Hogsharley

There's nothing worse then getting up on the approach and feeling sort of lost. I couple of times I've even forgotten what foot to start with. If you're not sure about what you are going to do when on the approach, you know your shot is not going to be good.

It's best to get a pre shot routine. Maybe a mini check list in the back of your head. A good and comfortable routine should come natually out of nessescity. Also it's good to think about your next shot in between shots. Make any adjustments before you step up on the approach. Don't get up on the approach not having a game plan on how you're attacking the shot.

My routine goes something like this. Only when there is no one on the adjacent pairs do I step onto the approach. I already know how I'm going to attack the shot. I then check the rack for proper alignment or missing pins. I find my spot with my left toe (I'm righthanded with a 4 step approach). I insert my hand into the ball making sure my thumb won't bind. I take my stance, check my wrist and arm position are correct. I stare down my target and I remember to keep my ball speed the same but keep my feet slow (I need to do that).

For me all that takes about 10-12 seconds and then I'm ready to execute my shot. I may not strike but I know that I did everything I had to before delivering the ball to insure a quality shot. And that's what bowling is all about. Repete execution and a quality shot at the pins.

So get a pre shot routine and you'll see less mistakes in your game.