Author Topic: A Sawbones Type Question (Read 1422 times)

ThongPrincess · « **on:** March 04, 2004, 02:01:18 AM »

Lately I have had a number of people tell me they can't believe I do not ave 200+. My response is no I'm a solid 180 bowler.

After league Tuesday, my teammate and I were talking and he got me to thinking that if so many people thinkn this, why am I in the 177-192 range in all my leagues. We continued the discussion and I said, maybe it is because I don't believe I am, so therefore I fail to achieve that level.

Last night I got into a conversation with my coach about it. I told him my theory. His response, that's it. Until you believe in your ability you will never really attain your true potential. This really hit me because what he did was confirm what others have been saying, the potential is there.

He went on to say my problems with my game are not physical, but mental. So now to the question, how do I develop the mental attitude that I can average 200 or better? What have any of you done to get past the self doubt?
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To err is human to be thonged is divine

Edited on 3/5/2004 1:16 AM

janderson · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2004, 05:08:15 PM »

One key you may want to use: positive mental imaging. There's no doubt that at some point you've thrown what you considered a perfect shot, shredded the rack, and made people 10 lanes down notice the thunder (or at least that's how it felt). Capture that image in your mind. Believe you can do that every time. If you can do it once, you can do it again (and again). Form the image of that in your mind and make the shot. Focus on the "can do".

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Kill the back row

janderson · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2004, 05:37:51 PM »

quote:
My solution was to put all my concentration into my footwork for quite awhile. Eventually I got to the point where I controlled my natural impulses and was able to stay slow in a clutch situation..

Bob - exactly what I'm getting at. Focus on what you should be doing, which is making a good shot, every shot. You have control over exactly one shot at any given time: the next one you're going to make. Keep things simple, concentrate on your next shot and making it the best you can.

However, I believe TP's question was how to get over self-doubt and the attitude that one can't average over 200. Believe you can (and will) throw a good shot because you have thrown a good shot. Believe it on every shot.

TP - if you're looking for pointers on building a mental game in general, let me know, it is the strength of my game.
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Kill the back row

LadyW · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2004, 07:53:57 PM »

ThongPrincess -

You said that you don't believe you could be a 200 average bowler.

What do you feel is the physical weakness in your game that prevents you from reaching that goal? What is it that you don't have confidence in?

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LadyW....(aka Wannabe)

ThongPrincess · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2004, 12:05:03 AM »

Thanks for all the responses. I am not sure why I doubt I can be a 200 ave bowler. It may be due to the fact I started bowing in the late 70s when a 200 average was not very common in the centers I bowled in. I may have just not have gotten over that.

On a positive, I had a goal of booking 190 this season, and unless disaster strikes, I will accomplish that goal. In one league I am currently at a 192 and have been holding 192-193 since November.

As for stringing the strikes, the nerves start to kick in with the 6th one and generally it is a pulled shot. I did have a hot temper, but that is one of the major changes my coach worked with me on. The temper only comes in when I am tired and I am trying to work on that also.

Once again thank you for the responses, you have all given me a lot to think about. I think my next season's goal will be that 200 ave.
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To err is human to be thonged is divine

Sir_rev-a-lot · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2004, 01:45:00 AM »

The mind is an amazing tool. The key is what do you say to yourself after a tap or a bad shot? can you keep your emotions in check. After leaving a solid back row pin, instead of maybe thinking you got tap, think "I made a good shot" and make the spare. The number 1 reason for bowlers to not average well is their spare shooting. Single pins spares are simple as long as you think that.

Don't concentrate on your score, spend your time visualizing your next shot, or chatting with teammates, or something I did for a while, bring a cd that you like that puts u in a relaxed mood.

MSC2471 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2004, 02:58:03 AM »

I remember in my youth that I thought a 200 average was unattainable. I was never the type of bowler to put together strings of strikes- but I was able to cover 90% of my spares. When I reached my senior year of high school I hit the 200 average, and then with the addition of urethane and resin to my game have consistently been between 200-210 for the following years- even though in my main house I waver between 190-198 for an average (highest 3 years running in that center).

I agree that maintaining focus on one shot at a time will help get the best scores you possibly can. Having a pre-shot routine that you are comfortable with will help you gain this focus- repetition is the key to success. Keeping emotions in check, even when you make a bad shot or leave a split. I've also started to keep a bowling journal that I have stored on my computer of my league/ tournament results. Basically I try to look at strengths, weaknesses and summarize my performance, noting lines that I played on the lane, my scores, spares/splits left and made or missed, when I was able to string together strikes, adjustments that I made on the lane and any other pertinent information so I can reflect days/weeks/months later on what I've done and what can be done to improve upon my game.

I can see a 200 average next year, it's well within your sights.

Matt

Author Topic: A Sawbones Type Question (Read 1422 times)

ThongPrincess

A Sawbones Type Question

janderson

Re: A Sawbones Type Question

janderson

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LadyW

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ThongPrincess

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Sir_rev-a-lot

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MSC2471

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