So today on my way home from work I get a phone call from my buddy who is in need of a 5th bowler for the night.  I had nothing going on, so I said what the heck.  I am a lefty after all

Warming up in practice, I threw my Red Zone, with my normal A game shot, and it hooked early and often, meaning I threw it down 10 standing at 18, and it hooked and hit the 6 pin area.  I threw another shot moving in 2 boards, and the same thing.  I started to worry because I didn't want tome in and bowl like crud, when they expected me to do well.

I started thinking back to my PBA Regional Experience I had a couple summers ago.  The 36 ft pattern, break inside of 5 and you're in the pocket pattern.  So I moved deeper to 25 with my left foot, and threw the ball with a ton of hand and ball speed out to 5...and wouldn't you know it, it came screaming back to the pocket.  

First game that's all I did.  My accuracy was good for about 2-3 shots in a row, then I'd tug it.  I am not very good at playing this close to the gutter, so I was pretty pleased with the results.  228 no opens.

Game 2 I start doing the same thing.  I was at 98 in 5th, and decided to try something different. (I couldn't possibly keep up this ball speed for another game and 1/2) I took out my Super Beast, and moved left 5 boards, and changed up my release to not hook the ball as much at all.  I was worried about my carry and my accuracy, because I don't ever practice this, or really ever have to use it.  Once again I was good for 2-3 shots in a row, then I'd push the ball, or throw it too hard.  I ended up with a 214, once again no opens.

Game 3 I decide to keep with the release change.  I felt more comfortable and my accuracy started to happen, and I strung a few.  I got up in the 5th and threw the ball HORRIBLY, and left a 4-8 I believe.  I got up to shoot at it, and was still thinking about what I did wrong on the Strike shot, and I clipped the 8 pin and left the 4.  My first open of the night.  I proceeded to buckle down and make decent shots, and ended up with a 224.

My series on the night 666.  All this playing shots I am totally not comfortable with at all.  I know you might say 666 isn't a good score, but for me this is the most proud I've been in any of my scores since my first 300 game and 700 series 9 years ago.

I usually am too stubborn to make adjustments, because I always feel like I just didn't throw the ball well enough to hit the pocket, when in all reality it's because the lanes are playing differently than what I am used to.

Don't get me wrong, I have scored on tougher conditions in my life, but it's always been the same.  Whenever I see a tough shot, I move left and play straight, this shot was totally different and is one I usually stink it up on.

I know this is a long read, but I just wanted to share my Happy Bowling Story with everyone.


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All Hammer, All The Time...except when I'm throwing the Super Beast