Author Topic: What makes someone professional material?? (Read 1608 times)

mumzie · « **on:** September 30, 2003, 11:24:47 PM »

After reading the discussion about bowling and golf, and how people perceive achievement, I thought I'd bring up another topic for discussion...

I know that when I was 20, I had the physical game, but in no way had the mental fortitude required to turn pro. Now that I'm 47, I have the mental attitude, but the physical game is full of aches, pains, and age...

SOOO....
What makes someone professional material? Obviously, some sort of decent game is required. But beyond that - is it a strong mental game? Versatility? Lane reading ability? Determination? Competitiveness??? What???

Smash49 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2003, 04:03:27 PM »

A few extra things.... Good Coaching, a strong backer and sponsor, great chiropractor all help.

Smash49
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Smash49
robert@bowlersslidesock.com
The Premier II Bowler's Slide Sock is NOW AVAILABLE with adjustable strap!
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Game In a BoxLC · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2003, 04:17:03 PM »

We had a couple guys in the akron area in the 70's who were just so dominant it was scary, any tournament they entered it was just a question who was finishing second, cause they were finishing first. One went on tour for awhile, but because of no sponsor and his family at home he simply couldn't stay on tour, its a tough lifestyle and if you've got a family you need to be able to cash or have plenty of money stored. For younger guys it isn't that big of deal except for the cash, but you are only supporting yourself.
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I finally figured out how to score well on a wall. Heres what you do. Get lined up in practice and then just miss on purpose. Yes miss whatever line you found in practice, if playing 15, hit 14, or 13, or 16. Whatever you do, don't hit 15.

scottie · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2003, 04:28:58 PM »

apart from the sponsor,someone that has a commitment to practise and perfect his game ....someone that can play from first arrow to fifth arrow and know how to adjust quickly when conditions change....i think the key is the mental game..if all things being equal,pro v pro,confidence in ones game will make that guy the winner..knowing that he feels that every shot will be a strike.alot of the pro's are now using sports psychologists for that reason.
there has been many great players when entering the pros have given up as they cannot deal with the pressure......its tough to pay the bills bowling....

Pinbuster · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2003, 04:30:41 PM »

As stated a solid physical game. This includes the ability to make virtually all your spares. An â€œAâ€ games that when the right condition is there for it they will always hit it. A â€œBâ€ game that can get them checks when the â€œAâ€ game doesnâ€™t get it done.

The desire to be the best, compete against the best, and to work on your game.

The mental ability to throw a great shot when it counts. They need to throw every shot like a fill ball in the 10th frame where they can relax and throw a good shot and not squeeze/aim the ball.

Adjust to the lifestyle. Living in hotels, travel, eating out all the time, being away from family/friends.

CB · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2003, 05:27:35 PM »

My daughter is hoping to go pro, if there is a Women's Pro Tour. For her, the desire is based on a desire to test herself against the best and see how she measures up. She is young, and feels she is near her peak of fitness. She is continually improving her game and has a coach, Robin Romeo.

She is realistic enough to want to start with the WWPB, then hopefully go on to Regionals, and if good enough, try the tour, if there is one.

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I have no life, therefore I bowl

or I bowl, therefore I have no life? Okay here is the truth I bowl, therefore there is life

Scolai · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2003, 09:31:47 PM »

quote:
Stupidity. Anyone with half a brain would never consider making a living by bowling. Who would trade a reg job, family, watching your kids grow up and being a giant part of their lives, some stability in ones day to day existence and being able to choose the people you wish to spend your time with. Bones

The eternal pessimist speaks.

Mumzie in the original post didn't say a thing about "making a living by bowling". The original question is, "what makes someone professional material". Stupidity is what you just displayed by shooting at the dreams of some members of this board whose bowling goal may be earning their professional card. Since it is obvious that your goal is NOT to earn a card, stuff your rhetoric in your thumbhole.

My personal goal is to have my card in May 2004 (give or take a few weeks). I'll still teach school. I'll still be a father to my children, a husband to my wife. I'll just take the opportunity to bowl against some of the best guys in the world on some of the toughest conditions in the world.

What do I think makes me professional material? Absolute, undaunted, never-ending desire to make it to professional status. It was a goal of mine when I started bowling 16 years ago. I am now within 8 months of achieving that goal. I practice my butt off, I read bowling, sleep bowling, and talk bowling with anyone who will listen. I've become friendly with South Region pros including John May, Patrick Allen, and Steve Taylor - all of whom recognize me when they see me and continously ask, "when are you going to bowl" in a Regional. I've been told more than once that if I'm not a professional I should be, and I've been asked for my autograph during pro-ams more than once.

I don't say any of the above to brag, just to make a point - I AM A PROFESSIONAL. I just have to let enough calendar days pass until I get my card.

With that, I'm done. If there are any here who want to become members of the PBA, I say go for it and make your dream a reality.
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Nut

If you wonder if you're good enough, then you're not good enough.

Randy T · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2003, 11:58:54 PM »

It takes a great deal of time,money and effort to go out on tour.The main difference between the top pros is the mental game.I tried it for 3 years and cashed but mentally it wore me down.

Every touring pro has incredible game but the ability to change on the fly,to trust your abilities and knowing your game is the key,this doesn't just happen it is only achieved by hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice.

Remember these guys bowl,travel,practice,watch film every week and many times without their loved ones.It takes alot to live the life,mentally,physically and financially.

My admiration and respect goes out to anyone who has,is or someday will try the tour...........

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With all these trees around here it's a good thing we bowl inside.........

Ahhhh the power of a Buzzsaw.......

Scolai · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2003, 06:12:53 PM »

Bones,

I've told many a soul that it is in no way my intention to give up teaching for full-time bowling. I wouldn't get nearly the same amount of time with my family, nor would I be able to feed them as well.

I might consider the prospect of full-time bowling on the senior tour, but that is about 21 years in the future. I have plenty of time to decide whether that route is the one I will take. And I will have a recurring retirement income to fall back on. (yeah...right!)
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Nut

If you wonder if you're good enough, then you're not good enough.

Author Topic: What makes someone professional material?? (Read 1608 times)

mumzie

What makes someone professional material??

Smash49

Re: What makes someone professional material??

Game In a BoxLC

Re: What makes someone professional material??

scottie

Re: What makes someone professional material??

Pinbuster

Re: What makes someone professional material??

CB

Re: What makes someone professional material??

Scolai

Re: What makes someone professional material??

Randy T

Re: What makes someone professional material??

Scolai

Re: What makes someone professional material??