First 3 balls strikes, downhill from there, why?

[renenkel]

When I start to practice, the first 3 balls I roll are almost always strikes. But after that, I'm lucky to get 1 or 2 strikes in 10 balls. Does anyone else have that problem? Any idea why it could be? I haven't yet taken a video to study what I'm doing differently, but one thing I noticed is that I think the first few balls I hold with more of a cupped wrist position, and then maybe my wrist gets tired and gets more straight eventually? Whatever it is, it's very frustrating! Robert (14 lb. Mastermind Genius, fingertip grip)

[RobLV1]

The first three balls you throw without any expectations. After that, you start "trying" to knock down pins. Does that make sense?

[renenkel]

The first three balls you throw without any expectations. After that, you start "trying" to knock down pins. Does that make sense?
Yes, I think it makes a lot of sense. Now if I could only keep that carefree mental state throughout the whole game...

[Amyers]

Yes, I think it makes a lot of sense. Now if I could only keep that carefree mental state throughout the whole game...

Easier said then done. I struggle with the same thing a lot.

[Blomer]

Happens to me. The expectation I have after I turkey it up increases and I become less relaxed.

[Mike White]

When I start to practice, the first 3 balls I roll are almost always strikes. But after that, I'm lucky to get 1 or 2 strikes in 10 balls. Does anyone else have that problem? Any idea why it could be? I haven't yet taken a video to study what I'm doing differently, but one thing I noticed is that I think the first few balls I hold with more of a cupped wrist position, and then maybe my wrist gets tired and gets more straight eventually? Whatever it is, it's very frustrating! Robert (14 lb. Mastermind Genius, fingertip grip)

This may be related to the thread we had here a while back about wiping the ball after each shot.

If you don't wipe the ball, a possible reason for your 3 frame phenomenon could be that when you start practice, your ball has had an opportunity to absorb any surface oil.

After a few shots, oil has collected on the ball and you need to tighten up the line.

Once the league starts, there is more time between your shots giving the ball time to absorb surface oil.

That would make your "tightened" line too tight.

Either that, or it's all in your head :)

[Amyers]

This may be related to the thread we had here a while back about wiping the ball after each shot.

If you don't wipe the ball, a possible reason for your 3 frame phenomenon could be that when you start practice, your ball has had an opportunity to absorb any surface oil.

After a few shots, oil has collected on the ball and you need to tighten up the line.

Once the league starts, there is more time between your shots giving the ball time to absorb surface oil.

That would make your "tightened" line too tight.

Either that, or it's all in your head :)

I think I was responsible for that thread and I did start wiping the ball after every shot it did make some difference.

I think with me it's too things. 1. I tighten up at the start of league just a little and 2. Either I add a little cup or my wrist just loosens up a bit more even after my practice shots so I get a little more rotation on the ball to start I've started making a 2 and 1 adjustment on the first ball of league play whether I think I need it or not and that has helped me it's right more often than not

[dnhoffman]

Transition?

[foreverincamo]

Because three strikes and you're out?

[dnhoffman]

Because three strikes and you're out?

I see what you did there...

[Monte]

The first three balls you throw without any expectations. After that, you start "trying" to knock down pins. Does that make sense?

This was my thought, too.

To add on, not only are you trying to knock down pins, you're actively thinking about it, though probably in a past tense way.

One thing I'd suggest, if you bowl by yourself, is to see if there's a way to keep track of what frame you're in, without looking at the score. That way, you're "just bowling".

Long and short: you're competing with yourself, and you start over-thinking. That's what it sounds like to me.

maybe try giving yourself a reminder when you're on the approach. I do this sometimes. I'll step up, get into my ready position, take a breath, and say to myself, "Nice and easy".

I saw Kelly Kulick do this on TV one time. I think it was during the match where she beat Chris Barnes. People thought it was annoying, but it seemed to help her.

[bubba809]

I'm the opposite. My first three balls are usually just laid down with nothing on it. Maybe it's the cold weather or sore muscles, but the first couple rounds in practice are my worst. I do really concentrate on spare shooting in practice (10 pins). The more I throw, the better I feel and move.

When it's time to throw that first balll in Game #1..... I take a step back.... I say to myself, "Ok Mr. bubba809, it's go time." It's like I save my energy for when it counts.

[Ishkabibble]

In practice you are relaxed. Starting off with 3 strikes you start thinging about it more and tense up. You might be squeezing the ball not allowing a good release. Develop a pre shot routine and do it for every shot. That way you are focusing on your keys, in Kellys case "nice and easy" instead of the fact your have the first 3. Nerves are just unfocused energy.