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Archive for May, 2010
Why Practice by Yourself?
I usually have a friend or two, that wants to practice a few games. Well in other words, I want to pick your brain about my bowling problems. That’s well and good, but it doesn’t let me work on my Game. Then, I get all these questions about approach, release, thumb holes, lift, picking a line, hook, speed, wrist supports, back swing, and bowling balls, my head is just spinning.
Don’t get me wrong, I like helping other bowlers, if I can. But don’t fool yourself, thinking you are going to work on your Game? The only way that will happen, is if you get a quite time at the bowling alley to practice by yourself.
So what do you practice on? If it is picking up 10 pins, then just do that. If it is trying a different bowling ball or line, then do that. I like to use one bowling ball at a time, so to evaluate that bowling ball’s capabilities. I write down my scores for each bowling ball, and if I had any opens or splits too. After I tried the bowling balls, I pick the top ones. I also note if the bowling ball works better on oil, medium, or dry lanes, and with any limitations. For example, some bowling balls can’t handle a large hook, and continue a strong roll into the pocket. So that bowling ball will be better used straight up from the right side of the lanes. Well then, when the league season starts, I have an idea which bowling balls to use on certain lane conditions.
One bowling tip, be sure that the lanes are oiled for league play before practicing, or otherwise it will be a wasted practice. Many times during the summer, bowling alleys don’t oil the lanes every day, sometimes twice a week only. So if you tried to practice on dry lanes, that you will never have during league play, it can throw off your whole Game, because you are forcing the ball down the dry lanes. Also, you can’t evaluate oil and medium oil bowling balls on dry lanes. So use your practice wisely, and make a list, if you have to. In this way, you will know what is available in your bowling ball arsenal!
Why Is My 1st Game Better Than My 3rd Game?
This is a very common question, and for the most part, you just run out of gas. If you bowl 3 games, the your first game you will have the most energy, but maybe not warmed up yet, as for as accuracy. If you run into accuracy problems, like most, you will probably slow down and aim the bowling ball at your mark. (Remember, you should roll your bowling ball toward your mark, not aim it. By aiming, you try to push the ball, which will not have the lift, and often the ball pulls your arm to the left of your mark.) Another problem is bending down more on your release at the line. As mentioned before in other blogs, this will change the type of release and ball reaction.
But the big problem is speed. Your natural speed is probably about right during your first game. Then as you get tired, the speed decreases and your ball curves more, sometimes with less control. Some bowling alleys have a speed indicator on the score board, so you can see, if your speed has changed. For the bowling alleys that don’t, ask a friend to watch your ball speed for any changes. Consistency in your speed is important, as far as pin reaction and spare conversions.
The basic bowling tip is to analyze your approach and speed throughout the Game. If you are making changes why? By keeping your approach rhythm, your 3rd Game will bounce back for you.
Trouble with Leaving the 10 Pin, or Leftys the 7 Pin?
Many bowlers have the problem of leaving a 10 pin, or if you are left handed a 7 pin, after rolling, you thought, a prefect shot. Leaving the 10 pin is crushing, especially if you have been struggling throughout the Game. Now you believe, you finally figured out the problem, and roll a perfect ball, to end up with a solid 10 pin for your efforts. It’s like, giving a 100%, and then, getting stabbed in the chest. What do you do next?
Well I hope these bowling tips, will help in correcting the solid 10 pin. The first culprit is the old “Chicken wing” release. I covered the chicken wing once before in a previous blog. Another name is the “Flying elbow”. Basically, the bowler isn’t keeping the elbow close to your side. If you don’t feel the inside of your elbow brushing your side, you are a “Chicken winger”. The second culprit is the “Broken wrist”. When you release the bowling ball your wrist breaks back, instead of being solid and straight through the release. Now the wrist support can stop the broken wrist problem, by keeping your wrist solid and straight.
