In one session the bowlers were


asked to repeat shots in a 10-shot cycle. They were instructed to hit the same target path or target line on each shot, keeping their feet in the same spot and their eyes on the same target. We were looking for consistent execution. What was immediately apparent


was that these bowlers didn’t really have a process in place that prepared them to repeat the same shot over and over. And, not surprisingly, the results were inconsistent. It was easy to see that there were a few quick and simple things the bowlers could do to better prepare themselves mentally and physically to repeat shots. That’s where the shot cycle comes


in. The bowlers’ inconsistency stemmed from not preparing them- selves the same way each and every shot. If you don’t prepare yourself the same way each time, why would you expect to get the same result each time? Watch the best professional bowl-


ers. Or the best basketball free throw shooters. Or the top hitters in base- ball. They all use a shot cycle. It begins with the Think Circle. Be-


fore they step on the settee, get to the free throw line or step into the batter’s box they’re starting to focus on the task at hand. Then there is the Pre-Shot Routine,


which is a physical act. For all elite athletes it is a consistent act…picking


Walter Ray Williams Jr.


THE SHOT CYCLE


Keys to successful performance


The Think Circle: Beginning of the shot cycle. Prior to stepping onto the approach, the bowler’s initial decisions regarding the next delivery.


Pre-Shot Routine: The physical act of preparation before each delivery.


Consistency is critical.


Execution: Delivery of the shot, including the gathering of information from the ball’s path on the lane and through the pins.


Reaction: The body and mind’s response to the results of the shot.


Evaluation: Mental processing of what just happened.


The Think Circle: Return to the beginning of the Shot Cycle.


15 USBOWLER SEPTEMBER 2011


up the ball the same way, wiping their brow with their left hand or adjusting their batting gloves and helmet. It is, in every sense, a routine. The third step is the Execution,


the actual delivery of the shot, free throw or swing. We’re not concerned here with the specifics of executing the shot. This is about the process on each side of the shot that will help increase your chances for consistency. The fourth step in the cycle is the


Reaction. We all have a physical re- action to the results. Sometimes it’s elation, sometimes despair. Finally, there is Evaluation, which


is the gathering of information from the shot. And then the cycle immediately


begins all over again. So, how can you develop your own


shot cycle? It’s easy, but realize that it’s not a matter of practicing it as much as understanding the need for a sys- tem in order to prepare you to execute the same shot. Once you recognize the need for a


process, recognize what your process currently entails. Take inventory of your current shot cycle. Write down what you do that makes you feel comfortable setting up a shot. Inven- tory might entail something as simple as what you do when you pick up the bowling ball from the return. Pick it up the same way, with the same hand every time. Do you wipe the ball off with a towel? Do you use a grip sack


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