Sometimes it is all mental

[JDHamm85]

My father in law and I go to a bowling center that offers a great special on Sunday mornings: 1.50 a game. We've been doing this for the last 4 or 5 years on occasion, but recently we've started going every Sunday morning. I'm using this time to get better before I start looking to join a league in the fall.

We usually get in 12-15 games, since it is just the 2 of us. Yesterday, I bowled 8 out of 15 200s, averaging a 204. 90 strikes, 19 splits with 2 conversions 4 conversions I think. Not too bad on a THS.

The worst part about it is, for me, for the last 4-5 weeks, at least once and sometimes twice, I'll open with the front 6 or 7, only to blow it the next frame. Three weeks ago, I opened a game with the front 6 only to hold the ball too long on the next frame, pull it to the left, and leave the big 4. Yesterday, I open with the front 7 to start the third game, only to have the ball take off a little bit more than I anticipated in the back end, go high, and leave the 6. Frustrated, I miss converting the spare too.

I struck out the last 4 shots to finish with a 267. But now I've gotten to the point that when I start out with the front 5 or 6, the first thing that pops into my mind is "is this it? am i going to get a 300 finally?" Then I have to talk myself into thinking "just break your high score. If you don't get a 300 it is ok. Just make a good next shot."

I know it will come eventually, and the key to bowling is concentrating on your next shot, but dang it can be frustrating when you blow it

[Judy clemons]

mentally speaking focus on 700 plus series instead of individual 300 game--I have seen bowlers bowling for that 300 only to
come out with 297--299 it HURTS! YOU FEEL THEIR ANGUISH but once it is done it can not be changed, however if your
going to hit that 300 would you rather be doing it in league play so you have a trophy to show for it? Remember to just
RELAX & BREATHE and tell your self it is just me my ball and target & be sure to follow thru... have patience you will get it!
you can do anything you want to do if you want to do it bad enough and I can tell you do!!!

[vdubtx]

Yea, one thing you will need to work on is not getting caught up on scores and just making good shots. I have fallen to this too many times to count and I can tell you the 4 times I have rolled a 300, I was just trying to keep loose each and every time and not over think it. Will come to you, just keep working at it.

[billf]

I'll be honest, in the twelve I've rolled eight were in a non-sanctioned league or tournament. Two in practice games with friends and two the day my mother passed. Other than the last two, I knew where I stood. To get there I had to start watching the pins closer on the previous shots. I learned how to read the lane better and judge my own adrenaline. I was amazed to learn how some was a by-product of the lanes breaking down and that I should have moved a frame or two beforehand.
After that it was just learning to tell if I was too amped. If so, the ball will hook less so move a few right. Calm, adjust normally.

[Tampabaybob]

My father in law and I go to a bowling center that offers a great special on Sunday mornings: 1.50 a game. We've been doing this for the last 4 or 5 years on occasion, but recently we've started going every Sunday morning. I'm using this time to get better before I start looking to join a league in the fall.

We usually get in 12-15 games, since it is just the 2 of us. Yesterday, I bowled 8 out of 15 200s, averaging a 204. 90 strikes, 19 splits with 2 conversions 4 conversions I think. Not too bad on a THS.

The worst part about it is, for me, for the last 4-5 weeks, at least once and sometimes twice, I'll open with the front 6 or 7, only to blow it the next frame. Three weeks ago, I opened a game with the front 6 only to hold the ball too long on the next frame, pull it to the left, and leave the big 4. Yesterday, I open with the front 7 to start the third game, only to have the ball take off a little bit more than I anticipated in the back end, go high, and leave the 6. Frustrated, I miss converting the spare too.

I struck out the last 4 shots to finish with a 267. But now I've gotten to the point that when I start out with the front 5 or 6, the first thing that pops into my mind is "is this it? am i going to get a 300 finally?" Then I have to talk myself into thinking "just break your high score. If you don't get a 300 it is ok. Just make a good next shot."

I know it will come eventually, and the key to bowling is concentrating on your next shot, but dang it can be frustrating when you blow it

JD.....You sort of answered your own question here, probably without even realizing it. The key words here would be you're "THINKING" too much. RELAX, let your muscle memory drive you, without thinking. All of your thinking should be done in the on-deck circle, (area right next to the ball return) and then nothing once you get that ball in your hand. This is an extreme mental game once you get to the level that you're at. It becomes mind over matter and you have to learn how to overcome, over thinking shots. I might make it sound easy but it's not. The one thing you said that I agree with, is to say to yourself, just before you step off, "Just make a good shot !" That's important. Keep going; that elusive 300 is just around the corner, and I'm sure sooner, rather than later you'll be able to proudly display a 300 ring. Get into that league, and get one of those rings. You'll never forget that first one. Good luck, let us know how you're doing.

[Greenday]

My mental attitude is the biggest influence on how I shoot on any given day. I can be physically throwing a great ball, but if I'm not mentally confident and relaxed, it won't matter.

Last Tuesday - Great physical form, bad mental game. Averaged 175. I lacked confidence and you could see it in my ball's reaction.

Last Wednesday - Great physical form, great mental game. 619 series.

The difference was just being relaxed and not overthinking crap.

[JDHamm85]

That's probably my biggest problem Greenday, is overthinking crap. When I was still throwing my cell, I would move up, down, left, right, all in a game. I would overadjust way too much. Now that Ive gone to the paranormal, I've stuck to one general spot that I like. I can miss a little right, and still have it roar back, and miss left and still have somewhat of a chance to go brooklyn.

Bob - I agree. Overcoming our own mental voice is the hardest part about improving your game. I'm constantly talking to myself to do something, whether it is speed it up, move a little left, something. Sometimes you just have to get up there and just throw the darn thing. Once you've thrown a few shots, more than likely, most of us will know what to do from there.

Bill - I definitely have the juices flowing after a front 6 or 7. I noticed this past weekend that I was somewhat calmer, at least until I saw the ball almost nose dive through the head lol.

Vdub and Judy - Thanks for the advice and support

[Tampabaybob]

That's probably my biggest problem Greenday, is overthinking crap. When I was still throwing my cell, I would move up, down, left, right, all in a game. I would overadjust way too much. Now that Ive gone to the paranormal, I've stuck to one general spot that I like. I can miss a little right, and still have it roar back, and miss left and still have somewhat of a chance to go brooklyn.

Bob - I agree. Overcoming our own mental voice is the hardest part about improving your game. I'm constantly talking to myself to do something, whether it is speed it up, move a little left, something. Sometimes you just have to get up there and just throw the darn thing. Once you've thrown a few shots, more than likely, most of us will know what to do from there.

Bill - I definitely have the juices flowing after a front 6 or 7. I noticed this past weekend that I was somewhat calmer, at least until I saw the ball almost nose dive through the head lol.

Vdub and Judy - Thanks for the advice and support

You have reached what I call a plateau in bowling. We all reach these plateaus (of a certain average) and to get past them and get to that next level, something, maybe very minor, in our game has to change. You have clearly identified what you believe to be your shortcomings and quite possibly this is what you need to adjust to get to that 205 -210 average area. You definitely have the physical skills required, so it's tweaking some of the other (mental being one of them) skills to get you there. Persistence and practice will win out. There is a ton of good articles on the mental game. I'll check my library and see if I can come up with a few for you.

[JDHamm85]

Awesome, Thanks Bob!

[Tampabaybob]

Did you get the PM I sent ??