Bowling is a physical as well as a mental sport. People who only enjoy it occasionally – during a weekend outing with the family or on a Friday night date with friends – likely think of it merely as a physical sport. But there’s more to it.
What many recreational bowlers fail to realize is that bowling isn’t just about physical ability; it involves a mental mindset as well. Watch this video to see the recent downfall of pro bowler Tom Daugherty as he bowled for the first time on television.
Bowling in the Tournament of Champions
It was the bowling event of the season. The 2011 Tournament of Champions that saw a near perfect game – Mika Koivuniemi bowled a 299 – and the lowest game ever bowled in televised tournament history – a mere 100 (previous low score was a 126) bowled by television newcomer Tom Daugherty.
Watching Tom throw split after split as Mika threw strike after strike with precision accuracy was nearly as painful to the viewer as it was to the bowler, like having a tooth extracted without the benefit of Novocain. What was equally remarkable was the good spirits that Tom was able to maintain throughout the ordeal. And that’s where the mental game of bowling begins.
Understanding the Mental Game of Bowling
To the uninitiated, bowling doesn’t appear to be that difficult. However, aside from the physical skill that the sport requires, there is a mental aspect to the game.
First and foremost, skilled bowlers understand the impact that lane conditions, proper equipment and bowling dynamics have on the bowler’s ability to bowl well. This is why recreational bowlers who throw house balls wearing rented shoes don’t fare as well as trained bowlers who bring their own equipment.
Then there are the distractions. For Tom it was likely all the staring eyes and bright lights. As a newcomer to televised bowling, the pressure to make a good showing might have been too much for him. For league and tournament bowlers, distractions might include screaming children when they're trying to get a little practice in on Sunday or the self-imposed pressure of trying to score well in tournament play.
Finally, the mental game of bowling is all about attitude. And that is where Tom’s was so great. Though he was bowling a horrendous game, he maintained an upbeat attitude all the way until the end. He even went so far as to joke about needing just two pins to make 100, after leaving the big 4-6-7-10 split on his first ball in the tenth.
What bowlers have to remember when they leave a split like Tom or miss an easy pick-up (which Tom also did) is not to beat themselves up over it. Keep in mind, if bowlers get into a funk, their bowling is sunk.
The best thing to do is to forget that frame and move on. Refocus, regroup and get back on track. That’s the only way to turn it around; because the mental game of bowling is as important as the physical game.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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