Clutch Moments: How Cortez Schenck Delivered Under Pressure in the Swiss Team Event

Written By: Cortez Schenck | Written On: Monday, December 16, 2024 | Updated On: Thursday, December 26, 2024

I Recently Bowled the Swiss Team Event in Northern California

This tournament was unique since it was based on winning your matches and gaining points instead of having the highest pinfall. Normally, the events I bowl are based on the total pinfall in the qualifying portion rather than just winning the match. I wanted to share this event with you since it was the first time in a while where I had to double in the tenth to win my match.

I haven’t bowled as many events this year where it came down to the tenth frame for me to secure a win. I was put in this situation twice at this event where I needed to double in the tenth frame to win. There are many schools of thought on the best way to mentally prepare for these instances, and I have been on both sides of the coin where I have clutched up and times where I haven’t. Both games at this event, I was fortunate to double in the tenth frame to win.

I believe I was able to successfully double in the tenth due to my pre-shot routine. When getting set up, I told myself to take a deep breath and be appreciative of the moment. I wanted to stay present and make sure I reminded myself that part of the reason I bowl tournaments is for these moments. As you get older, there are not many moments in life where you get given an opportunity to clutch up at the last moment to save the day. When you do succeed in these moments, you feel on top of the world.

I told myself before throwing my shots that the jitters and nervous energy were not a bad thing but instead a great thing. It means that I care about bowling and that I want to win. I personally believe that if I don’t take a second to acknowledge the nerves and just try to get the shot over with, then I would perform poorly. Instead, I take these feelings and try to channel them into a positive shot instead of a poor shot.

I found that not only did I double in the tenth to win but the shots were executed flawlessly. My ball speed, rev rate, and execution were near perfect. It’s difficult to remember to be present in these situations, but I challenge you to try this the next time you find yourself in a tournament setting where you need to strike to win.