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Even the best bowlers feel nervous from time to time. Whether it is a club match, a county game, or simply a big moment on the green, nerves can affect your delivery and decision-making.
The key is not to try to get rid of nerves completely, but to learn how to manage them so they do not get in the way of your performance.
Understanding Nerves
Feeling nervous is natural. It is your body’s way of preparing for something important. Your heart might beat faster, your hands may feel shaky or sweaty, or your breathing may become shallow.
Recognising these signs is the first step in controlling them. Instead of seeing nerves as a weakness, think of them as a sign that you care about the game and want to do well. I’d much rather play with a nervous team-mate who cares rather than one who isn’t bothered about the result.
Focus on Your Routine
A consistent pre-shot routine can help calm your mind and body. By doing the same steps before each delivery – such as standing behind the mat, picking your target, and taking a steady breath – you give yourself something familiar to focus on.
This routine becomes a comfort during tense moments and helps block out distractions from the scoreboard, the crowd, or your opponent.
Control Your Breathing
When nerves take over, your breathing often becomes quick and shallow. This makes you feel more tense and unsettled. Taking slow, deep breaths helps you relax and regain control.
Before stepping onto the mat, try breathing in through your nose, holding it for a moment, and then breathing out slowly through your mouth. When I have a big shot to play, if I am up at the head, I will use the walk back to take in some big breaths.
This simple exercise can lower your heart rate and steady your delivery.
Stay in the Present
Many players become nervous because they think too far ahead. They worry about winning or losing, or about what others might think of their performance.
The best way to beat this is to stay in the present moment. Concentrate on the shot in front of you, not the next end or the final score.
By breaking the game down into one delivery at a time, you reduce the pressure and give yourself a better chance to perform well.
Positive Thinking
The way you talk to yourself during a game has a big impact. If you let negative thoughts creep in – such as “I always miss this shot” – your confidence will fall. We are all guilty of this at times, but the sooner you rid your game of tghis the better you will become.
Instead, use positive self-talk. Remind yourself of the times you have played well, or simply tell yourself, “Stay smooth” or “Trust your delivery.” These small phrases help keep your mind in the right place.
Learn from Experience
The more you play in pressured situations, the more comfortable you will become.
At first, nerves may feel overwhelming, but over time you will learn how your body reacts and what calms you down. Think of each competitive game as practice in handling nerves. With every match, you gain experience that makes future games easier to manage.
I remember a Denny Cup game where we were tied overall with just my bowl to come – I managed to draw round our own short wood for a front toucher, but only after a long lonely walk back to the mat with the whole club watching me, whilst I tried to control my breathing.
Rather than get on the mat and bowl, I walked to the table or a sip of water to further compose myself. The previous end I was 8 down and only managed to get 7th bowl, so I did feel as if I owed my team-mates a good one!
Final Thought
Nerves are part of bowls, but they do not have to control you. By focusing on your routine, calming your breathing, staying in the present, and using positive self-talk, you can turn nerves into energy that helps your game.
With practice and experience, you will find that the pressure of competition becomes easier to handle, allowing you to enjoy the challenge of bowls even more.