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Author Topic: I need your opinions  (Read 886 times)

Martin710

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I need your opinions
« on: March 16, 2008, 02:34:46 AM »
I have been bowling for 6 years and although I bowl 25 games per week, my average seems to have reached a ceiling at 198. I have tried many things: new balls, different releases, more revs, more speed ...and I cannot bring my average over 200. Recently, I tried targetting the first arrow ( a bit like WRW)and I have averaged 214 for the last 12 games. Now I intend to continue this practice until proven wrong but I would like the opinions of BR's gurus on this. Coaches and good bowlers at my center tell me that this will not be good in the long run. I don't intend to bowl professionally. I just bowl for the challenge.

 

sdbowler

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Re: I need your opinions
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2008, 10:40:58 AM »
How is your spare shooting? So many people focus just on the first ball that they forget about spares. This past week I missed a 4 pin followed that by missing a 10 pin. That cost me my game and almost costed me my point for series as well. Spare shooting can be the difference in getting over 200. The outside shot will work for a little while but once they start to break down who knows what kind of move you will have to make. I would not focus on getting over 200 I would focus on being consistent. Once you can get consistent then you should see your average go over the 200 mark. I remember when I was in the same situation I would focuson getting over 200 that I would force shots instead of allowing the ball to do it's thing. Just relax and roll the ball.
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Kyle

Strider

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Re: I need your opinions
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2008, 10:43:24 AM »
If you hit a plateau, whether it's 150 or 240, it's time to see a coach.

With your present situation, I can only assume that that at your house, there has been a good shot around the first arrow lately.  Maybe there is less traffic there to beat up the pattern.  Take what the shot gives you.  However, it's silly to think one line or one ball or one release is going to be "better" than everything else long term.  Use your practice time each week to find what's working best each time out.  Don't assume that just because first arrow worked the last two weeks that it will be the best this week.
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Martin710

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Re: I need your opinions
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2008, 10:56:36 AM »
quote:
How is your spare shooting? So many people focus just on the first ball that they forget about spares. This past week I missed a 4 pin followed that by missing a 10 pin. That cost me my game and almost costed me my point for series as well. Spare shooting can be the difference in getting over 200. The outside shot will work for a little while but once they start to break down who knows what kind of move you will have to make. I would not focus on getting over 200 I would focus on being consistent. Once you can get consistent then you should see your average go over the 200 mark. I remember when I was in the same situation I would focuson getting over 200 that I would force shots instead of allowing the ball to do it's thing. Just relax and roll the ball.

My spare shooting is excellent and is the reason why I can maintain a 198 average . I just don't make enough strikes.

Brunswick
Kyle

sdbowler

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Re: I need your opinions
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2008, 11:09:29 AM »
If your spare shooting is good then I would do like Strider said and seek out a coach. Biggest thing I could tell you to do is just relax and not think about it. I get into a problem of throwing the ball and not rolling it. Once I relax and start rolling it I am able to average a lot higher. Not knowing your game I would tell you to roll the ball. When you start thinking about it that's when it's harder to achieve. This season is just about over I would keep working on a few different things this year and really focus on your ball reaction. I am sure next year  you will probably be averaging around 203. Keep plugging away and you will get there.
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Kyle

jd1319

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Re: I need your opinions
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2008, 05:00:45 PM »
First arrow may work at that bowling center, but as season and temps change, you may lose that shot.  A good coach that can teach you to read what the ball is doing, and how to adjust is well worth the price.  Secondly, spare practice.  You should be a legit 95% on your single pin spares.  Many people claim they are, but in reality, they are 80% and that drags their average down 15-20 pins per game.  

Finally, back to the coach, simple mechanique flaws can drastically affect you game.  Even if you have perfect mechanics, and you start to struggle, bad habits can creep in and kill you scores without you realizing what is going on, a coach will spot these issues.