Q. Back in November I had my first 300 shortly after I had a 299. Since then I can hardly shoot 180 mostly 150's. This has been very frustrating. I was averaging close to 200 before and now I am down in the low 190's and getting worse. Now I am not sure if I was just lucky or what. What do you think the problem might be? Am I trying to hard?

A. Do you know that a slump is usually not a problem with your physical game but more mental it is a severe lack of confidence. When you are shooting those 150's you begin to think that you forgot how to bowl. That is not the case at all you know how to bowl you have to let your muscle memory start working again. You are right you are probably trying to hard. It is very difficult to work your way out of a slump try taking about 2 weeks off and not bowl at all. Then come back with a fresh attitude, without practice expectations are lower and the pressure of performing is also lower. Then you can get back into a free flowing swing again. Because of the 300 and almost another you most likely started to pressure yourself into doing it again. Relax have fun and it will come back. When you get up on the approach for your shot clear your mind and just think spot. See how close you can get each time to your target if you miss it don't beat yourself up just get your spare and try again the next time. For a while quit thinking score just think target. Don't analyze every shot that will drive you nuts. If you need to think about what you are doing do that in the settee area, When you get up on the approach no more thinking. Try this get yourself set then try counting count each time to 3 before beginning your approach. One thousand one, thousand two, one thousand three. All while watching your mark then go. This helps to clear other thoughts from your mind.