Harry commented one morning several years ago, "Gosh, we lost another great one." (The news was all over that day: Ray Charles had died the night before.) As we continued the discussion, one of our younger co-workers said, "Who is Ray Charles?" We had a good laugh over her ignorance; however, I could easily see how, even in this day-and-age of mega-communications, if you are not interested in something, you don't pay attention to it.

I remember reading an interview with a bowling great back in the late-60's. He was asked what his future goals were and one of the things he listed was to put bowling on the media map. He explained that inside the bowling alley, everybody knew who he was; but, when he stepped outside, "no one" knew him from just another guy. People inside are interested about bowling, people outside, not interested.

I spend a lot of time trying to convince my bowling students they should not be so self-conscious about their scores and once they begin to believe that, they start to make progress. Could it be they are worrying more about what other people are thinking of their bowling score rather than just keeping to the basics they've learned?

.My "Choc-List" for improving your scores focuses on not being self-conscious:

1) People are more concerned about their own bowling score. Not sure about that? Ask one of them what they thought of your scores during the night and they won't remember yours, but will be willing to talk about theirs.

2) Just be yourself. Trust that your approach, timing, and release are perfect. The only thing to be concerned with is to hit your mark. Say to yourself, "it's just me and the mark, me and the mark, me and the mark."

3) Execute your pre-shot routine (PSR) to keep your mind focused on your throw. When you watch other sports events, notice how carefully each athlete keeps their concentration pin-pointed at their PSR.

4) Close your eyes and breathe. In through the nose until your stomach is totally filled; then, out through your mouth trying to push the front end of your stomach to touch your back.. Do it three times each time you need to.

"You don't have to be self-conscious about your ability to bowl because, as you can see, you are throwing the ball down the lane and the sky hasn't fallen."

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)