Well, I bowled in a scratch sport condition tournament over the weekend. This was the second time in my life ever bowling on a sport shot. Out of 156 bowlers only 3 bowlers hit a 220 average (so these were the only bowlers that hit around their house shot averages). Only 7 bowlers were 210 and up, a measly 21 bowlers were 200 and up. 66 bowlers hit a 190 average and up. You needed only a 197 average to qualify for match play. There was a 220 average bowler (plenty of 300’s to his credit) that only averaged 154!
Now the guys that get into this tournament aren’t your run of the mill bowlers. Practically everybody that gets in this tournament is a 220+ average in some house shot league.
Even though I wasn’t on my game I felt pretty happy averaging in the low 180’s for the first seven games (181.5). It was the last game that was the bummer (3 splits!). When the strikes are hard to get, a low game is almost unavoidable.
200 160 189 181 = 730
191 169 181 152 = 693 Total = 1423. Averaged 177.8 over 8 games.
The point being, I realize the sport shot is difficult. If you miss a board or two right it will hang and you’ll sit with a washout. If you miss a little left, the ball will cross over Brooklyn. I found I had to be right on my shot. Spares were difficult and confusing. I couldn’t stand on my typical spots. Plastic was essential as throwing a hook at spares did nothing but confuse the heck out of me. Considering the sport shot I missed only 2 single pin spares (not by much) and I may have chopped 3-4 multi-pin spares back. I shot at more spares. While my spare shooting wasn’t the best (I can typically miss none, 1 or 2 out of 15 games when I’m on) I did ok considering all the adjustments I had to make and for the second time in my life bowling on this.
I plan on seeking out a sport condition shot over the summer. Will it make me better? I don’t know.
Sorry for the long post. I welcome any responses or comments. I found the shot interesting and to see all these high rollers struggle was something.
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I want to have a 220+ average like everybody else around here, so give me fresh oil.