The Pressure

[Drano]

@Daniel, my average actually just dropped to 199 in my sunday league after throwing a disappointing 530 series. The rest of the season it's been over 200. Maybe this is my chance to get that 100 over, haha.

and thanks threeripmin

[10pinking]

I have been bowling since 15 years of age and have never bowled a 300 due to the pressure issue.. I admit it, I choke at the end! At this point (I'm 42) I figure I just don't have it in me (although I hope that I surprise myself one day)

I tend to be really consistent and can bowl strikes (when I am on) right up til the 8th or 9th and then smoething takes over my brain and up comes a 9... I just shouldn't look at the score. That used to be easy on paper, but now there is a billboard announcing to me and everyone what the situation is!

[mdmjdm]

Getting there as often as you seem to be helps...keep it up!

1) I feel that the 10th frame in itself messes up lots of people for a simpler reason than pressure. It is the only frame that your goal is MORE than one strike. Lose that mentality...its the 10th, 11th, and 12th for me.
2) Since the 10th is different, many people seem to get the first one and then choke. Why? Some of them lose track of their pre-shot routine. Leave the ball return area (by a few feet), take your towel with you (if you normally do), and walk the few feet back to it and start your 11th frame with a COMPLETE pre shot routine.
3) Pressure can make you change your routine...DON'T LET IT!! Always set the ball back down if distracted and start over. If that voice in your head tells you to stop...STOP...and start over.
4) Adrenaline created by the pressure can make your muscles tense up, causing poor releases and (usually) pulls inside of target. To fight that, as soon as you feel the heart rate increase, start squeezing your towel or grip sack like one of those stress balls. It will get the adrenaline out of your muscles and allow for the relaxed release you need to succeed.
5) Pay closer attention to your target, it will get some of the other distractions out of your mind.
6) Don't let everyone ignore you and "give you space". Keep chatting with them like you usually do, make jokes, whatever your normal deal is.

Lastly, dont feel bad...I choked after the first 9 strikes 11 TIMES before I got my first 300...since that monkey got off my back, I'm about 50/50. You will notice that it takes more to get you nervous when you aren't in awe of the situation you have gotten yourself into...IE, you have been there before.

Keep bowling good! Look forward to doing so well you make yourself nervous! The more you get there, the more it will take to shake you.