Aslan's Scores (of the non-lady kind)

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 34

Final night. We ended up tied for 2nd place...a half point out of 1st. This week was only gonna be for average. I was all ready to throw the Endeavor all 3 games...but then I found out it was $5 hands of cards (usually $1) which gave me more incentive to do well.

508 Series: 137-187-184

X, 8 1, 9 -, X, 7 /, X, S8 /, 6 2, S5 2, 9 -.
Pretty much...everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Pushed a couple shots, pulled a shot. But, in fairness, I also crushed the pocket twice and was left with a 10-pin and an 8-pin...both of which I missed. :(

S7 /, X, 9 /, S8 1, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, XXX.
Switched to the Scorpion Sting in the 9th of Game 1. My line must have been slightly 'off' (1:1 right of where I should have been) or I must have adjusted too much to the right when I balled down...because, in frames 2-4 I left a 4-pin, 4-pin, and 4-9 split. Was able to adjust and started getting good results...but made a couple "so-so" shots in the 8th and 9th...paid a heavy price with a big-4 in the 8th.

S8 1, X, 6 /, S8 1, 9 /, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, XXX.
Made a bad shot in the 3rd...but essentially made good shots the rest of the game. I'd crush the pocket and leave a 10-pin, 9-pin, 4-9 split, and 8-10 split. Even the other team was starting to feel sorry for me. I'm crushing the pocket and I can't buy a strike! :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 38% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 4-pin (2x), 5-pin, 8-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 50% (6/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (2/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-9 split (2x)

Splits: 16% (1/6)

Average over 3 games: 169.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 184.00.

Positives
- I actually 'felt' like I bowled much better than the score indicates.

Negatives
- Spare shooting, spare shooting, spare shooting...
- Lost $15-$20 in the card game rather than the usual $5-$10.

Still haven't used the Endeavor in league play. But, I did get to use the Outer Limits Pearl for awhile in the 3rd game. It definitely has a ton of backend. Gonna need to move a little left of where I'd move for the Force Pearl.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 33 (position week)

Came into the night tied for 3rd. No shot at 1st...but we'd at least end up in 6th. Not bad for a team with the 13th (of 16 teams) most scratch pins.

617 Series: 200-216-201

Trident Odyssey was mowing em down early. Some of the better shots I've thrown and a couple where the line held despite a little push or pull. Then, the lanes seemed to just 'change'. I slammed the pocket and left a 4-pin. Made a slight adjustment left, missed right on the next shot and left a bucket. Slammed the pocket and left another 4-pin. And another 4-pin in the 8th frame. Thought I had moved left enough, but went through the nose in the 10th and then chopped a 10-pin off a 6-10. :mad:
X, X, X, X, 9 /, 6 2, 9 /, 9 /, X, 8 1.

After ANOTHER bucket in the 1st, took out the Scorpion Sting for the rest of Game 2 and moved a bit right. My only real "bad" shot was a severely pulled shot in the 3rd frame. Line was working...right up till the 10th when the line broke down and I went through the nose (again!). The only difference between Game 1 and Game 2 is I converted the 4-7 rather than open. But, not a "big whoop" given my only open was a barely missed 4-pin in the ninth.
6 /, X, 7 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -, 8 /X.

Took out the Outer Limits Pearl for Game 3. Moved a bit right...ended up not really needing to. Had to work with my speed and vertical targeting a little to get the shot to work...which I didn't really get all worked out until the 9th.
X, 9 -, X, X, X, S8 -, X, 9 /, X, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.22
Strikes: 56%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 4-pin (4x).
Also left a single 2-pin (2x), 6-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 69% (9/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 205.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 213.00.

Positives
- 600+ is almost always a good night.
- Felt good. Had a couple minor issues of pain in the groin and ankle...but generally I 'felt' top notch.
- Only 1-3 "bad" shots the whole night...around the pocket all night.
- Took 3 from the same team we lost 3 from last week.

Negatives
- Not ONE clean game. :(

All in all, we 'should' now be in lone posession of 3rd place. The team we played will likely fall to 5th. No bowling next Sunday, just awards stuff. So, I won't bowl league against until the summer league gets going on May 1st.

[Timmyb]

Nice night!

[Aslan]

Nice night!

Thank you. Good to end on a high note.

Summer League

Week 1

First night of the summer league. New teammates. Pretty much its most of the "more serious" bowlers that don't want to take summer off between leagues. At the same time, a handful of the highest average bowlers in the area are taking the summer off. So, should be a competitive league...hoping I can get back to averaging > 190.

