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Author Topic: Frustrated and thinking about quitting  (Read 4074 times)

_Stroker_Walter_

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Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« on: March 17, 2006, 02:46:55 PM »
The past few weeks I have been really struggling and hurting during league play. I have a hard time even meeting my average and the 200+ scoring games are very rare now. My release has gotten worse and now I track over the thumbhole in every single ball I throw. I get inconsistent reactions just because of it so there is no need to buy any more balls until I correct this problem. I'm very close to a full roller.

If I get a full roller layout, will the ball still hit the thumbhole? I used to just clip the thumbhole, but now I roll loudly over it every single time. I want lessons, but I need a patient and knowledgeable coach. I'm tired of asking for help and getting an attitude like I am doomed and ain't worthy of their time.

I feel I really messed something up with my release. It never used to be this way. Everything is going downhill. I tried to improve my release but I just made it worse. My form isn't the best thing to look at and I won't dare videotape it and post it. Basically , I'm a total clutz. I'm not graceful, and I'm not a gymnyst. I've just about had it.
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ttjakt

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #16 on: July 16, 2006, 05:12:49 PM »
Won't you feel bad that you're a quitter? People who are serious about bowling always pride themselves on coming back every week to compete. Don't quit. You'll regret it later.
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yeahright

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #17 on: July 16, 2006, 05:22:05 PM »
I agree with ttkajt... Keep with it.

But if you don't, can I have all your stuff? j/k

Seriously, just hang in there, get a patient coach, and you'll figure it out... Make sure that when you practice to just concentrate on form, and not on the outcome...

slowmofo908

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #18 on: July 16, 2006, 05:24:51 PM »
In the past 2 months I went from a 212 avg to 160. I even bowled an 84. It wasn't until last week that I finally corrected my problem.  I wrote down everything I wanted to fix and read it to myself before I bowled.  I suggest going to the alley and working on your game by yourself.  If you can get a video camera and tape yourself.  I was never able to, but read what is helping other people and see if it can apply to your game.
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SteveAustin2808

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2006, 08:22:52 PM »
Walter,

I feel in this ordeal you are facing buddy. About a month ago I contemplated givin it all up as well. I started thinking about it and I told myself that I would be quitting for the wrong reasons. So I'm hanging in there and gutting it out. Things will turn around for you dude, I promise! God Bless You and have a great week!

--Michael--
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ThongPrincess

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #20 on: July 17, 2006, 10:51:22 AM »
I was exactly where you are a few months ago, except I had been on the decline for almost two years and I had been working with a coach for a year.  I am still working with the coach and am finally seeing some glimpses of what will be.  My low scores & sets are getting higher, high games & sets are getting higher, and the biggest improvement is the confidence is getting stronger.  I enjoy bowling again.

I credit this to 2 things.  One is keeping in touch with my coach and reading a book he, and others, recommended.  The book is Dean Hinitz's Focused for Bowling.  I highly recommend this book, it deals with the mental side of bowling and has a whole chapter dedicated to slumps and breaking out of them.  I have read it from cover to cover and reread several sections.

If you are looking for a coach, one place to start is Bowl.com.  They have a section where coaches are listed by state.

Finally, as others have said, relax, take a deep breath, and hang in there.
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janderson

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #21 on: July 17, 2006, 04:27:44 PM »
quote:
I get inconsistent reactions just because of it so there is no need to buy any more balls until I correct this problem.


There are some true words of wisdom you won't find in every bowler's vocabulary.  That alone tells me that there is plenty of talent and especially potential for you to get out of your slump and move on improving your game.

Any chance of getting help from a coach or someone that has bowled with you for a period of time that can share with you what changes they've seen in your game?  There are plenty of us out there who will not give help unless asked for help.  That isn't a selfish or stand-offish thing - just think about times obnoxious, overbearing people have tried to tell you what to do when you didn't ask them!
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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King  : Kill the back row


Edited on 7/17/2006 4:23 PM

ImaRedbird

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #22 on: July 17, 2006, 04:30:52 PM »
I can say i've been there bud, just chill out, take your time and go back. Nothing like eliminating yourself to make you feel worse. Go back to the basics, that's what i did. Get a coach and have them correct your mistakes, because that's all that's happening. Keep your mind off the score and make the best shots you can. Once you find out that you got it your confidence will manifest in your skills and you'll start see 220+. You know it's there, bcuz u did it already.
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toomanytenpins

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Re: Frustrated and thinking about quitting
« Reply #23 on: July 18, 2006, 05:01:21 PM »
the fact that you posted with thoughts of quitting means you dont wanna quit,ask me how i know. I also know the feeling of having everyone around you act like you dont exist as a bowler ,and thus feeling out of place and having the thoughts of quitting. A week is a long way from a slump ,and recovery if you work at it is right around the corner. I slumped for 2 years, I wanted to quit ,or at least i said i did, but i didnt . I just happened to run into 2 people in the bowling alley who didnt mind watching and helping me with a couple of things, I even shot my first 300 this year. So believe me when i say ,if you love it work at it . Every good bowler in the alley isnt a snob and most coaches are patient or they couldnt coach. A good coach, I believe, will take the time watch you and either break you down to scratch or find areas in your game to improve on. I think one important key is attitude. You have to believe you can be better. You have to believe you are better than you let yourself think you are,and you have to believe that with work ,practice and possibly coaching you will be even better yet. Positive attitude breeds positive results.
   If you are rolling over the thumb hole regularly maybe take one of your less used balls and have it drilled full roller. I know one guy who bowls full roller and he never hits the thumb ,also has great reaction almost makes me want to try it. But whatevr you do dont keep beating yourself up about it ,do something productive ,or... quit. But dont quit you will miss it .
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