First 3 balls strikes, downhill from there, why?

[Monte]

The first three balls you throw without any expectations. After that, you start "trying" to knock down pins. Does that make sense?

This was my thought, too.

To add on, not only are you trying to knock down pins, you're actively thinking about it, though probably in a past tense way.

One thing I'd suggest, if you bowl by yourself, is to see if there's a way to keep track of what frame you're in, without looking at the score. That way, you're "just bowling".

Long and short: you're competing with yourself, and you start over-thinking. That's what it sounds like to me.

maybe try giving yourself a reminder when you're on the approach. I do this sometimes. I'll step up, get into my ready position, take a breath, and say to myself, "Nice and easy".

I saw Kelly Kulick do this on TV one time. I think it was during the match where she beat Chris Barnes. People thought it was annoying, but it seemed to help her.

[bubba809]

I'm the opposite. My first three balls are usually just laid down with nothing on it. Maybe it's the cold weather or sore muscles, but the first couple rounds in practice are my worst. I do really concentrate on spare shooting in practice (10 pins). The more I throw, the better I feel and move.

When it's time to throw that first balll in Game #1..... I take a step back.... I say to myself, "Ok Mr. bubba809, it's go time." It's like I save my energy for when it counts.

[Ishkabibble]

In practice you are relaxed. Starting off with 3 strikes you start thinging about it more and tense up. You might be squeezing the ball not allowing a good release. Develop a pre shot routine and do it for every shot. That way you are focusing on your keys, in Kellys case "nice and easy" instead of the fact your have the first 3. Nerves are just unfocused energy.