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Author Topic: Advice how to not choke?  (Read 1899 times)

ReadyToRoll

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Advice how to not choke?
« on: March 11, 2009, 03:39:12 PM »
I've bowled for almost 6 years now and my avg. is 166.  I've only had one 600 series in my life, but I've had other chances to beat series this year.  This week I bowled 208, 229, and 134.  Any tips how to not think about the elusive 600?  Thanks.
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thegame

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2009, 12:24:11 AM »
Your mind can only focus on and process a few things at one time.  If your thoughts are along the line of "I need to double to get over 200", or "I still have a shot at 600 if I don't have any more opens" as you're on the approach and making your shot, it's very difficult to be thinking of the things you need to to make a quality shot.  Find 2 or 3 things that you personally think are the most important to making a good shot, and concentrate on those as you're making your shot, not so much what the results of a strike or miss will be.
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Housty1820

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2009, 12:57:40 AM »
Breathe And Bear Down
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2009, 03:54:57 AM »
quote:
quit looking at your scores and focus on making good shots


best bet to make. Focus on execution, not on numbers. The next shot is the one that counts (be it a strike or a spare shot), so it does not help a lot to worry what might happen in 10 frames. Stay in the moment, and good results will come automatically.
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ReadyToRoll

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2009, 07:08:22 AM »
Thanks everyone.
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Scolai

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2009, 07:33:33 AM »
Two words:  Get coaching.

After 6 years in the game, you should easily be averaging over 166 unless there's some issue with your physical game.  166 tells me that there is more than just some kind of mental thing going on that causes you to "choke".
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Scolai

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nextbowler

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2009, 05:55:18 PM »
In reply to your specific question, In times of stress, concentrate on some-
thing mechanical and not the outcome.  For example: Count my steps, get the
ball out on the lane, follow through, hit my target, etc.  These are things
that you can control.  This advice comes from 2 very prominent sports psychologists, Dr. Robert Singer, Dr, Jack LLewellyn.  They were advisors in my masters program.

Edited on 3/12/2009 11:29 PM
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ReadyToRoll

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2009, 11:24:38 PM »
I'll definitely try and keep some of that in mind.  I've heard of the this stuff before, but tend to forget in the moment.

As for Scolai, I'll consider it.  I've taken a handful of lessons in the past.  It's helped me by making me more balanced, but it's changed my throwing style as well (for the better).  I had a 169 avg., but when I got lessons a year ago I got new footwork and a new throwing style.  My avg. naturally went down, but now I'm at a 166.  Part of that is I don't throw as often as I used to either.  Perhaps I'm making excuses, but I don't have the money for lessons like I did last year.
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DanH78

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2009, 12:02:22 AM »
I remember going to the Dick Ritger camp a few years ago and what they stressed was "Make one good shot".  Once you've made that one good shot, THEN focus on the next shot and making that good.  If you make your goal small and focused, it's easier to do.  It's when you're in the 4th frame and you start thinking "Man, if I strike out I can still shoot 247" that you get in trouble.  Just worry about that 4th frame.  

Have you ever seen The Patriot?  Mel Gibson reminds his sons "Aim small miss small"  When he was being taught to shoot the rifle, the instructor explained that if you aim for a man and miss, you miss.  But, if you aim for a button and miss, you still hit the man.  Same principle.
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trash heap

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2009, 09:52:04 AM »
Ready to Roll,

Here somethings I have done to help me bowl:

1. One thing is practice spare shooting.
How good are you picking up spares?
How confident are you in league play when left with a 10 or 7 pin?
Do you have a system for spare shooting?

To me I became a better bowler once my spare shooting improved. To me there is a sense of confidence in your bowling ability knowing you can pick up spares. I have bowled against many opponents who struck more than me in a game but I won due to my spares.

2. Stay focussed on the approach. It's so easy to get distracted in league and get lazy on the approach (Not standing in the same spot, ball position). When things are going well its fine, but things are not you can be completely lost.

For Me I catch myself sometimes standing on the wrong spot because I move the frame before. Or I will forget to angle my feet.  

3. When practicing don't worry about score. If you are practicing 10 pin. Throw a game or two only at the 10 pin. I actually would play a game with someone trying only to hit corner pins (7 and 10) lowest score wins (Gutter ball was a strike).

4. Realizing when you make a good throw vs. a bad throw regardless of the result. Sometimes you go up there and throw the ball poorly(Your off balance, hung up in the ball, or what ever) then strike. You have to realize that you were lucky. You want to repeat the good throws.


Just some things I have done.

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jbuzz31

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2009, 09:58:35 AM »
quote:


After 6 years in the game, you should easily be averaging over 166 unless there's some issue with your physical game.  


idk about that.   you have to remember not everybody is a hardcore 3 league a week house hack.
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KingofKings696

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2009, 10:09:28 AM »
I personally find if I dont think and just do I score the issue is getting that brain to shut down for a while... Everytime I throw anything decent I seem to zone out and forget what Im doing. I grab the ball and throw it where I need it to be but if I try and think about aiming and what not then Ill miss.
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boomtown24

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2009, 10:09:55 AM »
Ask Chris Barnes!!!  JK

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taylorj99

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2009, 10:10:31 AM »
Lots of good information here already. Definitely concentrate on one shot at a time. Don't get caught up in trying to emulate someone else's shot either. Definitely spare conversion is going to be the key to raising your average. If you haven't done so already, invest in some cheap plastic. It will be your best friend.
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sdbowler

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Re: Advice how to not choke?
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2009, 02:14:46 PM »
quote:
Two words:  Get coaching.

After 6 years in the game, you should easily be averaging over 166 unless there's some issue with your physical game.  166 tells me that there is more than just some kind of mental thing going on that causes you to "choke".


I would not fully agree with you here. We don't know the full story. He maybe slowly working up, may not be that serious about it.
To the op don't worry so much about your score just really focus on execution of your shots. Take each frame as it comes up and do your best for that frame. It's easy to say to do this but hard to do, I still get caught up looking at my scores from time to time thinking I need 220 for 700 or something like that. Just focus on your next shot is the best thing to do.
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