How Do You Practice?

[Bunny]

I'd like to implement a more productive practice routine.

What is your practice routine?

[noeymc]

i work on only 3 things when i walk in what are you trying to work on and we can all tell you what we do

[tccstudent]

Well that depends on whether I am trying to work on anything specific. If I am working on aiming I may play around the world. If I need 10 pin practice I may play low ball. Generally I play like I would In league except I change balls each game to find a shot and build comfort in everyball I got.

[vdubtx]

During my practice I do not care about the score. First thing I focus on is my approach...is it slow are my feet fast? Next along with approach am I hitting my intended target at the arrows and down lane? Again, don't worry about score so much.

After I have warmed up and feel good about my approach and targeting(usually a warm up game), I take each of my 3 strike balls that I usually bowl with and bowl a game with each making adjustments to make each of them strike. When I don't strike or I don't feel good about approach or delivery, I recap in my mind as to why it didn't feel right and what did I do different. I try to get a consistent shot each and every time.

Lastly, I will work on nothing but 10 pins. At my main center, I can set up only specific pins if wanted, I tell the lanes to only set up 10 pins and shoot at them. For this "game" I try for the highest score possible. Each picked up 10 pin counts as a strike on the scoreboard. My high game is a 279. 12 of 13 attempts picked up.

Sometimes I will use my iPhone to record when I am just not feeling it that day. Couple frames and I can usually see something that is not right. Has been a valuable tool. I use an app called Ubersense, allows for the recording at 60fps(frames per second) and is ultra clear when played back on the phone.

[J Anderson]

My practice philosophy:
Whether you call them goals or objectives, have specific things in mind that you want to improve when you practice.
Do not worry about scores.
Do not worry about looking foolish.
Reward your self at the end.

Philosophy in action- my last practice session from Saturday:
This was a bit different then most of my practices since my doubles partner was at the alley and I was able to convince him to practice with me.
My Goals:
Balance, specifically making sure my balance arm doesn't get lazy.
Spare shooting.
Get comfortable with the line I expect to be using Monday on the sport shot.
What I did:
First five frames threw from a "staggered stance"-slide foot at foul line, other foot about 18" directly behind, push the ball out and let it swing. This drill makes me use my balance arm to keep from falling over.
Next five shooting corner pins.
Second game my partner and I took a page from the PBA league and shot each others spares.
Third game practiced playing almost straight down the nine board.
Reward:
Going to the diner afterwards for lunch where we both ordered breakfast.

[JJKinGA]

one warm up game
Then practice corner pins for a game
I usually do one of four things for a couple of games
1) work on how to strike from three spots (sometimes with different balls)
2) work on keeping my wrist from coming around the ball (fixing a recurring problem)
3) work on hitting a consistent target
4) different ball for each roll - which may include using a polyester ball for stickes and resin for spares. Often I just line a few up and take whatever is at the back of the rack.
then close with one game where I am trying to score my best

[Mike White]

Sometimes I will use my iPhone to record when I am just not feeling it that day. Couple frames and I can usually see something that is not right. Has been a valuable tool. I use an app called Ubersense, allows for the recording at 60fps(frames per second) and is ultra clear when played back on the phone.

You had such a great sales pitch up until the "ultra clear"

The last thing I want is to see my butt ultra clear.

[circlecity]

I try to play different lines so I can feel comfortable using them in league play. I also try and shoot at all spares if possible.

[Aslan]

I usually have a few things I'm working on...no more than 3-4.

Lately I've been trying to get comfortable with the DYDS method and keeping my lateral tilt at the foul line.

But sometimes as I work on things, the priorities/focus changes. I may be focusing on release early on and by the end focusing on balance.

I actually DO keep track of scores unless it's a lesson or a clinic. I like to see the numbers and see what the actual stats are as I change different elements. Sometimes the scores are useless because you get splits or luck into strikes...but other times using the Pinpal app I can see where an adjustment caused me to leave a LOT of a certain leave...and can then figure out what causes that...and get some insight into what I was doing wrong. Also, sometimes you may "fëel" like you're releasing the ball poorly...yet strike, strike, strike....and you may find that what you WERE doing was working...and maybe the change you're trying to make/force...isn't a good idea.

[Bunny]

Thanks All!