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If your neck hurts, I'll bet it's
from looking back instead of looking forward! We seem to get all
caught up in what has happened (which we can't control) instead
of paying attention to what is about to happen (which we can control).
If you left a stone 7, should you think about how unfair that is
or how to convert it? You know the answer and you know what really
happens. So let's face it, the fact that it is standing there is
unjust and unfair and you think so. That's okay. You probably can't
stop that thought (unless you're in the zone), so maybe what matters
is how LONG you think so.
Being angry about it won't make it fall. Your second ball knocking
it over will. That's what you can control. That's what you do. You
can never, ever get that shot back. It is a part of history that
can never be changed. You can't make up for it by converting the
spare or striking on your next million shots. So, don't get crazy
over it. It's not the first time it has happened to you and it won't
be the last.
The object of our sport is to get as many pins with as few balls
as you can. How many you knocked down with the last ball you rolled
is what you get. The next ball is the one that matters. It's the
only one that matters because it's the one you control. You've often
heard that a double covers up an open frame. It doesn't. Nothing
can ever make up for that lost opportunity. You'll never have that
moment in time back. Don't get crazy over it. Stay in the moment,
focusing on your next opportunity. "This time, I will (fill in any
positive thought you like here"), not, "Last time, this happened
(pulled it, didn't catch it at the bottom, had too much speed, etc)".
You can't control lucky pinfall and lane conditions. You are well
aware that bowling is not a defensive sport. You've seen slop strikes
(in fact, you've had a few). A ball with three revs thrown down
20 hits the head pin dead center and strikes. You think, "Why do
I try? What am I taking lessons for if that's all it takes?" You
struggle to find a line, feel like your splitting boards, jam the
pocket, and can't carry. It's a fact of your bowling life that lucky
pinfall is going to beat you occasionally. It may even last the
whole league night.
You know over the long haul, this type of bowler cannot stay with
you. It's just that on this league night, it seems like a very long
haul indeed. Be patient, and compare averages, wins, total pins,
etc. at the end of the league. Your superior ability will prevail.
Whether you are in a tournament or a one game match, don't get crazy
over it. You know that luck has a place in all sports. Keep in mind
that the more skill you have, the luckier you are! It has happened
TO you and it will happen FOR you.
Getting crazy over it and allowing it to affect your performance
is the best way to assure it continues to happen. Anger takes a
lot of energy. You lose your focus and therefore your confidence.
All that energy is better directed toward making a good shot next
time. Being preoccupied with lucky pinfall (yours or theirs) means
the other guy doesn't have to beat you. You did it all on your own.
Everyone has a mental game. Regardless of average, it can never
be discounted as a strength, a profound weakness, and/or a formidable
weapon. Let's get to it. |
