To me, how you react to pressure is directly related to how confident you are in your skill set. When I played baseball, I got anxious and excited, but I was never nervous because I never stepped in the box questioning my ability to hit the ball hard. I never got in there believing that the pitcher was better than I was.

On the lanes, I have always had some doubts about my skills. When I'm in the typical league environment, a place where I've had a decent amount of success, I feel very confident in my ability to throw a big game, big strike, whatever. However, when you get me out of that comfort zone, in Sport leagues or in high-level tournaments, a place where I haven't had much success, I am quick to doubt myself. Obviously, that doesn't lead to very good results.

I think there are many aspects of confidence, but it comes down to how much you believe in yourself and your skills. If you believe your skills are sound, "big situations" won't tend to bother you as much because you know in your heart you've got what it takes to succeed. If you're not quite sure you're good enough, you're going to struggle, no question about it.
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Bowling bad since 1979 with no end in sight

http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=519&suffix=9130

I generally fold like a cheap suit.

Had a front 9 Saturday, first ball in the 10th, through the nose for a 7-10 split to finish with a 266. Typical for me.
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Nine in the pit with the Tenpin left standing. dooooh!!

gotta come through in the clutch you want the game to fall on your shoulders.  That is what you have to have in your mind going in as an anchor.  It is the same reaction i had in base ball as a closer or reliever
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Kiall Hill
900Global
AMF 300
Good Stuff