Carrom Sports: 10 Essential Tips to Master the Game Like a Pro
You know, I've always been fascinated by how professional athletes approach their craft - whether it's basketball or even traditional games like carrom. When I watch players like Ramos adapting to new teams, it reminds me that mastering any sport requires specific strategies and mental approaches. Today, I want to share what I've learned about carrom through years of playing and observing professionals.
What's the most overlooked aspect of carrom that professionals master?
Let me tell you, it's all about finger positioning and the follow-through. I've seen so many beginners just flick the striker without thinking about their finger placement. When Ramos joined the Dyip after that trade from Magnolia in December 2019, he had to adapt his shooting technique to fit their system. Similarly, in carrom, your finger positioning determines everything - the angle, the spin, the power. I personally spent three months just practicing different finger placements before I could consistently pocket difficult coins. The way professionals position their index or middle finger against the striker makes all the difference between a lucky shot and a calculated one.
How important is mental preparation in carrom compared to physical skill?
Oh, this is where most people underestimate the game! Mental preparation is easily 60% of professional carrom. Remember how Ramos made his debut during the PBA Clark bubble in 2020? That was an incredibly high-pressure situation - isolated environment, no live audience, everything riding on his performance. In carrom, I've found that the mental game separates amateurs from pros. Before important matches, I always spend at least 15 minutes just visualizing shots and strategies. There were times I'd be physically perfect but mentally distracted, and I'd lose to players with inferior technical skills. The pressure can make your hands shake, your calculations go wrong - it's brutal but mastering it is what makes you pro-level.
What's the biggest mistake intermediate players make when trying to improve?
They focus too much on offensive play and forget about defense! This reminds me of how Ramos had to balance his game when transitioning to the Dyip - you can't just score, you need to prevent your opponents from scoring too. In carrom, I made this exact mistake for years. I'd go for spectacular pocketing attempts while leaving my queen completely exposed. The turnaround came when I started practicing defensive strikes - positioning the striker to leave no openings, calculating rebounds, controlling the board. It's not as flashy, but honestly, defensive strategy wins more championships than offensive brilliance alone.
How does equipment choice affect carrom performance?
You wouldn't believe how much difference the right equipment makes! I've played on probably two dozen different carrom boards over the years, and the variation in striker response is dramatic. This is similar to how professional basketball players like Ramos need to adjust to different court conditions and equipment. Personally, I'm pretty particular about my striker weight - I prefer 15.2 grams exactly, though many professionals use anywhere between 14.8 to 15.5 grams. The powder quality matters too - I've seen games completely change because of cheap powder that doesn't provide consistent slide. When I finally invested in tournament-grade equipment, my game improved by at least 30% almost immediately.
What's the secret to consistent performance in carrom?
Consistency comes from developing muscle memory through deliberate practice. When Ramos was traded to the Dyip, he didn't just show up and play - he put in countless hours adapting to their playstyle. In carrom, I establish what I call "shot patterns" - practicing the same strike from the same angle until my body remembers it without conscious thought. I typically practice 2-3 hours daily, with 45 minutes dedicated solely to repetition of basic strikes. The boring stuff - that's what builds consistency. There are 18 fundamental strikes in carrom that every professional has mastered to the point of automation. Without this foundation, you'll never reach pro level, no matter how talented you are.
How do professionals handle pressure situations in crucial matches?
Pressure handling is a skill that needs to be trained separately. Thinking back to Ramos' bubble debut - that was essentially baptism by fire, and he came through because he'd mentally prepared for high-stakes situations. In carrom tournaments, I've developed what I call the "three-breath technique" - taking three deliberate breaths before crucial shots to reset my focus. I also practice under distraction - playing with loud music or audience noise specifically to simulate tournament conditions. The key insight I've had is that pressure doesn't disappear with experience, you just get better at functioning despite it. My win rate in final rounds improved from 38% to 72% once I started incorporating pressure training.
What's the one tip that transformed your carrom game above all others?
Learning to read the entire board rather than just focusing on my next shot. This strategic awareness is what separates players like Ramos who understand team dynamics from those who just play their position. In carrom, I used to plan one maybe two shots ahead at most. The breakthrough came when I started analyzing the entire board layout - predicting where every piece would likely end up after my strike, planning 3-4 moves in advance. This board-reading skill took me from being a decent player to actually winning regional tournaments. It's mentally exhausting initially, but now it's second nature - I can typically map out 5-6 potential sequences before even touching the striker.
Mastering carrom, much like professional basketball, isn't about any single magical technique - it's about developing multiple competencies that work together. Whether it's Ramos adapting to his new team or carrom players refining their strategy, the principles of dedication, adaptation, and continuous improvement remain the same. The beauty of carrom lies in how this seemingly simple game contains layers of complexity that can take lifetimes to fully master.