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Date: 01 Mar 2007 23:39:06
From: Brian
Subject: Major slump on first ball
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What can anyone suggest for me to try to get back on track. The last 3
weeks I have been all over the place on my first ball. I am a left hander
and am missing the pocket big time. I only had 5 strikes last week and 5
tonight 2 of which were Brooklyn. The funny thing is I am making most of my
spares. I seem to have much more accuracy on my 2nd ball. I am a left
hander with a 173 avg. I have an appointment with a certified coach on the
12th. That means I have to bowl 1 more time before then. Any advice would
be appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian in MI
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Date: 02 Mar 2007 20:06:04
From: PromptJock
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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> Thanks so much for the help! I am going on amazon to look for the book right
> now!
You're welcome. Your e-Bill will arrive shortly in your e-mail...
(big smirk!)
My initial thoughts on your responses:
Question 1: Do all your "thinking" BEFORE you step on the approach
(i.e. while sitting down or standing on the flooring BEHIND the
approach). Once you're on the approach, "set" yourself and bowl (see
Q3 below). Take as much time as you believe you need to "plan" your
shot (i.e. where will I stand? how will I deliver the ball - hand
position, etc., what "line" will I deliver the ball - straight, curve
or hook? etc.) BEFORE you step on the approach and DO NOT let anyone
"pressure" you to "step on it, etc." In my experience, devote no more
than 20-30 seconds to this "thinking time". FWIW, count it a
"blessing" if those on either side of you "take longer" in doing their
thing, as it'll give you That Much More Time to plan your shot. :)
IOW, the approach area is for BOWLING, not thinking....
Question 2: FWIW, you're there to HAVE FUN (I hope! ;) ) and make
every effort to Do Your Best, not to "perform" for others. Try to
imagine yourself when you're "all alone" in your "practice sessions" -
chances are you're pretty relaxed and "carefree, etc." Make those
feelings your own in League - it's hard at times, but the more you can
do it, the more you'll find yourself in a "relaxed, etc." state while
in League, which will ultimately translate in to better bowling
overall. :)
Question 3: IMO, standing 7 seconds on the approach before shoooting
is much too long! In my experience, the whole "shot cycle" ( i.e.
stepping on the approach, setting yourself, delivering the ball,
watching the results, then leaving the approach) should last NO MORE
than 15 seconds:
* 5 seconds to get on the approach and "set up" (make sure you take
a DEEP BREATH in through the nose, hold for a second, then SLOWLY
exhale through the mouth before delivering the shot)
* 5 seconds to deliver the ball and watch the results (NOTE: NEVER,
EVER "turn your back" on the ball after you deliver it!)
* 5 seconds to return to the settee area and start planning your
next shot
The book will go into more detail on this process. :)
Question 4: I appreciate your honesty. A good way to train yourself
to "ignore distractions" (but NOT "tune them out" - be aware they're
there, but don't react to them) is to do COSMIC/GLOW BOWLING! IOW,
deliberately put yourself in a "noisy, distractful, etc." situation
where you HAVE TO CONCENTRATE on what you're doing, yet still be aware
of your surroundings. It's tough to initially do, but the more you do
it the easier it'll be to achieve focus, etc. FWIW, if you're already
on the approach and ready to shoot, and something/someone "distracts"
you, IMMEDIATELY leave the approach and "recompose" yourself. It's
better to "leave and come back" and deliver a good shot than do the
shot while you're distracted and not focused and "hope it was good".
Does any of the above make any sense? :)
Anyway, good luck with the book (I know it'll help you) and good luck
with your coaching sessions - please keep us informed of what the
coach finds and your progress thereof. :)
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Date: 20 Mar 2007 14:50:48
From: Brian
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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Just thought I'd let the group no my status. Went to the coach last week
and he found several faults and worked with me to correct them. One was my
push-away I was pushing up then out which tightened my arm muscles
Also my second step was too far out left and he has me stepping more in
front now. The other thing which I have had for ever was my release. Lots
to work on but there is hope!
Thanks,
Brian
"PromptJock" <102151.3223@compuserve.com > wrote in message
news:1172894764.921075.107240@8g2000cwh.googlegroups.com...
>> Thanks so much for the help! I am going on amazon to look for the book
>> right
>> now!
>
> You're welcome. Your e-Bill will arrive shortly in your e-mail...
> (big smirk!)
>
> My initial thoughts on your responses:
>
> Question 1: Do all your "thinking" BEFORE you step on the approach
> (i.e. while sitting down or standing on the flooring BEHIND the
> approach). Once you're on the approach, "set" yourself and bowl (see
> Q3 below). Take as much time as you believe you need to "plan" your
> shot (i.e. where will I stand? how will I deliver the ball - hand
> position, etc., what "line" will I deliver the ball - straight, curve
> or hook? etc.) BEFORE you step on the approach and DO NOT let anyone
> "pressure" you to "step on it, etc." In my experience, devote no more
> than 20-30 seconds to this "thinking time". FWIW, count it a
> "blessing" if those on either side of you "take longer" in doing their
> thing, as it'll give you That Much More Time to plan your shot. :)
> IOW, the approach area is for BOWLING, not thinking....
