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Author Topic: Averaging 200  (Read 4589 times)

Juggernaut

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Averaging 200
« on: May 13, 2015, 09:20:28 AM »
 In this modern era of bowling, is it, or can it be, considered an achievement?

  I have averaged 200 or better for years now, but things are not the same. I am getting older (55 this year), I had a compound broken arm a couple years ago and can't straighten out my arm completely due to the pins, screws, and plates in there ( look up the surgical procedure called an ORIF of the elbow) and the knee on my slide leg has thinning cartilage and could probably use a scoping to clean it up.

 My work hours have changed drastically, and only allow me time to bowl in one league, while my sore knee keeps me from practicing very much. I bowl three games a week, with only a sporadic smattering of practice thrown in.

 It has been a struggle this year, but after last week, I'm pretty sure I am going to make it to a 200 or 201 average. I know that doesn't sound like much anymore, but I really had to work on bowling as well as I possibly could within my circumstances to get there.

 I remember when 200 was easy for me, and never thought I would EVER again have to work to get there, but it has been tough this year, and I really feel proud and blessed that I made it.

 So, is it goofy of me to be proud of being able to get to 200 average still?  If so, I guess I'm just goofy, cause I sure am proud I made it, given what I had to do to get there.
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milorafferty

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2015, 09:33:27 AM »
Not at all. There are more bowlers who don't/can't average 200 than those who do. I know a few people who are just giddy when they shoot a 200 GAME. Bowling has room for everyone.
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spmcgivern

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2015, 09:40:45 AM »
No reason to NOT be proud of the accomplishment.  Being proud of averaging 200 is based on the expectation that you may not have averaged over 200, and based on your circumstances, it could have been a possibility.

Truthful expectation is what bowlers need more than anything else.  Too often we worry about what others are doing and how they are scoring instead of focusing on what we can do.  I know my limitations and abilities so I don't get bent out of shape if I don't average 240 on the Wolf pattern like Marshall Kent. 
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kidlost2000

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2015, 10:40:27 AM »
Everyone has their own goals and accomplishments that matter to them which is all that matters.  Averaging 200 is more about spares then most people understand. Too many people get hung up on striking more and not realizing the number of pins lost on spares.
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txbowler

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2015, 11:33:47 AM »
There is a mixed league that bowls ahead of our competitive trio league Monday nights here in the DFW area.  I was there early one evening and over the intercom they announce "we'd like to congratulate "forgot the name" on 15/16 for bowling a 142".  The the league gives a very nice round of applause.

Now not being sure if they were teasing the person or not.  I went over to the lanes and saw who it was.  It was a bowler whose average was 78.

So for that person, 142 is OUTSTANDING. 

And that's the point I am making.  Bowling is the sport that welcomes all. 

And if you saw this person actually bowl, you would understand that 78 is their average for a reason.  And they had an outstanding game.

To the OP.  Be proud of your average whether it is 200 or 78. 

It is an achievement to be proud of no matter what, or what anyone tells you.
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avabob

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2015, 11:40:01 AM »
Not sure any more, but even in this high scoring era, only about 10-15 percent of guys average over 200.  With the injuries you have endured, maintaining 200 is a pretty good accomplishment. 
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2015, 12:51:15 PM »
Averaging 200 is still good, in my opinion, because it means you're a decent (or better) spare shooter, AND you get a good percentage of strikes.

Yes, today's balls are better, BUT, they are much more sensitive to friction than ever, not to mention the oils we're using are extremely slick and WAY more volume.  We have the perpetual over/under reaction at any given time, frankly.  This can lead to splits and washouts like never before. 

Remember when the only way to leave the 7-10 split was to go right through the nose?  Not any more!  I see way more 7-10 splits on the light hit when the ball finishes "behind" the head pin and the pins go sideways instead of back towards the pit.  This is the product of balls that slide easily through the oil, and sometimes too far... 

In conclusion, although the game has evolved, it still requires a good amount of skill and good body mechanics that enable the bowler to repeat shots on today's "sensitive" conditions.  Sensitive to the slick, and sensitive to the friction.  AND, if you enjoy the game, then whatever your average is at the time is secondary to the process it took to get there.  It's still a good thing to average 200...

