The tournament entry fees have been sent, tickets and reservations have been made and you are ready for the competition to begin. Well, not quite yet.

These ideas from USBC Coaching can help your game even before you roll your first ball at the tournament.

Before you go:

• Choose your arsenal. Select the bowling balls youd like to bring. Talk to others who have already bowled in the tournament or are familiar with the lane conditions to help you determine which ones will be right for you. Many tournaments limit the number of balls per bowler to six.
• Check your equipment. Look for chips and cracks on the surface of each ball. Replace worn finger inserts as necessary.
• Prepare your accessory bag. Make sure you bring a rosin bag, clean towel and plenty of tape.
• Find a USBC certified coach. A USBC coach can help you find a way to knock down a few more pins each game. Find a USBC coach in your area.

When you get there:

• Pay attention to what is happening around you. If other bowlers are starting to miss right or left, the lane condition may be changing slightly. Be alert and make adjustments.
• Relax and have fun. Youll have a harder time making your shots if you are nervous, worried or concerned. To decrease tension, take a deep breath and exhale before each shot.
• Get back to basics. Tournaments are exciting and in such an atmosphere, bowlers have a tendency to get overanxious and forget about fundamentals. Focus on the basics to ensure your best performance.