As a long--time pool player, I've had the chance to win and lose a lot of pool games. I have played in bars and taverns, pool halls, bowling alleys, private homes, and just about everywhere that could hold a pool table.

After playing for a few years and mastering the basics of shot-making and game management, I have come to the conclusion that "concentration" is a major key to continued success on the pool table. Concentration is the one element that allows me to consistently play at a higher level and win the tough games.

Unless you always play your pool games in the quiet of your own home, there will always be distractions competing for your attention as you try to work your way through the rack. I play a lot in bars, and as anyone who also does will tell you, the more the liquor flows, the louder it gets.

I find that as long as I make a concerted effort to concentrate on the game at hand, the noise and distractions just mostly fade into the background. It's almost spooky how all the local chatter seems to disappear when you are really giving all your attention to the shot at hand, and plotting out your next shots and where to send the cue ball for the optimal leave.

Many of the better players I've spoken to mentioned getting into the "zone", where all your senses are tuned to the present, and your concentration on the game becomes almost effortless. When you are in this zone, the shots become more evident, the cue ball goes exactly where you aim it, and the balls find their way into the pockets "like they had eyes".

If you have never had the experience of getting in the "zone" while playing pool, I suggest you give some conscious effort to increasing your concentration level. Even though playing pool is always entertaining, try taking the game a little more seriously for a change.

Try practicing some pool shooting by yourself while giving it all your attention. If this isn't possible, explain to your friends that you are working on your "mental game", and ask them not to distract you unnecessarily for a little while. Golf isn't the only sport where the mental game is important.

If you are really serious about winning, keep your eyes on the table and follow the course of the game at hand. Study the layout of the balls and decide your best course of action before you take your next shot. And, above all, CONCENTRATE.

If you're a beginner pool player, spend some time learning the basics of cue--handling and shot--making, and practice, practice, practice. However, once you have a bunch of games under your belt and can make those balls dance for you, I think you'll find that concentration will be one of the important keys that help you take your pool shooting to the next higher level.