Creating A Practice Routine

“Perfect practice makes it practice perfect.”  Most of us have often heard that phrase and thought, “I don’t think it’s that easy!”  

The key to becoming a better bowler is not about practicing harder – it’s about practicing smarter.  Develop a routine for your bowling practice, and you’ll soon be on your way to improving your game. 

Start with Your Weak Skill

Improving your skills and sharpening your game are always two good goals to take with you into your practice sessions.  Is there any aspect in your bowling game that you’d particularly like to improve?  Start with that skill before you move onto other general exercises.  

If you need to practice your aim, start by bowling with only one target. Then, move to another target (like the 10 pin), and then switch to another different one.  

Or, if you would like to enhance your spin, then practice your form and style – even without a ball in hand.  Feeling your right leg naturally slide behind your left leg, as you keep your palm faced up, will help your spinning style become more natural and powerful.  

Train Your Mind

Concentration is a critical component to successful bowling.  During your next practice, you could focus on improving your positive mental attitude, your concentration, or your approach. 

Start with mental exercises to help you focus and concentrate on what you want to achieve. Do you have to meditate to get to this focused, positive spot? Then meditate!  Do whatever is necessary to alleviate the stress, tension and negativity you might feel.  The mental focus you can achieve in practice will easily translate into better bowling performance at the alley.

Once you’re in a positive, focused state of mind, begin your warm-ups. Physically beginning to move your body will allow you to concentrate even more on what you hope to accomplish. And after you’ve warmed up enough and are focused and mentally positive, then you’re ready to actually begin bowling. 

What Not To Practice 

 As Ritchie Allen, the pro bowler says, “Score is overrated in practice.” When you practice, don’t count your scores. You’re practicing – it’s not a competition!  

Instead, focus on achieving the best hook or spin you can, or concentrate on providing yourself with positive mental feedback. Your score is only important when you’re competing. When you’re practicing, ease the stress and don’t worry about your score. Concentrate instead on achieving whatever goals you have set yourself for the practice session. 

Once you have developed a routine in your practice, you will practice smarter and see results faster.