SolveYourProblem Article Series: Bowling
Teach Me How To Bowl

What Are The Mental Aspects of Bowling?

Have you ever wondered why bowling is such a phenomenon? Have you ever known someone who had to be dragged – kicking and screaming – to the bowling alley, only to suddenly become the most obsessed bowler? Do you ever wonder what makes bowlers tick? If so, the odds are pretty good that you yourself have never actually picked up a bowling ball and shot a few games against your friends or family. There is so much more to this seemingly simple game that meets the eye. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of mental aspects that factor into this game.

Coaching is one of the factors you will encounter in the leagues. Different players who are working very hard at improving their overall games will seek out professional coaches to help them not only with the fundamentals of the game that deal with stance or delivery, but also with the mental skills that are needed. Sometimes, the very fact that a certain professional coach is sought out by a large number of players adds to the mental aspects. Probably the most challenging mental aspect for some participants is the fact that they encounter the pressure of stage fright. They may feel like they are literally up on stage when it is their turn to bowl, and suddenly they find they are unable to concentrate on oil patterns and breakpoints, and instead are either anxious to get their turn over with, or are so frozen that it takes them a long time to even take their turn. The stage fright as well as the ability to act under pressure needs to be addressed. Those individuals who have a hard time dealing with anything less than a perfect roll, and who are adversely affected by even the smallest mistake will find that the biggest mental aspect in their game is the motivation. Perhaps they are very ego-centered rather than able to be content with improving their performance, albeit gradually.

There is yet another reason why the mental aspects of the game can leave some players feeling pinned down: the competition is bound to catch on to your mood quickly and succinctly. Depending on how competitive the match is, other players may use your mood against you to outmaneuver your shots, and to even intimidate you to such an extent that you will not be able to properly concentrate and play to your full potential. This is yet another reason why it is so important to get the mental aspect of bowling under control.

Here are some tips for getting yourself under control quickly: Take a quick time out and breathe deeply, focusing on emptying your mind and calming your heartbeat. With your mind’s eye, visualize a winning roll. Begin the visualization with the feel of the ball in your hand, and the feel of the floor under your feet. When you open your eyes, focus only on the pins ahead. Deliberately shut out anything that you might be able to see on the periphery, such as other players, the scoreboard, or anything else that might distract you. Let go of the ball only after you feel grounded and centered. If all else fails and you do not seem to be able to get a handle on the mental aspects of the game, you may wish to avail yourself of the services that are offered by professional sports psychologists. These individuals are trained in helping professional and amateur athletes break through their self imposed barriers to unlock their best games and to overcome obstacles that cannot be otherwise avoided.

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