Question Hi, I've been bowling for almost 7 years now. But i only started bowling competitively 3 years ago. I've been facing this problem for quite a long time now and it really bothers me. How does one improve on their mental game? like how to cope with pressure or even "thinking" too much? Now, whenever i approach my coach for help, they'd only tell me to concentrate on my mental game and advice me to "not" think too much. What do you think?
Thanks for your help, cheers!
Answer Hi, Ryan!
I think you can't deny, nor should you try to suppress, your emotions. We all get juiced. You can't not have those exciting thoughts. People can say this shot is not more important than another one but the truth is you are more excited about the ninth one after eight in a row! What matters is how you manage that emotion.
The 'don't think too much' advice is okay. It just doesn't acknowledge reality. When you are learning a skill, there are intense high awareness moments while you are learning. Once the skill has been learned, and only then, can you move on to the next skill. Doing it any other way means your foundation is on sand rather than bedrock. Once you 'have it', however, you don't need to think about it. Getting to that point is the point!
I suggest you get the book With Winning In Mind by Lanny Bassham. It's available on my website at strikeability.com among other places. Lanny is a Gold Medalist in rifle shooting. Those folks have to pull the trigger in between heartbeats. Talk about managing your emotions! I have met with him and use his stuff with all my students. It absolutely works - if, of course, you follow the prescriptions. The book is small and a powerful yet easy read. I highly recommend it to you.
