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Author Topic: Mental issue?  (Read 2061 times)

sdbowler

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Mental issue?
« on: September 29, 2016, 08:56:53 AM »
I know it's early in the season but I am already worried about a disturbing trend I am doing. I do well my first two game anywhere from 220-250. Then the third game starts and I don't know if I just take for granted that I am going to do well and don't pay attention to what's going on or what the problem is. Every week so far I think my last game has been 170-200. Going to have to buckle down and watch what I am doing this coming week to see if I can finish a set off with three good games.

 

SVstar34

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2016, 09:11:36 AM »
It can happen. I've struggled some in the 3rd game of our mens league, but im not the only one. To me thst says the breakdown/transition were seeing is a little odd.
Last night 3 of us on same pair with 220 averages, 3 different styles. True cranker, true old school stroker, and me as a tweener in the middle.

First 2 games we were 470s, 440s, 490s. Last game the high between us was a 186, none of us could figure it out and all of us were playing a different part of the lane

Good Times Good Times

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2016, 09:45:36 AM »
Then the third game starts and I don't know if I just take for granted that I am going to do well and don't pay attention to what's going on or what the problem is. Every week so far I think my last game has been 170-200.

What is typically going on the 3rd game that makes it a struggle?  What is your ball doing?  What are some of the common leaves you're encountering?
GTx2

Gene J Kanak

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2016, 09:55:10 AM »
Yeah, it's hard to guess as to what could be happening without getting a bit more detail from you. Do you think that your look is just as good, yet you're just not throwing the ball where/how you want? Are you losing the pocket? What is the ball doing that game compared to Games 1-2? Like others have asked, are you the only one seeing this big drop off, or is everyone struggling at the end? Answers to those questions will at least help us make some guesses as to what could be causing your struggles. Regardless, it's early in the season, so I wouldn't over-think it too much just yet. If you're still having this exact same problem 15 weeks from now, then we may have more to look at. For me, you're never in a slump until/unless you start telling yourself that you are.

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2016, 11:15:48 AM »
WELCOME TO THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE.  And the fact that we're rolling round things at other round things and fractions of inches from 60 feet away make a real difference, especially regarding carry.

I'd suggest next week at game three either make a small move inward with the same ball and the different entry angle may the be answer to carrying all 10, or stay in the same area with a weaker cover and hope it's a big enough change to help carry percentage.

Rarely do we lose the pocket entirely, or there'd be no question.  It's usually that the same shots that carried earlier are now leaving corner pins.  I look at it this way:  When I get to that point and I'm shooting at too many spares I NEED to make some kind of change, and the worst thing that usually happens is that I still make spares.  The upside can be HUGE though so be fearless and give it a try.

sdbowler

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2016, 03:39:41 PM »
Thanks for the answers guys. For the most part it is just me that has that big of a drop. Some are dropping a little but not that bad while others are able to keep it going. It's been a lot of flat 10's then will make an adjustment and wrap around the 10, another adjustment and may work for a frame or two. The first two weeks I was at 491 after 2 and did not shoot 700. I have tried different lines, different equipment, I have even tried different hand positions to see if that would help. I will try to pay better attention this week.

2handedvolcano

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2016, 08:22:39 PM »
Lately I have been having mental issues for the 1st game as my family can not afford practice anymore
Will expand arsenal after I polish my spares.

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2016, 08:49:03 PM »
Lately I have been having mental issues for the 1st game as my family can not afford practice anymore

Life is full of things that need to be prioritized and kept in their proper perspective.  We love bowling, but it should never become "all consuming" to us. 

If you can't get to the center to practice, for whatever reason, you can still get a good practice session in mentally through visualization.  The best bowlers in the world visualize every shot "before they pull the trigger" and execute.  They anticipate (mentally) their ball reaction and so they are rarely surprised, unless they aren't fully engaged, as the pattern transitions.  I had to take several months off a couple years ago following a shoulder reconstruction.  I learned a lot about myself during the time when picking up a ball wasn't happening...

All too often we blame, or give credit, to Ball A or Ball B because we were great, or otherwise, during league.  In reality we were likely more attentive (or less) as the night went on.  Never underestimate what goes on between the ears.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2016, 08:51:51 PM by notclay »

sdbowler

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Re: Mental issue?
« Reply #8 on: October 04, 2016, 09:52:48 PM »
Well this week I was trying to be to precise the first game and could not do anything there. I did put together a good second and third game though. Once I relaxed and allowed the ball to work it was amazing what happened.