If you enjoy participating in a pool league, an American Poolplayers Association (APA) tournament is a fun way to test your skills and improve your results. You want to perform at your best when you compete, so it’s essential to prepare in advance. Follow this advice to improve your skills and get in the right mindset.

How to Prepare for Your Pool League Tournament

1. Develop a Routine

Performing the same routine before a game and even while setting up each shot is a useful technique. Repeating the steps of this personalized ritual will calm you down and keep you in the right mindset to perform well. Your pre-game routine might include wearing certain clothing, consuming specific foods or drinks, a prayer or mantra, or anything else that helps you feel prepared.

While preparing for a shot, you might apply chalk to your cue, choose a position beside the table, or measure the angle and distance of your shot. Choose a pattern and stick to it to help focus your mind.

2. Practice a Varied Skill Set

Practicing means more than going to a pool hall and playing a few games. While it’s helpful to learn how to play through a game from beginning to end, there are other skills you need to develop.

Practice pool drills, in which you set up and take the same shots repeatedly. This will help you become more consistent and precise with each type of shot. By entering tournaments regularly, you will become accustomed to performing under the pressure of competitive play and keeping yourself focused despite distractions.

3. Warm Up

On the day of your tournament, always warm up. Ideally, you should find a table of your own where you can practice shots, warm up your muscles, and get a feel for the table. This may not be possible since there will be many other players there. If you need to share a table, resist the urge to compete with another player, as losing a practice game may put you off your stride.

It’s also common for the winner to stay at the table while the loser gives up their place to another player, which will not help you warm up. Instead, if you have to share a table, ask to trade racks with another player, meaning you’ll take turns rather than competing.

If you’re looking for opportunities to play in an APA pool league, come to The Office Lounge in Foley, AL. This popular Baldwin County pool hall and bar boasts 10 pool tables—seven diamond and three valley. They also host competitions regularly. For questions about their upcoming schedule, call (251) 970-0043 or reach out online.