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Author Topic: What do you do when you just can't carry?  (Read 2689 times)

thedjs

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What do you do when you just can't carry?
« on: July 18, 2023, 10:49:25 AM »
If I hit the pocket a little light it's a ringing 10.  High flush leaves all kinda leaves like a stone 7, 4 or 6.  I'm having many games that are clean but with only 1 or 2 strikes.  I've tried several different balls and played anywhere from the 1st arrow to the 4th.  I can hit the pocket but just can't strike.  I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation.  I've tried different wrist supports, no change.  I've used a low hooking ball (Rhino) up to a Brunswick Knock Out and several in between.  No change.  Maybe it's my extra slow speed (10 to 12 mph).  The track on the ball looks good and I can almost see the ball spinning as it goes down the alley.  I just can't carry.  Any ideas of suggestions would really be appreciated. 

 

SVstar34

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2023, 11:23:06 AM »
It's the slow speed and lower rev rate, it requires perfect hits more to strike

milorafferty

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2023, 11:40:41 AM »
What weight? From the situation you described, sounds like it could be a 13 or less. Light ball weight combined with slow speed and rev rate makes for a lot of deflection.
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thedjs

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2023, 11:51:20 AM »
What weight? From the situation you described, sounds like it could be a 13 or less. Light ball weight combined with slow speed and rev rate makes for a lot of deflection.

Using 14lb. equipment.  I could probably go back up to 15 but my speed would still be very slow.  The only good thing about my game is I don't miss many spares.  Two weeks ago I had one open in three games (and that was a wide open split).  In practice I bowled two games, both clean.  BUT in trying to get strikes I start getting big splits.  I'm thinking about retiring from bowling and taking up the guitar. 

TWOHAND834

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2023, 11:56:21 AM »
If I hit the pocket a little light it's a ringing 10.  High flush leaves all kinda leaves like a stone 7, 4 or 6.  I'm having many games that are clean but with only 1 or 2 strikes.  I've tried several different balls and played anywhere from the 1st arrow to the 4th.  I can hit the pocket but just can't strike.  I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation.  I've tried different wrist supports, no change.  I've used a low hooking ball (Rhino) up to a Brunswick Knock Out and several in between.  No change.  Maybe it's my extra slow speed (10 to 12 mph).  The track on the ball looks good and I can almost see the ball spinning as it goes down the alley.  I just can't carry.  Any ideas of suggestions would really be appreciated. 

You are definitely victimized by your slow ball speed.  I had a teammate this past season who is a senior still using 14 pounds and his ball speed usually registered at 11.5 mph on the monitor.  He was able to carry a 180 average mainly because he left more 7s and 10s due to the fact the pins arent bouncing off each other.  Light in the pocket was almost a guaranteed 10 pin and flush hits would leave 7s because the 4 pins would go straight back and the head pin would not bounce off the side wall.  We tried a few different balls.  he started with a Night Road but it forced him too deep on the lane and 14s have low diffs on them so the ball would tend to hook/stop on him.  He also tried a Web Pearl and he was able to square up a bit but no carry.  So he asked me what ball he should try.  I said if anything, a ball like a Hustle Wine or USA so he could get more into his comfort zone and the core would be more optimal since he would be more in the track area.  He was in the pocket more often but still just could not carry consistently.  He would shoot an occasional 220-230 but then followed up with a 150.  Pins need to be able to mix and bounce off each other and the side wall to maximize carry.  But with the lack of ball speed, that is going to be tough to accomplish. 

Typically if you left a lot of 10s and 4s it meant the ball was going to far down the lane and having too much angle entering the pocket.  But if your ball speed registers at less than 12 mph then that could be the main culprit. 
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ignitebowling

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2023, 12:56:49 PM »
You can learn the guitar and still have plenty of time to bowl. Maybe post some videos of you bowling?
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thedjs

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2023, 04:51:14 PM »
If I hit the pocket a little light it's a ringing 10.  High flush leaves all kinda leaves like a stone 7, 4 or 6.  I'm having many games that are clean but with only 1 or 2 strikes.  I've tried several different balls and played anywhere from the 1st arrow to the 4th.  I can hit the pocket but just can't strike.  I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation.  I've tried different wrist supports, no change.  I've used a low hooking ball (Rhino) up to a Brunswick Knock Out and several in between.  No change.  Maybe it's my extra slow speed (10 to 12 mph).  The track on the ball looks good and I can almost see the ball spinning as it goes down the alley.  I just can't carry.  Any ideas of suggestions would really be appreciated. 

