I shot 1 sanctioned 300 back in '97 averaging 167 with a previous high game of 241 in league. I didn't get nervous until the 12th ball, and at that point my legs were such jello that I was just hoping to keep the ball on the lane. I got lucky and crossed over for the strike, but heck I was 15 lol.
Now I get the front 2 and I get nervous lol. Most of the time I get the front 9 and put nothing in the ball on #10 and come in way light. However the last time I had the front 9, I just told myself I didn't have to make a perfect shot, that the lanes were easy and I just had to be close. I felt more relaxed, and threw what I thought was a good shot. The lanes didn't agree with me and left a solid 10 pin even though I am left handed. I felt more relaxed though and now I have an idea of what to do next time. I still think the problem is even having to think. I know back when I shot the 300 I wasn't thinking at all, and it worked out.
It's amazing how little pressure there is when your 300 means nothing. I have 2 practice 300's and both times all three shots in the 10th were perfect, now if I could only figure out how to do that in league....
I do know a guy with over 40 sanctioned 3's and a whole lot of 299's and such, and he says he still to this day gets really nervous and anxious. Obviously even with the nerves he has figured out how to battle through them to finish the game.
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Ahhh Disco Biscuits!