After these corrections you still have a solid 10 pin, lets go to Plan B. Plan B is a lane adjustment. The first of two options is to back up on the approach a little, maybe an inch. This gives your ball a high flush angle, to force the 10 pin out. Your bowling ball will now hook earlier into the pocket. Or the second point of attack, is to do the 2:1 ratio, approach to mark adjustment. Move two boards right of your approach position, and one board right on your mark, for a more flattened pocket entry. By trying one or the other, you are still bowling on your line or close to it, without making any major line corrections. Anytime you make a major line corrections, you are guessing at the outcome? In other words, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Keep the line that has been working for you, for as long as you can, or until it’s drained. I hope these bowling tips help your Game, and make the Game more enjoyable for you and your friends.
Why Do I Need a Bowling Bag?
In this economy, many are trying to cut corners. One area is in bowling bag substitutes. Here are a few examples, a bowling bag maybe a better idea.
1. I double bag my bowling ball in old plastic Walmart bags.
2. I can put 2 bowling balls in my gym bag, although they do roll around a lot.
3. I carry my bowling balls by hand.
4. I just throw my bowling balls on the floor of my car/truck. On the way home I made a hard right, and the bowling balls rolled over my ankle. ” Ouch!”
5. I threw my bowling balls in the trunk. I had to make a quick turn and now I have a bowling ball pimple on the side of my car.
6. My daughter dripped ice cream on my bowling ball, laying on the back seat floor.
7. The dog was licking on my bowling ball, I left in the back seat.
Does your bowling ball deserve better? Consider your bowling bag like a Walmart of bowling, one stop for all your bowling needs!
Why Bowling is the Best Sport!
Bowling is relaxing and competitive for me, because I like to sit back and analysis my bowling Game, then make the necessary adjustments. Here for kicks, are some bowling tips why I like bowling.
1. The pins don’t move.
2. I’m not rushed to take my next shot.
3. I can drink and eat while bowling.
4. I can carry on a conversation with my teammates and competitors at the same time.
5. I can sit down.
6. The management is always happy to see me walk through the door.
7. I can bowl with girls and let them beat me!
8. It’s less work than softball, and cleaner.
9. I get to met and talk to other teams.
10. I don’t get beat up.
11. It’s inside.
12. I make new friends with strangers.
13. It’s cheaper than going to a bar.
14. I get to do “Guy Talk”.
15. As a bonus, I get paid at the end of the season. Like the IRS?
Attitude is a Plus in any Sport. |bowling tip
I mentioned in one of my posts, a friend of mine is so negative, that he can bring down the moral of the whole team, so this is my bowling tip. For example, the second frame of the first of three games he said, “Well it’s going to be one of those nights, you might as well take my average minus 15 pins, and I’ll go home.” Bowling is a game between you and the lanes. The bowling tip is, the competition is against the lanes and the pins, not the other bowlers, don’t add to it by bring yourself down.
Remember what you say will influence the team and your friends game. If you are struggling, keep your emotions to yourself. Don’t hit the ball return, yell, curse, or throw things when your Game is in the gutter. Instead, concentrate on what you did when you were bowling well, and compare it to what you are doing now. Once you pin point the problem or problems, analysis how to fix it. Are you running up the lane too fast? Trying to throw too hard? Aiming the bowling ball and not rolling it toward your mark? Are you lifting the ball? Maybe you are trying a line that is uncomfortable for you, and your bowling style? But never give up, you will not learn anything by quitting and running away from the problem, just fight through it.
The bowling tip is, analysis and compare the good times with the bad, and then come up with a game plan. If you have to, slow down and the get your mechanics right, at first. Once you are back on track, then go back to your normal speed. Plus keep your teammates emotions up, by being a cheerleader for them, and they will return the favor. A team game depends on team support. None of us can be up all the time, but our team can!
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Top Reasons My Bowling Stinks.
Yes we all run into some bad times, where everything you try goes wrong. But my bowling tip is don’t stop trying. But for fun, check out some of the excuses, I have heard over the years.
