We finally had some oil in the back ends.  Since the middle of the summer, I have struggled with getting any length out of any of my equipment, including my Blue Dot.  The ball would get to between 40 and 45 feet and take off.  I'd try lines from 5 in to 12 or so.  With the knee problems I'd had, I wasn't able to get out and practice so bellying the ball or swinging the ball, or projecting the ball was not an option - too inconsistent.

Tonight I did a couple things differently and the additional oil down lane made for a respectable night.  A friend suggested starting the ball with the wrist in a position so the hand was more on the side of the ball (fingers at about 7-8, thumb at 1).  This would create more side roll and thus more skid.  I also was able to belly the ball out a little and keep the ball in the pocket.

I felt I was releasing the ball with more confidence the whole night and keep to my game.  I wasn't having to constantly move and try to generate more speed to keep the ball left of the head pin.  I was able to use my Whirl Wind all 3 games rather than switch to the Blue Dot in about the 5th frame of game 2.

While it may have been a disappointing night for many of you, I am thrilled with 179-197-186=562.  My high on the sheet was 513 and I was down to a disappointing 154 average.  Tonight boosted the confidence and was the most relaxing and enjoyable night bowling in quite some time.  There is hope
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

Edited on 10/9/2008 10:57 AM

I forgot to mention this is a 2nd shift league.

I am not sure the length, but they like to play with the pattern.  Right now he, the owner, is playing with the shot to decide what he will put down when the WWPB mixed doubles tournament comes to the center.  
This is an annual thing and for about a month to month and a half before the event he plays with the pattern and then watches to see what happens to the scoring pace.

The center does take care of the lanes and always have, its just sometimes the shot is brutal on the left.  Then there are times he opens up the left and tightens up the right.  Other times everyone is happy.  It can be extremely frustrating, but in the long run it can make better bowlers -- If the frustration is not too great

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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker