HOW TO REPROGRAM YOUR MENTAL GAME!

Persistence spells TITLE

By Alan Brizee ©  2014, rev. 2020   Author of The Path to Excellence and From Excellence to Success

      Persistence according to Webster is: 1. continuing, especially in the face of opposition. 2. continuing to exist or endure. 3. continually repeated.

      It also means is that you keep going and NEVER QUIT! Persistence isn’t directly related to SUCCESS or EXCELLENCE. That’s because some find success early in their career. Now for the rest of us, we must continue to become better and learn from every experience to become SUCCESSFULl. It really is a four letter word, work. And if you’re not working on your game, I have another word for you, insanity. If you just show up to bowl your three games each week, don’t practice and continue on the same path every week, how can you expect different results? Yes, I just described persistence because you are continuing and you’re competing. But, without practice, are you 100 per cent certain, that you will improve your game and be an asset to your team? About 30 years ago, I bowled in three leagues and never practiced. Why do you need to practice if you’re bowling basically every other day? Most of you will say that it shouldn’t be needed. That is until you get in a slump.

      That’s what I thought, until late October in 1993 when I could only shoot above my average, one of the nine games for the week. This kept up for six weeks, so now you can say, I wasn’t having much fun. And yes, you can call it what it was, a stinking slump. Slumps suck and you’ll live to compete another day. I know that at that time, practice must happen, and I went with a video recorder. I didn’t really notice anything and didn’t seek any help with my physical game. After two practice sessions, my scores didn’t improve, and my teammates were wondering why I wasn’t consistently shooting closer to my average. I went to the bookstore and found a couple of books on the mental game. They showed me the way to peak performance and the inner game. Up until now, bowling was really about having fun and helping my team make the league’s Roll-Offs. After those two books literally woke me up about using your brain to score better, I started my library of mental books. Work smarter, not harder. Some lessons you learn are priceless. I added this story to the original article that was published in Desert Bowler. Another reason to work on your mental game, I was never in another slump. I have had a few weeks of somewhat low scores, but that has been it. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. All this info to help your game and some of you won’t take the extra minutes to find it. This shows my persistence earlier in my career and how I handled it without help from others. But from my career that spans over 50 years, getting the right help is sometimes the best way to improve your results. Persistence along with work and dedication over these 50 years, is one reason why I have achieved many great accomplishments. And yes, it was my mom telling me to never quit before I even threw a bowling ball. Sports is what you want to make of it, even at the local level. Improving your game by even 10 pins a game over last season, could double your enjoyment of bowling.

       Repeating good shots over the 2 days and 18 games helped me take home the hardware, an eagle holding an American flag. I have Roy Tietz and my mom to thank. Roy for the great drill, his suggestion to clean my ball and after my open reminding me to forget about it. Roy also talked me into bowling even though I wasn’t scoring in my two leagues the past two weeks. He said I was throwing the ball well until then. My mom who made the trip from Scottsdale, got to see her 1st 300 and 800 to finish the tournament and my first association title by myself. About 50 years ago, she told to I was not going to quit a golf tournament just because I was tired and had to carry my clubs. That never quit theory has helped me many times over the years. It was what kept me going and why I felt little pressure over the magical marvelous weekend. “Your strong point should be keep fighting until the match is over. It can turn defeats into victories.” “Keep swinging. You’ll never know what your determination will bring.” “Apply K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid. Just repeat good shots when you have a good look.” Speaking of repeating good shots, it’s more than just rolling the ball. You can’t let a few bad breaks affect your game. You can’t throw the ball perfect on every shot, so you must make a commitment to excellence. The following have helped my excellence to become successes. 

      I have to first thank Norm Duke who was at Suzie Meneshaw’s bowling camp in Dallas 6 years ago and was teaching the stance and free swing. Your stance before you make your delivery is also a huge advantage when done right and helped me when I was forced to throw 14 games in the finals. Without a free swing, you’re forcing the ball. Sure you can score, but repeating shots is harder and almost impossible. Norm also taught me the closed stance and it becomes valuable when needed. Norm has coached me 5 different times, the last 3 times at Davis Monthan AFB with Next Level Bowling and I’ve learned something each time which has helped my game. Norm finally taught me what I should have done for too many years and that is the free swing. Letting the ball do all the work is more important these days. Norm and Next Level Bowling has taken my game to the next level. Norm proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks and can actually be better after turning 50. It just took more than once to finally sink in. The last time with Norm, he told me that he spent less time me because of how good I was throwing the ball. He also said that if he doesn’t help me, it will be because he would consider me a pro. I don’t want to throw a normal shot, I just want to be able to throw the ball like Norm. (I included Norm in my dictionary on the website before I won the title.

      I also have to thank Beth Haggerty who was my mental coach for six months and helped me achieve my goal of 800 shooting a stair step 268, 269 and 270 for 807. My 807 was after just two lessons. At least ten chances slipped away before my 800 and after the spare in the 3rd in the final game, I was able to just relax, free my armswing and throw the ball. The 9th fame came and I needed to throw another turkey, one strike at a time for my first sanctioned 800. She got me to keep a journal once again, but this time it was about my mental game during competition. It was to help me focus better during competition and also explore if I lost my focus and why. This helped me two ways, got my head more into the game and noted adjustments made by each ball I threw that night. The lanes change and having a starting point, helps with mental decisions at to what ball to start with, especially when bowling at different centers. After all, adjustments are really part of the metal game. How much and most important, which adjustment is best for the reaction you’re getting? She had a one-on-one while I was bowling league and asked various questions. I was her first athlete that was a bowler and a sport that she had only done a few times before. Live in the moment and great things can happen. What happened in the past is done and can’t be changed and what will happen in the future has to be done one frame at a time.

      I also need to thank Chris Cady who has a visualization hypnosis CD that helps you stay in the moment. It has helped me become a better bowler knowing close games are no different than blowouts. My confidence become greater because of a more structured pre-shot routine. This has helped me handle the pressure better because I’m thinking about executing the shot no matter the score. A good pre-shot routine gets you focused and helps eliminate distractions. What, me worry J? Not anymore. After many years, it’s focus and throw. The challenge ahead will not always be a smooth one. Just enjoy the ride and keep learning.

       I also have to give some credit to James Blackstone, creator of the Precise Bowling Targeting System who put out a video for targeting and I have used his system with amazing results for 6 months. He wants you to use the arrows as your target down the lanes to have a more consistent ball speed. I used the dots before and looking just past the arrows has led to consistent good shots because it helped me with my free swing. It has also helped in making better adjustments when not striking and leaving 10 pins. It has even helped when being on a string to make a slight adjustment to continue throwing strikes.

      And finally thanks to a friend and my driller, Roy Tietz, who at the time, was at Desert Sun Bowlers Shop. Roy has drilled 3 different 300 balls for me over the last 5 seasons. He talked me into a ball last season and suggested a layout that worked. I used the Master Mind ball over the 13 weeks of summer and averaged the league high 230.5 not missing a game. It’s a great feeling be able to show the kids that Norm Duke’s straight up approach works as good today as it did many years ago. He wants to drill up another ball with a different layout and I can’t wait. He knows my game and what works for me. He has also drilled balls for USBC nationals that have kept my 23-year average over 190. He also drilled the Storm HyRoad that I demo’d and won at Norm Duke’s clinic. You’ll read what happened in a couple of paragraphs.

      These five have helped me through the years to achieve my lifelong goal of winning the Masters. I want others to know, that getting the right help when you know you should be scoring better, can make dreams and your goals come true. These experts in different areas of the game shows that the more you know, the better you can be. Bowlers should get help to improve their game in areas that could be improved. Again, thanks to these five for helping achieve a goal that some bowlers will only get close to. I have others that have helped me in the past, but these five experts that I have named have turned my game in the right direction. They also have provided me, with I feel was the most help, more than what others helped me in the past.

