Attitude, Control, Accuracy, Consistency

People sometimes get caught up in the impressive "power bowler" style. You know what I mean, the impressive hook and mixing up of pins when they hit the pocket; the extreme amount of revolutions (revs) and high ball speed going down the lanes. That's why you see so many younger and beginning bowlers trying to copy the fanciful styles. The physical gyrations they go through can cause me pain just by watching them.

People also sometimes get caught up in their own style of bowling. Again, you know what I mean, they are a high average bowler so they believe that to be a successful bowler, people have to bowl like they do. Naturally, if they teach someone, it is merely to create a clone of their own style of bowling.

But, take a look around and you'll see that everybody has their own style and there are varying degrees of success for each and every one of them. What this has to tell you is that there is no one particular style of bowling which is more successful than another.

The basic tenet of a good coach is to know and understand that everyone cannot learn in the same manner. Physical abilities and mental attitudes are just two of the many characteristics that will make a student different from others. There cannot be a "one-size-fits-all" coaching style.

The four basic fundamentals or any bowler, regardless of their individual styles are what make up this article's "Choc-List:"

1) Attitude - your thinking, mind-set, feelings, and thoughts are positive and forward-looking. No negativity - your outlook is always, for the most part, optimistic.

2) Control - of yourself, of your approach, of your bowling ball and everything surrounding your demeanor. You keep your emotions in check and you handle all situations with a level-headed look. You are in command of your every move.

3) Accuracy - you can hit whatever mark, board, or line you are aiming for. You are a fine-tuned athlete and execute all your functions with precision. As opposed to the current spate of bowlers who just throw for an "area," you are able to hit single boards at will.

4) Consistency - you perform with steadiness and reliability at all times. You pick up your spares at a high percentage rate and you are able to throw strings of strikes with regularity. You don't have to think all the time about the mechanics of your game.

To be a great bowler, you do not have to copy the way other bowlers throw their ball; what you need to copy is their "Ack-Ack;" (A-C-A-C) - Attitude, Control, Accuracy, and Consistency.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)