When bowling in unfamilar houses ,I tend to forget my release. I throw,then watch the ball do whateverthe oil pattern allows. It will usually run away toward the 7 pin. What kind of mental pre routine to you think I could use to keep myself in tune with executing a more positive release during stressful tournment play.

Ellen, I feel somewhat qualified on this question due to the fact that I bowl on a traveling team, we won,t bowl in the same house twice in a row until the end of the season. My average is in the 190,s and this has been accomlished by putting it all together at the right time. Mental preperation for me is focasing on something other than the new surroundings, this helps me relax. When I first start with the practice balls I will stand much deeper than normal then roll over the middle arrow with a lot of speed, this helps me get loose. I keep moving to the right until I see the reaction I want. At times I will take my eyes off of my mark, when I find myself doing this I roll the ball and count to two before lifting my head to watch the ball, this really helps me stay on target.

Another thing that helps me with the new surroundings is I like to practice in differant houses. I don't know if any of this has helped but I hope so. Good bowling.
Mike

Hey Virago,

I see you are from Springfield, Ohio. I was born and raised there and spent a lot of time at the Shamrock Lanes as a kid (mostly on the pinball and video games). It's good to hear from someone from my hometown. Where do you bowl the most Shamrock or Victory?

Ellen,

Sorry for interrupting your post - any insight my 150 average and me would provide would be of little help. I read these posts to get tips and pick the brains of the good bowlers.

Hi Smitty, Yes it,s good to hear from a home towner out here on the super highway. I bowl at Shamrock all the time, it hasn,t changed much in the last 15 years or so, I also bowl at Victory, Century, Troy bowl, and in the Dayton houses. I work full time and try to bowl full time, I,d much rather bowl,lol. Have a good bowling day, Mike

Thanks a lot Mike.
Tried the count to two at practice the other night with a little more time this just may be a plus.
Ellen

Ellen,
You are welcome, I hope this will help you in the critical times when you are either doing good or when you may be finding it hard to get the reaction you are looking for. In all fairness I won't take the credit for this tip, I was watching a PBA telecast in 1990 when Nelson Burton JR was calling the play by play and this was one of his tips of the week. I have found it to be a valuable tip because it helps me stay on target, and also helps me stay down through out the delivery, and I still have enough time to read the break point. Let me know if it does work for you. Have a great bowling day, Mike

Hey Ellen, a fellow Pennsylvanian I see. Your right on Track with needing a routine to get ready for each shot. Mine consists of drying my hand, stepping onto the approach, getting my feet set, putting my hand in the ball, setting the ball in my stance where I want it, flexing my knees slightly, looking at my target, and then beginning my approach. I tend to focus on one thought if I can, whatever it is that night, since more thinking usually messes me up and tenses me. Your routine should be controlled by what you find most helpful when you are bowling well. If you can work out a good one, you should be able to relax and concentrate at the same time.
By the way, I'm originally from Bethlehem, but live in State College now. Good luck!

I'll keep both your thoughts in mind. Mike have you ever came to St. Clairsville. Oh. to bowl in St Clair Lanes Tournment? Nice lanes, conditions are tough and make you THINK. Clark are Pa WBA state tournment coming to your area next year? Ellen

Hi Ellen,

Yes I bowled in St Clairsville, Oh in 1988. The shot there was very tough to say the least. I remember coming out of there rolling a whopping 580 for 3. I promised myself the next time I return there I will have a set of skis lined up for the balls I bring,lol.

It's been a while but as I remember there was a ocean of oil out there, and the shot was a very tight line right up the 3rd arrow. I am looking forward to returning there and giving it another try.

Have a great bowling day, Mike

Ellen,

You are very insightful to identify the challenge you face as one that can be remedied with a solid pre-shot routine. The routine I teach to my students is similar to the one described by Clark_Green. You determine your approach position and target prior to approaching the ball return. Your pre-shot routine begins when you pick up the ball and towel it. (Note: DO NOT use the same side of the towel to dry your hand as you do for wiping the ball. Use a towel with two distinct sides to prevent "oiling your hand".) Slide your foot opposite the ball onto the approach using the side of the sole of the shoe aligned on a crack of a board. Bring the other foor into position in a comfortable location. Put your hand in the ball (fingers first), then slign the ball in the left-right, up-down and in-out position that fits your game. Focus on your target, take a deep breath (breath from the diaphram, not the chest) and begin your approach. Try to keep your mind blank during the approach. As coach Fred Borden says: "Quiet the Mind, trust the Body".

It works.

Good luck,