BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: lilpossum1 on December 18, 2015, 01:02:21 PM
-
I think my lack of focus is the biggest reason my game is advancing as slowly as it is. I feel like my physical game is there, but I don't bowl to my full potential because I don't concentrate enough. How do you guys get into the "zone."
-
My best series have been when I don't concentrate, for me getting in the zone was something that just happened.
-
Ahhh.....the mental game. Focus is my #1 strength but also weakness.
You have to be mentally strong enough to stay in the moment and give each shot (INCLUDING SPARES) the attention it is due but also stay open-minded enough to think clearly and make a commitment to the plan before stepping on the approach. I have always had a tendency to let my mind wonder and often, that's all it takes.
On sport patterns this is amplified.
-
As corny as this will sound, remember the character from "The Love of the Game" that Kevin Costner played? The pitcher would say "clear the mechanism" and he'd block everything out.
Well for me, when I am trying to really do the same, I will say to myself "execute the shot". It is just a mental thing to lock in on what I plan to do with that shot.
It works for me.
Now I don't do this every ball. Just in high pressure situations.
I have read some sports psychology people will tell you the same. Have a short phrase that you say to yourself that is your little key to tell yourself to focus. And one thing they all agree on is: not to have a negative connotation in the phrase. Don't use "don't screw up" for example. As it contains negativity.
-
I have a really hard time concentrating until I get in a pressure situation. Not just in bowling, but in billiards also. When I have the concentration, I am much better at both games. I'll try the phrase next time. As for giving each shot the attention it deserves, I seem to only do that when the game is close, because that is when I am able to concentrate.