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Author Topic: 300 MINDSET ????  (Read 2046 times)

Nodsleinad

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300 MINDSET ????
« on: April 26, 2004, 10:27:49 PM »
O.K. - Here goes.  I honestly believe my head has kept me from at least 5-10 300's.  I have had 4-300's sanctioned and even 1 in a state tournament with several hundred people watching.  I have had 299 twice, 298 once and even a few 296's (yuk) and that is not including the 5-10 I know I have blown.  Two 800's and I know at least 150-200 700's.  I average 210+ on a tought shot and have won two city titles and and state runner up.  

Why do I keep choking lately???????   I think to myself (dont think-just bowl) but how can you not think when you keep telling yourself not to think?  That makes you think on it more.

So for those of you who throw em like NO-PROB what is your key.   Dont' write me about all your practice 300's because those dont mean squat.  What is the key to relaxing and just bowling?

Nod

Edited on 4/27/2004 2:36 PM
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SwiftravenWork

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2004, 01:33:13 PM »
I just keep thinking that I've done this before so it is no big deal.  

Why be nervous when I have done it x number of times prior?

Thats my way of dealing with the pressure.

Jason
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Pinbuster

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2004, 01:44:05 PM »
Some of the problem is that you are old enough, like me, to remember when shooting an honor score was a very big deal. So they mean more to us and that alone tightens the hands around our throats.

The key for me is to stay in the one shot a time mode. When I get up in the tenth I’m only thinking about punching out of the tenth not the 9 in front of it. When the pressure gets heavier then I simply try to recreate the feel of a previous good shot. Not get too focused on a target or adjustments for my excitement but just that solid feel at the line and the feel of a good shot leaving your hand. Don’t get to fine and place the ball you’ve obviously have had a good reaction so try to just let it flow.

And sometimes it just doesn’t seem to happen. I haven’t shot a 300 for over 2 years now. I have thrown the ball well enough at times to have shot one but a bad break here and there keeps stopping them.
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Nodsleinad

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2004, 01:49:46 PM »
But my wife won't love me no more if I don't strike.  (Just kidding).  I know it is all self imposed pressure / thoughts. If i could just bowl i would be so mush better off.  Lately i have tried to think ** No big deal-I've done this b4** or the opposite ** Key shot here bear down**  or even self talk  ** You are the best and you will nail this shot **

I know it is all brain crap but i really hate that i have not performed in the clutch lately.  I went back and tried to remember what i did b4 and tried to re-create those thoughts but to no success.

The key word here is ** THOUGHTS **  ** THINKING **  and not bowling.

I need a WRW mentality....I have never seen the guy throw a bad shot in key spots.

Pinbuster you are so correct. We are getting old..... I hate saying that. Last wednesday had the first 9 with a Scamp newly laid out, first time i threw it this year. 1.5 x 1.0 with weight hole on axis. I love that drilling for me on wet / dry shots. Go up in the 10th and not really nervous but i tugged it maybe a board and it slides in the oil and does not finish. I confirmed the results frame on game 2 as that ball did the same thing. Still i was so ticked that i did not finish.

Nod



Edited on 4/27/2004 1:56 PM
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jimensminger

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2004, 02:41:27 PM »
I've had a few 300s and 800s,..the key thought that I have used for years is,.."I can't make this ball strike,..but I can at least give it a good chance".
what that means to me is that the most perfectly thrown ball will sometimes leave something,...but if I just relax, and give the ball a chance to strike then I've done my best...works wonders.
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sheppy335

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2004, 02:56:54 PM »
When i get to that point i think only about trusting the ball. The mental part is difficult and to me you are a outragously awsome bowler. sometime we get mental blocks and i hope one day i can be as good as you are. believe in your ball and your throw, and let it happen.
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Oil is served Best with fingers!
Why does the 8 Pin laugh at me!

Sheppy

BackToBasics

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2004, 03:09:45 PM »
Maybe you are focusing too much on the result (the 300) and not the execution (what you did to string those strikes)?  Usually when I'm stringing strikes, there is a swing thought or some key that I'm doing.  There is some feel throughout my approach that I replicate.  When I get up in the 10th, I focus on that swing thought, key or feel.  I also visualize what I've been doing up to that point.  By focusing on these things, I take the expectation of the result (300/800/win) out of the equation.  I can only control how well I make the shot, nothing else.  If I execute well, then the result will take care of itself.

Hope that helps.
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sheppy335

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2004, 01:37:53 PM »
well after reading this topic that very night i get the first 9 and just try to think about making a good throw, well i did and got a pocket 4-9, well mybe wasnt as good as it looked. not how i wanted it to end but what will you do. Keppe going to the well, soon it will give water!
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Oil is served Best with fingers!
Why does the 8 Pin laugh at me!

Sheppy
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Oil is served Best with fingers!
Why does the 8 Pin laugh at me!

Sheppy

Nodsleinad

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2004, 09:22:50 AM »
Thanks.  Threw 300 last night.  Twelve solid and no nerves etc... I grabbed a little from every tip here and for that I thank you all.   I guess it is an ask and u shall receive kind of a thing.  I embraced the nerves but just kept telling myself that I have been here b4 and no big deal.  Can't make the ball strike but at least I can give is a chance.  It was one of those i feel it nights.  Every practice ball was X and I must of thrown 6 so then the next 12 and the the next 4 so 20 in a row or something like that.

So here is my next question.  I am having trouble with a 900 mindset and winning a million dollars mindset and ------- Let's see what else do I want?  

Seriously thanks for the help.

Nod
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jimensminger

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Re: 300 MINDSET ????
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2004, 09:54:51 AM »
very nice Mr.Nod,..as for that 900 thing, it's very possible in todays environment. Just give it a chance. Way to go.
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