Pre-shot routine...

[Longrodder]

How many of you have an EXACT routine that you follow religiously? I do and find that it REALLY helps me relax and doesn't give me time to think about anything else. I wipe ball, drop towell in seat at end of lane, blow in thumbhole, insert fingers as I am finding my foot placement, fly elbow out to the right (this loosens shirt sleeve) and stick thumb in, spot my down lane mark, take a deep breath, say in my mind..."straight back, straight through" and then bowl. At end of each frame, I grab towell and toss it in chair by the next lane. My biggest problem is that I am a superstitious person. If I have ran 5 or 6 in a row and the same guy was throwing, starting or finishing on the other lane and now all of the sudden he isn't around...if I noticed he was there all the other times...I can't get that thought out of my mind. Little things like that can cause me to at least have a different thought in my mind. Steve

[TenPinSniper]

Experienced the same thing... sometimes I never even notice.

[hammeredinkansas]

One of the things that I carry over from golf is the pre-shot routine. It really helps me get in the right frame of mind, focus, and relax.

[timothy10]

Personally I think a pre shot routine is the best thing a bowler can have but, keep it realistic. I bowl with a couple of guys who's pre shot routine lasts like 6 minutes.

[pba6285]

Here is my Pre Shot Routine http://www.ricksproshop.com/PreShot.html

[Ray75]

I have a pre shot routine as well. It gives me focus. Remember just to keep it basic and not do too much. Looks like my routine and your's is about the same. Even though most won't admit it, they all have some sort of a pre-shot routine they go through....

[Deadman]

I grab my towel which is on top of the computer monitor and i wipe my ball off around the track. I then look to m right and left and i step up to the approach. I find my mark then insert my middle and index fingers then my thumb. I stand there for a moment and visualize a strike.

[ILoveMySlingBlade]

I picture the pins in their underwear, works when speaking in front of a large group, so why not?

[hammeredinkansas]

I picture the pins in their underwear, works when speaking in front of a large group, so why not?

hey man...whatever works! :rolleyes:

[jman69]

I have a very simple yet effective pre shot routine. In all it takes me about 30 seconds from the time I pick up my ball to the time I start my approach.:cool:

[hammeredinkansas]

I have a very simple yet effective pre shot routine. In all it takes me about 30 seconds from the time I pick up my ball to the time I start my approach.:cool:

Yeah, I keep mine pretty short and sweet as well. Too long, and my mind tends to get involved...lol. When it's my turn to go and the approaches on either side are free, I wipe the ball, blow on my fingers, tap the finger holes while looking at the pocket, put my fingers in the ball as I step up to the approach, look at my target, take deep breath, let it out, say something like, "just lay it out there", then I'm off. I haven't timed it, but it can't be more than 20-30 seconds long. It really helps get me focused and block out any distractions...except if the drunk in the next lane falls on his @$$ because the beer he spilled is all over the bottom of his shoes.

[bruinboy07]

I picture the pins in their underwear, works when speaking in front of a large group, so why not?

AHAHAHA! That's some funny stuff... tonight when I go to league, I'm totally going to be thinking that every time I step on the approach. Dunno if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

bruinboy07

[walc]

Very similar to your pre-shot routine... as they say 'whatever floats your boat!!'

I wipe ball (spinning action holding the towel), drop towel on the monitor, hand over the dryer, blow in thumbhole, insert fingers as I am finding my foot placement, fly elbow out to the right (same reason) and stick thumb in as dropping slightly into my ready position, spot my mark, take a deep breath, say in my head..."trust your shot" and then bowl.

There is about 4 options after the shot, depending on what happens up the other end... some I can't repeat and others sound abit to silly...!! I think we are creatures of habit and everyone has some sort of routine, even if they don't think they do.

PS. ILoveMySlingBlade... I think that's gonna stick in everyone's mind for a while... good work!! Ha-Ha!!

[Da Hamma]

I too, try to have a consistent pre-shot routine every frame. Every team I bowled on, except for my first year, I was the lead-off. First thing I do is allow my anchorman to finish his second shot, no matter where the opposing team is at. I normally will be up behind the console once the opposing team anchor throws his first ball. (I don't wipe my ball down unless the finger area is very oily) Second, I grab my ball once I have the clearence on both sides, set my foot and eyes on my mark, place my right arm at the desired angle and then the left hand for support. A deep breath and slow release and off I go...all of this will take anywhere from 5 to six seconds.

[Da Hamma]

I too, try to have a consistent pre-shot routine every frame. Every team I bowled on, except for my first year, I was the lead-off. First thing I do is allow my anchorman to finish his second shot, no matter where the opposing team is at. I normally will be up behind the console once the opposing team anchor throws his first ball. (I don't wipe my ball down unless the finger area is very oily) Second, I grab my ball once I have the clearence on both sides, set my foot and eyes on my mark, place my right arm at the desired angle and then the left hand for support. A deep breath and slow release and off I go...all of this will take anywhere from 5 to six seconds.

[Ade66]

When i'm in the zone i shut everything out once i'm on the approach it's me and the big old hammer i have in my hand lol. When i am struggling i tend to start looking for reasons why and funny enough i do tend to think the same apponent is trying to slow me down, or if i'm on a few in a row try and play up against the same guy. I also do certain things too like yourself and i guess thats just the way it is lol.:) :) .