Dang, CPA! We were bowling the exact same time. I would have liked to have met you in person.
My experience was similar. Team event when we hit 8 board we hit pocket. Hit 6 board or farther out and we'd miss the head pin. Miss inside and it went through the nose or worse. Struggled immensely getting the ball cleanly off my hand due to swelling (heat and humidity). I planned ahead and made sure I had room in the thumb hole, but didn't take into consideration the idea of needing more bevel on the thumb hole too. I had at least 5 big splits that were costly and ruined any momentum. Nine open frames says it all...
Next day at 9:20am (Doubles - lanes 1&2 ) we followed some old guys who literally sprayed their shots everywhere and made the demanding shot even more so. The back ends were UGLY! Five splits and six open frames (Gag) I beveled my thumb holes overnight at the hotel so gripping and releasing the ball was better, but just bad luck on the draw this year. I am anxiously awaiting next year when every squad starts fresh.
Singles we moved to 3 &4 and immediately started seeing improvement. Only one split and three opens for the final three games. Shot 623 and felt like I bowled pretty well. Low to cash is currently around 550 so maybe a little money back from Singles and Team events.
Recommendations: I like the idea of getting 10 guys to start around 5-6 to create a little miss room outside. We had about 4 of us who could, so it didn't happen. Start with a solid and predictable rolling ball with surface somewhere around 1500-2000. As you move inward you can cover down to weaker (yet still stable stuff). Avoid anything resembling a skid/snap reaction and make your spares, and the shot is playable as long as you don't "fluff" the release or "grab" it at the bottom. This pattern rewards those who can repeat shots with consistency. It only seems impossible to those who try to overpower it or manipulate their ball reaction.
I saw guys with tons of hand that missed outside with the same washouts, etc. No friction, no hook. It really is that simple. As the shot breaks down kill the hand and let the ball work for you.
I had a lousy tournament (but enjoyable time) but will gain some satisfaction if my summary will help any of you to score better than I did this year. Loved the vacation and seeing some of the sights, etc. Good luck to you who have yet to bowl.
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Allstar Lanes
Brunswick Regional Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
