Ever feel like quitting bowling? | How to snap out of it and regain your confidence

[@jayvallandingham2406]

Bowling is a game of averages. If you're not improving in the game and your stuck at an average that you feel like your better than that it all boils down to your spare game. 200 average bowlers don't miss many "makeable" spares. But the only reason they're not 220 average bowlers is because they miss a 10 or 7 pin if left handed at a point in your game where you can least afford it. Single pin misses are killer in the 9th and 10th frames. It's those two frames that your average takes a hit. These are the two frames that your game will never recover from if you're consistently not filling those two frames. Every shot you take when bowling must have lazer beam focus and your undivided attention. Because every shot you take the ball is telling you what you need to correct on your next shot in order to do better. Even a strike shot is telling you something. If it doesn't split the 8 and 9 pins going off the pin deck then it's a shot that could be better. Mark Baker and Dave Husted talk about the importance of footwork as the keys to good bowling. Good footwork can help improve a bad swing. Because it allows you to get the ball out of the way of your body and your line of play will become more consistent. The game is frustrating enough as it is. It's the little things that determine whether or not you're successful at playing the game. Get good at the little things and the game will be fun for a lifetime.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@toothee2000]

I've been in an awful rut. Not making easy spares. Missing my average by twenty or more pins. Hitting my target but not seeing the results that I was expecting when the ball hits the pocket. I was SERIOUSLY thinking of selling my equipment. Seeing your video has given me some options that I didn't think of. I will give it another try. Thanks

[@kevinscarborough9982]

Man, this video was made for me. Thank you. Three weeks ago I bowl a 682 and lately I can't do anything. One reason is I have alot of joint pain in my bowling fingers. This past Thursday I could hardly grip the ball. I would just drop it. I told my fiance I can't do this anymore. I lost the ability. My confidence level has decreased alot. But, I'm not gonna give up. Like you said, I'm gonna try something different. Maybe some therapy exercises for my hand. I love to bowl. Been bowling since '91. Just got back into it esrly this year. I have learned alot from your other videos and this one right here just solidified it for me. I'm not giving up. I'm gonna try wearing a brace which I have never done before. Something different. Thank you JR for this video. And just so you know it has helped one person so far. Me.

[@jayvallandingham2406]

Hitting up on the ball or trying to crank on it puts a lot of pressure on those joints. Keep your hand as relaxed as possible during the entire swing and try to roll the ball as naturally as possible without trying to force rotation should help with easing your discomfort in those fingers.

[@kevinscarborough9982]

@@jayvallandingham2406 I really don't crank on it. I have never been a high rev bowler. But thank you! I will try to keep my hand relaxed more or become more aware of what my hand is doing.

[@jayvallandingham2406]

@@kevinscarborough9982 I should mention as well, to have your grip fit checked as well. Your ball should hang on to you rather than you having to hang on to it.

[@kevinscarborough9982]

@@jayvallandingham2406 I was thinking this same thing. I have went from a 16 down to a 15 pound ball. A friend of mine had a Brunswick Twist that he had the holes filled up and he gave me the ball because I was in search of a new one. So I had my hand measured and the ball drilled. But what you just said struck something with me. I have a T2 Rhino that I have had alot of success with, but it's a 16. The grip on that is a bit shorter than the Twist I had drilled and feels more comfortable. This past week I purchased the red, black, gold Rhino pearl 15 pound. I'm going to call my pro shop guy and if he hasn't drilled it yet, to drill the same specs as my 16 pound Rhino. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@jayvallandingham2406]

@@kevinscarborough9982 you would be surprised what a 14 or 15 pound ball will do for your game. There aren't to many professionals or high average bowlers left that throw the man weight. All my old 16 pound balls are sitting out in my front yard as decorative items. Lighter balls hit the pins harder believe it or not:-)

[@dingote]

People need to hear this at least twice a year! Works for anything

[@cyworld2707]

Bowling is a way to mediate. When I get a get the right feel during my approach, get the lift at the release and the shape on the lane, or at least the roll, then I've achieved it. I don't bowl for a living or tournament so it is purely recreational. I've at time hit the pocket 6 times in a row and get 1 pin leaves...but so what. I get the roll, I pick up the spare, and I have the right feel that uniquely me, my style.

[@kej1166]

Thanks JR! I REALLY needed to hear this today.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@johnsinski5172]

Been there, done that. know the feeling. Nobody is immune. Could be things outside of bowling. Had relationship problems. Dragged my game down . Shut bowling down for a few months and addressed the relationship issue. Started back up with a clear head and was able to address my bowling issues. Important things first !

[@annieb1299]

I will try this! Great advice. I was talking to another bowler yesterday who said that I had potential and that this slump that I am going through won’t last. She told me to just keep going and I was thinking of quitting today, but I watched your video and I might try this. I just need to relax more and it is so hard for me to do that when other people are constantly telling me to do it. I am glad that you got through the slump and I hope I do too.