       I also need to thank Storm bowling. They truly are the Bowlers Company and I have thrown 5 300’s with their equipment. Norm Duke is a great representative of Storm by giving back by teaching fundamentals to his students and then doing it out on the lanes. I was able to demo the Cherry Red HyRoad Solid when Norm Duke was at the base for his clinic. I threw the first 16, left a 10 pin and put together another 10 strikes before a high hit. 26 out of 27 strikes using a ball that was really wasn’t drilled for me. I have to admit, it was on the same lane, Lane 9 and I was the only bowler for a while on that lane. It showed me that just by hitting your mark with consistent speed, the ball had aggressive hitting power. Near the end of the clinic, they have a bakers team match by drawing tickets to bowl with Norm Duke and Wes Malot that day. Norm asked everyone to guess a number between 0 and 100. I guessed 32 for his number of titles and won a ball. I was able to get the HyRoad delivered to me and Roy drilled it up just like the demo I practiced with. What a great group of occurrences. Norm taught me about closing my stance when I’m playing up the 3 or 4 board. Demo a ball to throw 26 of 27. Win a ball in Norm’s clinic. Use the ball that was drilled exactly like the demo to shoot a 300 game and force a final match when only two bowlers remained. Shot 503 for the final match and an 803 for the final three games to win the Senior Masters. I didn’t have a lucky rabbit’s foot in my pocket for the Masters.

The balls used in these demos are drilled straight up but are hitting the pocket like the original about 5 years ago. This drill keeps the ball at a nice arcing action with strong back end. I was sold on the demo ball and had it drilled up about 6 weeks before the Senior Masters. It was the right reaction for the conditions on both days of the tournament. It did actually take the HighRoad after my 279 game but I made an adjustment left and threw the next 4 in my 4th match of finals.

      You will read and learn that no matter how you throw the ball, being consistent, even with today’s equipment has its own reward. Keeping my head in the game and getting the ball to the pocket showed I was going to give most bowlers a match they would have to earn. There were few bowlers over the weekend that were as consistent at throwing strikes and putting strings on the telescore. There were many bowlers I respected because of their accomplishments, but I felt I had the advantage because of my ball reaction and knowing the lanes. After doing my stats for the weekend, I know I could have even bowled better by more adjustments or bigger adjustments. I do know that other than missing 2 single pins spares for the entire finals, with both in the same game, I did not beat myself.

On Saturday, October 25, 2014, the day of qualifying, I cleaned the two balls that I was going to throw and lightly used a 1000 pad on the spinner. These balls need constant attention so they won’t act like sponges and absorb so much oil. I have made the finals every year but one, but ran into trouble each year for different reasons. I used thumb inserts in the past and had trouble twice with them. Roy talked me into no insert and that was a great suggestion. The ball I threw all 18 games wasn’t my first choice. I was going to use a Brunswick Master Mind that Roy drilled up 5 months ago that helped me average 230.5 for 13 weeks in the summer at Camino Seco. I had a little over under reaction for the first 4 shots in practice. With changing the shot for league from last season, I needed a more consistent reaction. I changed to my HyRoad and moved right 1 and 1. Threw 2 strikes before leaving a 10 pin. My HyRoad was going to be the best road and the only road to the pocket. My focus on qualifying was just to make the finals as 21 bowlers were trying for the 8 spots in the finals. Keep it simple. It’s never about perfection, it’s always about excellence. With these reactive balls, you can just let the ball work by staying under it. And it was all I needed to help me win my first Tucson Metro USBC Senior Masters.

      Qualifying on Saturday is four games, with the top 8 advancing to Sunday. We bowled the high side of the house and the shot was close to the league night conditions. The first game was 10 pin, double, 4 pin, 10 pin and made a small adjustment for a 6 bagger and the highest opening game with 253. I knew I needed at least one good game to secure a finals spot. Bowling league here gave me an advantage over others as I know what balls and adjustments work best. I moved from 31 & 32 to 21 & 22. I threw a strike, 4 pin and off the sheet for 280 and 133 over. I accomplished my goal, halfway through qualifying to make the finals. The next game I left five 10 pins, stayed clean and added 196. Two 10 pins on the left lane and a 9 pin on the right got me a 236 final game for 965 and 2nd high qualifier. No opens and 30 strikes made for a nice qualifying. That gave me an average of 7.5 strikes per game. I averaged better than that during the finals. 12 single pins spares and even picked up the 5-7 split standing 3 and a half boards left. What a great start for the weekend. The 965 was my highest qualifying score in any Masters ever!! What will be in store for the finals?

      They moved the Sunday finals to the low side of the house. For those of you not familiar with the final format, it’s double elimination. That means after you lose your second match, you’re eliminated from the tournament. The low side is the drier side of the house, because the sun hits it during the day, almost as I expected. They almost never bowl the finals on the same side. The finals are about persistence and keeping your head in the game. Keep throwing good shots like yesterday and convert your spares. I was matched up against Mark Lopez and after 2 shots of practice realized they were 3 boards drier than Saturday. Started with a 10 pin before a turkey and another 10 pin while Mark was having trouble finding a look. I had two more doubles to shoot 226 and take a 45 pin lead into the 2ndgame. Three 10 pins on lane 10 and had 236 for 462 to remain in the winners bracket. Believe it or not, I tied Kary Harris for highest opening 2 game set in the finals and we shot exactly the same score and would face him in round 2 of the winner’s bracket.

      I knew I would have to bowl to beat Kary to remain in the winner’s bracket. I started with the first 5 before a 10 pin while Kary I think had the 1st 6 and finished for a 279. Came in light in the 9th and strike 10 pin for 247 and down 31. I knew we still had another game to bowl. Kary had carry issues while I left back-to-back 10’s on the same lane with a 5 bagger going into the 10th frame. Kary could have shut me out with a double but left the door open shooting 203. All I needed was a spare to win the match. I had fast feet and left a 2 4 8. I left part of the bucket in the 1st game of the match and picked it up, but this time the ball snapped a little more and chopped the 2 4 off the 8. That put me in the loser’s bracket, and meant a lot more bowling if I was to win the title. I had a 472 to Kary’s 481. Kary said after the match we would meet again. Roy suggested that I clean my ball after leaving a bucket on the fill shot, and it did pay off in the next match against one of the great bowlers from Tucson.

      My first match in the loser’s bracket was against Hall of Famer Dwight Burns. I was off to a slow start as 6 taps followed a strike with 5 being the 10 pin. I missed a 9 pin in the 5thfame. Then two frames later, missed a 10 pin. Making slight adjustments kept the ball in play but didn’t produce good results until after I missed that 10 pin. I moved 2 boards right with my feet and 2 boards right with my mark. I threw the last 5 for a 204 while Dwight recorded a 245 and led by 41 sticks. I knew I was still throwing good shots with some not quite finishing. The lanes stayed the same for the 2nd game and I took advantage of it delivering the front 9 for a Varipapa 300 and rolling 14 in a row. Dwight had carry issues and had a 217. My sets have improved 10 sticks each match shooting 482. I’m averaging 236 in the finals for the 3 matches.

      With only eight bowling in the finals, you’ll usually will face opponents more than once as you win some matches. I now had to face Mark again and now has had some time to figure out the lanes and had at least one good game. His reaction was better this time around but couldn’t put anything together. That left him in trouble shooting below 200 while I threw the opening 9 for the 2nd time to shoot 279 on a 7 pin. Shooting a 210 would shut him out. He beat me the last game by 12, shooting 237 as I had my first 500 in the finals, a 504 total. Winning that match guaranteed me third placed and my highest finish in any Masters tournament. At this point, winning wasn’t on my mind. There was still a lot of bowling left for whoever won.

      And yes, I was to bowl Kary again after he lost his match with Karl Radman in the final winners bracket match. I had an open from a wash-out and picked up the 7 pin, the first 2 frames. A seven bagger before a 10 pin in the 10th gave me a 34 pin advantage. The next game was the first time that I had to move into the oil. We had bowled 8 games and all matches were on lanes 3 through 10 and I finally moved left. That shows how well the shot stayed for the finals. Left a 4 7 in the first frame on a slightly high hit, a 7 pin, strike and leaving just the 4 hitting high again. Kary would shoot 236 and I threw the next 5 to secure the win. I ended with 247 for 495 on the set. This match guarantees me 2nd place and if I wanted the Championship, I needed to beat Karl twice. And Kary was right, we did meet again.