538 Series: 161-215-162

9 /, X, 7 1, X, 6 2, 9 -, X, 8 /, X, 6 /X.
Switched to the Scorpion Sting (SS) after not really liking the way the Trident Odyssey was hitting in practice. Pretty much a very poor man's Dutch-200. The miss of a 10-pin in the 6th just mentally derailed me. I'm SO tired of being a bad spare shooter. I GOTTA get practice in...its just that simple.

S7 1, 9 /, X, 7 /, X, X, X, X, X, 9 -.
Made a move to the Brunswick Encounter (BE) for Game 2. Only the 2nd time throwing it. Had to adjust a little as the Encounter seems to have a little more 'kick' than the SS. Felt good after a dang 6-7-10 split in the 1st frame...was actually worried I might be doing "too good" given we are establishing averages. But...then came a missed 4-pin in the 10th to remind me of the fact that I legitimately suck....not a sandbagger. I did pick up a 1-2-10 in the 4th frame...which is impressive to those of us easily impressed.

7 /, X, 6 /, X, S8 1, X, 8 /, 9 /, 9 -, S5 2
Made the move to the Outer Limits Pearl, but my angle wasn't right, so I had to move a little bit to get adjusted. Again, hard to say I'm sandbagging when I only opened on a 10-pin in the 9th, a 4-10 split in the 5th, and then left a wonderful 4-6-7-9-10 in the 10th. But, similar to Game 1...couldn't run anything together...splits, corner pins, etc...

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.68 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x).
Also left a single 4-pin and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 179.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 189.33.

Positives
- The BE was very effective...usually my Ball #3/dry ball isn't very reliable.

Negatives
- I don't really "gel" with the new team. They're okay, probably just takes some getting used to.
- Not one, but TWO games under 170.
- Corner pins...corner pins...corner pins. I GOTTA fix this!

Seems like the #2 bowler was unhappy that he got bumped to #2 and I got put in at #3. It also means, the team captain has some high expectations that I can average high. The team captain has a great shot. Speed in the 16-17 range with a ton of revs...on the left side to boot. He has a reputation of being a bit too competitive (slamming equipment, etc...), so I definitely feel 'pressure' to bowl well...external and internal.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 2

Have had a stomach virus since Monday, but didn't want to miss a week this early in the season.

495 Series: 200-168-127

X, 7 1, 8 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, 7 /X.
Had a decent line in practice and through game 1, but a couple unforced errors really hurt me. I salvaged a 200, but was really struggling with timing/balance/form...and it seemed like I really needed to make almost 'perfect' shots to strike.

8 -, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, X, X, S7 2.
Switched to the Scorpion Sting for Game 2. In retrospect, I probably should have been more patient. But I really wasn't having a 'terrible' game...just had a bad 10th. It was a makeable 2-5-7 split, but I sent both pins (2 and 5) around the 7. :(

7 2, S7 -, 7 1, 8 1, 8 1, X, X, 8 1, 8 1, X 9 /.
Looked forward to switching to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP)...which I figured would help with carry. But...just a disaster. Not much to say...just "off" and unable to make multi-pin spares. I chopped each leave...it was just embarrassing. I can't remember the last time I chopped so many makeable spares in a row...especially to start off a game. Just...abysmal. :(

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.81 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 40% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 44% (8/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 20% (2/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 165.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 172.67.

Positives
- Nothing.

Negatives
- Everything?

Nothing to really say. I'm not gonna blame it on my stomach illness. Maybe a little 'bad luck'...but I think I really just made a premature ball change. I had a nice line with the Trident Odyssey...but got frustrated with a couple single-pin leaves...and I though balling down and moving a tad to the right would help. I'm definitely disappointed in the OLP. It moved so well with the OOB surface...and it didn't have the same movement with my 1000/R. Compound surface....which 'should' be very close to the 500/1000/1500/R. Compound OOB finish.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 3

Didn't feel like bowling, because I am going on a work trip next week and need to get stuff ready. But, since I'll miss next week...and had such a bad taste in my mouth after last week....I definitely had to go.

555 Series: 160-190-205

8 1, 9 /, S8 1, 9 -, S8 1, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 / 8.
Couldn't find a line that would carry the 10-pin in practice, so I started with the Scorpion Sting (SS). Had to move WAY to the right...I just wasn't making good shots that had any leverage into them. Not to mention the maximum penalty I was getting if I pulled my shot or missed right. Finally was right enough to bowl an "up and in" shot up the 9-board...and that seems to work "okay". But, I also started making spares...so I at least salvaged a 160. Coulda been a LOT worse!

S8 1, 7 /, S8 -, X, X, X, 8 /, X, X, 9 -.
Kept with the SS, but started to put more leverage into my shots. Unfortunately, I completely whiffed on a 7-pin in the 10th...so that was that.

