This past month I've been struggling with my mental game.

One major problem I have is second guessing myself. It's one of the many reasons why I didn't average more than 3.5 GPA in many of my college courses. Why I could of gotten an A+ or B+ but ended up changing some answers which resulted in a minus grade.

I second guess on spares, mainly which ball to use. My spare ball is the only ball without an IT. I roll over the thumb hole and I go through thumb repairs almost ever year. When i switch to the spare ball, automatically it feel different. I may just use the spare ball for 6 10 leaves and hook the rest.... I don't know...lol (I use the "4th arrow" system)

I second guess myself when adjusting to the lanes. I don't listen to my gut. I try to force things and I end up with an over under ball reaction, or leaving corner pins.

For example, I shot a nice first game playing outside with my breeze. I was with the traffic, ball reaction was perfect. but, in the middle of the second game i saw things with my ball and pin reactions which lead me to believe I should switch to a stronger ball and play inside.

Long story short, I waited till the 9th frame of the 3rd game to switch balls, move a dozen or so boards left, and it was money. Too late and I lost my points. I seem to be late in making my changes even though my "gut" is giving me instructions many frames before.

Oh well...... life goes on and bowling....

Similar to what Lane said, I suggest you make a plan before you start to bowl and stick to it regardless of the outcome.

For most of us, THS from week to week are pretty consistent.  As you have said, you probably should have changed balls sometime in the second game.  The next time you bowl, make the decision to change no matter what (there is only one reason not to change for this exercise and that is if you have only strikes).  Bowl with the Breeze and in the 4th or 5th frame, change balls.  It isn't much different than making a move in advance of when it is required.  Just this is with the ball also.  AND STICK WITH IT.

Doing this will let you know if you changed too early or if you can make the change earlier.  Perhaps you lose carry earlier in the game and after you change your carry is good.  Then next week advance the change to earlier in the game/night.

The reason why I say change no matter what is many bowlers will justify not changing with something.  "Oh, that one didn't come off my hand right."  "I lost focus."  "I stuck."  Enough of these and you will be where you were and changing way too late.  Commit to the change and see what happens.

GOOD LUCK!

Thanks Lane and spmcgivern for the great advice, surely this should be simple. lol I'll give it a try and listen more lol.. "search your feelings Luke, the force is with you."

It's not as simple as it seems, but gets easier as you trust yourself more and more.

We're human.  Enough said...

Yes sir, I was just being sarcastic about it...lol

In martial arts training we work on techniques over and over and over till things become automatic. This (bowling) mental game you both talked about, takes reps too. The physical part is much easier to fix vs my mental game, for me.....

This just happened this week:

Even when my gut told me to move 2 1 and I move more than 2 1, making my adjustment off a bad shot/release which I know you never do.... anyway, that's how dumb I can be. when I do what my gut tells me, I'm set.

The wars in my head....

If you have that feeling that you need to change balls do it at least for one frame. If you don't see what you like you can always go back. Also if you have an open, this is a great time to experiment. I am sure that you know what type of reaction that each ball in your arsenal will do. In my opinion, always go with your gut instinct. Most of the time you will be right.

This is something I do as well; specifically if the game isn't in the balance, I tend to do this if I mark in the 10th (preferably strike). The two fill balls in the 11th and 12th would give a good indication on if it's the right move, and if it isn't, like the above, you can always switch back.

BL.