Author Topic: Help from the wiser of us. (Read 1728 times)

card79 · « **on:** August 23, 2003, 07:23:00 AM »

Here is a tough question for me. I am hoping an independant opinion will help. My dad is not old by any means. He is mid fifties. He has had his neck broken and many other injuries during the years. They factory that he worked at closed down many years ago in 1986. He quit bowling that year with a 203 average.

I have gotten into bowling now and have tried absolutely everything I can think of to get him back in the sport. He makes excuses that he doesn't think his body can take it and things like that. The man works like 60 hours a week. I know he is stiff and sore at times, but I doubt that his body would keep him from being able to bowl.

Here are the questions.

1. What do you think would get him back to the sport

2. To those that are older as you got older what things helped you to be able to bowl.

3. Those that left then came back after a fairly large layoff did you have problems adjusting your old game and then eventually getting back to your old average. I honestly think this is his reason for not coming back. I think he thinks he will not be as good as he was.
--------------------
I don't really play cards and I am not 79, but it fits together somehow.

Saw Mill · « **Reply #1 on:** August 24, 2003, 01:38:33 AM »

The words of Sawbones ring very resoundingly true. I am not old yet, nor have I reached the epitome of wisdom, BUT I do know that when I reach the day that I am not able to perform at a certain level, I too may stop. It's kind of like John Elway, who accomplished just about all a QB could, except win a Super Bowl Ring. Once he did, he retired so that he would go out on the top of his game, rather than risk having a dismal season to remember, and to be remembered by his fans. Your father may have been an accomplished bowler (and probably can still roll the rock with astounding skill), but he believes that he would have more dismal performances than memorable ones. Bowlers in your center probably remember his great games when he walks into the place. People may even buzz a few remarks like, "there's so-and-so, he used to roll 200+ games as natural as breathing", etc... That is a place he wishes to stay, rather than risk losing.

I also like joe's idea of asking him to go to the center while you practice. get him to bowl in practice with you as a way for him to show you some of his wisdom and experience. This MAY show him he STILL DOES have the old stuff, and you get to learn a few things from the old master. I believe that he will be honest with you and himself in that, if the talent and ability to perform, at his desired level, is still there, he will return. I am excited to see how it turns out for you card, sounds like you believe in his abilities, and the admiration of a son/daughter is unmatched in a parent's life. Keep us informed of your efforts and progress, and I will hope with all my heart that it turns out what is best for your dad.

Because of Him
Dave
--------------------
If You Are Not the Lead SAW, All You Get is SAWdust!!

C-G ProShop-Carl · « **Reply #2 on:** August 24, 2003, 01:40:04 AM »

I agree with the above posts, ask him to help you with your game since he was such a good bowler and bowled with equipment that was not nearly what is out there today.

I know of probably 3-4 bowlers who have left and come back to the game a few years later. They hated the idea of not being able to put up the same scores they used to. But they came back for the night out with the guys. What each of them did (since they had arthritis, and stiff joints in the fingers and hand) was have the ball drilled with a hole for the pinky finger. It helped each of them hold onto the ball better.

What I would do if I were in your position, if the practice thing does not work, just simply tell your dad you would like the night out with him. It would be something for the two of you to do together.

RandyO · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2003, 02:14:46 AM »

I'm not 50 yet, but I'm too close for comfort. Your Dad will adjust. I've had to change my game in the last couple of years to adjust to getting older. I'm now back to where I was in my twenties and thirties, but fundamentally I'm a better bowler. You have to learn to bowl smarter when you get older.
What your Dad will find out if he starts bowling again is that the power of the modern equipment will allow him to bowl well with lighter balls, thus offsetting the loss of strength that comes with aging. That - in my opinion, is the only saving grace for modern bowling balls. They allow bowlers of all sizes, shapes, and ages to find something that will keep them scoring. Drill him up a 14# Inferno and watch his eyes light up when he sees what the new stuff can do.

mumzie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 24, 2003, 04:48:05 PM »

My mom was the same way. I got her back on the lanes one summer, after a serious illness. She said that it was really frustrating for her, because her approach was no longer smooth, and she didn't have a kneebend any more, and she used to be really proud of both. She quit shortly thereafter.

Splitz · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2003, 09:46:52 PM »

Card, there have been some real good answers so far. But if I were you I would just come out and shoot straight from the hip. Tell him you really want to bowl with him, and that the scores aren't as important as just being together while you still can enjoy each others company. I only had a chance to bowl with my dad for a couple of years (about 20 years ago) and it was one of the more fun leagues I've ever been in even if we didn't fare to well in the standings. You have no garantees of being able to do things at a later date, so don't let a chance pass you by.

Author Topic: Help from the wiser of us. (Read 1728 times)

card79

Help from the wiser of us.

Saw Mill

Re: Help from the wiser of us.

C-G ProShop-Carl

Re: Help from the wiser of us.

RandyO

Re: Help from the wiser of us.

mumzie

Re: Help from the wiser of us.

Splitz

Re: Help from the wiser of us.