[@JayPypeVox]

I recently found out that holding the bowling ball lower on the approach has helped me control the ball more, which has resulted in more consistency. I went through my moment of wanting to quit bowling right before the new year 2019 when I pleaded for tips from one of our highly respected local bowlers. She gave me just two or three pointers that resulted in my highest series ever of 769 back in February and it's been a steady climb since. I've watched myself go from considering a bad series of 525 or lower to a bad series being 560 or less. To my fellow bowlers considering walking away: DON'T! Keep at it and things will improve! Thank you, JR, for this video.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@parkerbohnn]

Might I add it also helps for playing pinball machines. Darts also helps but especially snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables.

[@thunderfan77]

I took a break from bowling this summer. Since starting back up this fall season, I've been struggling and in a slump. Instead of considering quitting, I reached out to a local coach and booked some time. All it took was a single two hour session and an extra set of eyes to discover a few simple flaws in my approach. Once those were corrected, my timing was back in sync, my balance at the foul line greatly improved, and I was able to roll the ball much better off my hand. I've always been good at analyzing and adjusting my own game, but sometimes you just need an unbiased opinion and a different perspective from a certified coach. Now I know what to work on and improve going forward and it's inspired me to bowl even more. A huge thanks to Tonya Bennett at Extreme Bowling Supply in Owasso, Oklahoma for her Hall of Fame expertise.

[@CoachScott61]

Been down this road. Knowledge is truly power. Gain knowledge about the sport and its surrounding aspects and it will fuel you to get better.

[@spiderico00]

I know it's a little extreme, but I stopped bowling 6 years ago and took up golf. I got back into bowling earlier this year and am now applying what I learned in golf to bowling. I'm already better now than I ever was before and I still have tons of room where I can improve. Once a bowler, forever a bowler, it called me back.

[@jayvallandingham2406]

Amazing how many people do that:-)

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@raymondsteadii6510]

Thanks @JR. This hit home today. I've had Randy Pedersen, Tim Mack and others tell me I have all kinds of talent for this game. But lately I have been struggling so bad, shot 450 today. I find that I have lost my confidence so much that as soon as I make my first mistake I immediately get down on myself and super angry. I cant stand feeling like that so I contemplate quitting this game I've been a part of for my entire life. Makes me, my wife, Randy and my friends sad because they only want to see me succeed. These feelings make it seem like that success will never come. Thanks again for the video.

[@parkerbohnn]

Don't take any advice from Randy that's probably what's hindering your game. Randy has that stutter or retard step in the middle of his approach. 450 is good in 5 pin bowling for one game. Randy can't even afford to pay for his own rounds of golf anymore. Ask Tommy Jones who pays for Randy's rounds of golf.

[@christakamatsu9304]

Thank you for posting your personal experience. Everyone that is into any sport goes through what you’ve just talked about. Getting over the rough times are what is the hardest thing to do. Like you said keep trying little things until you find the answer. I’ve been there, still there but won’t give up. Video taping is my next “little thing”. Take care Everyone!

[@three7s69]

Thank you brother Raymond!

[@mattklaren3545]

I really needed to hear this today. Through 8 weeks of league my avg is down 20 pins from last year. Getting closer physically and mentally but it has been a rough start.

[@danielperry5582]

Hoping for great improvements im your game

[@danielperry5582]

Sorry in

[@MrThinkImPossible]

Hey I agree with Daniel, hang in there. Keep practicing and most importantly. Make spares.

[@mattklaren3545]

@@danielperry5582 Thank you!

[@mattklaren3545]

@@MrThinkImPossible Thank you!

[@ryanstellato5514]

Been in a pretty bad slump since I shot my first 800 series, this mentally just helps me quite a bit. Something needs to change for my game

[@_s_1_k_]

Thank you JR I needed this

[@larryschlutt7211]

I felt like this for over a month now.. I've been throwing double gutters, and missing spares leaving splits and feeling frustrated. last night I was sitting in between shots thinking I just shot a 127 and now a 154.. suddenly someone threw a bottle cap at me and I loosened up. last game was a 245. suddenly the passion was back and I felt alive again. funny how that happens .

[@Gohanndes1]

take a step back, think what you did that make it at your best, forget the bad things it happens, then step up and you will see it. All comes to paying more attention and stay focused.

[@kennethmcmillan5120]

Great video, I have been through the same issues for different reasons, but you putting yourself out there this way is impressive and I appreciate it. You might never hear from the people who this helps or inspires but there will be many, great job!

