Author Topic: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going? (Read 2468 times)

TamerBowling · « **on:** October 27, 2011, 02:17:06 PM »

So I was recently reading the September issue of BTM and came across an article by John Jowdy, "Are Modern Drilling Methods Technically Illegal?" He and several other notables go on about the state of bowling and basically call the modern drilling of modern cores illegal. They go as far as to indicate this has destroyed the integrity of the game. I know this topic is discussed much here and there's another thread comparing golf to the downward spiral bowling is facing.

I just wanted to take the time to voice an opposite and more positive opinion on our sport. For me, it is sad to see the sport of bowling not getting the recognition it deserves, but I love this sport. I think there is still a lot of good things in our sport and I personally do not believe that technical advances and consistent oiling conditions are destroying the integrity of the game.

I wrote the following article to rebut the notion.

http://tamerbowling.com/index.php/where-is-the-sport-of-bowling-going/

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just wanted to say I don't see
all doom and gloom...although there are many days that reflect that. With all due respect, I believe the bowling community, especially those most visible need to reflect a positive light. In the corporate world, you can't just criticize... And if you're going to criticize, you better offer a solution of your own...

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www.tamerbowling.com">www.TamerBowling.com

Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I

TamerBowling · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2011, 05:06:39 PM »

This was one of the points I was making in the article. Back in the day, you can just go with one ball and "figure it out". Today, we have a bigger challenge when trying to find the ball that carries the most. So even in today's higher scoring environment, the delta between bowlers is smaller which can make it more competitive. So what if the whole league average is 220? Some will be 235, some will be 230. If we are all getting the ball to the pocket, then some are carrying better than the rest of us. Everyone who bowls on a scratch league knows the deal, "he who finds it first..." So it's still a challenge, just a different one. I take pride in finishing at the top of a scratch league because it's not just about average but about competition. So we can still make bowling competitive, even in the very high scoring environment.

Can anyone tell me it's not fun watching the pros throw lots of strikes on TV? I mean, does anyone recall that tournament a few years ago where they were bowling 160s or so? How boring was that?

Of course as others have said, if we want to better the sport, we as individuals need to challenge ourselves. I honestly believe people gravitate to what they hang around with. If you bowl in a rec league, you will likely not score as well as in a competitive league with the same shot laid out. For example, we've got 2 Peterson leagues near me. In one league, the top 5 or so are sandbaggers and the highest average is 205. In the next, the top average is 232. Same pattern, same lanes, same scoring system, some of the same bowlers. What makes it different? I believe it's the environment. The higher scoring league attracts bowlers who want to be more competitive and are not there to sandbag. Even the sandbaggers know they need to score better to win in the other league.

Tex wrote on 10/30/2011 9:49 AM:Personally in some ways I think conditions could be considered tougher than back in the good old days in one respect. I recall we carried one ball and played the 5 board every where we went. Who did that the best scored the best. Now we have a dozen balls with us and play anywhere from the 5 board to the 5th arrow. You do have to be more versatile today then back then but the scores are much higher. I remember when shooting 1800 scratch would garuntee a cash in most events and now that better be over 2000. Is that good or bad, I don't know but it is the facts of where we are. The challenge is to walk into a place you never or only bowl once a year and put up that 2000 to get an all events check and your team better shoot 3300 - 3400 or better to even get a sniff of the top prize. The game is still a challenge just in a differnt way. We will never go back to the "good old days" and maybe we shouldn't. IF USBC tightened a couple rules like lane inspections and maybe the 3 units went to 5, touch heavier pins and continue to pull the reigns slightly on ball dynamics we will level off and you won't see the big gains we saw over the past decade.

Roll with 900 Global.

Made in Texas!

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www.tamerbowling.com">www.TamerBowling.com

Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I

Rileybowler · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2011, 06:57:24 PM »

Very nice article great reading thanks for your insight and time.

Carl
Bless the LORD o my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name

Edited by Rileybowler on 10/31/2011 at 7:01 PM

On Further Review · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2011, 06:54:49 PM »

The sport of bowling is pretty much in the tank. On the other hand, the recreational side of bowling is doing fairly well. As for the sport aspect, the author asks for solutions, but after so many years of a downhill slide, there probably aren't any viable solutions that would actually work or be adopted. Just like the national debt which is too far gone to do much about it, the sport side of bowling has already pretty much on the way out, sad to say.

If Obamacare is so great why are so many waivers being asked for and given?

TamerBowling · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2011, 10:32:11 PM »

Well, I'd like to think that there are always opportunities to reestablish the sport of bowling to a new glory. The right leadership can get it done. How many businesses have just about tanked before the right leader brought it back. I believe it's possible but will take smart dedicated people. I'd like to think the die hard bowlers will continue on bowling regardless, but continued developments with youth bowling and giving them something to shoot for will help.

Part of me wants to say that as long as our pro athletes can not make a living at this sport, it will be extremely difficult to have youth dreaming of doing this for a living. Unfortunately, I also see so many pro shop operators who have 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet.

There do have to be some significant changes. Sometimes the problem looks so daunting, we see no hope. However, I believe there is something inherent to the sport that makes us die hards still love the sport, Why can't we figure out how to bring more into the fold?

Yes, hard work...

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www.tamerbowling.com">www.TamerBowling.com

Everything Bowling, coaching tips, ball reviews, General bowling discussions
USBC Certified Level I

The Bowlers Edge 2 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 04, 2011, 12:44:22 AM »

the structure of bowling is sooooooooo screwed up that there will be no saving it. You have older, better bowlers quitting because people averaging 20 pins less a game run them over on these cake wall shots that are put out. Then you try to have sport leagues, and make the ones who it is too hard for quit. You're losing bowlers from both sides!!! can't go back and unring the bell of making the lanes/balls/pins where they are today. Good luck bowling, if you're around in an organized form in 10 years, i'll be totally shocked!!!

The Bowler's Edge Pro Shop

Author Topic: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going? (Read 2468 times)

TamerBowling

Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?

TamerBowling

Re: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?

Rileybowler

Re: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?

On Further Review

Re: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?

TamerBowling

Re: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?

The Bowlers Edge 2

Re: Where is the Sport of Bowling Going?