Thanks for the replies people. Let me be more specific about what I'm saying. I don't mind practicing on THS at all. I'm just talking about being in a competitive environment on a weekly basis. I mean, I already know that there are plenty of "competitive" THS men and mixed leagues out there, but I'm doing it to prepare for other bowling ventures.

I enjoy and love the game just for the sake of playing and everything, but I want to be competitive and make some money doing this too.  I’ve mentioned the area of bowling I’ve grown up in before (born in the ‘70’s and started bowling early ‘80’s…) so it’s not like I don’t have a clue about what it takes to be a “bowler”. You could “grip-it-and-rip-it” as they say, but you still didn’t have 10-15 board of area to work with like you do now.

So I guess what I’m saying is yes, I want bowling to return to those days when you bowled a mid to high 600 series it meant something. I want to be able to rejoice at the fact that I earned my 200+ game. And I want to be able to say I took on a challenge and won. Well, I know it sounds mushy and all, but I hope you get my point to all of this. Other than Skeglesswonder, LuvThatWhiteDot, pin-chaser, and Sawbones, I’m sure there are some more “bowlers” who probably have a reply to this. Please give your comments. If you feel that I’m throwing out some BS, please give a reply.

 I’m starting to feel that the only way bowling is going to “competitively” fun again is if we make the shots a little bit more difficult. I’ve noticed that regardless of what house I’ve been in, unless it was a very competitive league, I could throw the ball right and it’s going to come back…well, most of the time anyway. I don’t mind trying to “find” the shot although I might end up with a low 500 series trying to find it, at least I tried. Ok, now I’m starting to babble, but I hope you all feel what I’m saying here. Peace.

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When you've moved up, moved back, adjusted left and right, cupped, flattened out, have thrown everyting in your arsenal, and the pins still don't cooperate, just say, "Aw to HELL with it!", and throw the ball!

Shoutout33

You can certainly improve by bowling in a sport league, but it's not automatic.  You need to be open minded, willing to try different lines and equipment, and be able to set your ego aside.  You will be able to develop a solid spare game and a better understanding of ball roll, speed, transition, surface, and hand positions.  It really helps to bowl with bowlers who understand the condition and are willing to answer questions.  Trying to go it alone will be difficult if not impossible.  A coach is a great start, but a good bowler who can explain what's happening is invaluable.  Good Luck.