>
> Question 2: FWIW, you're there to HAVE FUN (I hope! ;) ) and make
> every effort to Do Your Best, not to "perform" for others. Try to
> imagine yourself when you're "all alone" in your "practice sessions" -
> chances are you're pretty relaxed and "carefree, etc." Make those
> feelings your own in League - it's hard at times, but the more you can
> do it, the more you'll find yourself in a "relaxed, etc." state while
> in League, which will ultimately translate in to better bowling
> overall. :)
>
> Question 3: IMO, standing 7 seconds on the approach before shoooting
> is much too long! In my experience, the whole "shot cycle" ( i.e.
> stepping on the approach, setting yourself, delivering the ball,
> watching the results, then leaving the approach) should last NO MORE
> than 15 seconds:
> * 5 seconds to get on the approach and "set up" (make sure you take
> a DEEP BREATH in through the nose, hold for a second, then SLOWLY
> exhale through the mouth before delivering the shot)
> * 5 seconds to deliver the ball and watch the results (NOTE: NEVER,
> EVER "turn your back" on the ball after you deliver it!)
> * 5 seconds to return to the settee area and start planning your
> next shot
>
> The book will go into more detail on this process. :)
>
> Question 4: I appreciate your honesty. A good way to train yourself
> to "ignore distractions" (but NOT "tune them out" - be aware they're
> there, but don't react to them) is to do COSMIC/GLOW BOWLING! IOW,
> deliberately put yourself in a "noisy, distractful, etc." situation
> where you HAVE TO CONCENTRATE on what you're doing, yet still be aware
> of your surroundings. It's tough to initially do, but the more you do
> it the easier it'll be to achieve focus, etc. FWIW, if you're already
> on the approach and ready to shoot, and something/someone "distracts"
> you, IMMEDIATELY leave the approach and "recompose" yourself. It's
> better to "leave and come back" and deliver a good shot than do the
> shot while you're distracted and not focused and "hope it was good".
>
> Does any of the above make any sense? :)
>
> Anyway, good luck with the book (I know it'll help you) and good luck
> with your coaching sessions - please keep us informed of what the
> coach finds and your progress thereof. :)
>
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Date: 20 Mar 2007 19:09:42
From: newsreader
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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Brian wrote:
> Just thought I'd let the group no my status. Went to the coach last week
> and he found several faults and worked with me to correct them. One was my
> push-away I was pushing up then out which tightened my arm muscles
> Also my second step was too far out left and he has me stepping more in
> front now. The other thing which I have had for ever was my release. Lots
> to work on but there is hope!
>
> Thanks,
> Brian
The left step can often 'fit in' with the stiff armed place-away.
Do your drills !
Enjoy your bowling.
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 21:36:38
From: PromptJock
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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> What can anyone suggest for me to try to get back on track. The last 3
> weeks I have been all over the place on my first ball. I am a left hander
> and am missing the pocket big time. I only had 5 strikes last week and 5
> tonight 2 of which were Brooklyn. The funny thing is I am making most of my
> spares. I seem to have much more accuracy on my 2nd ball. I am a left
> hander with a 173 avg. I have an appointment with a certified coach on the
> 12th. That means I have to bowl 1 more time before then. Any advice would
> be appreciated!
Getting a coach is probably the best First Step you can do at this
time.
Since you asked for opinions, allow me these questions:
1) what is your MENTAL STATE for the first ball: are you nervous?
anxious? afraid you're gonna "blow it"?
2) do you "feel pressured to perform, etc." for the first ball? do
you "try too hard" to strike?
3) do you have an established "pre-shot routine" where you "clear
your mind, etc." and prepare yourself to focus on delivering the first
ball?
4) are you easily distracted while waiting to deliver your first
shot?
Since you indicate you're a good SPARE SHOOTER (your average confirms
this! :) ), it seems to me you're "real tense" regarding the first
ball and "relaxed, relieved, etc." for the spare ball. IOW, "the
pressure is off" when you don't strike, but you feel comfortable (no
"pressure") afterwards to make your spares.
While you're waiting for your Coaching appointment, get a copy of Dean
Hinitz' "Focused For Bowling" and seriously STUDY (not just read!) the
first three chapters. I think they'll help you "get inside your head"
enough for you to figure out why you're (as I opine) "afraid of the
first ball". I think the coach you'll see just might come to a
similar conclusion. What "mental" exercises he/she may (will?) give
you, I don't know, but as see things that's where you need to start.
If anything, allow me to leave you with this little confidence
builder:
While you're warming up, and before you start your pre-shot routine,
say this to yourself and BELIEVE IT:
** "I'm an ANIMAL! I can KNOCK DOWN THE PINS! I WILL STRIKE!!" **
If you don't get a strike, say the same thing except substitute
"SPARE" for "STRIKE" above. I think this will help you build
confidence.
Does this make any sense? if it does, I hope it's helpful. :)
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Date: 02 Mar 2007 10:34:38
From: newsreader
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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PromptJock wrote:
>
> Getting a coach is probably the best First Step you can do at this
> time.
