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Author Topic: usbc sportshot crap  (Read 20414 times)

tfav44

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usbc sportshot crap
« on: April 20, 2008, 05:12:34 AM »
is anyone else sick of the sportshot crap the usbc keeps shoving at us, I have read that league bowling membership is declining, iknow that this is true in my area. I live in mich. and the decline of the auto industry is having a huge impact on our leagues.Jobs, Money, and time are tight so guys are having to cut back. the usbc is basically ignoring normal house leagues and is pushing pba experience and sport leagues. the thing is we don't have the time and disposable income to devote to having all this extra equipment and practice time. everyone on my team averages over 200, we have all decided to cut back to once a week bowling. we tired of the usbc telling us that what we are doing doesn't measure up and for the "integrity of the game we should switch to a pba exp. league.
thats my rant
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charlest

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2008, 01:33:42 PM »
what are you whining about? 99.99% of all leagues are the house blend, everybody averages 220 with pat-on-the-back egos satisfied.
If you don't want to bowl on PBA shot or a sport shot, THEN don't.

Let those of us who wish to, bowl on something that takes a tiny bit of skill.
We like the sport. You want to play the "game" of bowling, then go ahead. Just don't try to stop those of us who wish to engage in the "SPORT" of bowling. There is a huge difference between the two.
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302efi

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2008, 01:59:33 PM »
tfav44 I agree with you. Thats all you hear anymore...Join a PBA exp league and bowl on what the pros bowl on.

As you said, USBC membership is declining and its not because of easy lane conditions.

Shouldnt easy lane condition make more USBC membership ?

The real whiners are the ones screaming the lanes are to easy. If they are to easy, then quit and take up some other hobby. Can't people just enjoy a couple games of bowling a week without some "integrity azzhat" yelling how easy it is ?

For all of the THS haters, I assume you all avg 250+, correct ?..If not, why not ?...You say its soooo easy ?!?!?!
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Edited on 4/20/2008 2:00 PM

Russell

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2008, 02:05:59 PM »
Are you kidding me?......

If you don't like it don't play?
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Sawuser

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2008, 02:06:40 PM »
I think it depends on just how walled your THS is! The last time I checked there is a wide variety of house shots. The ones in my area are playable, but by no means easy walled up bumper shots. By looking at scores in some areas of the country, I can understand some complaints of "TOO easy"!
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302efi

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2008, 02:09:22 PM »
quote:
By looking at scores in some areas of the country, I can understand some complaints of "TOO easy"!


But the question is, are the ones shooting these big scores the ones complaining how easy it is ????

Prob not...

So then the ones who can't score well, even on a easy THS are the one complaining..

Owned
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Strider

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2008, 02:14:06 PM »
Like Charlest said, a great majority of leagues are already THS.  Very few centers have more than ONE PBA type league at any one point, so it's not like they're taking over the houses.  Also, league numbers have been declining for years, so it's not the PBA Experience leagues that are driving bowlers away.

For me, it's not so much the averages, but the lack of variety that makes me want to try other types of leagues.  Stand near the left gutter, aim somewhere near the 3rd arrow, send the ball out to 7, rinse and repeat.  With the PBA leagues, you HAVE to move around and think a little.  Versatility is important and yes, more equipment is a big help.  If you want a little diversion after a hard week of work and want to throw a few with the buddies and have a few beers, the THS league isn't going anywhere.  For the small number of us wanting more, don't complain about the one PBA league that's "invaded" your house.
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Soaring Eagle

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2008, 02:23:06 PM »
That's all in good that you avg 200+. But the true test of your abilities is seeing how good you are on different condidtions. In any sport there are the home and away aspect. You need to treat the sportshot as being the away team.
I myself perfer a harder shot than an easy one, this way I get a better reading of what lane conditions I need to work on.  There is no sport on just dropping the ball and watching it go into the pocket. And this was when I was still bowling on wood lanes way back when.
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TWOHAND834

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2008, 02:28:50 PM »
I agree with Charlest as well. What I will say, though, is that I like how the "sport" condition in Albuquerque is turning in some high scores.  