[@ashleyhedges8133]

Thanks mate that was very helpful what I like it was was sincere keep up the good work live the dream bowler X

[@josecesares7470]

Thanks Raymond, listen to this the day after ending a tournament that did not went well at all, and having that feeling of quitting, it helped me out to not doing so.I'm just going to take a break, thanks.

[@getsmartpaul]

Hey JR, good encouraging video ! All of us have been there ! But the mental game and small adjustments ( but what ? ha ha ) are needed ! Stay strong !

[@jackiestaton9904]

Well said it's nice to hear from a pro that ruts happen I was starting to think it was me. I will try it and see if it helps. Thanks again

[@mreid08]

I go and bowl myself, reset and forget about the score and everything around me and think it through. I'm going in a few hours to work on 10's and angles which is my weak area and not over throwing. I need this from time to time to get the confidence where I need it.

[@22sojourner]

After quitting bowling 39 years ago to do karate & when my wife died I felt blinded with pain & loneliness. And when the neighbor's kid asked me to go bowling I accepted. I immediately, started bowling 200 games, nobody could believe it, including me. Then the more I bowled the worse I got, & when I bowled a 141 I was ready to quit the 2 leagues I had joined. I went back to the basics of stance, approach, watched a few videos, & within a week I bowled a 701 series. All that just to say, Jay your thoughts on focusing on making some changes to improve are dead on. Thank you.

[@bobk3081]

JR - thanks for the message. I was a 215 average RH player and, because of pain, changed to LH on June 1, 2018. I am my own worst critic and have had some REALLY severe down periods in the past year. Continuing to take lessons, changing little physical things, watching video and practicing differently have all helped. I'm starting to see some faint light in the tunnel - scoring average now in the 170's. Not great or significant, but it feels good to see some results and stop banging on myself. Thanks again for the reminder.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@lewisturner5876]

Thank You for allowing us into your life. So well done.

[@markwkarriker]

Thank you . I needed to hear this!

[@gregschram]

Great advice as always.

[@AragonZZ2]

Thanks JR, needed that. Last week, I played about as worse as I can remember. Even when I was a young teen just starting to bowl, I never played this low... Never had a game with no marks. I just couldn't figure out the lanes. On my first ball in one frame, I set myself up where I'd normally hit the 10 pin, hoping to come in for the strike... Hit 4-7-8 instead... Try another shot, missed my target to the right, ball then stayed on board 37, not coming back. Where that one curved, should at least have come back to hit the 3. Lane broke and new set of lanes helped but that was late in the second of three games. Good thing one of my friends on another team was having same issues or I don't think I'd ever want to go back.

[@michaelfinley9988]

I’ve quit several times over the years, once for 8 years….mainly because I couldn’t stand the smoke….now that doesn’t apply. A couple of times for 2 years each. When I came back I drilled all new equipment. Sometimes just getting a new ball helps.

[@GunStoreViking]

Didn't bowl for 25 years. Right now I am still seeing if my body can hack it. Did pretty well the first two weeks. Last week was BAD.

[@bradfodness8924]

Staying positive is key

[@TraumaER]

I’ve quit multiple times in my life. Mostly it gets boring after awhile averaging 200-210 with very little improvement over time. Every time I return though, my average increases.

[@carljay8226]

You very smart and thanks for sharing. I have thought about hanging up my shoes lately. I have lost my how to bowl mojo. Launch angle and timing is so wrong and I can't fix it

[@383marvin]

Awesome video. I'm trying to come back even with osteoarthritis in my slide ankle. I'm scared to do a full approach still, but using a 1 step is something different. Not pretty at times though it's keeping my spirits and Hope's up that I can get back to normal. Maybe next session I will do something else different. Thanks for the kick in the ass. We all need it sometimes.

[@JamesCFelty3]

My year I did great was in 2016-2017 season. I was averaging around 228 and everything felt great then lost my motivation due to working more and more since it was sametime frame my daughter was born. Problems at home started too soon couldn’t practice as needed.

[@parkerbohnn]

Don't take any time on your approach so you bowl from feel instead of aiming the ball. This will help if you take long stays away from the game.

[@TheDillio187]

yep, end of every April. Then I put my bowling gear downstairs and golf until September.

[@mreid08]

Me too, 34 weeks then the summer off, unless someone needs a sub

[@MartinOcando]

Great stuff. Definitively changing things, ever so slightly, switches your mindset, and maybe you were stuck in some bad move, it dislodges you from that part of your approach that is bugging you.

[@danlorwil083175]

I have not bowled good in over 20 years. I had a good 3 year stretch from 1997-1999 where I was a 200 average bowler. But my game declined so badly. Went down from 190-200 avg to 170s and in recent years, 160s. I do miss it somewhat. But I don't know if I really want to come back. I just don't have the passion anymore. I was sick and tired of bowling bad and not being very competitive anymore. Plus there is only 1 bowling center in Miami left and it is very mediocre center in Bird Bowl. Last bowled in 2013-14.

