I have been bowling for a long time; probably 20 years.  I have gone through a slump in almost every one of those years, but always recovered.  I'm not gonna rant and rave about what I have done in the game; I'll just say that I have had some success, and truly love bowling.  

This year has been a year like no other.  I have accomplished things in this year alone that I hadn't done in probably 7 years.  Unfortunately, these are all bad things.  I have been trying to ignore how absolutely terrible things have been, but tonight finally put me over the edge.  Just this year, I shot my first series under 500 in a very long time.  I have gone at least 3 games where I didn't have a single strike.  Tonight I managed to not throw a double for an entire 3 game set.   On my tuesday night league, I have yet to shoot a 600.  During the past 2 months, on 2 leagues, I have yet to throw a 4 bagger.   Not only are these non-accomplishments hurting me, but I also have to listen to the whispers around my leagues that I am a sandbagger.  

Basically, I have been seriously considering giving up the sport I love.  I found a coach a couple years ago that I thought liked working with me, until he told me that "you just don't have the talent to be very good."  

I live in northern Illinois.  Rockford to be exact.  If anyone knows of a good coach, or someone that is willing to spend some time with me to fix whatever is wrong, it would be greatly appreciated.  I can travel a short distance, maybe an hour or so in any direction.  Work and school make it slightly difficult.  I am even willing to post a video to see if indeed, I do not have any talent, and to show anyone willing if I would be worth the effort.  This is a last-ditch effort.  Thanks to all who at least listened to me vent.  

Don

I once had a coach tell me I'd never be any good.
Once I got over the incredible bruising to my ego, I made it my life's work to prove him wrong.
I have.
I suggest you do the same.

Your season sounds a lot like my last spring, summer, and fall.

Have someone video tape you - Magic Carpet had some excellent tips on how to video tape a bowler - if you don't have access to that, the last 4 issues of BTM have some great articles on using video.

If you can't get to a coach, see if someone would analyze your game via video.
Magic Carpet again comes to mind.

If your situation is like mine, it may take a LOT of work to turn it around, but again, if your situation is like mine, it WILL be worth it.

Good luck!


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-- Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can't - you are right.

sounds like you put too much pressure on you're self.I've shot planty of sub 500's this year and I've also had some good weeks too.has anyting changed this year other than what you do such as the oil patterns,equipment,etc?the more I've changed my game the worse I bowled so I try to match up my equipment better to my game,shot and then kept it simple.other problems I've had were mental,know what you're going to do on the lanes before you step up on the aproach.don't change you're mind or even second guess you're self while you're setting up,stick with it.if you have good feet and a good armswing you should be decent so it's probably something small/stupid thats now messing with you're head.don't take so seriously(easy to say)you have a day job,bowling is supposed to be fun.

raven829,

I personally believe that ALL bowlers can have success. I believe in the old principle that anyone can achieve any goal if they are simply willing to pay the price for that success. And for some that is easy... and for others that is hard. You may not have raw bowling talent but many many bowlers succeed with out it. Bowling is a learned skill and nothing more.

Additionally, while there are untold thousands of coaches that might be wonderfull and able to help... the responsibility falls clearly on your shoulders  to improve by accepting or denying anything suggested . You are clearly literate and intellegent and with that you should be able to return to your former skill level upon your self.

Since bowling is a learned skill perhaps your issue is not understanding the mechanincs of bowling. I might suggest the book... PAR BOWLING by Tom Kouros from the 70's as a tremendous teaching aide. The vast majority of that book is still relavent today. Start on page one on the lanes and work your way through the end of the book. And without a doubt you will have surpassed your previous capabilities and restored your excitement to the game. And then seek out the instructers that coach the BIG DAWGs to learn additional tips and tools and when to use them. It might take you 6 months or a year but when you have completed the trip you will be a bowler for life with skills and knowlledge that will last a life time.
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