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Author Topic: A bunch of questions to get to the point...  (Read 936 times)

rlamanna

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A bunch of questions to get to the point...
« on: April 27, 2004, 11:52:23 AM »
Here's my short bowling story to help answer my questions: I started bowling when I was, say, 7 or 8. I bowled in a junior league for 6 years and quit all together. That would make me 13 or 14 at the time. My best season was a 170 average or so. I'm now 21 and, I have been bowling for about a month and a half now. I'm now averaging between 180 and 190. Can I get opinions on why I'm so much better now after only starting up again a month and a half ago? I'm really into it right now. For the 200+ average bowlers, how long did it take you to get where you are? When the lanes are oily, I play a straight angle to the pocket. When they are dry I move over about a board or two. I'm just starting to get the hang of making adjustments. Is it possible to self-teach yourself or do you need a coach? I'm curious to know how the best bowlers became what they are today. I don't really have anyone that I can talk to right now because I'm new to the area where I am bowling. I may get some advice and be able to talk to someone knowledgable about the sport when I join a league this summer. I'm hoping that the people who read this understand where I am heading with these questions. I want to be competitive as do most who bowl in leagues. When is the right time to compete in tournaments? I can go on and on...
Thank you for all of your help.

 

gbushman

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Re: A bunch of questions to get to the point...
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2004, 03:06:09 AM »
quote:
I bowled in a junior league for 6 years and quit all together. That would make me 13 or 14 at the time. My best season was a 170 average or so. I'm now 21 and, I have been bowling for about a month and a half now. I'm now averaging between 180 and 190. Can I get opinions on why I'm so much better now after only starting up again a month and a half ago?


You quit when you were still GROWING.  Awkward years.  NOW, better TIMING, control of body, more STRENGTH to handle weight of ball.  Maybe more DESIRE or DISCIPLINE?

quote:
For the 200+ average bowlers, how long did it take you to get where you are?  


NO ANSWER.



 
quote:
Is it possible to self-teach yourself or do you need a coach?


YES, but you get what you PAY for.  You may spend more time and money LATER trying to correct your teaching.

 
quote:
When is the right time to compete in tournaments?


When you have the money to LOSE?  When YOU feel you are ready - confidence IS important.  Be prepared to LEARN at your first few tournaments.  Many times you will run across new lane conditions.  PREPARE yourself by bowling in leagues first to learn rules and experience some pressure and a SPORT league if possible for the lane patterns.

MSC2471

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Re: A bunch of questions to get to the point...
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2004, 04:31:51 AM »
Considering I started bowling in the 70's and have been bowling ever since, I didn't get to a 200 average until my freshman year of college (1989), when I also got the chance to buy my first urethane bowling ball. Previous to that I was in the mid 190's with a yellow dot.

Tournament bowling relies on confidence, execution and making spares. I agree that you have to be willing to part with the money as your first few tournaments you will need to gain experience and no one can cash every time as the competition is strong. Make sure you understand lane conditions, your bowling equipment and how you can match the two up based on your bowling style. Some tournaments will be very agreeable to your style and others will be a grind- learning how to handle shooting high 190's/low deuces can also make the cash as well as tournaments where you need to average 230 or better to sniff money.

Good luck in your endeavors and keep us posted on your progress.

Matt

pin-chaser

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Re: A bunch of questions to get to the point...
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2004, 11:27:55 AM »
Your head is on better now, and that will continue to happen for many more years. Its about making spares at your level and you are more consistant at trying to make them.

It took me 5 years to average 200... 1972-1977. Today it is entirely possible to average 200 in 12-18 months... and many many do with todays bowling balls and lane conditions.

No you can teach yourself at least until you get to 210 or so. At that point, the understanding of bowling balls and layouts and such is much easier with an expert. But physically you can teach yourself well, with video and all the information that is available today. Truth be known, I have never had a coach. I have asked many specific questions and applied what I thought I needed.

You are asking really good questions. But remember, everyone learns things at different paces. Your averaging 200 as a goal is good, but dont let it slow you down or hold you back. Keep an open mind, focus on smaller obtainable goals (ie. perfecting my first step, increasing my swing speed by developing a better pushaway, follow through toward target while maintaining a 90degree should alignment to target). You can be the next Pete Weber, we all can. Its about dedication, determination and understanding.
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