The Power of Positive Bowling: what separates good bowlers from champions? The strength that lies between the ears - The Coach's Corner

Bowling Digest, Oct, 2003 by John Jowdy

Monacelli is a shining example of the Power of Positive Bowling. During his first two years on tour, he exhibited a powerful strike ball--but little else. His spare game was mediocre at best. He studied other bowlers and became particularly close with Tommy Hudson, a very successful player in the 1970s. He absorbed the necessary experience and knowledge to become a major force on the PBA tour, successfully mastering the art of hand and speed control to cope with varying conditions. His focus and concentration have been the principal ingredients in his 18 titles, 37 300s, Player of the Year honors in 1989, earnings of nearly $2 million, and election into the PBA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Sweden's Karlsson, Europe's dominant star for years, also suffered growing pains in his stint on the PBA tour. Like Monacelli, he persevered and endured the learning processes of the PBA grind and eventually crashed the winners' circle. He retired from the PBA with four national titles.

Mika Koivuniemi, Finland's top player for years, is the lone exception among foreigners to have achieved instant success on the PBA tour. Koivuniemi joined the PBA tour in 1999, when he participated in 11 tournaments and earned $17,160. In 2000, his first full year on tour, he beat Pete Weber 236-235 for the ABC Masters title. On December 9, 2001, he captured the U.S. Open, beating his best friend, Patrick Healey Jr., 247-182.

Koivuniemi has the physical game and, by virtue of a contract with Ebonite, has been the recipient of vast information by his ball representative, Del Ballard Jr., one of the PBA's all-time great stars.

Hundreds of amateurs around the country am the equal of many PBA players in shot execution, yet cannot compete in the professional ranks because they lack the mental strength to cope with the big boys.

Furthermore, America's amateur players have been less than dominating in international competition during the past four or five years. Americans have become weaned on soft conditions, while foreign bowlers train on tougher lanes, practice the men aspects of the game, and are thereby more prepared to cope on neutral, undoctored lanes.

A number of amateurs have tested the PBA's waters, only to return to the greener pastures of the megabucks tournaments and easier pickings in the non-pro ranks. Most megabucks tournaments permit former PBA players to compete, provided they have never earned a title the tour.

And, therein lies the magic ... winning a title. Winning is a blend of proper execution and mental ability. The mental game can divided into several components: knowledge of equipment, reading the lanes, concentration, and self-assurance.

Wichita State University has become a mecca for bowlers who aspire to become professionals. It has been able to attract outstanding talent, but most of the success of the university's program can be attributed to coach Gordon Vadakin, a great bowler in his own right and, more importantly, a master of the psychological facet of the game. Many of his outstanding students--including Rick Steelsmith, Justin Hromek, Lonnie Waliczek, Healey, and Chris Barnes--have graduated to the pros and have credited Vadakin for his expertise in conveying the mental approach bowling.