X, X, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 -, 9 -, XXX.
Stuck with the SS. Coulda been a great game if I hadn't whiffed on back-to-back single-pins in the 8th and 9th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.18 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 43% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 58% (7/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (3/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-6 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 185.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.33.

Positives
- Recovered from a very disappointing Game 1.
- No achilles issues.

Negatives
- Single pins, single, pins, single pins! :mad:

Really not much to it. Had I picked up my ginned pins I'd have average nearly 200. And, a more minor issue, I'm still unsure about the surface on the SS. The specs seem rather close to the Trident Odyssey, but it reacts FAR less than the Odyssey. So, I've put some surface (500/2000) on it...but I've never had much luck throwing balls with surface...because it just seems to burn up, hit light, and leave me a 10-pin or 2-pin combo. Seems like I had better luck with it when it was at a 1500/Step 2 surface. And, maybe the surface is fine and I just needed to put decent leverage into the shot...just 'unsure'. And, we all tend to bowl better when we're confident about what we're throwing. Oh well. I feel better about my game than I did after last week's disaster.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 5

Missed last week because I was away for work.

507 Series: 178-168-161

9 /, 7 /, X, 7 2, X, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, 5 /, X 8 /.
Only 1 open...and my spare shooting was on...but couldn't strike to save my life.

7 /, X, 6 2, X, X, X, - 8, X, 9 / 7 2.
Stayed with the Trident Odyssey, and wasn't bowling too awful...but an open in the 10th just killed me.

8 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, S8 1, X, X, 5 /, X, - -.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl in the 4th, and struck on 4 out of 7 balls. Highlight of the night was picking up a 1-2-7-8-10 in the 8th. Pretty much just needed to knock down about 6 pins in the 10th and our team would have swept a very good team of young bowlers. BUT...NOPE.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.06 pins
Strikes: 38%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (6/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin and 10-pin (2x each).
Also left a single 4-pin and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 72% (13/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (7/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 and full rack (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 169.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a

Positives
- Spare shooting was much better.

Negatives
- GUTTERED TWICE on the first ball!!
- And guttered on the first AND second ball once.
- Pretty much BLEW our team taking all 4 points...so I'm gonna have to apologize to them next week. I mean, all I had to do was keep it on the lane...didn't even need to mark!

Just terrible. My spare shooting improved while my carry evaporated to nearly nothing. My line was too aggressive in the beginning, so I had to move quite a bit right...and just had a line that was very tight.

I dunno. I honestly can't remember the last time I threw 2 gutters in the same frame. It might have happened, but I can't remember it.

And the REASON why that happened...is that earlier in the match, I guttered on the 1st ball and then over-compensated on the 2nd shot and pulled it. So, this time when I gutter on ball 1...I think, "Don't adjust...just throw the ball you normally would."

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 6

577 Series: 171-215-191

X, 6 3, X, S8 -, 9 /, X, 8 /, 8 /, X, 9 / 9.
Was really trying hard...after POOing the bed last week. Just couldn't carry.

X, 9 -, X, S7 /, X, X, X, 9 /, X, X 9 -.
Switched to the Scorpion Sting (SS) for Game 2. Had to adjust my line given I had 'thought' I needed to move WAY right to ball down to the SS...but I ended up moving too far...so I had to dial it back a little.

7 /, 9 -, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, 7 /, X, 8 / S7.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl for Game 3, but I'm just not seeing the same "snap" as I did OOB.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 2-pin and 5-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 50% (1/2)

Average over 3 games: 192.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.67

Positives
- Coulda averaged over 200 if I coulda made my single-pin spares.
- Highest series, to date, in this summer league.

Negatives
- Carry wasn't great.

Improvement over last week...but last week we took 3 and this week we took 1. The other team bowled out of their minds. A bunch of 140-160s average bowlers who were all bowling in the 170s to 230s. And I was the only one on my team that beat my average.

But, the MOST annoying thing about last night...our female bowler is just....ughhh. She has primarily two main issues:

1) She listens to music while she bowls. I think that is stupid...but to each their own. The PROBLEM arises when she can't get her ear pods to play...probably because they weren't charged. We spent so much time waiting for her to figure out her "music issues"....the other team patiently waiting...because she can't bowl if she can't listen to her music. Annoying! :mad:

2) The female bowler and her "friend/boyfriend" always bring her kid to the alley with them. Well, the kid is like 2-3 years old and he gets bored...doesn't stay in his seat...stands up in his chair, etc... AND...I guess the kid's Dad also bowls in the league....and he was there with his girlfriend...which apparently she didn't like. So, there were words exchanged, outside, while the other 3/4 of the team was out smoking....and, pretty soon, the league president and seargent at arms are coming over....drama, drama, drama.

