02/03/2024
In 2006, I wrote my first Bowling This Month article (now over 100). I shared information on the emerging findings associated with mirror neurons and sport.
Mirror neurons were discovered by Italian researchers who saw activity in a monkey’s brain (wired). As a researcher ate food, the region in their brain was active equally to if it was eating it themselves. As with many discoveries, a serendipitous discovery led to this eureka moment.
An English researcher reviewed MRI scans of both ballet, experts in the Brazilian martial arts form Capoeira, and novices as they watched 3 second clips of both ballet and Capoeira.
Interestingly, the brain waves of both sets of expert dancers in the study showed more activity in the area of the brain in which the mirror neurons are located, as compared with the novice control group participants.
In essence, the researcher and his team had discovered that mirror neurons are selective based on the skills an individual possesses. Specifically, these findings illustrate that the complex motor center of your brain responds differently with more activity when viewing actions that we are skilled at doing. He referred to this as your “personal motor repertoire”.
As a result of the emerging research, I introduced a process I refer to as Visualization Training Cycle for Bowlers (VTCB).
Training
The Visualization Training Cycle for Bowlers (VTCB) will lead you or your bowlers through a focused and systemic visualization and physical practice process. This can be adapted to help an injured bowler train when they are not able to physically throw the ball. The activation will help in their return to the lane at a later time.
1. (5 minutes) View a highly skilled professional bowler or world-class bowler who possesses fluid motion and good timing. The coach and/or bowler should view the video while pointing out specific movements especially those identified as liabilities in the training bowler’s physical game.
Ask questions to the bowler. For example, ask questions to activate the connection between the proper motion and connecting it with their mirror neurons. For example, if the bowler is working on timing and ball start direction, the following questions would work to activate. Where is this bowler’s elbow relative to their body and fhw ground? Where is their knee and heel when they start the ball? What direction do they push the ball away? What is the shape of the ball start? Be concrete with the questions and comments.
2. (5 minutes) View the same segment again without discussion. This will provide the individual with another opportunity to process the information while viewing. Instruct the bowler to repeat the questions to himself or herself as s/he watches the video.
3. (10 – 15 minutes) Have the bowler bowl. Instruct him/her to think about the questions and repeat the actions. Use a video analysis tool to review.
4. (5 minutes) Set the stage for visualization through a relaxation process. Ask the bowler to close his eyes and focus on his breathing. You can also utilize progressive muscle relaxation techniques, meditation or similar techniques.
5. (5 minutes) Have the athlete visualize the world-class athlete again. Immediately after visualizing the world-class athlete, have the bowler visualize himself performing these physical movements.
6. Repeat the entire process for a specific designated time.
Read the original at:
https://www.bowlingthismonth.com/bowling-tips/can-monkeys-and-ballet-dancers-help-us-improve-bowling-performance/
