Expert: Chip Aki - 10/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello-  Over the past year or so I have developed a first game struggle syndrome in league and tournaments.  This year it has gotten out of control and is migrating into the second game....I know it's mental, I'm just not sure how to overcome it...once I loosen up I'm fine, but the damage is done because since I was tight and forcing it other problems occur, and of course I usually needed those 40 pins I lost in the first game to make the cut......I regularly practice positive self talk and visualization techniques...

ANSWER: Since you do the correct thing with the self talk and visualization, you need to loosen up correctly as well.  If you do not have actual practice time before compeition starts, you need to do some stretching excersises before you bowl.  This should also include some practice swings with the ball in your hand.  Most bowlers have problems when they try to perform at full speed before their body is ready for that.  This carries over into the competition, sometimes all of the competition.  As you have found out, you cant force yourself to get loose.  You just need to allow for this and loosen up as much as possible before you try to toss your first shot.

If you have ever gone to a PBA competition and watched the start of practice, very few bowlers get up to full speed without several shots.

Good luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Chip-

Thanks, yes I routinely stretch and warmup before any practice or competition...however I don't perform any practice swings before I start to bowl in competition...been thinking about adding that in....it's almost like my body cools down and needs to get warmed up again no matter how long the break is....in the past if I had to sit between blocks, I'd come back and am worthless....I found some additional mental prep techniques by Dean Hinitz that I will be trying also....any other thoughts?

Answer
I have never liked long delays or having to bowl for score right away due the some of the same issues that you have.  For me, the practice swing has really helped me deal with this situation.  I even go as far as to take my first two steps along with the swing.( I take 5 steps)

Any info you can get from Dean Hinitz should help.

Try the practice swing thing.  Just make sure you do it in an area you have room.  Banging your finger between the ball and a table or wall.........or another bowler, can cause some additional problems :)

Good luck,
Chip