1. My bowling ball doesn’t fit.
2. I’m tired!
3. My shoes slide too much.
4. I bowl better, when no one else is around.
5. I slipped.
6. My thumb stuck in the ball.
7. I can’t see the pins.
8. I can’t hold on to the ball.
10. The pins moved!
11. Why a split, I hit the pocket?
12. That guy ran in front of me!
13. I bowled better at practice.
14. I stuck to the lane.
15. The lanes are too dry.
16. The lanes are too wet.
17. Who oiled these lanes?
18. Boy, my stomach is upset!
19. I forgot where to stand?
20. I used the wrong ball.
21. I think those pins are nailed down.
22. My bowling ball isn’t working tonight.
23. I had ketchup on my hand.
24. I was robbed.
25. I bowled on the wrong lane?
26. I forgot to clean my bowling ball.
27. I need to resurface my bowling ball.
28. I need to recondition my bowling ball.
29. I knew I should have sanded my bowling ball.
30. This is my buddy’s bowling ball.
31. My bowling ball is still cold, I just took it out of the car.
An Easy Way to Analysis Your Bowling Scores.
In a bowling league, you bowl 3 games, but this can also work outside of bowling league play. What you want to accomplish is your potential score, that is, if you picked up all your spares. As you see on the table to the left, you have scores, missed spares, and splits. I usually keep track of this on a piece of paper during the game. The main reason is to keep me analyzing my results as the game progresses. Now with this system, forget the splits as far as a normal or likely conversion, and just write off splits as bad luck.
But your spares that can be made, or should be made, are counted in your potential score, because with practice, spares should be made regularly. As you can see, the Series #1 only left 20 pins behind on the alley in the 3 games, but Series #2 left 60 pins behind on the alley. So the bowling tip is, if you practice, your score should be more like the example scores, plus the missed extra pins.
If analyzed, Series #1 would be 542+20=562/187 avg. and Series #2 would be 455+60=515/171 avg. So, don’t give pins away during the game, because you may need them later for your total series score. And likewise, don’t feel bad if your score is low, when you see 6 splits on your sheet. Plus this exercise, although simple, emphasizes how important spares are in a game. Yes we all want strikes and no splits, but spares will break your Game, of which, you do have control over.
Graphicly Designed Bowling Balls-Worth It?
First, what are you going to use this custom bowling ball for? If you are a child starting out, this plastic bowling ball can be a good starter ball. If you are looking for a second bowling ball for spares, especially 7 or 10 pins, this ball would work. Plus the colorful graphics, adds color to your Game, and your buddies comments.
But my bowling tip is, how much is a custom colored bowling ball worth? Remember, any plastic bowling ball will do the job. So, what you are basically paying for? It is the graphic design. Therefore, the cost difference is, how important the graphic design is to you? If you want to make a statement, or have something different than the other bowlers? I can see justifying the cost difference, just like a different style bowling shirt than the other bowlers. If you are making a statement, just remember to pick a bowling ball, you can live with for awhile. After the novelty wears off, will you still respect it?
Best Reasons to Buy Bowling Shoes.
Here are a few reasons why you need new bowling shoes.
1. They are on sale?
2. Tired of paying for bowling shoe rentals.
3. My old bowling shoes don’t fit anymore.
4. My feet stopped growing now.
5. The soles flop too loud when I bowl.
6. The soles and heels are so badly worn, that I’m tired of gluing them back on.
7. They were destroyed by water and mildew.
8. The dog chewed up my bowling shoes.
9. Just started on a bowling league.
10. My new girlfriend likes to bowl.
11. Want to upgrade to a new style and design.
12. I can’t find my bowling shoes?
13. My roommate took my bowling shoes.
14. My girl friend/wife threw away my bowling gear.
15. I forgot I had them on, when I walked home in the rain.
16. The dog buried one of my bowling shoes.
17. Bowlers make fun of them and point.
18. I’m going Pro!
19. My girlfriend bought them.
20. My bowling team is going to the State Tournament.