I spent the last two days with a student I have been coaching while he participated in the SSJBA here in Memphis. Again, I am completely amazed with ball technology. There was a 299 (in the 165 and under division) on Saturday and a 300 (in the masters division) on sunday. The female that shot 300 also had a 279 in the semi final match leaving only an 8 pin. Another youth, struck 13 times in one game for 280 fouling in the 2nd frame. It took 215 to make the top 12 after 8 games on Saturday (masters division). It took a 230 average over saturday and sunday (20 games) to make the top 5 step ladder. The leader had +720 for 20 games.
Standing and watching, I was amazed at how the pins would explode very loudly and fly all around. Kids with rev rates of 200 had just as good a shot at striking as those with 300 or 400. Infact the leader and eventual winner had an incrediably low rev rate... maybe 200.. and another top finisher had maybe 250.
Watching these masters, I was taken with how well they were able to move with the oil line and switch balls with great success. As well, there was 8 games of qualifying on Sat and 12 game round robin on Sunday. Thats a fair amount of bowling... and all the kids seemed strong at the end.
And incase you are wondering, my student finished 3rd after qualifying and shot 229 to loose in the quater finals to finish 4th. He was plus 164 after the first 8 and was nearly +700 after 20.
It was a great tournament and I enjoyed watching as I also do. But I am so struck with the fact that it really did not matter how well you physically bowled (within reason) or how much power (ball speed/rev rate) you had. It was clearly a matter of having the right ball at the right time and I have to admit, these kids seem to be able to quickly understand whats happening on the lanes (transitioning and breaking down) and react accordingly with good choices of equipment.
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