How can I concentrate during League?

[75lockwood]

After reading all these posts I almost forgot what the original question was. I still use paper like Mike White suggested. I also tend to go against the rest. I don't get mad or upset very often but it does happen. I do analyze every shot, every frame. The notes help me. This comes into play when say after an 8 bagger you get to the approach and can't remember what line you were playing (REALLY HAPPENED TO ME). It has also helped me notice that certain lines on certain lanes in my home center just don't carry as well. Like lane 1 has a loose board or something so I can't play 25-15. Lane 8 I can't play the 5 board without a ton of splits. I also know that on lane 2 I can get the 7-10 by going over the 21st board from 5 at 21 mph or higher. That doesn't work on lanes 3,4,5,9,10,11 or 12. I don't know why but I know.
I also bowl about 50 pins lower in practice, when they turn the scoring monitor on. I hate that because you have to know when the 10th frame is in case it resets or your ball crashes the gate lol. The better employees turn the lane on for me but not the scoring.
A big part of league or tournament bowling is truly believing you belong there. Trying to hard and fear of success are two common problems people have. Relax and have fun. Fun is the priority. Once you relax and have fun the scores will come.
Pre-shot routine with a deep breath before you start your approach are two very valuable tips. Add wipe your ball as part of your pre-shot routine. Pick one thing to remind yourself of. I was using "quality shot" but this last week went to "keep elbow straight". One thing to focus in helps to focus. More ends up being a distraction. Sometime I will also sing a song. It calms me, gets a tempo and has the added benefit of annoying my opponent.
This is my first year in my scratch league. I went through some of what you have starting this league. My average before was good enough yet I still felt I had to prove myself. Not to them but to me. One of my teammates asked me who I thought I had to prove something to. I've beaten them all in tournaments except 3 or 4 guys so he couldn't figure out why I was trying so damn hard. They all know me and knew something was wrong when I reacted to a stone 8 pin.

Wow bill and i thought i over analyzed everything....

The Singing / music idea is really good, i completely forgot about it, its how i calmed myself before my first tournament, while waiting for practice to begin i zoned out listening to music, it worked rather well (i bowled above average that whole tournament!)

There is nothing wrong with trying hard, if your not there to try your absolute best, you shouldn't be there (curse you sandbaggers)

[martinezsam2495]

Bill wow...
I should start doing that. That's amazing, I didn't thing you would analyze the whole process.

[Tampabaybob]

Many of the pros I used to bowl against would keep a notebook during qualifying rounds. Because every lane is different, as Bill notes, they would write down a note about every shot, where the targeted, what reaction the ball had, etc. I thought it was a huge waste of time at first, but then noticed those were the guys ending up in the finals. Not everyone has a memory of every shot taken on every lane, so if it can give you an extra edge over your competition, then try it.

Bob

[The German Shepherd]

One thing I think you need to remember is to keep the exact same pre-shot routine as you do when you practice. When you are practicing, try to simulate league conditions - like sitting a few minutes between frames. Also remember, that you are supposed to be having FUN so RELAX and make sure you pick your spares.

Jay

[75lockwood]

One thing I think you need to remember is to keep the exact same pre-shot routine as you do when you practice. When you are practicing, try to simulate league conditions - like sitting a few minutes between frames. Also remember, that you are supposed to be having FUN so RELAX and make sure you pick your spares.

Jay

This is a big issue with bowling by the hour, whenever i bowl with friends they always want to just pay for an hour, but-then they rush me and i don't get a chance to focus, o well, its fun

[Keithalw]

Calmness Tyler im telling you... I see you bowl I see everything and its partly you kind of rush and at the same time you just go and throw a ball... clear your head and like others have said create a preshot routine

[itstyler]

Thank you everyone. You guys are a big help and I have read everything and I will take those ideas into league (especially the lane conditions and music ideas) so I dont have to over think! Thanks guys

[billf]

make sure you pick your spares.

Jay

If only I could. I realize it's a typo but I just couldn't resist. Sorry Jay.