[@atbsigma]

I appreciate the insight JR! Maybe hat's why I've been actively trying to get better in practice despite thinking I'd be too busy to bowl this year... I guess not...

[@parkerbohnn]

I throw cold water on my face if I'm bowling poorly. Maybe it helps with my eyes. I always bowl better when its cold inside the bowling alley.

[@charlieodom9107]

You seem to read my mind when making videos lately! Currently, I can't even hit my average! I have been struggling with ball speed since I fixed my timing issues.

[@SuperKittenluver]

Late post, but just watched video you posted 3 or 4 days ago. Changing from 5 to 4 step approach, seems to have helped with finishing position, and with the loop in the backswing. Sometimes that is all it takes, just get your self out of your comfort zone. Anyhoo, enjoy your videos, and best of luck in future endeavors.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets. Any relation to Curtis Odom who used to bowl on the PBA tour? He's black if I'm insulting you.

[@charlieodom9107]

@@parkerbohnn no relation, but we have snooker tables in my area, and they are available all over the US to play, but don't expect to see any at a bar. You'll have to visit a billiards room to play on one.

[@brucegilson6187]

Thank you I’m going through that in league bowling I am having trouble with hooking my ball

[@parkerbohnn]

Just watch Bob Vespi bowl on youtube. Note the "elbow snap" for increased revs. He has a double jointed thumb. Now use more reverse pitch in the thumb hole when you get your bowling ball drilled. As you increase the reverse pitch you can use velcro tape the rigid side in the thumb hole. As you increase the reverse pitch you'll be forced to cup your wrist. I remember Robert Lawrence 5/8 of an inch reverse pitch in the thumb hole.

[@golferace2]

Yeah it sucks, I am in the worst slump of my bowling career, seems like I'm struggling just to bowl 170 to 190, when before a 210 was a low game. Pretty embarrassing. It interesting, when you are slumping you never get the trip carries, always blower 7s, wrapped 10s, chopped spares. Then you try to overcompensate. Thats where I'm at, really feel like quitting.

[@clarkydm]

I do this season. I have had the worst 5 week start to league since I came back to the game. I'm carrying a 169 in a league that I finished at 198 last year. It's hurting so much. My other league I'm 183 where I was 198 last year. I'm so frustrated.

[@parkerbohnn]

Playing snooker on the big 6x12 foot tables certainly helps for bowling. Unfortunately America only has pool tables. You can always modify a pool table to narrow the pockets so it looks like snooker table pockets.

[@juggaloryda73ify]

Thanks I just started 3 weeks I suck but tring to get better thanks bud

[@jayvallandingham2406]

If your new to bowling I would suggest that you read a book written by Mark Baker. One of the best books on the fundamentals of bowling that there is.

[@parkerbohnn]

Start with a one step approach and as you get better increase your approach to more steps. A long approach can really louse up a new or novice bowler. Use no side weight when you get your ball drilled if you use a fingertip grip.

[@OrangeLight08]

uh yeah , i feel like quitting my team right now. they're so frikkin serious about winning that it's all that maters. everything is hinged on winning. bowl good everyone is happy .. bowl bad and it's like they just cave in. throw a bad shot and look back and they're draped over the table with their heads down .. needless pressure makes league no fun. how to deal with this other than quiting ?

[@mreid08]

If there bowling for 10 or 20 thousand dollars I can see it but league your getting some of your money back and maybe a trophy. I've bowled against teams like that and they don't last long.

[@oscargarcia2011]

I'm on the same boat. I bowl with my dad in a bowling ball gear summer league and he gets so mad when I start bowling bad. It's so much pressure and there's not even any money on the line. I think I might have to step away and ignore him so I can bowl my best.

[@jamesbigga8843]

For me, I seem to quit bowling every time I start improving - increasing spare % to increasing my payouts. I walked away from the game/sport for many reasons. I either Moved, went to school again to change careers, burnt out, and birth of my child. I'll take a season off or two......BUT, bowling is in my blood and don't think I'll ever walk away permanently. I've seen many great coaches, few are HOF'ers, in my bowling journey and I just love bowling, right next to golf. lol

[@survivingbraindonor]

Challenge accepted!

[@dianepuccio3191]

I am at that point, not the only one struggling, but really disgusted, thank you

[@jamford9999]

went from a 694 (high) 3 game series to a 381(lowest in recorded history) 4 game series. HEEEEEELP!!

[@dalewiederholt573]

When you bowl in places that proprietors dont care in. Pinsetters that dont work, lane men that try to control scores, and cheating in local tourneys, yeah its time to quit.

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Nah .... Losers quit. Never been a loser or a quitter