Key question I ask myself in prctice

[GeoLes]

When I practice, here's my thinking and practice process:

1. By how much did i miss mark, if applicable (no. of boards left/right)
- don't know? Well, there's your problem. Focus

2. Why did I miss (release?, swing?, steps? body position?, focus?)

3. What went wrong (lazy finger on release, follow through problem, forced swing, rushed approach, etc)

4. How to fix it. (practice correct motion without the ball)

5. Repeat while still fresh in your mind. (repeat the correted shot immediately. first time focus on technique. second time relax and shoot for integration purposes)
It's okay to shoot at spare pin positions even with a full rack. Just look to see the ball go to your target pin (s).

[billf]

The key to improving is to practice with a purpose, have a process to follow. So many bowlers just practice for score and can't figure out why improvement is slow to non-existent. Shooting single pin spares off a full rack is a great way to improve focus.

[ecub]

Things to also keep in mind...

Q: The ball hooked just a little sooner, but I did strike, should I still adjust.
A: During practice, you might be ok to play the same line, but you may need to move. During league, you may need to adjust on your next shot.

This pertains to a lane where more than one person is practicing or your playing during league...
Q: Who is playing my line? How is their ball reacting?
A: If someone is playing a similar line and you see their ball jumping, you probably need to make your adjustment immediately.

[GeoLes]

Things to also keep in mind...

Q: The ball hooked just a little sooner, but I did strike, should I still adjust.
A: During practice, you might be ok to play the same line, but you may need to move. During league, you may need to adjust on your next shot.

This pertains to a lane where more than one person is practicing or your playing during league...
Q: Who is playing my line? How is their ball reacting?
A: If someone is playing a similar line and you see their ball jumping, you probably need to make your adjustment immediately.

Great info to take into consideration during practice sessions. But also consider on league night, you are rolling on fresh (or relatively fresh) oil. On a chance practice sessions, you may find yourself at a lane where they are oiled ONLY for leagues, so lane conditions may vary. Bowling for the pocket may require conditions you may not encounter during league night.

[Tampabaybob]

George.....Good thoughts on what you're doing to improve your game. As I've mentioned before if you see your ball going high, or someone bowling in front of you that hits either high, leaves a four pin, or a split, then in your mind you better be considering moving a couple of boards right away on your next shot. It never fails that bowlers do not pay attention to what others are leaving on the deck and then they get up, stand in the same spot as last shot and come in heavy and possibly leave a split or some ridiculous leave to shoot at. IF you pay attention, you'll move on your next shot and hopefully stay out of trouble.