EVERY BOWLER eventually comes to realize the importance of the mental aspect of the game, which involves knowledge, concentration and attitude. Indeed, in time, we all appreciate that how much we know, how well we focus on our performance, and how positive our mental approach is toward the game have a great deal to do with the success or failure of our bowling endeavors.

What is less appreciated is the hampering role of tension, in that it can significantly lessen our efforts in all three of these categories. In fact, mental tension can destroy, or limit, effective evaluation, confidence, coordination, stamina and concentration.

To reinforce the point, consider that most bowlers will tell you that bowling eight games in a practice session is "a breeze." On the other hand, many of these same bowlers will tell you that bowling an eight-game block in a tournament "is a taxing and draining experience." The culprit most responsible for this difference is tension.

The Cure for the Malady
Once tension is identified as the malady, it is natural to wonder if there is an effective antidote. The answer, obviously, is the counterpart of tension, relaxation. Indeed, relaxation can resolve tension problems and give a few additional benefits besides. By practicing certain relaxation techniques, you soon learn to: 1) acquire knowledge more efficiently while retaining it longer; 2) develop a sense of self-confidence and well-being; 3) improve your power of concentration; and 4) remain calm in critical situations.

Volumes have been written and disseminated about the art of relaxation, which include a mountain of information pertaining to various means and techniques for its ideal implementation. Which brings to mind the proverb, "Inconsistency is the only thing in which men are consistent." Undeniably, we all have our preferences in approaching this subject. Certainly, my views on how to teach relaxation have undergone changes over the years, although the following tenets and convictions have served me rather well.

I believe that experience dictates much of our ability to relax properly. Experience is defined as the sum of the conflicts an athlete meets in attaining his or her goals. A bowler sets goals, and as these goals are attained (on a day-to-day basis), one gains more experience and, consequently, becomes more confident and relaxed in "the heat of the battle."

Relaxation does not imply that you should adopt an "I don't give a damn!" attitude during bowling competition. A little fear is healthy. It primes you for the contest at hand. In the beginning, this fear is something with which you have to learn to live. In time, you will learn to capitalize on it.

In bowling, there are many "dead periods" when you are waiting your turn to bowl. It is during these time intervals that you begin using your conscious mind unnecessarily, which often leads to a buildup of tension. You start thinking too much and, inevitably, doubt and anxiety make their presence felt. Before you know it, your ideal state of relaxation is out the window.

Successful bowling performance is one that minimizes effort and maximizes efficiency. Thinking otherwise can only be made at the expense of relaxation.

Psychological Ploys to Improve Relaxation
One psychological ploy I've used in recent years to improve relaxation is emphasizing the relationship of the bowler to his or her mental perceptions and the image of what type of conditions with which he or she is confronted. For one thing, this prevents anxiety arising from unwarranted scoring expectations. Rest assured, a 196 game on one given lane condition can be a far better achievement than a 236 game on another.

Because it is often counterproductive to achieving the ideal state of relaxation, bowlers should not be asked to give a 100 percent effort; the best results come from 80 to 90 percent efforts. Here the bowler is under control and much more apt to repeat his or her shots. Remember, when it comes to bowling skill, the ability to repeat represents a major factor. This is difficult to realize when employing uncontrollable efforts. You can demonstrate commendable mental relaxation by stressing control and good balance. This is more than physical balance - you cannot have physical balance unless (and until) you also have emotional and mental balance. Accordingly, you must learn to be efficient without hurrying. Rushing and hurrying lead to mistakes. What a bowler should strive for is a contrived tempo and pace (determined by the lane conditions) that is under control.

Though I stress concentration when instructing, I often use it interchangeably with relaxation. Indeed, one could concentrate so much that at some point it would negatively affect coordination and fluidity. You are never going to perform well without concentration. Nevertheless, its application should never be to the degree that it overrides your optimum state of relaxation.

In the final analysis, the ideal state of relaxation is most dependent on knowledge. Most of our mistakes stem from ignorance. Undeniably, the more you know about the game, the more confident and effective you will be. In turn, this leads to a more relaxed and reassured state of mind.