First, a little exercise using your imagination… .
You are engrossed in a romantic situation. Things are about to happen when, just at a crucial moment, the little dog that usually sleeps in the lounge suddenly pops its cold, wet little nose onto the area of one of the participants anatomy that has the same name as the seventh planet from the sun.
Now, this brief but startling encounter can cause a few catastrophic things to happen. For example – an almighty scream of shock, a face-plant into the head board, eyes like saucers, an expulsion of gas…well, the list is endless really. But, it would definitely kill a passionate moment stone dead. And all because of one happy little dog’s normal way of greeting its own species. (and yes, your little dog really does consider itself part of the human family as well.)
The big question, next, is – what, exactly does this have to do with bowls? Well, quite a bit really. No, little dogs are not allowed on the rink so there will be no greeting of that kind. And, of course, bowlers have always been suitably clad when on the rink. The rules are quite strict about clothing even though they have become a little more relaxed over the last few years. Colours, polo shirts for ladies etc – lovely to see really. But I digress…
The point I am wanting to make is this. A bowler, like a golfer or cricketer or whatever has a set up before they deliver their bowl. They may stand and polish their bowl for a moment before stepping onto the mat. They may call out to their skip for a foot to be placed beside the jack. The placement of their feet on the mat is important as is the delivery of the bowl and the routine is generally the same for each delivery.
However, things can happen – such as a sudden loud noise. This can cause the bowler to release the bowl before they had intended. It may cause them to lurch forward and stumble or drop the bowl. A variety of things can happen so it is important to have a plan as part of your set up so that nothing fazes the bowler during their turn.
I would suggest something simple such as counting. Eg:- One, two, three, four…or however many numbers you need to see you through from beginning to end. If you focus on the counting so that it is ingrained, then you will never notice a distraction – and you may well get the winning shot plus it could save you from smashing your face on the head board.
