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Author Topic: Fighting out of a slump  (Read 2623 times)

splendorlex

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Fighting out of a slump
« on: November 27, 2007, 05:27:59 AM »
How do you do it?  I started out this year great, but for the past 4 or 5 weeks I've REALLY been tanking it, big time.  I've been playing the 10 board all year, and I'm thinking maybe it's time to move on the lane, start out deeper or further outside.  I just seem to be getting an inconsistent release and reaction.  The hard part is I'm not sure exactly what I was doing differently early on.
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...nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.--Albert Einstein

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Spider Ball Bowler

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2007, 01:37:58 PM »
When I used to get in slumps, I would go and practice with a urethane ball to make sure I was staying down at the line and keeping good balance.  So much easier for me to feel and see what I am doing wrong with a ball with no forgiveness.
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Dan Belcher

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2007, 01:41:27 PM »
The best thing I ever did for fixing my release was bowling on the Shark pattern and having it kick my azz up and down all the way to a 110 game.  Realizing I was throwing the ball like garbage, I had my ball driller/coach watch me throw a few balls to figure out what I was doing wrong (turns out I was coming around it too much and getting inconsistent with my release).

To fix it, I tried to roll the ball perfectly straight up the 10 board -- I didn't care where it finished after it hooked, I just wanted to roll the ball in a straight line and come out of it clean.  To help do this, I also focused on taking a lot out of my release and starting with my hand in a more relaxed position and finishing in just a handshake position.

I gradually worked on increase my revs while maintaining this type of release, and my accuracy improved greatly, and my ball reaction magically changed.  I was able to get the ball to read the pattern better, hook more consistently, and carry better since I was getting more forward roll on the ball instead of relying so much on axis rotation.  I shot a 200 the next game (which I was only able to do one more time on the Shark because I never could kick out a 10 pin once the carrydown hit on that pattern ), and felt a lot more comfortable.  Within a month or so, I shot my first sanctioned 300 game.

A couple weeks ago when I started to slump a little (shot a couple 580s on my Saturday league where the shot gets pretty tough, but not THAT tough), I figured it was less me just making mistakes occasionally and more me getting my basics out of whack, which results in mistakes being very frequent even if I don't notice it.  So, I went back and did this in practice, and immediately felt more comfortable and shot a 280 the first game the next night when I subbed on someone's team.

Getting back to basics is the best way to start to improve your release.

And also don't be afraid to try different parts of the lane to find a better ball reaction.  If you have a fairly generic wet/dry house shot, you should be able to move your breakpoint out closer to the gutter (depending on the surface of the lane and the amount of oil, not to mention your release and your ball, this could be anywhere from the 8 board to the 4 or even 3 board).  Find the friction, then move your feet to get the ball to that friction at the right time so that it gets the ball back to the pocket with a good angle of entry.
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NicholasE

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2007, 01:48:09 PM »
Couple key things to look at. Is the problem you or the ball? By that Im saying is the ball reaction consistant and the same every shot or are you missing your mark? I think sometimes the ball just needs to be cleaned by a hot water bath and get some better consistant reactions from it. If your off your mark and just can't seem to find your spot best thing is to practice or have someone like a coach to watch you and see if your doing something that could cause you to be off a little.
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T-GOD

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2007, 02:21:36 PM »
Talk to the lane man..!! =:^D
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Hogsharley

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2007, 02:22:26 PM »
Take yourself out of the anchor position (I assume you are still there from previous posts). That will take some pressure off of you.
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DukeHarding

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2007, 02:33:51 PM »
What's the ball doing differently than what it was earlier in the year?

I know you were getting coached.
Did he video tape you?

You've posted vids before...

Shoot another vid, and let the BR minions have at it...
We like to dissect games...

Just a suggestion.
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Bowling Balls in my eBay Store...
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Fluff E Bunnie

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2007, 02:35:52 PM »
When you say inconsistent release, that makes me think it is a physical thing (anything in the spectrum pertaining to your individual game).  I have been going through the same thing for the last month.  I'm just starting to come out of it.  Believe me I tried everything I knew how to do, went over everything I have ever been told (or so I thought), practiced a ton with no results...

Finally went back for a lesson and figured out the mechanical problem which has been a problem before.  It was one of those subtle things that I couldn't feel myself doing and no one else could see me doing it.  Of course if you go to the same coach over and over, they notice these things right away.

I only point this out because once it gets to 4 or 5 weeks you may want to get things moving back in the right direction without spending more time trying to fix it yourself.  You should know (or at least be pretty sure) if you are clicking and throwing the ball right but when the problems come in, it is nice to have a coach that knows your game to go to in emergencies.