      Karl was the top qualifier form Saturday and the oldest in the field. I took the time to clean my ball so it would continue to hit the pocket and have the same great reaction that I have been having all day. They put us on a pair not bowled on all day. So I made a 2 and 1 adjustment right as the lanes should have more oil. Three of the first five shots were taps on light hits so I made another 1 and 1 right before a high 9 pin in the 6th. Moved left 1 with just my feet and carried the next 3. I then had a light hit leaving the 7 pin in the 10th and a 217. We had a few lane problems and Karl might have let that get to him as he had a few late opens after having a very early lead. I took a 47 pin edge into the final game of our first match. I’ve bowled 11 games in the finals and have averaged 239 so far with the best to come. Bowling a 200 would almost guarantee another match and set my goal to shoot above 200. I threw about the best 12 shots in any game in my life. This game made the 3rd time a charm today starting with the front nine strikes. It made the 9th time I had a sanctioned 300 and the first in two years. Now we both have lost one match and it was down to a two game match to take home the trophy. My goal was to continue throwing great shots and get my spares. Karl had a Senior Masters title a few years back so he wasn’t going to be a real easy match. Because of the other pairs used quite a bit for the finals, we stayed on the same pair. I felt that if the lanes didn’t break down too much, it probably favored me for the two game total pins.

      The lanes transitioned and I had to move 1 and 1 left after leaving the 4 pin to start the game. Carried the next three before two more high hits and another adjustment left. Since Karl also throws it straight up the boards, he was seeing transition as well. I took a 12 stick lead into the final game after rolling the last 6 for a 257. I started the same way as the first game of the final match with a 4 pin before throwing a 4 bagger. The next 3 frames were a little high and for the first time saw the lanes breaking down but still managed to stay near the pocket and leave easier spares. A turkey helped me secure 246 to Karl’s 227. I recorded a 503 to win the title and an 803 for the final 3 games of the tournament. I gave my mom a hug to help celebrate the victory.

      It was a wild ride to the top but I kept throwing good shots keeping the ball close to the pocket to have more makeable spares. I threw strings of strikes when they were needed and limited my opens in the finals. That’s 15 clean games over two days for someone almost 60 years of age. It’s almost too many games in two days of bowling for someone over 50. I have had physical problems with my left knee but it didn’t bother me over the weekend and was stiff on Monday. To stay more mentally awake, I don’t sit down because I feel that only makes you more tired. Since I knew it could be a long day, I sat down twice between matches to save some energy. At no time did I panic and feel that I wasn’t going to win a match. I’ve been bowling far too long and know it’s never over till the fat lady sings. My only loss was to Kary on a missed spare and I was able to put that behind me and focus on what really mattered, the shot I was about to throw. If I would have let that get to me, there is no way I would have won the tournament.

      Thanks also go to Jeff Segneri who wanted the 360 on my 2nd front 9 but I did it on the perfect game. Also thanks to Dwight Burns, Kary Harris and Roy Tietz who stayed until the end. It’s so nice to have some great bowlers appreciate your accomplishments. I also thank Debbie Caruthers for getting me a Brunswick 300 shirt that day and to Camino Seco Bowl for the shot that held up during the finals and announcing my victory before we bowled league on Wednesday.

      Now for the stats, the whole stats and nothing but the stats  I had only 2 games below a 277 no-tap. 11 at and above 287 no-tap and 7 no-tap 300’s. That shows how well I was around the pocket. I averaged 290 no-tap for the last 6 games and an incredible 287.9 over the 18 games. I had just five opens for a 0.27 opens per game having 15 clean games. As far as strikes go, 30 in qualifying, and at least 14 in every match in the finals. That made for a 7.6 strikes per game average over the entire weekend for the 18. As far as stringing strikes, in qualifying my 280 had the last 10. In my match to come from behind with Dwight, I put together my longest string with 14 for my first Varipapa 300. And I had a strike before my 300 for 13 in a row. On nine other occasions, I had at least a four bagger which makes 12 times I had four in a row. My carry percentage for the 18 games was 73% throwing strikes. My good shots got rewarded with strikes having 3 strikes for every tap to go with only 4 real bad shots in the 203 for the weekend. I left 31 10 pins, 20 other taps and only 11 shots were 8 or less. I missed just 2 single pins, both in the same game for 96% for the weekend. I made 18 adjustments after matches started and made a small adjustment for each match. If you have an average of one adjustment per game, you should have some great scores.

      This article shows the work and dedication I put into my game over the years. My goal to win the Masters has been a goal for too many years. My short term goals were to make the cut on Saturday and continue to make good shots on Sunday. I set my goal for 300 after I carried number 11 and never set a goal of 800 to finish the day. It was only after having a 12 pin lead in the last match did I set my sights on taking the title. I didn’t let winning get in the way of repeating good shots. My persistence to throwing good shots and commitment to excellence are the main reasons that the Senior Masters championship became a reality.

      My persistence is also all over my HUGE HOW TO website when I finally went to a mental game coach. My goal of 800 came shortly after starting a set of lessons. Go after your goals and coaching could help you reach your goals sooner than you expected!

      I hope these pics show what can happen when experience meets opportunity after multiple attempts.

As always, See you in the ZONE!

25 Magic mind setting momentums!

By Alan Brizee © 2024,  Author of The Path to Excellence and From Excellence to Success

      NOTE: I have another article about my success in the 2014 Senior Masters, Persistence spells TITLE! on my huge HOW TO website. It has a different perspective, and I felt I needed to go into more detail with this article to give others a real perspective into WINNING a major title. Reading books and articles on websites about the mental game is NEVER a waste of time. To learn more about what it took for me to become a champion, can only help anyone willing to spend some time learning to know what tips and info I can write about. The more you learn should give you advantages over some of your competition. It is after all your experiences and a good mental game that will keep you competitive. As you read this article to be better prepared for future matches, not every item may be possible. Because of the pandemic, bowling clinics and camps may be few and far between. Sport mental coaches will also be hard to find. I’m not really a mental game coach, but I can offer some great suggestions as you’ll read. Not everything I write on my website will work for everyone. I can say that you should learn a few things about the mental game and hopefully there will be several things you’ll use from this article for your game. 

       It’s been ten years since an unforgettable weekend and it’s time for me to help others who also want to register their names under the success category. Participating in sports isn’t for everyone because life happens, and it isn’t always fair. But for those who can participate, why not get some exercise in playing your sport and also have fun doing it. So you’re having fun and now you want to dream about what could be. All sports have too many dream crushing casualties, as only one can battle to claim the top spot. Just getting into the top 4 won’t happen every time. But this time was definitely different and sharing this magical moment should help many gain knowledge into how to prepare for tournaments. I NEEDED TO TELL THOSE ATHLETES who want to learn, how my marvelous momentum magically materialized, making my mental game, the MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR MY WINNING the Senior Masters. My dream was still alive when there were only two left standing, a past champion who hasn’t lost a match and me. I had to win two matches and believe that this could be my final attempt to claim a small portion of history. This is about what went right as almost everything did, and how you should get prepared for your history altering occasion.

       Once I reached my “50” and can bowl senior events, I looked back at some of those what if situations, and how they “could” have gone right, had I known more about the mental game. Of course I wanted to give all future opportunities, a better than average chance to show others, the “real” me. At 50, injuries, arthritis, eyesight, being physical fit and your mental game will be of concern for almost all senior athletes. One of the few good things about being over the hill is that there are tournaments just for those with grey hair. No bowling against “kids” unless you want to keep challenging yourself. The Tucson USBC Senior Masters is just one of those tournaments. But going against other seniors is still not an easy task, as some are still good athletes which makes them hard to beat. Looking back to ten years ago seems like yesterday. You kids think there isn’t plenty of time for great things to happen, as you get too upset about just leaving a ten pin. Well, I must inform you, that not so friendly things happen to great people, simply because they were involved in something beyond their control. Damage control: That ten pin isn’t the enemy or the end of the world. It’s another pothole you try to avoid and you keep driving. The moment you think too much into any situation, it always seems to undermine what’s happening and can kick you out of “proforming” in the ZONE! Accidents and injuries can be career ending for some, while others have compensated for any misfortunes. So, when you get a chance to do something great, at least you would have read about my champion’s winning wisdom. Knowledge is power and learning at least one thing in this article could get you in the winner’s circle.

