Developing Your PreShot Routine

If you have not noticed, or have not paid much attention to it, the next time you watch a sporting event, focus on the individual athlete and see if you can pick out their "pre-shot routine." Bar none, every top professional has a certain procedure that they follow, step-by-step, prior to executing their shot or entering the game.

They tend to bounce the ball a certain number of times (tennis serve or basketball free-throw), swing the bat just so before getting into their hitting stance (baseball), take the same amount of practice swings before actually putting the ball (golf), or swing their arms and give a back kick before getting settled into the blocks prior to the starter's gun (track & field). In bowling, I've seen towel folding and unfolding the same way before picking up the ball, stepping on the approach from the same point regardless of where they will actually be lining up, sitting in the same seat between shots, and taking two deep breaths before picking up their ball.

Many of the top coaches in bowling advocate this pre-shot routine for the purposes of focus, concentration, and consistency. Fred Borden, one of the premier teachers in our sport of bowling, has been quoted as saying, "a good start equals a good finish." The greater majority of people already have one even if they are not aware of the steps within their individual PSR.

The next time you are practicing, take a little time to recognize and document yours. Many people are not even aware that they are doing the things that they do because they don't pay attention to it. By paying attention to your every movement, you will find yourself being a little ahead of the people who aren't aware of what they are doing. Your PSR is as individually unique as you are. You will find that it is also fun to watch others and see what they do for their routines. Some of them will seem humorous to you, but rest assured that it will be very serious to that other person

It is best to combine your PSR with your visualization routine so that they both flow smoothly. Taking too long a routine is more detrimental to your game than it will be to others bowling with or against you. Be aware of, and constantly practice your pre-shot routine so that it flows smoothly and routinely each time it is your turn to bowl. The most helpful time, you'll find, is in crucial situations when you must make a strike or spare in order to win the game. It all comes down to "doing things automatically," "being in the zone," and "not having to think."

It really doesn't matter how or what you do, personally. It does matters that you do it every time and are aware of what you are doing. More importantly, you should discipline yourself to do it even when you are in a practice session or just out with your friends for an enjoyable evening of bowling for fun.

Want to have some fun? Now that you will be fully aware of your PSR and visualization routine and now that it is an automatic, natural routine for you; observe your friends and teammates. In the middle of your "friendly competition" to see who will pay for the lineage, ask your friend, "do you notice that your left arm (or right arm) stays lower than most other people I've watched bowl?" Here's another one to ask, "why is it that you do (hesitate between your third and fourth step) during your approach, is that normal for you?"

A Hui Hou!