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Doing this monthly column has
been very rewarding; as it has given me the opportunity to be able
to do something that I have always loved to do — and that is:
'to teach'. I have always had great respect for teachers. I vividly
remember all of those who have taught me something of value —
as far back as grammar school. I have many fond memories of my favorite
high school teachers and coaches, as well.
Speaking of coaches, keep in mind that ALL great athletes have coaches
- or, teachers. This is a 'must' if you want to improve.
(Please see column #2 above: "Choosing a Coach").
Being able to write this monthly column for bowlersparadise.com
has also enabled me to touch on a variety of subjects that are all
designed to help, educate and entertain you, the bowler. Looking
back on all of the previous columns, I am sure you will see that.
Now that the Fall/Winter Leagues are over and many of you are taking
a break from bowling, there are some things that you can still do
to (at least maintain) and/or improve your game. Even though you
may want to totally 'get away' from the game for a couple of months
or so and get outdoors, keep in mind that you 'will' be coming back
in the fall to resume your lifetime Sport.
Two (2) Things
A) PHYSICAL:
Two (2) 'physical' things usually will happen to us as we get older:
we get a little weaker, and we all have a tendency to put on a few
extra pounds. Both of those will help to hurt our averages - especially
if we lay-off from competition for a few months.
We highly recommend that you sincerely start an exercise Program
during the summer. Do 'everything' that you can to keep those
unwanted pounds off. Do a lot of walking, or if you have the opportunity
to ride a bike, or work out on a treadmill. Keep those legs in shape!
You will need them to be strong in September. Also, keep your bowling
hand strong. There are many gadgets on the market that you can use
to keep your bowling hand 'in shape'.
Many, many people come back in the fall and start off the season
poorly because of those two 'physical' problems — don't let
that happen to you!
B) MENTAL:
I am sure that you have heard about the 'Mental Game' in all Sports.
There are many, many 'keys' to having a great 'Mental Game' and
one of those is: 'Visualization'. There is ample proof that 'visualization'
has helped many athletes make it all the way to the top.
Simply put, 'visualization' is: forming a mental image of something.
What you can do is to 'visualize' yourself standing on the approach
and going 'to-the-line' and executing a perfect shot. Once you picture
yourself doing this, you are actually exercising your mind in a
positive way. If you 'think' you can 'do it', then you can!
Picture yourself doing this over and over again. Psychologists will
tell you that doing this one thing is almost as good as actually
'doing it'!!!
So, it's June, and now you have a few things that you can work on
— even if you aren't bowling.
NEXT MONTH: "The Mental Game". |