       And as you read on, these 18 items got me ready for the 2014 Senior Masters. Most of these 18 essential ideas can be used for most tournament challenges and for league. I have dreamed, worked, believed, competed at a high level and now I’ll write some articles to help others to show my commitment to this great sport. You’ll see that I’ve put in the time, challenged myself to build up my confidence and was more focused because of past failures. I also was bowled well in summer league and bowling good in winter league before the Senior Masters Qualifying. Only when you realize that some tournaments, and almost all major tournament that test your skill on the lanes, will you understand that all your past experiences matter. YOU SHOULD NOW KNOW that the mental game, is really your best teammate 😊. How you get ready for tournaments matter. What you do the day before and on the day of the tournament matters as well. What you focus on during the tournament matters. AND WHAT MATTERS is keeping your tournament routine consistent, keeping your head up so surprises don’t happen and not lose focus when results are less than you expected. NOT ONE TOURNAMENTS STARTS with the first ball for count. Tournaments start a week before you even throw a practice ball the day of the tournament. It starts with at least one practice session, balanced meals and getting quality sleep. Obviously, bowling league can count as practice if league is within a few days of the tournament. Repeating great shots sharpen your physical game, which is why you practice. Everyone who reads this might do things differently. It is whatever works for you. There is almost no one way to do things. Remember that what worked for a few years might not be working when you need it most right now. Your Commitment to Excellence and positive attitude can defeat many opponents and should be the only way you compete. When you spend good money for the entry fee, you need to give yourself the best chance to cash by being prepared to the best of your ability, to produce some great scores. This article is to show how reality can bite you if you’re not fully prepared for competition. Do yourself a favor and keep an open mind when you read. You never know when a good suggestion will come along and actually help your game. Reading my first book, The Path to Excellence, should help you build on your experiences, create a better routine for more positive results and build up your confidence. But isn’t that why you’re reading this article? To find some help for those MUST HAVE situations. Most of my 17 concepts will probably not be new to you but think about how each one can make you a more complete bowler. You could make your own list as experiences affect everyone differently. I can almost guarantee that at least one of my concepts will be an eye opener to you. 

       Practice your bowling? Some bowlers almost never practice, they think they don’t need to. The thing about practice for a tournament like this is that making the finals, you may bowl 10 games on Sunday. Ask yourself if you’re physically ready to throw this many games when you normally throw 3 games in league session. Even the association tournaments with bowling six games for both doubles and singles, can get some people tired before they finish that day. I bowled 14 games on Sunday, and I think I sat down maybe 4 times all day, between sets. Going to the gym can be the best thing in your life. Your legs are the most important muscles other than your brain. Your legs create a solid foundation when you release the ball. They help you with balance, walking in a straight line toward your target, help you generate more power when releasing the ball and MUST be depended on when bowling tournaments where you will bowl eight games or more in a day. When your legs are giving up because you were not expected to bowl as many games, the rest of your game may suffer and end a chance to rise to the occasion. So, before I get into more explanations on why it was my tournament to win, I’ll recap the tournament and have some incredible statistics for that weekend.

       The 2014 Tucson USBC Senior Masters tournament was held at Brunswick, which is now known as Bowlero on Tucson’s east side. It’s a tournament with four games of qualifying and then a cut for the finals, with this year to the top 8 bowlers for a double-elimination match play format. Match play is where you beat your opponent and advance to the next round. It’s very similar to bowling pot games and I applied what I learned in pot games to help me win matches in the finals. I bowled the first squad of Qualifying and averaged 241.2 on games of 253, 280, 196 and 236 for 965 and was the 2ndseed for the finals. Starting with 113 over after two games locked me into the finals that would be held tomorrow. No opens and 30 strikes for the four games helped me shoot a no-tap score of 1153, to average 288 with only four shots not being nine or better. Your qualifying doesn’t always carry into the finals as finals may seem to have a slightly different shot at times. The good thing about bowling a tournament where you bowl league, is that you know the lane characteristics better than those that don’t bowl league in that center.  

       Now the finals on Sunday saw me get off to a slow start before I showed others that they would be in trouble if they bowled against me. (This was not my thinking when I was bowling that day. It’s a recap after the fact. But when you’re bowling well, “proforming” in the Zone, having fun and focused on repeating great shots, your opponents should have trouble beating you.) I started with 462 to beat 406 in my first match, then threw 472 for my only loss to a 481, my 482 beat a 462, my 504 beat a 420, my only sub 500 in the final four matches with 495 beat 450, I shot 517 on games of 217 and 300 when only two bowlers were left standing beating his 405 and my 503 shooting 257 and 246 to secure the championship as he totaled 472. So, as you can see, I was consistently getting better as the day went on. An actual 300, 6 no-tap 300’s of the 14 games, averaging 288 no-tap and finished with an actual 803 was like a dream that came true. I had only five opens for the entire tournament for an impressive 0.27 opens per game average (One open every four games). A bucket in the 10th frame of the 2nd game cost me my only loss as I was 9 pins short. But sometimes things happen for a reason. Since the defeat sent me to the loser’s bracket, I almost thought I was done the very next match. I started with 204 and was down 41 pins until I broke out with a 14 bagger and won that match shooting 278. I did pay him back in three matches, winning by 45 pins. I averaged a super 7.6 strikes per game for the 18 games and a 244.44. There are a few times when everything goes your way, and you hop on that wave and ride it till the end.

       So, with any tournament you enter, you hope to do your best and make the best out of all situations you face. The more positive situations you have, the more confidence you’ll have in making the finals to see more financial success. (Making money and competing to gain experience should be a priority for any tournament.) The Tucson Metro USBC Senior Masters finals is a double elimination match play finals format for the top 16 qualifiers. Once you lose your second match, your tournament is finished. So just making the top 16, should be your first tournament goal. And the following ideas should help you achieve that first goal. All 17 concepts won’t be new to everyone. But knowing how they effectively can help you in tournaments, should be part of your tournament routine. I’ll show in detail why they matter and help you to understand the urgency of each of them. These concepts for amateurs may be slightly different for pros bowling for the big bucks. I didn’t say these 17 ideas won’t help any pro, but pros need to cash to continue out on tour and their priorities weigh a little heavier. But for some pros, it’s cash and run, while for other pros, it will be crash and burn. Remember that the way you think, (just like what I wrote in my last sentence), can help you in situations because of your vast experiences. Developing a routine that is repeatable and done consistently, can outweigh what your opponents will score against you.

       AND NOW, for one the biggest lists to enter tournaments with its 17 reasons, and to show others why you compete: 

       1. MY BIGGEST REASON, NEVER SURENDER, NEVER QUIT. My mom taught me this before I 

               even started bowling. Only when you keep going and are having fun doing it, can

               you reduce the pressure your faced with in competition. Experience shows its 

               harder to beat someone who believes they can win. The sooner you put distance

               between you and your opponent, creates more MUST HAVE situations for your 

               opponent that not all can handle. No matter what is happening in any match,

               YOU MUST keep repeating great shots to keep your competition from catching

               up to you. Only one of my two matches in the finals that I was behind in after one 

               game, was I able to come back to win. I shot a 278 after being behind by 41 pins to

               win by 20. It only takes about four seconds to throw a great shot. Focus is needed 

               until you release the ball. Staying focused is just another reason that helped me 

               win, as I made more correct adjustments than any other bowler this tournament. 

               Making correct adjustments the first time comes from years of experience and 

               knowing the center you’re bowling at. Not all adjustments work the first time

               you make them or even the second time. My never quit integrity should show how

               I respect all opponents as they also want to win and another reason why every 

               ball thrown can change the momentum of the match. I want my opponents to 

               bowl good, so that when I beat them, they will remember it more the next time 

               which will add to the pressure they’re putting on themselves. The pressure of a 

               MUST STRIKE shot shows that your mental game isn’t ready for a major

               tournament and have a few things to still learn.  

       2. Participating with a positive attitude and having fun. Having fun and making

               money is just another way to show others you’re ready for the challenge ahead of

               you. When I watch others compete, it seems that having fun for most, is the 

               missing ingredient. They put more pressure on them when results are less than 

               what they expected. The bowling gods only help those who want to help 

               themselves 😊. Positive attitudes help you trust the adjustments you make and 

               can change the direction of the match you’re in. Positive attitudes are required 

               to see confidence levels rise. Your positive attitude will keep you from panic mode

               when positive results are coming up short. Being positive means, you’ll never give 

               up or surrender! Your attitude can determine what results happen and can get 

               you back quicker to repeating great shots. Most will agree, repeating great shots

               is what bowling is about and why you compete! 

