Superstitions

[fokai73]

I used to be superstitious. About 6 years ago I decided all that was just more of a distraction than a benefit for me. So I bowl when there's a split in the next lane. I don't mind ppl touching my stuff on the rack, if my towel falls onto the ground I don't refold it.

What's yours?

[foreverincamo]

Never bowl next to a split. Always tuck in my shirt before a shot.

[RobLV1]

Never bowl next to a split. Always tuck in my shirt before a shot.

Bowl with your shirt however it is, and quit worrying about what's next to you! It keeps getting dumber and dumber...

[classygranny]

Bowl with your shirt however it is, and quit worrying about what's next to you! It keeps getting dumber and dumber...

Not only that, but if these things distract your bowling, where is your focus?

[mc_runner]

I just make sure my hand is dry I guess. Wipe down the ball. Both have practical purposes, though. When it's my turn I get up and go, however I know that distractions can certainly play a role mentally in a shot. I've tried to eliminate that stuff, sometimes it goes better than others.

[chrono00]

Done the not bowling next to splits but not really anymore. If I look at the lane next to me and see a pocket 7-10 leave that's about the only time I'll put my ball down and go take another sip of beer

[fortheloveofbowling]

Bowl with your shirt however it is, and quit worrying about what's next to you! It keeps getting dumber and dumber...

All athletes have negative thoughts that creep into their head. If waiting on a split helps some bowlers avoid that then do it. Pre shot routines whatever they may be including if you want to tuck your shirt in are very important to consistently making good shots.

[got_a_300]

I personally have no superstitions when it comes to bowling
anymore. I used to do the not bowling next to a split but it
seemed like most of the time I split anyway when I got up
to bowl after waiting on them to shoot at them.

I realized that while waiting on the lane(s) next to me to
shoot if they had splits I'd stiffen up and then over think
what I wanted to do when I got up, so now days I just go
ahead and get up there and bowl no matter what is left on
the lanes next to me.

[Tony]

I don't really follow any superstitions, I have let people clean up their splits, but don't have to wait for them, if they aren't ready I will go up and bowl. I don't care if people touch or even use my towel, once recently a guy used mine by accident and I noticed and said, hope it doesn't give you my bad luck, he got up and threw a split.

The one thing I will do it is try to time my arrival at the ball return to minimize standing and waiting for others to bowl, I find it's easier to remain focused if I can just walk up, pick up the ball, get set and bowl.

[foreverincamo]

Just thought of my other big one : lucky shirts. I try different shirts all the time. If I bowl a bad series with one, I retire it.