Tip of the Month - September 2026
The ‘Coffee Cup’ Theory is a nice little ‘visual’ I came up with to help any Bowler understand the actual depth of focus they are using AND how much is needed to be competitive.
This simple concept can be learned by beginners, intermediate, professional, and young or old!
Many Bowlers think they are focused 100% on something but are actually way short of 100%.
For example: If a bowler says they are hitting their target for sure, ask them what they hit then show them a video of the board the ball really hit.
This is no fault of their own, just not knowing 100% or being taught how to tell the difference.
It stands to reason if we want to fix an area of our physical game that has gotten bad, we certainly pay attention to that area. BUT if there is NOT 100% focus on that area at the time it is happening; it will only improve a little bit, NOT 100% the way you would like.
Imagine (or have) a FULL Cup of Coffee and you went to pick it up but did NOT have 100% focus on it? Chances are you would spill it AND it is hot! OUCH!
On the other hand, if you have 100% undeniable focus on picking it up slowly and sipping some AND putting it back down; you will NOT spill it!
It all comes down to paying full attention!
Now, let us use the example above referring to hitting our intended target.
I have seen many, many bowlers that swear they are hitting their target and I can clearly see some are missing by 5+ boards. Sounds funny, but it is true.
When I show them on video and teach them how to have 100% depth of focus; they feel embarrassed but no reason to be. The improvement is immediate and that is all that matters.
I will ask them which board they hit and by holding them accountable, they will understand the difference in 100% or even 95% focus. It does not take long before they show great improvement in any area they want to fix because they are now focused 100% to fix it.
Another great example is ‘counting’ steps (Step-Cadence).
It is not enough to simply tell our instincts to slow up because they do NOT know how much.
By counting each step and training our feet to touch down when WE tell them, NOT when THEY want to, we can immediately get our Step-Cadence back to where we need it for rhythm & tempo in our Approach.
It is IMPERATIVE to have 100% focus on ‘when’ each step plants on the Approach to coach yourself on a high level and know for sure if you are fast or slow.
In this scenario, I might ask the Student, “What step was faster (if any) than the rest?” If they are guessing, they did NOT have 100% focus. The idea is to absolutely KNOW so you can coach yourself and not trust someone else to help you.
Anything less than 100% focus and your steps will NOT be where you think they are and as a result, they will be inconsistent, at best.
The great thing about learning the difference between 90%, 95%, and 100% means you will be strengthening your mental focus in all areas. As you get in competition, it will be much easier to fix an area in need or even to hit what you are aiming at IF you have trained yourself to know what 100% really feels like.
At home, anyone can learn this ‘cool’ little trick by picking a small spot on the furniture, carpet, or anything that demands your full attention to detail, or you will NOT see it clearly.
When you absolutely see it clearly, you will learn the difference between 100% focus and anything less than that.
What a powerful weapon to know EXACTLY what you are doing instead of only guessing, huh?
So, help yourself build mental strength by learning EXACTLY ‘what is 100%’!!
See the immediate results of improving and KNOWING EXACTLY!