        3. I already wrote a few lines about why you should practice, because it should be a 

               top priority. Maybe two sessions should be in your schedule if you don’t bowl 

               league there. You’ll have to decide how much this tournament means to you 

               should you compete for the win. Most champions take a few weeks to prepare for 

               a major tournament to do what is necessary to be competitive against any 

               opponent. There are two reasons to practice, to work on any change in your

               game and work on your endurance should you make the finals that could be at 

               least ten games. Since I bowled league at the center where the tournament would

               be, I practiced bowling six games as I haven’t bowled six games in the same day 

               for quite some time.

        4. Another tournament is coming, and you don’t have a tournament routine. IF NOT, 

               WHY NOT? If you’re bowling several tournaments each season, why would you not

               have a routine that’s just for tournaments? It could be the thousand-dollar 

               question, because some tournaments pay over a thousand dollars to the top 

               bowlers. I plan my trip with practice sessions, arriving at least one day before I 

               bowl either the tournament or any side event. I look for restaurants with healthier

               options and try to avoid fast food. Heathier foods keep me more energized and

               helps keep me focused during the tournament. There have been two bowlers I 

               know play other sports during the bowling season. One was playing basketball 

               and twisted his ankle to miss three weeks of league. The other was playing first 

               base in softball and was trying to catch a ball thrown to him while looking into the

               sun, which hit him in the face, broke his glasses and he missed several weeks. I 

               know you committed to help your team, but injuries are part of sports, and you 

               have choices to make. Just be careful what you wish for, as you don’t want to

               prepay for a tournament and not be able to bowl.

        5. I got quality sleep for several nights before I bowled in the tournament and the 

               finals on Sunday. It obviously that sleep is important and easier when sleeping in 

               your own bed at home. There are times I sleep great and times where I may get 

               only five hours in and not feel tired. Five hours for several days before bowling

               isn’t really enough sleep for most. When bowling out of town, it’s a crap shoot as

               you’re not sleeping in your own bed. But your routine for tournaments you travel 

               to, should help you as you plan out your trip there and back. It’s hard to

               sleep-walk through a tournament where you were sleep deprived. Bowling tired

               can make rushed decisions for adjustments and not fully focused on your game.

               Sure, some will bowl good when there are tired and say it’s nothing new. But, as

               you get older, it may be a totally different experience like a disaster. Doing

               certain things just make sense, but sometimes you’re not looking at the big 

               picture. Also, when traveling, you want to be able to take in some sights and you 

               may not realize how much time they can consume, until it’s too late.

         6. I realized that going to the gym three times a week is one of the best things to do! 

               It helps keep me young and in shape for competition. The old saying is that you 

               lose muscle if you don’t try to build muscle. I try to walk eight miles every time I go

               as my legs are my foundation and needed for balance. There has been a few 

               times where I slightly lost my balance during my approach, two or three times last

               season. Balance will be more of an issue when I get to 80 and having steady legs 

               also means less chance of a fall, even around the house. 

         7. The better you bowl in qualifying, like the top three, will make you bowl against 

               bowlers just making the finals by several pins and usually an easier path through

               the field for the chance to bowl for the win. Practice could help you avoid bowling

               against the hottest bowlers from qualifying. I put in a little more work, like practice,

               and I could see it paid off to qualify as the number two seed. And it PAID OFF with 

               dividends by winning and averaging 244 for my 18 games. Never underestimate

               what a good practice session can do for your confidence. 

        8. Bowling before both urethane and reactive balls were ever used, has helped me 

               with making correct adjustments and expanded my comfort zone. Experiences 

               has helped me with adjustments and of course, where to play the lanes for

               higher scores. They say good bowlers adjust. Well, good bowlers do adjust, make 

               more correct adjustments when competing and can adjust before disaster 

               happens. A lot of bowlers think too much into the game and adjustments by 

               switching balls as the “new” normal. And then they wonder why the new ball 

               isn’t the answer. Bringing too many balls for a tournament is another misleading 

               idea. A little “fine tuning” for some bowlers is still what works 40 years later. Trust is

               a must, or your game is a bust is what many know to be true. It’s the trust in 

               throwing great shots that leads to consistency. Consistency can be a great thing 

               and helps in making correct adjustments faster than others.  

         9. I made the finals in every Tucson USBC Senior Masters I entered before this 

               tournament. Even when 75% make the finals because of a low turnout, I still had to

               perform well enough to be above the cut line. Making cuts increased my 

               confidence level. Having to prove you’re one of the best to make that first cut, 

               makes you focus on what has to happen as you get closer to the cut. When I 

               started with 253 and 280, I was 133 over and pretty much guaranteed a spot in the 

               finals. Most good bowlers will find a way to have a good start, to put others that 

               entered on notice that they are on their game. Even some good bowlers with a 

               decent mental game can put more pressure on themselves when they know who 

               they are up against you and you are locked in. With my good start, my good

               friend momentum, was now on my side. Momentum continued into the finals and 

               didn’t disappear until I won the tournament.

        10. After two consecutive equipment failures, I’ll finally get to compete knowing that

               those equipment failures can’t happen this time. Experience will decide who wins 

               matches most of the time. Eliminating this negative situation, was due to my 

               experiences and having a solution so it can’t happen again. After eliminating the

               adjustable thumb slugs, I was not going to let equipment failure in the finals 

               happen three years in a row. I changed to a different system after my first 

               equipment failure with the same results. I use ovals now and is the only way to go

               in the future. Experience with some help can be benefits to seeing success in your 

               career. As with any problem, solve them quickly so your focus will be in repeating 

               great shots.

         11. Having a reliable ball driller that knows how to drill layouts that work for your

               game is a plus. Roy Tietz of Rev. Roy’s Pro Shop suggested ovals after my two 

               thumb plug failures. I have NEVER REGRETTED going to ovals. It was a logical

               choice and the only solution to equipment failure. He also suggested a semi 

               fingertip for my ring finger that was chopped off in an accident before I started

               taking bowling seriously, many decades ago. This was due to another bowler who

               had their ball drilled the same way. In total, I have thrown four 300’s with four of 

               the last six balls he drilled for me. He’ll resurface my equipment every month and

               bake the oil out of them every two months, to keep my bowling balls with that out 

               of the box reaction! As a reminder, not all pro shops are the same. Not all pro 

               shops offer lessons, have seen the way you bowl, will drill layouts for the way you 

               bowl and give good advice for certain situations or patterns. It’s up to you as to 

               where you go, and maybe traveling several miles out of the way, will help you

               have equipment where scoring is better, maybe the new normal. If your new 

               equipment isn’t matching the conditions, you can’t expect great thing to happen. 

               Keeping your equipment ready for competition seems to lack for many bowlers. 

               Clean your ball after every session to get most of the oil from it. Spend a little

               money on your ball, so that you ball can make you money!

        12. Some of my best experiences to show others who I was after I started bowling 

               in adult leagues, I got from bowling pot games against some of Tucson’s best 

               bowlers. This was before I knew how valuable the mental game would be. 

               Competing in pressure situations with money on the table and consistently 

               winning will help anyone’s confidence. Bowling pot games has also helped in 

               keeping my head in all matches I have bowled in. Action bowling, as some have 

               called it, can show why some embrace competing against others. But when you 

               go home with more money than you started with, will put competitors on notice 

               that they will have a fight ahead. A fight till the end makes you mentally stronger!

               The win you fought for, makes you financially stronger! In a world of tests, I would 

               get a grade of A- for all the action I’ve seen. After about six months, I was holding

               my own and winning more than half of the time. I also never bowled for more 

               money than I could afford to lose. You need to know your limits so at the end of

               the day, you had fun and didn’t lose your house! When you dream and believe 

               it could happen, is a great time to convince others that they would have to bowl 

               their best to defeat you. In the last ten years or so, there have been little or no 

               action bowling and fewer tournaments to test the waters. Not all leagues have 

               brackets and some that are run are not for all bowlers including seniors. Winning

               a major tournament normally won’t come from just bowling leagues. Weekly

               no-tap tournaments help you gain confidence when making almost every cut.

               You can’t go to the store and buy confidence off a shelf. But you certainly can 

               increase confidence by doing well in weekly tournaments and brackets. Just 

               bowling leagues will keep you in your comfort zone. Bowling tournaments will 

               expand you comfort level. Stress and pressure come from lack of experience or 

               not challenging yourself. 