You are definitely victimized by your slow ball speed.  I had a teammate this past season who is a senior still using 14 pounds and his ball speed usually registered at 11.5 mph on the monitor.  He was able to carry a 180 average mainly because he left more 7s and 10s due to the fact the pins arent bouncing off each other.  Light in the pocket was almost a guaranteed 10 pin and flush hits would leave 7s because the 4 pins would go straight back and the head pin would not bounce off the side wall.  We tried a few different balls.  he started with a Night Road but it forced him too deep on the lane and 14s have low diffs on them so the ball would tend to hook/stop on him.  He also tried a Web Pearl and he was able to square up a bit but no carry.  So he asked me what ball he should try.  I said if anything, a ball like a Hustle Wine or USA so he could get more into his comfort zone and the core would be more optimal since he would be more in the track area.  He was in the pocket more often but still just could not carry consistently.  He would shoot an occasional 220-230 but then followed up with a 150.  Pins need to be able to mix and bounce off each other and the side wall to maximize carry.  But with the lack of ball speed, that is going to be tough to accomplish. 

Typically if you left a lot of 10s and 4s it meant the ball was going to far down the lane and having too much angle entering the pocket.  But if your ball speed registers at less than 12 mph then that could be the main culprit. 


You have just described my game to a "T".  A week or so ago I shot 640+ with one open (a split) but a number or strikes.  Then a week later still only had one miss but almost no strikes and a lot of wide open splits even when the ball looked good when it hit.  Result didn't even break 500.  I have thought about dropping to a lighter ball (13 or even 12) but I'm not sure that would make any difference.  My only solution is to try and increase my speed. 

Thanks to all who answered my post.

TWOHAND834

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2023, 07:05:39 AM »
If I hit the pocket a little light it's a ringing 10.  High flush leaves all kinda leaves like a stone 7, 4 or 6.  I'm having many games that are clean but with only 1 or 2 strikes.  I've tried several different balls and played anywhere from the 1st arrow to the 4th.  I can hit the pocket but just can't strike.  I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation.  I've tried different wrist supports, no change.  I've used a low hooking ball (Rhino) up to a Brunswick Knock Out and several in between.  No change.  Maybe it's my extra slow speed (10 to 12 mph).  The track on the ball looks good and I can almost see the ball spinning as it goes down the alley.  I just can't carry.  Any ideas of suggestions would really be appreciated. 

You are definitely victimized by your slow ball speed.  I had a teammate this past season who is a senior still using 14 pounds and his ball speed usually registered at 11.5 mph on the monitor.  He was able to carry a 180 average mainly because he left more 7s and 10s due to the fact the pins arent bouncing off each other.  Light in the pocket was almost a guaranteed 10 pin and flush hits would leave 7s because the 4 pins would go straight back and the head pin would not bounce off the side wall.  We tried a few different balls.  he started with a Night Road but it forced him too deep on the lane and 14s have low diffs on them so the ball would tend to hook/stop on him.  He also tried a Web Pearl and he was able to square up a bit but no carry.  So he asked me what ball he should try.  I said if anything, a ball like a Hustle Wine or USA so he could get more into his comfort zone and the core would be more optimal since he would be more in the track area.  He was in the pocket more often but still just could not carry consistently.  He would shoot an occasional 220-230 but then followed up with a 150.  Pins need to be able to mix and bounce off each other and the side wall to maximize carry.  But with the lack of ball speed, that is going to be tough to accomplish. 

Typically if you left a lot of 10s and 4s it meant the ball was going to far down the lane and having too much angle entering the pocket.  But if your ball speed registers at less than 12 mph then that could be the main culprit. 


You have just described my game to a "T".  A week or so ago I shot 640+ with one open (a split) but a number or strikes.  Then a week later still only had one miss but almost no strikes and a lot of wide open splits even when the ball looked good when it hit.  Result didn't even break 500.  I have thought about dropping to a lighter ball (13 or even 12) but I'm not sure that would make any difference.  My only solution is to try and increase my speed. 

