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Author Topic: If I could only FINISH a game...  (Read 1139 times)

Hamburglar

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If I could only FINISH a game...
« on: May 05, 2004, 07:51:34 PM »
It happened again last night...TWICE!  I go 202-206-245...I opened in the 10th frame of both the 202 and 206.  For the last few weeks, I've been having this problem of not being able to finish off a good game.  I've bowled 14 games over 200 since April 16...9 of those games, I've opened in the 10th.  Its not like I'm leaving the 4-6-7-10 split everytime either...I've just been missing "simple" single pin conversions, especially the 10 pin.  One game I opened in the 9th and 10th by missing the 10 pin and still finished 210.  The games that I have been able to "finish off" have been 246, 233, 232, 237, and 245...BUT I could have had several more games 230+ without the opens!  Is it just me or does this type of thing happen to everyone else?  I guess I'm just out of my "comfort zone" with the possibility of shooting a "really good" score...just like golf, it took me years before I shot under par but once I did it, it was "nothing" to do it again.  I guess I just have to break down that "barrier" on the lanes as well.
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!

 

Nodsleinad

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LTBOCSFM

Hamburglar

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Re: If I could only FINISH a game...
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2004, 12:18:51 PM »
Yeh, I know...I read that thread earlier.  But honestly, I don't think its so much "pressure", but more like a lack of concentration on the "simple" spare.  If it were pressure, then I'd have more first balls where I go dead through the head pin and leave a big split, or miss the pocket completely.  Most of those shots have been "good" shots in the pocket area...I just "gas" the spare.  Lack of concentration, let down, "pressure", whatever you want to call it...it can be a bit frustrating!
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!

JohnP

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Re: If I could only FINISH a game...
« Reply #3 on: May 06, 2004, 01:00:41 PM »
V.T. -- Bones said it:  "Lets face it, it is mental and only you can overcome that demon."  You fail to strike in the 10th, you have a mental letdown (not necessarily pressure), and you miss the spare.  When you get up to shoot a 10th frame spare, think of it as being the most important spare you've ever shot and give it as much concentration as you do your strike shot.  Don't assume you're going to make it, but concentrate so hard that you do make it.  --  JohnP

Hamburglar

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Re: If I could only FINISH a game...
« Reply #4 on: May 06, 2004, 04:02:01 PM »
Bones and JohnP...

You are correct...it is all MENTAL...a total lack of concentration in the 10th on the spare.  Honestly, I don't think about my score.  That's one thing I learned from golf, NEVER count your score before you've finished.  I truly think it is a bit of a "let down" by throwing a good ball in the 10th and not striking.  Granted the 10-pin is my nemisis...even more so in the 10th frame for some reason...and I NEVER assume I'm going to make it! LOL  I guess I'm just looking for some "Holy Water" to help exorcise that darn Demon!!!  
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!

MSC2471

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Re: If I could only FINISH a game...
« Reply #5 on: May 06, 2004, 11:57:17 PM »
VT- I had a tournament this past Saturday in Vermont where for 8 out of the 9 games, I left a split in the 10th frame (be it 4-6, 2-10 or 7-9) and I thought it was totally mental issues. In the 9th and final game I left a 7 pin, made it and struck in the 12th.

Sometimes when I get into those modes where I'm missing easy spares due to the let down of not getting the strike in the 10th, I slow my game down and take extra effort to make sure that the spare is made.

Matt

tenpinspro

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Re: If I could only FINISH a game...
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2004, 08:16:52 AM »
Hey VT,

Is this like having the "yips" in golf?  You keep these scores up and I'm going to win our bet by a landslide...  Good scores buddy..keep it up.  Get hold of me if you need anything else...
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Co-Founder - Tag Team Coaching
"El" Presidente of the Legion