        13. Having 30 years of experience of having more ups than downs to reflect from.

                Sometimes outcomes determine future contests and athletes need to soak in 

                what they learned, so future events can see positive results. Some say losing 

                makes you mentally stronger, because you’ll work harder to eliminate past 

                mistakes. Losing can cause you to be frustrated and put your brain in a fog to 

                where you don’t know what direction you’re heading. This is why you don’t take

                losing personally. It will happen at times and maybe the worst time. Knowing

                you’re better that an occasional loss should get you back on track sooner than

                later. Bowling has changed over the decades as seniors have seen, but scoring

                the best comes from knowing what works, making correct adjustments, finalizing

                a routine for every situation, making your spares when you don’t strike, 

                consistently hitting the pocket for easier spares, maintaining a positive attitude

                and at the end, it’s all about the big F, having Fun! If you’re not going to have 

                fun, why show up. If you show up and aren’t having fun, what’s up? Not having

                fun can relate to putting too much pressure on yourself doing some situations 

                and not seeing positive results. 

        14. I almost forgot about how well I bowled in the summer league there. I finished 

               a scratch doubles league with my highest average ever in any league averaging

               230 for 52 games. To “beat the kids” to claim high average with a great 230, is 

               worth celebrating. At least three “kids” have averaged 225 before and to beat 

               them for the highest summer average, wasn’t an easy task. While bowling with 

               Ron, we were always near the top of the standings. We ended up in third place

               and had more fun because we were competitive throughout the summer. I shot a

               279 or better every month for the three months of summer, to show my

               determination and Commitment to Excellence. The inspiration from a great 

               summer continued into the Senior Masters held eight weeks after summer league

               ended. The magic that transpired that summer happened because I believed I 

               could show others how valuable the mental game is and didn’t let up at any time.

        15. Bowling on sport as well as challenge patterns, have shown that my game needs

               tweaking for some conditions. But you must remember that no matter the 

               condition, you still have to defeat the lanes to get a check in tournaments. I have 

               bowled in 26 USBC and ABC Open Nationals, where I was averaging 190 for the

               first 24 tournaments. USBC Nationals started to put so much oil on the lanes 

               because of the higher rev rates from some pros and the two handers, that I had 

               trouble getting my ball to hit the pocket consistently. Once you feel like you’re 

               beating your head against a wall, not cashing consistently like I was many years 

               ago, losing money in brackets and not having very much fun, I felt it was time to

               throw in the towel. A year before I won the Senior Masters, I shot a 290 in Tucson’s 

               first sport league at the same center, for the highest game that put me in the 

               record book and getting a sport bowling 11 in a row plaque. 

        16. The Next Level clinic is where I test drove the ball, a Storm HyRoad, that I used to

               win the Seniors Masters. This clinic happened several months before the 

               tournament and it was where I threw the first 16 strikes with it. I have had a few 

               balls that matched the conditions like the HyRoad did, but never with results like I

               did during this clinic. This was the first time Next Level had demo balls to try out 

               and I was glad that I had the chance to be impressed with Storm equipment.

               After the 16, I left a ten pin and threw the next ten for 26 of 27 strikes. I have thrown 

               some demo balls before, but to get these results was just totally amazing. Had I 

               not thrown that 16 bagger, I still may have won the Senior Masters with a different 

               ball. After all, I was averaging 221 in league, but to have a ball that matches the

               condition while repeating great shots, showed me how my confidence and 

               trusting my equipment would help with focusing on every shot and making

               correct adjustments sooner than my opponents.

        17. The Next Level clinic is where I won the ball, because I guessed closest to Norn

               Duke’s number of the eight bowling in the baker’s match at the end of the clinic. 

               That ball I won was drilled by Roy Tietz of Rev Roy’s Pro Shop and I threw it in 

               league the month and a half before I had to bowl the Senior Masters. It was an 

               identical drilling to the demo ball I threw. I noticed that carry with its aggressive 

               cover stock carried out tens better than the ball I normally threw in league. 

               Confidence is always a good thing and having a ball that matches the condition,

               boosted my confidence even higher. It’s easy to trust a ball that you threw 26 of

               27 strikes, averaging over 220 in league, and just had a career summer average 

               of 230.  

        18. Went to Suzie Meneshaw’s bowling camp with Norm Duke, John Janowitz and 

                 Dr. Dean Hinitz as coaches. They taught me several things that helped my game.

               Ball in hand and hand in ball is just one example of Norm’s game. If something 

               new makes sense and a great bowler introduces it, I had to at least explore 

               another opportunity to learn if it would help me in the future. I have been to

               several clinics before, but Suzie’s weekend camp was unique and what I learned,

               has helped me stay competitive and has helped me throw a few more 300

               games. Her camp had some great coaches giving great tips and info for the 

               campers. John has been bowling super on the PBA senior tour and Dean wrote a

               book on the mental game for bowlers. Most one-day clinics were almost a waste

               of money, as they didn’t provide adequate solutions for the few problems I was

               having when I went to the clinic.

        19. The Senior Masters tournament was at the center where I was averaging over

                 220 in league. The momentum of bowling well in league did carry over to the 

               tournament, because of expanding my good mental game. There were times I 

               struck instead of leaving a 10 pin, (because I’m right-handed), was due to 30

               years of experience and having two ball that matched up well for the conditions.

               Those little adjustments that I know will need to be made, come down to knowing

               what adjustments will work and just repeating another great shot.

        20. I went online to visit several mental game websites, after having Beth show me 

                why the mental games has many advantages. I wanted to hear from others to 

                reinforce what I already learned from Beth. Most want money for online courses

                and the courses I took, helped raise my confidence level. With confidence, you 

                can bowl well and many times, that will be enough to win matches. With 

                confidence, you know that if it happens even one time, it can and usually will 

                happen that second time. It’s easier to focus because of your experience in the

                past. Don’t discount learning as it’s the only way to get better. Knowledge is 

                power is used in the right way. 

          21. Chris Cady had some CD’s specifically for mental game bowling and helped me

                consistently shoot higher scores before I saw Beth. But he only took my game so

                far and I knew there was still something missing in my game.

          22. PBTS is a targeting system about 15 years ago and did get me thinking about 

                 making correct adjustments. He was supposed to come and give a seminar on

                 his system but cancelled about three weeks out. His system was to help bowlers

                 that were below 200, more than above 200. It has a chart to get lined in for the 

                 ever-changing break point. Since I was already a decent bowler at adjusting, I 

                 thought it would help when bowling tournaments to get lined in during practice

                 sooner. As everyone now knows, sport patterns with more oil should transition 

                 sooner with usually a ball change. What I didn’t understand is how the chart 

                 determines how much to adjust when changing balls as drilling determines

                 skid, flip with early to late hook.

          23. I kept a bowling log to track the adjustments I made. When I went back to a pair

                 I bowled on, I would refer to it as not all lanes with fresh oil would have exactly

                 the same starting point. When I shot a 280 the second game of qualifying, I

                 made two adjustments on the left lane and one adjustment on the right lane.

                 The two games I didn’t have to adjust, were my 16th game of the tournament

                 and the 12th game of the final on Sunday, when I shot a perfect game of 300 to 

                 force a second match against the bowler who just lost his first match, and the 

                 final game to secure the trophy.

          24. My desire to improve was the reason why I searched for more help and for some

                 professional advice. This is where I found my mental coach Beth, that taught me

                 how to Commit to  Excellence. She helped me other factors, including how to 

                 relax, focus only on what matters, always bringing a positive attitude with you, 

                 keeping the pressure on your opponent by repeating great shots, expanding my

                 awareness, not making any moment in any tournament bigger than it should be,

                 always have fun when competing and taping into my past experiences to trust 

                 my game when competing. My commitment will show that I accept all results, 

                 obtain knowledge during competition, keep a positive attitude at a high level 

                 during the entire match, respect my opponent as they also want to win, know 

                 that breaks wil happen, both good and bad, and trust my game. Those MUST

                 HAVE situations which I demonstrated during the 18 games I bowled, speaks 

                 volumes about how well I was prepared for the Senior Masters tournament.

          25. This was the FIRST TIME MY MOM WATCHED ME BOWL since junior leagues and I

                 wanted to show her that the work I put in and her motivation and direction early 

                 in my life, have paid off. I would say that my mom didn’t influence any match in 

                 the finals, but her inspiration by just being there kept me focused. She was happy

                 to see me do something I loved, and she was the reason why I wanted to show

                 others her inspiration for my accomplishments. My mom would pass away six

                 months later to remind me that life may not be fair to everyone and to take

                 advantage of all situations. Every opportunity gives me a chance to show others,

                 the bowler I am. 

