Good luck rituals and superstitions

[Chase]

I was reading up on one of the better female bowlers… and when I read her profile, she said that she always has to have coins in her pocket when she bowls…for good luck. And I said to myself, “hey, I’m not the only one with crazy little things I do while bowling”…lol. I actually have a few things I do; I have to have either a coin in my pocket or folded money; and when it’s my time to bowl in league, I never like to walk by another bowler…with them passing me on my left side….(i know...crazy...lol).

For example, Michael Jordan wore his blue N. Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform for good luck. And I know a few bowlers that will NEVER take their turn to bowl if someone has a “split” on the next lane.

So – do any of you have little superstitions or routines that you do before or when you are bowling? …Things like carrying coins in your pockets, a lucky shirt, or pants, towel...or wearing a necklace or bracelet...or whatever... for good luck?

[sheldon cohen]

i think if someone is depending on luck to bowl dont bowl bowling is a game of skill and angles my friend gregg black jr is skilled thats why he is so good if you are waiting on luck play the lottery my luck is not good ask the irs

[Wayne Gibson]

Have no superstitions but have some habits. Maybe a bit OCD. Always put my left bowling shoe on first.

[Randall Harville]

Back in the day (early 80's), I had a yellow polo shirt with green stripes, green shorts and yellow socks. I won a lot of money in that outfit one summer. I believe it was the socks. A reverse superstition, I always bowl when there is a split on the adjacent lanes. It does not bother me. I have seen bowlers cover their bowling ball with a towel so the ball does not see the split. If bowling in head to head competition, I prefer to bowl first in the tenth frame and post a score for my opponent to match. Crazy stuff right?

[Chase]

BTW - the woman I was mentioning was April Ellis... http://www.weplay.com/users/aprilellis
…one of the best amateur bowlers around.
Also, I hear that PBA bowler Patrick Allen is superstitious on the lanes.

You know, when it comes down to it… we all know it takes skill, but I personally have observed that you BETTER be lucky too…. We’ve all had our share of ringing 10 pins, solid 8s and 9s…that make those 5 brackets turn into $50 instead of $125.

[Martin "BLUFLAME" Seay]

Im am more a creature of habit than superstitions. I was told that you should always have a routine. So no matter the situation you are doing the same thing. I have to pick the ball up with my thumb in and flap my arms once and rock the ball side to side 3 times, pop my thumb out, ( there must be a sound) hold the ball in my left hand, put my left foot on my standing mark, put my right foot beside my left foot, put my fingers then thumb in the ball, stare at my mark then take off.

I used to not bowl with anything in my pockets but found it doesn't bother me if there is anything in them. I do have to tuck my laces in my shoes.

[Chase]

LOL... it's funny when you say, "pop my thumb out, ( there must be a sound)" because I normally do that too...and there must be a sound "pop"...or I know something "aint quite right" with my thumb fit/release...

I will sometimes get off of the approach to see what's up if I dont hear that "pop" sound...