Thanks to all who answered my post.

Dropping down to 12 or 13 will only make it worse.  If you dont have a high rev rate those 7s and 10 will now become 5-10s, 5-7s, and 8-10s.  My question for you is this.  In your setup; how high do you hold the ball?  If you are only around waist high; I would go practice where you bring the ball up more towards chest to shoulder level.  Secondly, see if you can get your feet to move a little faster.  Try these two things if your body will allow you to and see if that can help bring your ball speed up.
Steven Vance
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LiverDance

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2023, 10:08:03 AM »
I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation. 

Without video, this is hard to diagnose and everything is a guess.   Have you tried a coach who 'see' the delivery and make immediate suggestions, even if it's trial and error?

TWOHAND834

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2023, 12:26:25 PM »
I've tried getting behind the ball with my hand and on the side for more rotation. 

Without video, this is hard to diagnose and everything is a guess.   Have you tried a coach who 'see' the delivery and make immediate suggestions, even if it's trial and error?

Strange you mention this when he responded at one post saying " You described me to a T".  It is his ball speed all day long.  How many people do you know of that rolls the ball with a ball speed between 10-12 mph that has a high carry percentage and averages well over 200?  I know exactly what he is going through having bowled with someone for the past couple years with the same specs/ball roll.  I dont mean any disrespect but I can assure you it is not a guess.
Steven Vance
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Former Classic Products Assistant Manager

justlane

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2023, 07:27:14 PM »

What do I do when I just can't carry?

1. I blame the house for putting down such a consistent shot, and ignore the fact
    that my ball deflected so far it nearly took the 10 out.
2. I blame the bowlers on my pair who are using urethane.
3. I kick the ball return and draw attention to the fact that I'm bowling lousy.
4. I grab another one of the 8 balls I brought to a THS, and another, and another.
5. I start thinking of excuses, LOTS of them.
6. I blame others because the pace of play is slow and I can't concentrate for 5
    seconds once I pick up my ball.
7. I fake an injury.
8. I act like a total jerk so no one wants to approach me.
9. I drink more beer so no one wants to approach me.

Okay BR Forum.  Add to my list!

Lane Carter

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #11 on: July 19, 2023, 09:10:08 PM »

What do I do when I just can't carry?

1. I blame the house for putting down such a consistent shot, and ignore the fact
    that my ball deflected so far it nearly took the 10 out.
2. I blame the bowlers on my pair who are using urethane.
3. I kick the ball return and draw attention to the fact that I'm bowling lousy.
4. I grab another one of the 8 balls I brought to a THS, and another, and another.
5. I start thinking of excuses, LOTS of them.
6. I blame others because the pace of play is slow and I can't concentrate for 5
    seconds once I pick up my ball.
7. I fake an injury.
8. I act like a total jerk so no one wants to approach me.
9. I drink more beer so no one wants to approach me.

Okay BR Forum.  Add to my list!



I use urethane, that way NOBODY strikes. ;)
Learn to laugh, and love, and smile, cause we’re only here for a little while.

milorafferty

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Re: What do you do when you just can't carry?
« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2023, 11:22:06 AM »

What do I do when I just can't carry?

1. I blame the house for putting down such a consistent shot, and ignore the fact
    that my ball deflected so far it nearly took the 10 out.
2. I blame the bowlers on my pair who are using urethane.
3. I kick the ball return and draw attention to the fact that I'm bowling lousy.
4. I grab another one of the 8 balls I brought to a THS, and another, and another.
5. I start thinking of excuses, LOTS of them.
6. I blame others because the pace of play is slow and I can't concentrate for 5
    seconds once I pick up my ball.
7. I fake an injury.
8. I act like a total jerk so no one wants to approach me.
9. I drink more beer so no one wants to approach me.

Okay BR Forum.  Add to my list!



10. Start throwing the ball as hard as I can, even if I can't control it.
11. Make sure to mention the lucky breaks the other team is getting ON EVERY STRIKE they make.
12. When the other team doesn't strike, be sure to show amazement they didn't get their usual lucky break. Make sure to ask them what happened to said lucky break.
13. Pout like a spoiled child and let everyone know I'm an idiot.

"If guns kill people, do pencils misspell words?"

"If you don't stand for our flag, then don't expect me to give a damn about your feelings."