Women’s league player, Julie Agosta, rolls the ball at Rab’s Country Lanes, a family-run bowling alley operating for decades on Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo)
Bowling is a game of skill, but hand-eye coordination, aim, and strength are not the only skills needed to excel. If you’re wondering how to become a better bowler, don’t forget about the mental game!
At Rab’s Country Lanes, we host a wide range of bowling leagues for adults, teens, and kids, as well as open bowling. Lace up your bowling shoes and join us for the best bowling in Staten Island – and keep these tips in mind.
- Develop a routine – Approaching your turn the same way each time can help get you in your bowling mindset and keep you on track. By re-setting to the same routine each time, you can focus your mental energy on planning your shot. Take a deep breath through your nose and out through your mouth as your final action before taking your shot.
- Visualize your goal – Visualization is a powerful mental tool that can be useful in bowling and many other activities. Imagine the shot you want to make. How fast will the ball roll? Where will it hook? See yourself throwing the ball and hitting the sweet spot for a strike.
- Regulate your emotions – Whether you roll a dud or a strike, one of the most important parts of bowling is to stay calm and steady. This is where your routine comes in! Going through your routine can help you re-set to a state of calm and focus necessary to throw a strike. The panic of a poor shot or excitement of a good shot can destroy your focus, but with a deep breath, a routine, and visualization, you can return to a state of calm.
Of course, practice makes perfect, so be sure to visit Rab’s Country Lanes for open bowling – or consider joining a bowling league to be part of a team and enjoy some friendly competition!