^^^^
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Rick Wunder

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #8 on: November 27, 2007, 02:43:29 PM »
splendorlex,
I too am fighting out of a slump, in which I have been ever since I resumed bowling a month ago, after being out for an injury for a month.  After trying to fix myself, with tips from your uncle and Bill S., I've gradually come to the conclusion that I need to have a lesson to find out the root cause of my problems.

At this point, I suspect there are physical differences in my game, but I can't figure out what they are.  I don't know if they are a result of the injury, a product of my brain compensating for the injury, or both.  Of course, I have absolutely no confidence at this point, as a result.  The whole thing becomes a snowball effect.  I suspect you can relate.

I'll let you know how it goes.  Maybe a lesson would be just the trick for you, as well.
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Fluff E Bunnie

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #9 on: November 27, 2007, 02:53:26 PM »
quote:

At this point, I suspect there are physical differences in my game, but I can't figure out what they are.  I don't know if they are a result of the injury, a product of my brain compensating for the injury, or both.  Of course, I have absolutely no confidence at this point, as a result.  The whole thing becomes a snowball effect.  I suspect you can relate.

I'll let you know how it goes.  Maybe a lesson would be just the trick for you, as well.


Exactly!  I feel the same way.  As to the snowball effect, sometimes when you are overcompensating for things you can evolve the problem to a different level or get yourself even more confused.
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Helsie

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #10 on: November 28, 2007, 01:57:16 AM »
Every bowler goes through slumps, I recently went through one myself.

Things can snowball, I find I'll get into this slump, get frustrated about it, as a result things snowball and I lose my ability to roll the ball off my hand, so it starts double bouncing instead, I lose my pace, I drop it, I start pulling it. Then, the more I think about it, the worse everything gets.

A big part of getting out of it is mental. Is it possible to take a week off from league? I'll usually take a week off and relax. Then I'll maybe go and practice for an hour or so - not games, just throwing the balls down the lane and focuss on the shots that feel good. Often, you'll be more relaxed and not pressured, so you'll play pretty well. Often having just one good game can make you feel good and start to bring you out of it.

I was in a slump for a couple of months, but then I played well in a TE ranking event and I've been ok since then.
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #11 on: November 28, 2007, 02:38:13 AM »
I am also in a slump right now, for about 2 months, and it also shows itself in an inconsistent ball reaction. Every now and then I get a good game together (as it should be), but I am really struggling.

I also thought it was lack of practice, because I have to work a lot right now, but the problem is, after taking a step back and analysing what's going on on the lanes, a physical problem. I am not relaxed, and I guess I fall back into the bad habit of bending from my waist upon the ball release. I have revs on the ball, I am even consistent in hitting my target, but at times I find myself pulling the ball too far inside - so I think it is a dropped shoulder problem, paired with the wrong bend. At least, I am happy that I am able to corner the problem, but battling it will be another thing, since it "only" needs a proper constant focus. But coming over it is a hard thing, especially since there's league pressure and still not enough time to sort things out and work consequently on the flaws

Well, what to do generally? If you feel that things do not run smooth anymore, do not push it or try to compensate for whatever with too much practice. I found that taking a step back, even taking some time out and getting back to training with some distance and a sharpened mind for whatever might feel or look (video taping is VERY helpful) strange. If you do something wrong, unconsciously, you will just fortify it with more practice, and a downward spiral might start. External help, be it a coach or just a fellow bowler who knows your game or has a keen eye on bad habits will also prove very helpful to get back to the basics and fight the problem at its source, which might be a simple technical flaw or a mental thing.
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Edited on 11/28/2007 4:23 AM
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splendorlex

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Re: Fighting out of a slump
« Reply #12 on: November 28, 2007, 08:28:48 AM »
I didn't fill you guys in with all the info, as I wanted to see as many general perspectives on the issue as possible.

First of all, my game went downhill as soon as I was moved to the anchor spot.  In my head, I don't have the game to really be an anchor right now, and that has affected my game.  When I was moved there, I didn't think it would be any different, I just wanted to play my game.  I soon learned what it meant when you're bowling against some of the best guys, and often are the "last line of defense" to save or win the game.  

Second, I have not been able to practice as routinely as I had been due to work issues.  The last month and a half has been insane, and I haven't been able to get over to the center at work to roll the ball a little.  

The strange thing about all this is I've been bowling reasonably well in weekend tourneys, still.  Just not in leagues.

I think I will be asked to be moved back to leadoff, I just felt more comfortable there.  I considered it a few times, but felt like I was "giving up" on trying the anchor spot, and wanted to try to fight my way through.  Last night I finally had a couple decent games in a row, and I felt pretty good overall.  I killed myself in the third by trying to make too many adjustments.  

Thanks for all the advice!
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...nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.--Albert Einstein

Never go with a hippie to a second location. -- Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) 30 Rock
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