I think the thing with the USBC is that there are some people out there with general curiosity on what bowling on PBA conditions is like.  So, the USBC is promoting that for those who WANT to test the waters per se, can now have that opportunity.  But, as other here have said, if you don't want to, then don't.
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Spider Ball Bowler

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2008, 02:43:36 PM »
Bowling is a hard game regardless of what shot you're on.  Sadly for the people that put in the time to get better on the type of shots you see all the time, now you are judged by what you do on shots you have probably never seen before.

I average 228 on the easy shot that allows me to play straight.  Why do you think that is....because it is easy, and I learned to bowl playing straight up the boards.  Of course anytime you put me on a shot that I can play straight I am going to do well.  I average 211 on a shot that hooks, and I have to swing it.  Why is that...because I am trying to learn better on how to swing the ball. If I had learned to bowl by swinging the ball, I would average higher on that shot then I do on the straight shot, but it is not the case. Do I consider myself a good player...yes....do I consider myself an all star...no....I could not even tie the shoes of the real all stars, and I realize this.

Now if I go bowl sport, do I think I would do well.  No.  If I bowled sport as much as I bowl on house shots, and learn the different patterns and put in as much work as I did to get better on a house shot I think I could be a pretty competetive bowler.  I believe anyone could.  

I am not a fan of bowlers who do not put in their time, and score because of the easy lane conditions and strong equipment.  Sadly, that is many of the players in todays game.  

I have been watching this go on for the past 4 years of adult leagues, and really it burns me.  I put in, and I know many of the better or even good players on these boards did too, so much time to get better at a game I love, only to see 10 years later, that people without a clue can compete around the same level I worked so hard to achieve because of the soft lanes and strong equipment.  

There is not one other atheletic competition I can think of you can fake your way into being good at.....take that for what its worth.





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dizzyfugu

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2008, 02:45:06 PM »
I am with strider, and basically with charlest, too. With many easy patterns around, I think many people do not witness the sport of bowling and the challenge it may offer. The THS kills the intellectual challenge, or the need for s strategy.

The typical house league has an easy walled shot, and short formats per evening. The longest I have taken part in was a 4 game set for a trio team - hardly enough traffic to force players to adjust. You just stand left, toss the ball across the lane, and if you have some hand it will come back. Even release suckers can play this and think they's "play" bowling. Even though you still have to have some skill to obtain a 200+ average, this is by far no challenge.

IMHO, more power to flat patterns and longer formats - and make them the normal condition, not the experience "bowl like the pros" crap. The fact that these patterns ruin many players' dreams of bein good surely drives them away from challenging conditions - back to the THS where they can think they'd be kings. Since this is the norm and few lane proprietors will take moves against it, the sport of bowling is in a dead end.

Besides, you do not need tons of balls or equipment to be competitive. 2 balls plus a spare are anything a "good" league player will need - but on a THS you hardly ever get the need and chance to evolve your game to a higher, competitive level. Striving for "Away" games is therefore the minimum you should do, if you want to be able to "play" bowling.

Stop whining, search for challenges.
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Atochabsh

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2008, 02:46:44 PM »
tfav, I agree with you also.  Our association has one PBA league and it has 18 members in it.  Though we have nearly 200 leagues.  The point isn't that the majority are "chicken" to bowl on tougher conditions.  Its just not that popular or as popular as USBC would have everyone believe.  What bugs me is that all the attention from USBC goes to Sport and PBA leagues, those that choose to NOT bowl on Sport/PBA are belittled (especially on forums like these), told their accomplishments are not worthy, while the their sanctioning is the vast majority of income going to USBC.  I think USBC needs to treat Joe and Jane bowler with a bit more respect then constantly being told their conditions are too easy and that they should bowl a Sport/PBA league.  

