Expert: Chip Aki - 12/15/2005

Question
Hello my name is Mark McBurnie and I attend Westhampton Beach High School. I am a sophomore and on my 2nd year of my Varsity Bowling career. My question is how can I keep my concentration on my game and keep my feelings positive while trying to hold a 200 average and not shooting up to par? I feel like in most of my matches I quickly get worried about how I shoot and end up in the 175's and loose my point. Thanks for your time.  

Answer
I learned, while attending Wichita State University, to not look at a target score.  By trying to hold a 200 average, you are actually limiting yourself to not going above that.  Another thing, average is figured over the long haul so you will have games above and games below.  Some lane conditions will be harder to shoot 200 on than others, so just try to do your best on any given condition.  I am sure you have heard to take one shot at a time..........that is actually the best thing to try and do.  Dont look ahead and dont look back.  Make the best shot you can on every ball and take your licks when they happen.  Dont worry about thinking positive, think openly.  

Try to know what you are going to do before you step up on the approach, then just let it happen.  Pay attention to the score if the match is close, but bowl to win and not to lose.

It should be fun and I envy your position.  We did not have bowling in high school when I was your age.  I miss team competition like that.

Bowl well and good luck,
Chip