The Insanity Defense

Slump - a period of poor performance; to sink or fall suddenly and heavily; to decline suddenly and sharply in value.

Let's see: "a period of poor performance" (no-tap tournament average 225 for the most recent four week period of time) - CHECK; "to sink or fall suddenly and heavily" (my scores have dropped drastically) - CHECK; and, "to decline suddenly and sharply in value" (I have not cashed for any money in three weeks) - CHECK. That about sums it up folks. I must officially declare that I am in a "SLUMP." ("No-Tap" rules give you a strike when you get a 9-pin count - hence, you can't get a "tap.")

I am frustrated, disgusted, and my game can't be trusted. I have been trying to find out what I'm doing wrong during my practice sessions; but, I haven't been able to pinpoint it. Then, yesterday, it came to me - the definition of 'insanity," In order to try to find my mistake, I have been going over and over with my same approach and delivery throughout my practice sessions.

Then, yesterday, I said to myself, "self, are you stuck in a rut, here?" And self said, "absolutely!" Took several deep breaths, closed my eyes, and it came to me. Try different styles and see if you can spot the bad habit.

The "Choc-List" goes like this:

1) Try a different approach - if you are a 4-step, try 5 and if you are a 5-step, try a 4, etc. It changes the speed of your approach and delivery. Changing makes you concentrate more on the steps and release, so therefore, your timing.

2) Try extending/shortening your approach. Don't attempt to compensate for how close you'll end up to the foul line. This makes you focus on the length of your steps and the forward and backward alignment of your armswing.

3) Try moving sideways on the approach. Far left or far right. This makes you think more about your lateral armswing and your laying down of the ball on the lane.

4) Try varying your starting ball position. High, middle, low. This makes you aware of your backswing - the height and the arc of it.

You may not have to do all of them. You may find your mistake with the first change. Also, you may think of other variations which might help you better. The point gets back to the "insanity defense."

Anyway, I found my mistake. It was a very simple one. Actually, two little ones; but, the first caused the second. I was drifting to the right further than I usually do (five boards as opposed to three) which caused me to be off balanced at the line.

A Hui Hou!!! (See You Again!!!)
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