Opening up the Lane?

[NElefantis]

I'm affraid I haven't been able to do it. I've been bowling for years, and just now getting back into the league aspect. But I don't know how to open up the lane and make the move left when I know I need to. Sometime's I'll get lucky, but I can't make a good shot consistently. This has been a great disadvantage for me. If it helps, I usually play the outside lines from the 4 board to about the 11 or 12 board. If I go any left, I seem to loose my shot, and it'll go in either channel. I'm a bit lost and would appreciate any help. Thanks!
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In the Bag:
Storm T-Road Solid
Brunswick Vapor Zone
Brunswick T-Zone (Spares)

Season High Game:
222

Season High Series:
512

My House:
The Orleans, Las Vegas

[Spider Ball Bowler]

Practice, Practice, Practice.  It is a difficult task for a straight bowler to try and swing the ball.  Especially when you are a beginner and have not a lot of experience in doing so.

I used to play dead straight...then I bought a new ball and I had to open up and swing the ball, because the new piece was hooking out of control.  Then when I got good at that and was forced to play straighter again, I couldn't do it and sent everything left (I'm a lefty).  

Now I am confident in both, yet don't feel like I have an A game..which basically means I suck at bowling...which is true.

The question is why do you feel you need to move left?  If the lane starts to dry up, figure out what your ball is doing.  Are you leaving and or tripping the 4 pin?  Move left 1/2 to 1 board and keep the same target.  

I'm not sure if this is what you're doing because you didn't say a whole lot, but many new bowlers think the adjustments needed are huge drastic changes.  In the world of the THS...you can move your feet and keep the same line for a long time....then once you move too far to feel comfortable to hit the same line, then you can change your target.  i.e. a 2 and 2 move.  

Bowling is fun, just remember that.  Half of the fun in the beginning stages is learning and seeing results from something you learned while not bowling well.  So you can't strike cuz your ball is coming up high...so make a small move and see what happens...if it works, next time you get in that situation....then you'll know what to do

I'm not sure I even answered your question, but it's late...and I'm tired
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Formerly SGC300

[NElefantis]

LOL. Two years of practice, you'd think I can get some consistency. Going straight up five has been my A-Game for the last few years. (Anyway, I put this in here because I'm in my first season of league in years) In answer to your question, I'm looking to open the lanes, so I can have some versatility and be able to hook it when needed. Anyway, thanks for the reply!

quote:Practice, Practice, Practice.  It is a difficult task for a straight bowler to try and swing the ball.  Especially when you are a beginner and have not a lot of experience in doing so.

I used to play dead straight...then I bought a new ball and I had to open up and swing the ball, because the new piece was hooking out of control.  Then when I got good at that and was forced to play straighter again, I couldn't do it and sent everything left (I'm a lefty).  

Now I am confident in both, yet don't feel like I have an A game..which basically means I suck at bowling...which is true.

The question is why do you feel you need to move left?  If the lane starts to dry up, figure out what your ball is doing.  Are you leaving and or tripping the 4 pin?  Move left 1/2 to 1 board and keep the same target.  

I'm not sure if this is what you're doing because you didn't say a whole lot, but many new bowlers think the adjustments needed are huge drastic changes.  In the world of the THS...you can move your feet and keep the same line for a long time....then once you move too far to feel comfortable to hit the same line, then you can change your target.  i.e. a 2 and 2 move.  

Bowling is fun, just remember that.  Half of the fun in the beginning stages is learning and seeing results from something you learned while not bowling well.  So you can't strike cuz your ball is coming up high...so make a small move and see what happens...if it works, next time you get in that situation....then you'll know what to do

I'm not sure I even answered your question, but it's late...and I'm tired
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Formerly SGC300

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In the Bag:
Storm T-Road Solid
Brunswick Vapor Zone
Brunswick T-Zone (Spares)

Season High Game:
222

Season High Series:
512

My House:
The Orleans, Las Vegas

[dizzyfugu]

Yes, practice helps a lot. If you are used to only one major line, even the looks of a deep line can make you dizzy and lose confidence.
Me, I frequently play between 2nd and 3rd arrow, rarely closer to the gutter.
But there are times in training when the lane is so riden down, that even my weakest ball at hand starts hooking too early - that's when I use the opportunity to take out a strong ball again and move deep for a cross-lane line. Something like 35 with my feet and playing between 3rd and 4th arrow.

It feels strange, because I have to put extra revs into the bal, and take out some speed, and controlling the sweeping hook across the lane and back is not easy - but I know I can handle it in dire situations, because I am not a friend of force and extra speed to battle dry lanes. So I rather seek the oil in the lane's middle and exploit it with release changes and equipment changes.

Just try it - training is the best place, and it will build your confidence and add hjust another trick to stay competitive if need be
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

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[NicholasE]

I wouldn't bother changing. If you want to thats great but when you play straight up the boards for so long its hard to swing the ball and be consistant. Practice will get you there but the best thing is one-to have a coach help you break habits and get you better or two-just stick to your game and play the boards straight. Buy balls that are like a pearl coverstock and have them drilled for that style. Look at WRW he bowl straight up the boards basically and look where that has gotten him. Taken in that he has been bowling for about 3X longer then I have been alive but it works well and you got to do what you feel comfortable with cause there is a comfort zone and confidense area when you bowl. Because if I have to move really far left and swing pretty much the whole lane, Im uncomfotable to an extent and not always sure if the ball will always makes its way back I like to play straight and rely on accuracy in tournaments but leagues and stuff when the straight don't work I play a swing and that takes care of it but I dont like crossing 30+ boards to strike all the time. Good luck either way! NicholasE