>
> Since you asked for opinions, allow me these questions:
>
> 1) what is your MENTAL STATE for the first ball: are you nervous?
> anxious? afraid you're gonna "blow it"?
> 2) do you "feel pressured to perform, etc." for the first ball? do
> you "try too hard" to strike?
> 3) do you have an established "pre-shot routine" where you "clear
> your mind, etc." and prepare yourself to focus on delivering the first
> ball?
> 4) are you easily distracted while waiting to deliver your first
> shot?
>
> Since you indicate you're a good SPARE SHOOTER (your average confirms
> this! :) ), it seems to me you're "real tense" regarding the first
> ball and "relaxed, relieved, etc." for the spare ball. IOW, "the
> pressure is off" when you don't strike, but you feel comfortable (no
> "pressure") afterwards to make your spares.
>
> While you're waiting for your Coaching appointment, get a copy of Dean
> Hinitz' "Focused For Bowling" and seriously STUDY (not just read!) the
> first three chapters. I think they'll help you "get inside your head"
> enough for you to figure out why you're (as I opine) "afraid of the
> first ball". I think the coach you'll see just might come to a
> similar conclusion. What "mental" exercises he/she may (will?) give
> you, I don't know, but as see things that's where you need to start.
>
> If anything, allow me to leave you with this little confidence
> builder:
>
> While you're warming up, and before you start your pre-shot routine,
> say this to yourself and BELIEVE IT:
>
> ** "I'm an ANIMAL! I can KNOCK DOWN THE PINS! I WILL STRIKE!!" **
>
> If you don't get a strike, say the same thing except substitute
> "SPARE" for "STRIKE" above. I think this will help you build
> confidence.
>
> Does this make any sense? if it does, I hope it's helpful. :)
>
Good advice - a large number of bowlers have two distinct
styles/timing/setups one for the strike shot and one for the spare.
Irrational but common. Don't think about strikes on the strike shot just
think about the delivery. Never forget the pins fall over a couple of
seconds AFTER you have bowled. What happens on the lane is a consequence
of what you do on the approach. So unless you are into time travel and
or telekenesis stay focussed on the task in hand. That task happens on
the approach.
A good coach will spot your differences very quickly and put you right.
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Date: 02 Mar 2007 08:29:43
From: Brian
Subject: Re: Major slump on first ball
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"newsreader" <whome@127.0.0.1 > wrote in message
news:25TFh.26106$fa.23232@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
> PromptJock wrote:
>>
>> Getting a coach is probably the best First Step you can do at this
>> time.
>>
>> Since you asked for opinions, allow me these questions:
>>
>> 1) what is your MENTAL STATE for the first ball: are you nervous?
>> anxious? afraid you're gonna "blow it"?
Yes now you mention it I am thinking about it before I shoot
>> 2) do you "feel pressured to perform, etc." for the first ball? do
>> you "try too hard" to strike?
Yes exspecialy when everyone else around me is striking
>> 3) do you have an established "pre-shot routine" where you "clear
>> your mind, etc." and prepare yourself to focus on delivering the first
>> ball?
Yes I count from 1001 to 1007 as I line up on approach
>> 4) are you easily distracted while waiting to deliver your first
>> shot?
I would say yes
>>
Thanks so much for the help! I am going on amazon to look for the book right
now!
Brian
>> Since you indicate you're a good SPARE SHOOTER (your average confirms
>> this! :) ), it seems to me you're "real tense" regarding the first
>> ball and "relaxed, relieved, etc." for the spare ball. IOW, "the
>> pressure is off" when you don't strike, but you feel comfortable (no
>> "pressure") afterwards to make your spares.
>>
>> While you're waiting for your Coaching appointment, get a copy of Dean
>> Hinitz' "Focused For Bowling" and seriously STUDY (not just read!) the
>> first three chapters. I think they'll help you "get inside your head"
>> enough for you to figure out why you're (as I opine) "afraid of the
>> first ball". I think the coach you'll see just might come to a
>> similar conclusion. What "mental" exercises he/she may (will?) give
>> you, I don't know, but as see things that's where you need to start.
>>
>> If anything, allow me to leave you with this little confidence
>> builder:
>>
>> While you're warming up, and before you start your pre-shot routine,
>> say this to yourself and BELIEVE IT:
>>
>> ** "I'm an ANIMAL! I can KNOCK DOWN THE PINS! I WILL STRIKE!!" **
>>
>> If you don't get a strike, say the same thing except substitute
>> "SPARE" for "STRIKE" above. I think this will help you build
>> confidence.
>>
>> Does this make any sense? if it does, I hope it's helpful. :)
>>
>
>
> Good advice - a large number of bowlers have two distinct
> styles/timing/setups one for the strike shot and one for the spare.
> Irrational but common. Don't think about strikes on the strike shot just
> think about the delivery. Never forget the pins fall over a couple of
> seconds AFTER you have bowled. What happens on the lane is a consequence
> of what you do on the approach. So unless you are into time travel and or
> telekenesis stay focussed on the task in hand. That task happens on the
> approach.
> A good coach will spot your differences very quickly and put you right.
>
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