Mental game tips for advanced bowlers
By Teresa Ross

USBC Coaching Specialist

Have you ever had a night like this? You come out focused on what you're doing, and the results are fantastic. You are throwing strike after strike, and the scores just keep going up. You're in the groove. You can't miss. Then, out of nowhere, your shots just aren't coming off as planned anymore. Before you know it, you went from having a shot at an 800 series to just barely breaking 700. You sit back wondering what went wrong. Chances are, you lost your focus.

When things are going well and you are locked in on the pocket, it's easy to become complacent, which causes you to loose that edge and feel that allowed you to start bowling well in the first place. Don't let this happen to you.

Remember, every shot requires equal preparation, concentration and attention to detail. Once you master that line of thinking, you'll find yourself better equipped to stay locked in and at your best at all times.
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Setup Tips for Advanced Bowlers
By Bryan O'Keefe

USBC Coaching Specialist

You already know how to set up for a well-executed shot, but do you know how to make sure that shot is on line? This can easily be accomplished by presetting your launch angles. Presetting your launch angle refers to positioning your body in a way that allows your arm swing to follow the path you desire for a particular shot.

If you are looking to open up the lane, you want to increase your launch angle in order to do so. This can be accomplished by opening up your ball-side shoulder and hip. If you allow your arm to swing freely along that line, your ball will have more projection from inside to outside as it travels down the lane.

On the flip side, if you want to play a straighter shot, you'll want to preset your launch angle in a fashion that keeps your ball-side shoulder and hip parallel to the foul line. This should greatly decrease the amount of side-to-side projection, which will keep your ball moving in a more direct path to the break point.

Remember, chance favors the prepared mind. Don't get moving toward the foul line with your launch angle in doubt. Preset your launch angle, and keep your shots on line and striking time and time again.