I wrote this some time ago, but some Folks tell me it still helps them. I hope you don't mind if I post it again, here on this site.
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I recently gave some thought to what I needed to do to improve my game. For me, I feel it boils down to concentrating on the following five Key Points.
SIMPLIFY-By this I mean paring down the number of things, e.g., shots, passes/pass series that you're trying to do. Trying to do TOO MANY THINGS is the sure road to being a "jack of all trades, master of none." In today’s game that pretty much means picking the Rollover/Snake shot, or the Pull on your 3-bar. On your 5-bar, a simple brush or stick pass series. From the 2-bar the majority of pro's do a set pull shot with pass options.
PERFECT-Take the above strategy and practice till you have mastered the physical skills needed to do the option at the time you need to do it. Longs/deadbars, shorts/straights, middles/splits on your 3-bar. A pass series that you have confidence in because you've practiced and mastered the "core basic" passes. Eliminate tells and tip-offs. A 2-bar that puts clearing the ball before scoring, with the ability to mix up shots and passes to keep the other team off guard, and exploit their weaknesses.
READ-In my mind the most important thing that you must do to rise above mediocrity! You can have the fastest deadbar shot, or ripping-est wall pass, but if your foe is just sitting there you're blocked. YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT THEY’RE DOING IN ORDER TO PICK THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION. Acting blindly, or what I call "black board" decision making, will only take you so far. You have to read the defense, and be able to INSTANTANEOUSLY act.
EXECUTE-This is where the Perfecting comes in. It's time to do it, pass or shoot, in the heat of battle. You KNOW you have the skill (you've practiced the right things). You pick the right option because you READ the defense. You pull the trigger now... You get good at Rising to the Occasion by building up experience. One of the best pieces of advice I've gotten was from Randy Secrest. He told me "You're NOT going to pass it or score it every time.” NO ONE does. But if you READ, and know you properly executed, you'll figure out why you were stopped the previous time.
ADJUST-I added this one last to my list. But I feel it is HUGE. There are different things that go on each game, each match, and each tournament. For me a big challenge is the different type of balls. I have to learn to execute no matter what type of situation arises. For you, it might be an overly verbal opponent. Or the pressure of the championship match.... Whatever it is, it has to be overcome. You have to make that adjustment to whatever is an impediment to your goal of winning.
These are five simple things that I feel can help anyone who is looking for a Strategy or "game plan" to become a better Fooser. I was at a loss for a plan of action for way too long. I've committed myself to "keeping it simple", and I think these will help me out.
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