Slumps

[Motiv Girl]

There are times when one's whole game seems to have gone to pot, and there are times when it really has. What steps should be taken then to come out of a slump? Here are the most important:

1. Determine whether or not you are really in one. It could be only a statistical variation. If the slump is no greater than those you have hit in previous years, it is best simply to
ride it out. Experimentation under such circumstances can well lead to a prolongation of the trouble. False slumps may be due to lack of practice.

2. Revert to a previous form. A genuine slump often comes from experimentation with a swing that happens to work well temporarily. The experimental form then becomes a habit.
Later, the person forgets how he got into the habit in the first place. Nothing will produce a slump faster than a new technique which was temporarily successful and which becomes a
"fixed idea." To get out of them, we must trace the cause of the slump. This will eliminate frustration, and then we can seek out remedies
with a clearer mind. An excellent and quick remedy is to go back to the last technique used prior to the experimentation. Return to your standard form and build from there.

3. Make a shot by shot analysis . Often a slump causes confusion, making a slump within a slump. The bowler says, "My game has gone to pieces."Follow up the analysis with corrective practice.
He is so demoralized that he has no interest in practicing. He can't think clearly as to what remedial measures are indicated. The situation is so painful that he may decide to lay off for
awhile. This is not a bad procedure, but it can be improved upon.



4. Keep and review your notes. Forgetting can produce slumps. It is wise to take notes of all techniques that have been successful. Unfortunately, because of the human urge for experimentation, we often subconsciously make a habit of what was at first an experiment.

5. Let forgetting help you. Forgetting can get you into a slump and forgetting can get you out of one. If all remedies fail, it is a good idea to take a rest from the game. You may forget
bad habits. Experiments have shown that learning can occur through forgetting between practice sessions. The mechanism is not completely understood but it has been noted in maze
learning by rats and humans, in tossing rings at a stake, in learning a new series of numbers, and in chess. Some psychologists believe that such improvement through forgetting is due to the gradual extinction of numerous psychological and physical difficulties.

6. Practice intensively. You may not be playing or practicing as much as usual. In this case, the solution is obvious, so don't experiment with form.

7. Clear up outside emotional problems. The slump can be due to emotional factors that are producing inattention. Such factors can be feelings of insecurity, other types of fear, and problems about which you cannot make up your mind.

It is best for the to believe that all emotional problems can be solved—and they generally can be. Even when they cannot, it is possible to refuse to permit the emotional problem to complicate your life.

[vgw]

I always found that recording your bowling on video is a great way to analyze your form. Have one or two people you trust provide feedback also. Taking a break from bowling and restarting is also a great way, although it could be hard to do if you bowl in a league.

[The Mayor]

Another great article, as always!