get focused.”

Here’s why it matters: when you're under pressure, or having an off day, a routine gives you something steady to fall back on. It keeps your mind from rushing ahead or spiraling into doubt. Instead of overthinking, you’re just following your process—and that frees you up to trust your stroke.

Your routine also builds consistency. If you’re doing something different every time you shoot, it's hard to figure out why you’re missing. But with a consistent routine, you start to notice patterns—and that makes improvement way easier.

A few things to try:

• Take a quick breath or moment to fully visualize the shot before getting down.

• Step into your stance the same way each time.

• Make sure your stance feels balanced and comfortable every time.

• Do a quick mental checklist: angle, cue ball path, next position.

• Use the same routine whether it’s an easy shot or a tough one—build that muscle memory.

Think of your pre-shot routine as a rhythm that gets you in the zone. Keep it simple and easy to repeat and you will see the results begin to show in your consistency. Watch the video below for an excellent breakdown of this process from the Pool School channel on Youtube.

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🗳️ Quick Poll

🧠 Mindset Mastery

Staying in control

One of the fastest ways to level up your mindset in pool is to get clear on what’s actually in your control—and what isn’t.

You can’t control the roll of the balls, your opponent’s lucky kick, or a weird bounce off a dead rail. And sometimes, you can do everything right—play smart, shoot clean, control the cue ball—and still lose. That’s just the nature of this game.

That’s why a lot of top players say they’re not playing against their opponent—they’re playing against the table. It’s about solving the puzzle in front of you, not trying to out-guess or out-psych the person across from you.

What you can control is how you show up: your focus, your pre-shot routine, your response to a miss. That’s where your power is.

So next time something doesn’t go your way, take a breath. Let it go. Then get back to the table and keep solving the puzzle—one shot at a time.

In the video below, Niels Feijen—one of the most mentally disciplined players in the game—breaks down this exact mindset. He talks about the three things you can always control: your focus, your attitude, and your composure. No matter what the score is or how the balls roll, those three things are always in your hands. Give it a watch, and keep that message in mind next time you’re at the table.

🤯 Get Inspired

Play like The Lion

Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan is one of the most entertaining and accomplished legends in the game. A former world champion with wins across 8-ball, 9-ball, one pocket, and even snooker, he brings a mix of elite skill, creativity, and personality that few players can match. But what really stands out about Alex is how loose and joyful he plays, even under pressure.

He’s a great reminder that the game is supposed to be fun. Too many of us get caught up in mechanics and expectations and forget to enjoy ourselves. Alex plays with heart, trusts his instincts, and keeps things light. That mindset is something every player can learn from.

If you want to see what makes him special, check out this video from FXBilliards, one of the best pool channels on YouTube. It’s a great breakdown of Alex’s style and why he’s such a force at the table. Give it a watch and bring a little of that Alex energy into your next session.

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💥 Quick Links

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As always, we appreciate you taking the time to read our humble newsletter. Hopefully, something here helps you next time you’re at the table. Take care, and we’ll see you next week on Thursday!

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