I'm glad that those that want Sport/PBA leagues have them available to them.  Enjoy them as just another aspect of this sport.  

Erin

302efi

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2008, 02:52:05 PM »
quote:
I am with strider, and basically with charlest, too. With many easy patterns around, I think many people do not witness the sport of bowling and the challenge it may offer. The THS kills the intellectual challenge, or the need for s strategy.

The typical house league has an easy walled shot, and short formats per evening. The longest I have taken part in was a 4 game set for a trio team - hardly enough traffic to force players to adjust. You just stand left, toss the ball across the lane, and if you have some hand it will come back. Even release suckers can play this and think they's "play" bowling. Even though you still have to have some skill to obtain a 200+ average, this is by far no challenge.

IMHO, more power to flat patterns and longer formats - and make them the normal condition, not the experience "bowl like the pros" crap. The fact that these patterns ruin many players' dreams of bein good surely drives them away from challenging conditions - back to the THS where they can think they'd be kings. Since this is the norm and few lane proprietors will take moves against it, the sport of bowling is in a dead end.

Besides, you do not need tons of balls or equipment to be competitive. 2 balls plus a spare are anything a "good" league player will need - but on a THS you hardly ever get the need and chance to evolve your game to a higher, competitive level. Striving for "Away" games is therefore the minimum you should do, if you want to be able to "play" bowling.

Stop whining, search for challenges.


My point exactly..lol

What do avg on a "Easy" house shot ? Prob 200 or a little over. But I bet the top guy in league is around 220 or so, correct ?

If it is so easy or hardly a challange (as you said), Why don't you avg 250+ ?

If it is so easy or hardly a challange (as you said), why even bowl in it ?
--------------------
quote:
I will head to my local pro shop. Right after I buy it online.


When faced with a difficult situation, Jesus asks himself, "What would Chuck Norris do?"

Robo-Arm bowlers SUCK...

ThongPrincess

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2008, 03:39:36 PM »
I bowl on Sport and THS.  As frustrating as it can be, I enjoy the challenge.  I have bowled the Sport league for 4 - 5 years and have seen the league grow slowly.  The first few years we would star with 16 or so teams of trios and lose 1 or 2 by the end of the first round.  This year we started with 18 trios teams and with 2 weeks left, we still have 18 teams.

I have no problem with bowlers choosing either or both formats.  Bowling should have a place for all types of bowlers.  As for a different extra equipment, I use the same for both types of leagues.  I may change a surface for the sport league, but have not purchased anything that is exclusive for the sport shot.  

A few weeks ago I changed my WhirlWind.  My coach recommended taking all the polish off, going over it with a green pad and taking it to 2000 - NO POLISH.  It read the Viper pattern well in the sport league Monday.  I tried it out in my Wednesday 2nd shift THS league and found it was a great match.
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Strider

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Re: usbc sportshot crap
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2008, 04:02:36 PM »
Well, 302, if you want to keep beating the horse...

Of course everyone needs to improve so they can get better.  On my Thursday league I was high average last year; this year I'm third.  On my Tuesday league (still THS), I'm about 20th at best.  Sure I try hard and am always looking to improve.  However, several of the people who are way above me don't have games anyone would want to copy.  Basically if you have a lot of speed and fairly high revs, you can score well there.  Ball speed I can work on, but with my arthritis, I'm never going to dramatically increase my revs.  Just because you can exploit the dry boards better than someone else doesn't necessarily make you a better bowler.  A couple of these guys practically throw it side armed and spin the ball like a top.  My shoulder and wrist hurt just watching these guys.

Not the point you want to hear, but one of the top dogs finally made it to one of the PBA pattern tournaments that they run here roughly once a month.  This is even one of the guys with decent form, but kind of a one trick pony.  Lot of speed and a lot of revs.  Has no clue what to do without the wall of dry boards to the right.  I shot about 590, made match play, and put a few bucks in my pocket.  He barely broke 400, left with his tail between his legs, and will probably never be heard from again on these types of tournaments.
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