           As you just read, there were 25 different reasons why I won this major tournament. I did a lot searching and finding to help me improve during competition. These 25 items show that you should take advantage of as many opportunities as you can when they’re offered as you never know if they’ll be offered again. I think I took advantage of more events than many others have, and now I have a major title that backs up why I expanded my bowling game. I think anyone reading would have thought that there would be maybe at best, ten reasons why, not the 25 I’ve listed. This clearly shows how your experiences, lessons, clinics, routines, repeating great shots and what you learn from them, WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE later in your career. The following summary should make it clear that I had the tools to triumph in this year’s tournament. It should also be clear that these special moments don’t happen every month and I’ve always tried to do my best. How your mental game responds will depend on how you prepare for future fights by using a solid tournament routine and focused for action. 

         This was my GO WITH THE FLOW TO WIN SOME DOUGH moment. To sum up the weekend, I've added these 12 MUST DO major concepts, to represent the 12 strikes shooting a 300, which I did in the semi-finals, as why I finally did win:

          1. I was just having FUN, as it was another chance to show who I was. 

          2. I was fully FOCUSED during qualifying and on every match in the finals.

          3. I was competing in the ZONE. 

          4. I BELIEVED I could win each match.

          5. I WATCHED my opponents ball reaction, so I would know when the lanes were 

                 transitioning, so correct adjustments COULD HAPPEN while I was still repeating 

                     GREAT shots and being able to carry strikes as I hit the pocket on 96% of my 

                 throws. (I made 3 adjustments shooting 280 and a total of 17 for the 18 games

                 I bowled.)

           6. I made the correct ADJUSTMENTS faster than my opponents. (Just 5 opens, all in

                 the finals. I averaged 7.7 strikes per game. A 285 no tap average for 18 games.)

           7. I kept FIGHTING till the end.

           8. I didn’t CHANGE my thoughts, when it came down to me and a past champion. 

                 (Why change anything that's working!)

           9. I relied on my GREAT MENTAL GAME to get and stay ahead in all but one of my

                  matches in the finals.

           10. I adapted to all changes and realized that change can be good, if you believe

                  you’re going in the right direction.

            11. Some tournaments are won before the tournaments start. It’s the PREPARATION

                       and consistent routines that can influence outcomes of the future. The quality

                  of coaching, both physical and mental, have been huge in my achieving many

                  GREAT things in bowling. GREAT things can and will happen with a GREAT mental

                  game and competing to have fun by letting the results speak for themself.

            12. AND I DIDN’T BEAT MYSELF, because I wasn’t worried about winning the 

                  tournament until I was the last bowler standing in the loser’s bracket. Losing in 

                  the second round was actually a good thing. It helped me stay focused the rest 

                  of the tournament. Bowling two matches against three different bowlers where

                  I won the final match, shows I didn’t quit. Bowling GREAT over this five-month

                  span doesn’t happen often enough. 

      This was at a time where I proved that I was one of the best amateurs throwing a bowling ball at that time and proud of the way I put up numbers that only a few have ever done. Things you’ve worked for can help you over time, and ONLY AFTER you realize that the mental game CAN MAKE DREAMS HAPPEN, can you begin to start showing others that YOUR Commitment to Excellence can conquer many situations. When you can recall special moments like this, it can seem like it happened yesterday. Keeping an open mind early in your career will teach you to never take anything for granted and help keep your mind sharp for all competition. As an added note, my victory was the last Tucson Senior Masters tournament on a house shot, all future Senior Masters have been on sport conditions. 

      And a final note, I stopped bowling on most sport shot conditions as my game, and now my health, isn’t geared for most patterns, as I’m not a rev dominate bowler. Some Challenge patterns are easier with some being like sport patterns, but most seniors shouldn’t be bowling senior tournaments on sport conditions as injuries, health and arthritis have affected seniors differently as aged. We also didn’t grow up able to bowl on either challenge or sport conditions as they didn’t exist when we were in our prime. Whatever the future brings, I’ll continue to bowl leagues on house shots and enjoy competing.

     I’ve included a Facebook post I made about a recent Senior Masters tournament and comments to my post. (It's the next article on this webpage.) Bowlers and people making judgements who don’t know the whole story, is one reason why I don’t post much. What they said and didn’t say by their ha ha’s, made me take the time to show their flawed reasoning for my post. I lived an exciting sports life by everything I accomplished in bowling and now golf, and what I learned in the process help me win over 20 league championships, a TBA City Doubles title, shooting 13 300 games in tournaments and league, an 800 series, many individual tournament wins and top five finishes, winning $10,000 in 26 USBC nationals and side events, and my one major, and winning the 2014 Senior Masters averaging 244 for all 18 games I bowled. I’m very proud to be able to share why that what I learned, has shown others I’m not an easy target. I hope this article will wake some people up to reality as not everyone can compete at a higher level, unless they start to put in some work to make improvements.

As always, See you in the ZONE!

Seniors shouldn't bowl on a no shot condition! At least I offered an opinion to increase entries and never heard back from the association.

No shot Masters tournament

By Alan Brizee ©2024,  Author of The Path to Excellence and From Excellence to Success

      First off, congrats David on winning and Dwight on forcing a second set to finish second. This is about my comment made on Facebook about this year’s Tucson Metro USBC’s Senior Masters tournament and several commenting on why I commented. Because they didn’t think that a past Senior Masters Champion, couldn’t offer a real change to help grow entries, I had to defend why someone over 65 including me, don’t enter Senior Masters anymore. I’m not alone in what I believe as others I talked to have expressed similar opinions including this year. I was the last bowler to win on a house shot at Brunswick (now Bowlero) averaging 244 for 18 games. After my win, the Metro has put down PBA and sport patterns since. This year was the worst as far as scoring and when seniors and super seniors have trouble even shooting a 190 game, someone had to state the obvious. Most seniors grew up on plastic balls and house shots that rewarded bowlers when they repeated great shots. I was able to view the finals as Metro president posted live video of just the final two matches. The last two bowlers standing, David and Dwight are Hall of Famers, and no 200 in their four games. They had trouble repeating good shots and carried Brooklyn on occasions. Bowling is supposed to be a game of skill, but to put seniors through a torcher test at their age doesn’t quite sit right with me. Many feel that the shot should be tough. Metro could use a modified house shot. Metro could use a challenge pattern instead of sport patterns. Metro also raised the entry fee to $100 a few years ago so whoever won would receive a decent check. I bowled in the Senior Masters to go after the title, not the money because of the few entries each and every year. It seems that bowling on these sport patterns hasn’t increased entries and after this tournament, have already turned a bowler from bowling in future events if the sport patterns continue and others may feel the same way. This tournaments is now for bowlers who have turned 50, instead of 55 when I was first able to bowl. It’s not just lane conditions that will keep some away. Not one that made comments towards me, acknowledged that seniors could have physical, health or monetary problems. Most seniors never competed on patterns with almost no shot to the pocket for most of their career. 

      In my defense of not wanting to see sport shots for seniors, specifically the Senior Masters, I understand that Metro wants a tougher shot than house shots for a major tournament. But why have a sport pattern? There are 200 patterns to choose from and this year, there was almost no shot to the pocket to be able to repeat good shots. Bowling is supposed to be a game of skill and the pattern they just bowled on, was who stayed out of trouble or got a break to win, instead of repeating “good” shots. Seniors that averaged 210 on house shots were lucky if they even shot one 190 game for this tournament. Even David and Dwight, couldn’t shoot a 200 out of eight games in the last two matches. Both have booked an average of 220 before. Both crossed over brooklyn several times in the four games to show how difficult the shot was and why these conditions shouldn’t help increase entries in the future. I have bowled on challenge patterns that have been tough, but at least several bowlers will find a shot to the pocket and shoot low 200 games. AND NOW FOR THE REALITY OF BEING A SENIOR. Some seniors will have health problems that may affect their bowling high scores consistently. Some seniors with priorities, have limited income and must decide after paying the $100 entry fee, will they have enough to buy food for the rest of the month or for an emergency. One bowler that bowled this year, told me he is done bowling Senior Masters unless Tucson Metro changes it concept of having no consistent shot to the pocket. I know it’s not fun spending $100 to average under 170, when you averaged 220 in league. I decided to add this to my massive HOW TO website, so Tucson Metro and other associations can get more interest from more bowlers. If associations want to increase entries, why not conduct a poll from some of the past champions and good bowlers as what they would like to see happen. 

