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Author Topic: Alcohol, does it really help?  (Read 6611 times)

xrayjay

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Alcohol, does it really help?
« on: December 31, 2014, 11:34:19 AM »
I know guys who need a shot or two to get "loose" or relaxed, in order to bowl well. Does alcohol really help, or it's a placebo thing.

When I drink I can do things better than when I don't drink. My subconscious kicks in I guess and I can speak the two different languages I grew up with. My parents language and the language of my Sensei and old employer.

I see guys struggle, then after a drink or two, they go shoot high games. Well the guys i bowl with...

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jman76

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2014, 11:42:42 AM »
I've wondered the same thing before many a times. I know I've bowled 300's both with drinks in me and without, but I will say that I'm much looser with a few adult beverages in me. I struggled a few weeks back and had a terrible 2nd game, so by the time I got back to the table my gf and a teammate each bought me a beer. It was kind of funny, but it made me laugh and forget about that bad 2nd game. Two beers later I shot a 278 for the 3rd game...LOL...must have been the sauce! I would say being really drunk wouldn't help, but a few doesn't seem to hurt my game any.
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ITZPS

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2014, 11:47:26 AM »
It used to help me, now it doesn't so much, almost makes it worse.  Alcohol naturally relaxes you, so it can tune a hyper excitable brain down a few notches and let your body do what it's naturally supposed to do.  I don't think it's a placebo at all.  Now whether it's a crutch or not is debatable.  You could call pre shot routines crutches too, because some people might be honestly affected if their towel disappeared off the table and they couldn't wipe their ball down before the shot.  Some people take aspirin or ibuprofen before league to help ease muscle aches, but that can also have a relaxing effect too.  Sometimes people keep taking it even when they don't need it. 

I would call it an aid if it enhances your natural capabilities.  Say if you average 220 and a couple shots before league takes you up to 230, that's reasonable.  But if you average 230 drunk and 170 sober, I'd say it's a crutch. 
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Metal_rules

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2014, 11:51:46 AM »
I believe a few cocktails will relax me. If I am league bowling or a minor tourney - I dont mind having a couple. If I am in a merrithon tourney - I will wait till the end.
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Impending Doom

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2014, 11:52:38 AM »
I've actually had a drink or two if my neck is really tight. Also frees up the armswing, but when the arrows start to move....

Also, it allows people to shut down their brains and just bowl.
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milorafferty

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2014, 11:56:07 AM »
I think it does for a lot of bowlers. I call it the "Beer Adjustment".
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briandking1906

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2014, 02:11:29 PM »
I would agree.  A couple of beers usually get me pretty loose.  After that point I feel as if I am freely swinging the ball and naturally progressing through the entire shot.  Don't end up spending too much time thinking about it.
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #7 on: December 31, 2014, 09:37:24 PM »
Alcohol, by definition, is a depressant.  It slows down the functions of the organs and central nervous system (brain & spinal cord).  Initially many people sense a "pick me up" as they become less reserved socially (ten foot tall and bullet proof), but that ends with more alcohol consumption, and reality is that the negative effects of alcohol eventually start.

Scientifically speaking only, how can something that impairs the central nervous system be a benefit?  Can you think of another sport where the "athletes" claim better performance based on blood alcohol levels?  Sounds irrational to me, and could possibly be another one of the 100 reasons why league bowling continues on the decline.  People (as a whole) are becoming more health conscious.  Bowling can be challenging enough without altering ones brain "efficiency". 

I'm certainly not against anyone enjoying their alcohol responsibly, but call it like it is.  And some people are just dependent on it, which is kinda sad in a way. 

Why my post?  My father was an alcoholic, and eventually died from it's wear and tear on his body.  I'm not searching for any sympathy, just don't buy it when someone's "peeing on my leg and telling me it's raining", so to speak.  Now, do as you like, and by all means keep throwing strikes!  Happy New Year to all!



« Last Edit: December 31, 2014, 09:48:30 PM by notclay »
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kidlost2000

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #8 on: December 31, 2014, 09:53:26 PM »
Does alcohol cause some people to loosen up? Of course. No doubt that can be beneficial. It also causes a loss in motor skills and ability. It's likely a fine line and possible trade off.

I take bowling seriously and at no point ever thought I needed to relax or loosen up by other means.
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xrayjay

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #9 on: January 01, 2015, 01:24:29 AM »
Alcohol sales is one of The ways to help bowling centers with bars stay open.
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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #10 on: January 01, 2015, 02:26:40 AM »
xrayjay,

I run a bowling center, and understand that point.  Our owner also owns a brewery, so we carry lots of craft beer choices, in addition to the domestic beers. It's important to the bottom line, for sure.

I'm just not buying the point that some people make that they can be at "peak performance" buy introducing alcohol into their brain and central nervous system.  Is there no other natural way to control ones thoughts and emotions?  Are we not the captains of our own ships anymore?

Like I said earlier, to each their own on whether they like it or not.  But do they NEED it? 

« Last Edit: January 01, 2015, 02:32:00 AM by notclay »
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milorafferty

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #11 on: January 01, 2015, 11:26:12 AM »
No two humans are alike and alcohol has a different effect on some people. Personally, I don't drink anything but diet soda or water when I bowl but I do know bowler who do much better after a beer or two.
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Steven

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #12 on: January 01, 2015, 11:43:16 AM »
Quote from: milorafferty on January 01, 2015, 11:26:12 AM
No two humans are alike and alcohol has a different effect on some people. Personally, I don't drink anything but diet soda or water when I bowl but I do know bowler who do much better after a beer or two.

There is a guy in our scratch league that literally has an IV of scotch flowing from the beginning of the night to the end. He's a consistent 220+ average, but I'm always amazed at how he remains conscious with the volume he consumes.
 
Personally, I'm with Clay on this. I drink my share off the lanes, so I can't comprehend how it can benefit performance. The whole concept is counterintuitive. 
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mainzer

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #13 on: January 01, 2015, 12:57:35 PM »
I like a drink or two before I bowl smooths me out keeps my feet slow, Stops me from over thinking.
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xrayjay

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Re: Alcohol, does it really help?
« Reply #14 on: January 01, 2015, 02:27:01 PM »
I rarely drink outside of home/relatives house, and I drink water when I bowl. But, there was a tourney and I was struggling really bad from stress and tension from home. I was donating money the first three squads in day one. The next squad on the next day nothing had changed. Still shooting below 560's....

Then my buddy took me outside and he pulled out a joint. I haven't smoked in 15 years, but unlike Clinton, I inhaled. Twice. Well, next squad I went on and shot 649, our team on that division. Haven't smoked since.... But next tourney hahahaha...I just don't know..
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