How To Handle Bowling Nerves

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 7/2/16;  Updated: 3/10/2022

Knowing how to handle bowling nerves affects any bowler of any skill or experience level.

Your brain is the key, regardless of your average or general abilities, to improved bowling performances and to overcoming anxiety or fear of competition.

Here a a few simple but time-tested principles to improve your ability in handling your bowling nerves.

*Think about a good start to your approach and then a good finish and in between, focus on your sight target on the lane.

*Focus on making one good bowling delivery at a time. Don’t get ahead of yourself or frustrated with something which has already happened. Remain in the present and think about making one good delivery.

*Keep your tempo consistent relating to your swing and footwork.

*Hold your form and balance at the foul line after releasing the bowling ball. Balance during and after the critical release of the ball is vital to accuracy when bowling in competition.

*Make your alignment and adjustment decisions before stepping onto the approach.

Keep it simple. Success comes from developing good physical game fundamentals during your practice sessions and then trusting them in competition.



Your brain controls your physical motion. Allow yourself to rely and trust in the messages your brain sends to your body regardless how nervous you might feel.

Nerves can work to your advantage in that it can be converted to additional reserve energy needed to make good shots when you are bowling in leagues and tournaments.

Take a couple of deep breaths and exhale slowly, step onto the approach with your commitment in playing the lanes firmly in mind, make a good start to your approach, keep a sharp eye on your target, and hold your form at the foul line.

These simple tips will help you produce positive results in competition.