Hello athletes and parents!! Andrew is back with another post!
If you are reading this post, you are probably competing in a variety of bowling tournaments. I assume that you or your athlete is talented. But we all know talent isn’t distributed equally. Some of us are gifted with excellent hand/eye coordination, while others are gifted with extreme athleticism,… But to compete in bowling (or any sport) at a high level requires talent.
Talent is something gifted to us, but it isn’t something we can control. What do you need to compete aside from your talent? I outlined a few things below that I think are very important in reaching your goals.
Components of success
- Instruction
- Knowledgeable pro shop operator
- Access to reasonably priced equipment
- Bowling mentor
- Access to a practice facility
- Access to sport conditions
- Effort
Rack and stack those as you see fit, but nothing compliments talent like hard work.
I was Mac at 14. I bowled everyday if I could. My grandfather coached me and would let me bowl 20 games a day {Back in those days it was $0.25 a game and you only needed one or two balls). I fell short on talent, but worked harder than everyone else. I managed to put together numerous 300/800s with some scratch tournament wins. But my body will no longer allow me to work hard enough to overcome my limited talent. So much so that I’ve had to switch hands to keep bowling! I’ll do a post on that adventure later on!
Mac has the talent and is the hardest working bowler I’ve ever seen,….Notice I said bowler, not “youth” bowler. Mac busts his tail week in, week out practicing. We have group chats about lane play, equipment, lane conditions, etc. He has a wonderful, supportive family. He gets weekly instruction, has access to a variety of lane conditions, equipment,…He has everything he needs to be successful AND he is putting in the effort.
I have no doubt that Mac will reach his goal of bowling for a quality academic institution with an excellent bowling program.
So, ask yourself…
Parents,
Are you supporting your athlete by cultivating an environment built on success?
Are you seeking out coaching for your talented athlete?
Are you seeking out the most knowledgeable pro shop operator in your area?
Are you building a relationship with a center that cares about the sport of bowling?
Are you being a role model for your athlete?
Athletes,
Are you showing respect and gratitude for those supporting you?
Are you putting in the effort at every tournament?
Are you maintaining a positive attitude?
Are you practicing? Reading? Watching videos?
“Team Mac” has a written plan with 3 month, 6 month, 1 year and long term goals to keep us on track.
An example:
Mac has been eager to learn to loft the ball more,…Which I 100% agree that it’s a tool that needs to be added to his toolbox. But, we are holding off until his growth spurt begins to slow down and we finish rebuilding his mechanics to fit his new larger body. Lofting is in our 1-year plan,…for now. We review the plan quarterly to measure our progress, reorganize our goals and manage expectations.
Our goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time specific), which includes things like “97% single pin conversion rate” or “50% strike percentage." These goals are structured in a way that shows our roadmap to success. It allows us to work as an instructor and athlete to collectively monitor our progress.
In my travels with Mac, I see so many talented athletes. But I can tell which ones have the surrounding support structure of coaching, support, access and effort.
Do you/your athlete have a written plan?
Are your goals more specific that “bowl better?"
What are you working on improving for yourself or your athlete?
I hope this post helps you build a plan to a reach your bowling goals.
Until next time, Andrew
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