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hammajangs

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2015, 02:05:14 PM »
I youth coach at a particular bowling center where they mainly put down a THS on synthetic lanes.  I practice for free here, and can easily average 210+.  This house gets multiple 300's every month and quite a few 700 series games, a few 800's.

The thing is, I don't bowl my league here.  I'd rather go to the other house a few miles away that has very old wood lanes and lays down sport shots.  My average here is 170.  The guys that come here to bowl with the 200+ averages, leave promptly, because they get humbled with the conditions here.  Yes, it is a lot of fun blasting out 250+ scores, but the challenge is more satisfying for me.  In my whole league at this particular house, the high averages are in the mid 180's.  200 average here would be incredible!
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Snakster

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2015, 02:43:31 PM »
I'm 48. I only really got into the sport less than two and a half years ago with my son. I had never done a league before save for one year we had intramural a in high school (I used a house ball at the time). I had never thrown a 200 game in my life (198 three times!!!). I just finished my second league year and averaged a hair under 197 (not too bad considering I broke my back in January). I never dreamed I'd be able to do that. Next year I won't be satisfied unless I average 200. So for me, yes it's still a big deal. When I do average 200 next year, I won't be satisfied with that either. As long as there is room for improvement, then I will keep trying to improve.

I'll admit though, as much as I enjoy my journey, I enjoy watching my son's more. When we started, he did a half season from January to April 2013. He finished with a 120 average. This past season he finished at 174. Over his last 50, he's 184. Fun to watch the continuous improvement. 200 average would be a big deal to him too.
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2015, 04:07:20 PM »
The 200 average is whatever the individual bowler thinks it is.  If he gives it no credibility then he will spend his life "chasing the higher average" and completely missing the boat as far as enjoyment of the game.

The house shots I bowl on start out quite slick, so they aren't the kind people can stand left and throw right, etc.  Although I always expect more out of myself, I, realistically, need to be content with whatever I bowl that night because I can no longer change it.  Only strive for improvement.  At age 53 how many years can I expect improvement?  It depends on the definition of improvement. 

I had my shoulder reconstructed last year, so although It's pretty good, it's got a lot of miles on it, and to expect my average to climb every year probably isn't realistic.  I can, however, continue to get smarter and pass knowledge along to others and gain satisfaction in their accomplishments.   I may not always improve (average-wise) as a bowler, but I can try to improve as person.  Bowling, golf, whatever we do, is what we make of it...
« Last Edit: May 13, 2015, 04:09:28 PM by notclay »
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xrayjay

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2015, 04:38:10 PM »
****Hi, I've been bowling for 4 years since I was 14 and I average 219. Yes I do use my thumb and I stand no less than 35th board on the approach and shoot at the 4th arrow. I really don't know exactly where my break point is down lane, but I can strike from anywhere from 3 to 15th board. I have 19 mph and a lot of hand.....*****

ARRRGG!!!!

These kids make me jealous....hahaha.....
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Juggernaut

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2015, 07:50:05 PM »
 Thanks for the replies guys.

 Like I said, there was a time when 200 was a piece of cake, but I bowled a LOT back then, and my how the times have changed.

 To me, being quite "old school", 200 was always the perceived threshold one needed to reach to be considered pretty good. I know that has changed, but old habits are hard to break.

 It was really strange to be so late in the season and still counting single pins. After 99 games, I still had only 74 pins to spare with three sets to go. Shoot a couple of 560's then and I would've been done, and I've shot enough of those this year that it was a real possibility.

 I love bowling. I really do. But averaging 200 or better has always been my goal, and it's going to be hard to give it up when the time comes, and it appears it may be closer than I want to admit.

 Good luck and good bowling, and remember, a bad day of bowling is way better than a good day at work! 😃 😃
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RyantheBowler

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Re: Averaging 200
« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2015, 11:29:45 PM »
200 is very good especially considering you have a nearly bionic leg ;)
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