Nerves

[Tunat]

how many times have your nerves cost you a string, the game, an honor score. It happens to everyone...I ask this as I was asked by one of the members of another team, how come I look and act so calm especially when you have a good string going or the game is on the line and your anchor on your team against the anchor on the other... What would you say or do is your secret to
success? It took a while for me, but the best advice I thought was first of all don't think about and most of all don't worry about it, try to stay lose and "roll" the next shot as best you can...don't throw it roll it and let what happen happen. What has happened in the past is history and that can't be changed, the future is all you can effect from that point on, so go thru your normal routine and "roll" that ball over your target...I think where this guy was going wrong was he was too concerned with the scores and when someone does that, they tense up and usually pull the next shot....your thoughts or ideas on this subject

[BubbaRay]

When the game is on the line / on a string of X's / or going for that 300, As I step on the approach I say to myself, Make a good shot or keep it clean. I do not stand there and think about it. I treat as the 1st / 2nd / 3rd/ frame of the game. I don't stay there longer than normal. This has helped me trmendously through the years and it gets easier as time goes and you are faced more and more with that situation. Now there will be times when I did make a bad shot or rushed the shot and paid the price. But experience is the best way to learn from mistakes

[Mike_N_Nashville]

I've really worked hard to improve my game this year and have started to see the benefits in the last 4-6 weeks. Every series since the 2nd week of October has been 500+ and most between 550-600.

Like it has already been said, the biggest thing for me is don't focus on the score at all, but merely focus on making each shot the best shot it can be. I have so far only thrown 7 in a row, but I have thrown 5 in a row several times and usually don't know it.

I also never look at the scoreboard until the game is over. Often I think I'm having a decent game, but not great, and come off the lanes to realize I shot 220-230.

I figure all I can do is try to execute each and every shot to the best of my ability and the score will take care of itself.

I would also recommend a pre-shot routine. I get up, put my hand over the air blower briefly, wipe my ball off while it sits in the return, hand back to the air blower, pick up the ball in both hands and hold it in my non-throwing hand. Slide my slide foot onto the approach and in position, fingers into the ball, thumb into the ball, trail foot comes into position, transfer my ball into my throwing hand, eyes go to target, 1 deep breath and as I release that breath I start my approach.

It is just like clockwork.

Mike

[Crusher279757]

I agree that it is not best to focus on your score because if you do and you are not doing good, it will mess you up more. Another thing to try is what I did. Take two pieces of white tape. Write "don't" on one piece, and "think" on the other. Place both pieces on each foot so that when you look down you will read "don't think". That has helped me out.

[dw800seeker]

Sticking to preshot routine is key. Positive thoughts while on the approach and through each shot. Commit 100% to ball and shot.

Lately, these are ideals more than accomplishments. I have been really inconsistent this season. Sometimes the 10 pin does not realize how confident I was on my shot. Sometimes the 8 and 9 pins do not cooperate when I hit my mark and released the ball just as I envisioned in my preshot routine.

[Megabore]

I have to whole heartedly agree that a Pre-shot routine will help make everything stay the same as the last shot, and keep the nerves at bay. Before I started my own pre-shot routine I would always choke up after I got a turkey I would be so excited about continuing it that i'd either rush my approach, or generally foul up the next shot by being over excited. I used to think it was pretty funny watching the pro bowlers doing their pre-shot routines like kissing the ball. Until one day it clicked that these were these guys pre-shot routines to help clear their minds and keep them consistent. I always now count to 8, before i start my approach and use that to keep my mind blank, and calm, that way I can start and let the muscle memory and training that I've done for the game have it's best effect. I really think my new pre-shot ritual has helped my team move into, and win 1st place in our league this year. Can't wait to get the trophy on friday! Also helped me get my high game score of 264.

[blistershurt]

What i do is when the score gets tight (i can usually tell a few frames ahead of time) I start focusing more, less chit chat with the teammates, but just calming down.

I had to go 6 out this last monday to win a game, and I did. I'm really good in the 10th for whatever reason. I still cant figure it out.