      To whom it may concern: I made a comment to a post of Tucson bowling’s Facebook page about who made the cut to the top 12 in the Senior Masters. “If you keep using sport patterns for Senior Masters and see only 2 average 200, you may not have 12 bowlers bowl next season. This is the reason I stopped bowling Senior Masters.” I had several comments about my post. To those who commented, you don’t personally know me and I’m pretty sure that maybe only one of you, might be a senior bowler. You don’t know how many injuries I’ve encountered over the years, having a slight handicap, the health problems I’m having right now, my financial situation and what my results on sport patterns were over the last four months.

       Some of you know that getting seniors to show up for the Senior Masters tournament isn’t easy and their comments about my comment is the reason why I’m responding and putting this online to help other associations consider changes that may help grow entries. You shouldn’t dismiss anything I write as I have bowled eight Senior Masters and seen entries increase just slightly even after allowing 50 plus bowlers to participate instead of 55. I had to wait an additional 5 years over several bowlers who are now bowling as a senior since the age requirement was changed trying to more seniors interested. The sport shot conditions that Metro want seniors to bowl on isn’t bringing in more entries and seeing only two bowlers average 200 isn’t going to bring in more bowlers, in my opinion. The Metro demands a $100 entry fee for seniors as this may also keep more from returning as some are on fixed incomes and the money isn’t the reason why I competed in the past. 

      Another thing is that Tucson Metro has NEVER asked why certain previous champions don’t bowl the Senior Masters anymore. Input from bowlers could create a better run tournament and show they welcome help to draw more entries. What keeps some bowlers from showing up, could be their health, lane conditions and maybe the $100 entry fee. I know that my comments will probably never be addressed and that’s the way it might be. After seeing the lowest scoring tournament ever, I had to comment so maybe, Tucson Metro could change and see more entries in the future.

     Matt commented “Imagine wanting to be called a masters champion and complaining that the shot is too hard to not even compete. The hypocrisy is astounding.” Matt, it’s easier to judge others when you don’t know the whole story Matt.

      1st of all: To let you know, I won the 2014 Tucson Metro USBC Senior Masters averaging

             244 for 18 games at Brunswick. Of course it’s on the house shot. I averaged 244 

             because I WAS THROWING THE BALL GREAT ALL WEEKEND! Isn’t that what bowling 

             should be? It shouldn’t be who can bowl the best in the parking lot. Even if I 

             wouldn’t have won, I would have been glad that I repeated great shots every

             game. I had only one game below 200 leaving four 10 pins the third game of 

             qualifying after a 542 start. If bowling is supposed to be a skill, you need to repeat 

             good shots. If you‘re can’t repeat good shots, why even have oil on the lanes or 

             bowl on a reverse block? Most seniors grew up on plastic balls and the skill to 

             repeat great shots is how you won tournaments. With some sport shots that won’t 

             happen, as that is what happened last weekend. 

         2nd: I as a super senior, even wonder why Tucson Metro uses sport patterns at all 

              for senior tournaments. To qualify for the top 12, bowlers had to average 172. Is 

              averaging 172 showing who the best bowler in the tournament is? Paying $100 and

              struggle to even throw a turkey, probably will keep some bowlers from showing up 

              every year. One already said he’s done bowling. Of course, no matter the shot, 

              some will always show up. Since I have some health concerns and as long as

              sport patterns are used, I won’t be bowling. 

          3rd: I NEVER SAID THAT I WANTED A WIDE OPEN HOUSE SHOT like in 2014 when I won 

               the Senior Masters. Most of us seniors grew up on plastic balls on a house shot. 

               We didn’t grow up on sport patterns like the 50 and under bowlers these days. 

               There are challenge patterns that are tough, but usually good bowlers can score

               and at least feel good that they were competitive. To average 171 and miss by a 

               few pins for the finals isn’t going to excite bowlers after they feel like they

               donated $100 and averaged 30 pins below their average. As a competitor, I just 

               want a chance to bowl decent and fell like I have a realistic shot at cashing first, 

               then possibly winning. Most bowlers that tried to qualify, have averaged 210 or 

               better at some time in their career. To average under 180 and where 190 is

               actually a great game, is more about who can get breaks just to throw a double 

               and not about who threw the ball better for the weekend. David who won,

               had a huge break after his 129 to come back with 224 to tie for 11th and make the 

               finals. There were only seven 200’s by the top 12 in qualifying. For those that didn’t 

               know, I held the TBA record for highest sport pattern game with 290 on the first 

               sports pattern league in Tucson.

       4th: I’m not going to spend close to $350 to buy balls that I need for one pattern and

               probably not use it for next year’s tournament when there will be a different shot. 

               Sport shots have a lot more oil and I’m at a slight disadvantage with more oil. 

               That doesn’t mean that I won’t bowl on sport shots. In the last 4 months, I bowled 

               on four sport shot tournaments, all at Cactus with the finals for Fiesta, also being 

               at Cactus and cashed in three. The tournament I didn’t cash in, was due to

               not having enough equipment and those who did cash used urethane. I did finally

               throw a 200 my last game after the lanes opened up a bit. I also averaged over 

               190 for 24 ABC and USBC nationals and cashed for over $11,000, including brackets

               and side tournaments. So I have bowled good and really bad on sport patterns. 

         AND 5th: I do have a few health problems since after all, I’m over 65 and still average 

               at or above 200 in league. Knees, feet and back are not 100% and won’t ever be 

                100% now. I wear a knee brace when I bowl. I have floaters in my eyes that can 

                cause me to miss my target at times.

       Justin replied, “Haha. You spin the ball up the ten board no matter what the shot is.” Justin, I guess you didn’t know I had an injury to my bowling hand before I even started bowling. In juniors, I was suit casing the ball which helped me consistently hit the pocket. Read my comment for Matt so that judging someone won’t make your head spin, it might open your mind and become a better bowler. Having a lower rev rate has helped made me win a lot of money over my 40 years because I lave easier spares to pick up!

       Billy replied, “Hahahahahahahahagagahahahahahahahahahagahahahahahahaaha” to Justin’s comment. Billy, someone who’s in the PR business by running a pro shop shouldn’t be laughing at potential customers for the future and should limit social media for more positive comments to help grow the great sport of bowling! Read my comments for Matt and Justin and know, I’m fine at how I thrown the ball for many years and achieved success everywhere I’ve bowled that many, WISHED THEY COULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED HALF MUCH AS I HAVE DONE, with my limited rev rate! 

       Kari, replied with, “so you want it easy. Then next your gonna want handicap. Then you’re not shooting a Masters, either standard or senior. Congratulations to our 12 qualifiers.” Kari, ever since I averaged over 190, 30 years ago, I have bowled scratch. I NEVER SAID I WANTED IT EASY. It’s only about conditions for the Senior Masters and why they have to be so tough. Why entries are low and some seniors are not bowling, including me, is a sign that maybe changes could increase interest. See my comments to Matt so you can realize you jumped too soon at a conclusion.

       Alonso who gave a thumbs up and added a clapping video. Alonso, read my comments to Matt, so you know that your actions could affect how others will see who you are!

        And my final NOTE: If you’re not having fun bowling, why would you continue? Not even David or Dwight seem to have fun in their final two matches, David maybe a little more after he won. At this point in my life, I still have fun competing in league on house shots with the few health issues I do have. You should check out my website, www.statsplusbowl.com and maybe you might actually learn a few things about your bowling and not judge others without knowing the full story! And these comments are in an article on my website.

     Only when you get to be a senior, will you understand that many things you did earlier in life, may have to change and maybe a struggle when you turn 50. Getting old isn’t for sissies as they say. Some days are great while others bring on aches and pain. But it’s league night and you still show up being only 90% because your team needs you. You may not bowl your best, but you give it your best by shooting just your average and the team wins six of the eight points. But to have bowlers who aren’t seniors, comment on why seniors are not bowling and not knowing the full story isn’t going to grow the sport of bowling! I have now told my story and hopefully other seniors won’t be judged too quickly.

As always, See you in the ZONE!