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Author Topic: Keys to Relaxation  (Read 1341 times)

Hex017

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Keys to Relaxation
« on: April 12, 2005, 09:32:56 AM »
I find that one of the keys to bowling well is being relaxed, as in relaxed arm swing, relaxed release, and above all else, staying relaxed even when whiffing an easy single pin spare or what not. I know this is a big weakness in my game. What are some good ways to stay relaxed? Maybe some little tricks you learned over the years to help stay loose? Any inputs are great.

On Edit: Anybody try different things before they ever reach the bowling alley? I like to listen to music, metal particualrily, gives me that 'in the zone' feeling, problem is keeping that zone feeling all the way through the last game.

PS: Beer does not count!
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-If you're not willing to change, you're not willing to improve.

-Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once.

-I will forever love this great game, I love the people and the competition, I only wish the best would get the recognition of an ATHLETE that they deserve.


Edited on 4/12/2005 6:34 PM

 

charlest

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2005, 05:54:30 PM »
The one basic is you have to bowl, you have to look at "shots" as if no one else is on the lanes, as if no one else is in the house. You have to execute as if no one else matters, as if they aren't there at all. Any interference with this concepts makes your brain think "pressure", "tension". Relaxing means no else is present to interfere, in any way, shape, or form.

Whatever you can do to enfore this attitude is to your benefit.

You have to shut the world out; put it away, into some empty corner of your mind.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Hex017

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2005, 06:00:15 PM »
Pretty good thoughts, hold your breath during the shot though windoor? I think that would be something they would put on the skills challenge...well I guess it isn't really holding your breath but still sounds kinda wierd. Good advice though guys. I really should work on imagining that no one is there. I think in competition I get this tense feeling, I want to look good for my coach, my teamates, the parents and friends watching, and I want to impress of course my toughest critic, myself. If I would stop trying to "impress" and just bowl I would be so much better off, but it's much easier said than done.
--------------------
-If you're not willing to change, you're not willing to improve.

-Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once.

-I will forever love this great game, I love the people and the competition, I only wish the best would get the recognition of an ATHLETE that they deserve.

Klugh

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2005, 06:26:08 PM »
Just imagine being out on the beach relaxing . . .
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Bowl. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
If there is a NATION, there is always the chance of REVOLT!
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Hex017

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #4 on: April 12, 2005, 06:38:50 PM »
quote:
Just imagine being out on the beach relaxing . . .
--------------------
Bowl. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
If there is a NATION, there is always the chance of REVOLT!
A member of www.bowlinballexchange.com, www.ballreviews.com, and www.bowlingballreviews.com . . . Check out the others!



beach....girls....ah wait that isn't helping me relax!
I guess my mind just isn't where it should be to be thinking about the beach eh? Stupid hormones...

--------------------
-If you're not willing to change, you're not willing to improve.

-Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once.

-I will forever love this great game, I love the people and the competition, I only wish the best would get the recognition of an ATHLETE that they deserve.

Klugh

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #5 on: April 12, 2005, 06:48:59 PM »
Tsk, tsk . . . Don't be dirty . . . Imagine the waves and the breezes in the trees . . . Not the girls . . . Even I know that won't help, and I'm only 16.
--------------------
Bowl. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
If there is a NATION, there is always the chance of REVOLT!
A member of www.bowlinballexchange.com, www.ballreviews.com, and www.bowlingballreviews.com . . . Check out the others!

Hex017

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2005, 07:54:40 PM »
Any of you guys listen to music or something before hand to get ready? I had a teamate that would always listen to something before we got to the match. I sort of do something the same. Just looking for ways to stay loose, as soon as I tense up I throw badly and when I lose my cool...might as well just scratch me out.
--------------------
-If you're not willing to change, you're not willing to improve.

-Life is like a coin, you can spend it any way you want, but you can only spend it once.

-I will forever love this great game, I love the people and the competition, I only wish the best would get the recognition of an ATHLETE that they deserve.

charlest

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2005, 07:57:07 PM »
quote:
...  I think in competition I get this tense feeling, I want to look good for my coach, my teamates, the parents and friends watching, and I want to impress of course my toughest critic, myself. If I would stop trying to "impress" and just bowl I would be so much better off, but it's much easier said than done.
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As soon as those thoughts enter your head, if you're on the approach, you're "dead in the water". Actually, if they're in you at any time while you're in the center, it's not good.

Your thoughts have to be solely on your execution.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

fabes

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2005, 08:06:46 PM »
I do the music thing. Listen to something on the way to the lanes. Usually something not too wild (Steely Dan, Moody Blues, or maybe Peter Gabriel). I have a set routine that I try to maintain for each shot. Focusing on the routine and having the music in my head help get me to the state where I am totally relaxed. I spot my mark, take a deep breath, blow it out and go. I also think only positive thoughts. It is a combination of things to get me to really relax.

fabes
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.
Kurt Vonnegut

NOTHUMB

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Re: Keys to Relaxation
« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2005, 04:29:29 AM »
Music is a must for me and used to have a penchant for shooting high scores when I would have songs in my head for an extended period---usually something catchy that I would never listen to otherwise. I would listen to some Top 40 crap and just get the beat/rhythm in my head and maybe the chorus of the song and just repeat over and over again.

Another thing I have just paid more attention to is this. Imagine, even if you are on an easy shot, that you are on the toughest lane condition. I had a buddy who would say "I have to use all my concentration on that shot/lane" (if the lanes were playing differently). So what that says is that he would actually let off the gas on his good lanes and let off the focus. I stole the mentality of extra focus and try to use it on every single shot.
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