Bowling Is More A Mental Game Than Physical
While it is true that athletes must allot time for physical training, they should never neglect the mental aspects of the sport as well. And this is especially true with bowling, where success lies not only in achieving the correct grip, form, and release. More importantly, the ability of the athlete to mentally compute many significant factors in the game (such as the right way of approaching the lane, or the timing of the release) ultimately makes or breaks one’s chances of winning. And together with other mental demands in bowling like focus and consistency, it is arguably more of a mental than a physical sport.
Hence, mental exercises are as crucial in a bowling game as actual practices. To be on top of the game psychologically, one has to first study and agree with his/her coach the appropriate strategies to use during the competition. This strategy includes, among other things, planning the approach and delivery. Putting one’s self in the scenario will help, while asking several questions like: when will I release the ball? At what breakpoint zones in the alley will I get best results? Or what type of bowling ball will knock down the pins at higher rate? Routinely picturing the situation in one’s head helps the player create more specific targets even before hitting the ground running. It helps him/her avoid being too slapdash in making decisions while in the game.
Once this habit is in place, one also needs to learn how to overcome other external pressures that can affect focus in the game. One that is common to beginners is the fear of committing mistakes in the bowling alley, even to the point of getting “gutter balled” many times in the practice or in the game. One has to understand that, like in any sport, the trades of the bowling game are gradually learned. And this could mean committing perhaps many serious mistakes in process. Another related stress experienced especially by a newbie in the game is fear of facing an audience. Having to play amidst crowds who are glued to the game can really wear down one’s nerves and energy during the game. To conquer this, one simply has to participate in many games until he/she reaches the level of maturity. Again, this maturity comes slowly, one game at a time.
Lastly, it really is an advantage to have a coach who will guide one towards one hundred percent mental readiness for the game. A coach molds the amateur bowler to professional the rather egocentric attitudes and tendencies of a person. He/she helps him overcome distractions and achieve the necessary skill sets for the game. And above all, he/she has the added capacity to motivate his/her player to achieve his/her goals throughout one’s bowling career.