3) This gal was obviously frustrated...about a lot of things...but this poor little kid...he would cry or move around or try to get up...and she'd smack him. She was constantly beating on the kid...which just makes him cry more...which just makes her more irritated. I mean, I get it. Kids in the 2-5 range are somewhat evil beings...but come on. If the kid can't behave well enough to let you bowl and enjoy yourself, get a sitter or take a season off from bowling until he gets older or SOMETHING. But, spending the whole night beating on the kid and listening to him screaming...it just isn't any fun for anyone.

We were in 2nd place...I don't know how far down we'll fall after last night. It's a short season...next week will be about halfway...so we can't afford these slip ups...especially against teams we should beat.

[J Anderson]

) This gal was obviously frustrated...about a lot of things...but this poor little kid...he would cry or move around or try to get up...and she'd smack him. She was constantly beating on the kid...which just makes him cry more...which just makes her more irritated. I mean, I get it. Kids in the 2-5 range are somewhat evil beings...but come on. If the kid can't behave well enough to let you bowl and enjoy yourself, get a sitter or take a season off from bowling until he gets older or SOMETHING. But, spending the whole night beating on the kid and listening to him screaming...it just isn't any fun for anyone.

I guess the heartland is different from the coasts. I think in Connecticut someone would have called the cops and reported her for child abuse.

[Aslan]

)

I guess the heartland is different from the coasts. I think in Connecticut someone would have called the cops and reported her for child abuse.

I think she was just below that threshold...honestly. I think she was at the point where people were noticing, but it wasn't severe enough for that. But, yes....if it would have progressed further...I think more than one person in the area would have been calling the cops...not to mention, I would have said something...team or no. I raised a kid...I "get" it....kids can drive you nuts. I mean, I stopped taking my kid to church and stopped going all together...because I spent the whole time dealing with a kid that didn't want to be there, sit still, stop messing with everything...I get it. But, I rarely (if ever) hit my kid. My ex-wife may have slapped her hands once in awhile...if she was touching stuff she shouldn't...but it was so rare I can't remember a time.

And I'm not judging...sometimes bad behaviors need to be corrected. Of matter of fact, I usually am more on the side of people who see kids that are out of control and am saying, "Geez, that kid needs a parent that deals with that kid....because they are just out of control." I just think being consistent and a little discipline goes a long way. If smacking a kid doesn't get them to behave...smacking them harder and repetitively or hitting them with belts or branches...probably ain't gonna work either. It's, sadly, just gonna send the message that beating on people is normal.

But, that's my opinion. If this gal continues to be like this...I'm gonna strongly consider dropping out of the league. I got enough "stuff" going on in my head...keeping me from relaxing and bowling well. I don't need that craziness. I had to make a similar (but different) call in a league back in California, where two of the bowlers used to have a relationship and now one person didn't like the other person...and suddenly one is bringing their boyfriend and the former boyfriend is upset...just unnecessary nonsense.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Forgot to enter these in last week.

Week 7

564 Series: 175-166-223

X, 9 /, X, 7 /, 8 /, X, - /, 9 -, S8 1, X 7 /.
Wasn't terrible...just couldn't carry.

S8 1, S8 -, X, 7 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 -, X, X 8 /.
Balled down to the Scorpion Sting (SS). Still couldn't carry. :(

9 /, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, S7 2.
Stuck with the SS...found my carry...then I got reamed in the 10th with a wonderful 4-6-7 split.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.66 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin (3x).
Never left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 86% (13/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 and 4-7 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 188.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.33.

Positives
- Better spare shooting.
- The female team member found a babysitter.

Negatives
- Carry was once again abysmal.
- And a split in the 10th...after a 4-bagger...is like a kick in the shins.

Not a great night...but I'll take a 550+. Brings my average up to 179...hopefully I can get into the 180s by the end of the season.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 8

541 Series: 211-163-167

X, - /, X, X, 9 /, S7 -, X, X, X, 9 / 9.
Pretty decent game. Bummed that I opened....would have liked a clean game. Benn awhile.

S8 /, X, 9 /, 9 -, X, 9 -, 9 -, 9 /, X, 9 / 8.
Opened with 5-10 split that I picked up with my spare ball. Of course, picking up only half of my single-pins....when leaving SIX of them...not a good game. Switched to the Scorpion Sting (SS) in the 7th.

S7 2, 5 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, 7 2.
Switched to the Radical Outer Limits Pearl (OLP), but the carry was even more abysmal than the previous train wreck. Chopped a 1-3-8 in the 10th to put a cherry on that poo sundae.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.56 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (9/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x).
Never left a single 2-pin, 4-pin (2x), 5-pin (3x), and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 76% (13/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 180.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.33.

Positives
- Ummm...I picked up a 5-10...seemed impressive at the time.
- At least one of the games was a 200+.

Negatives
- Another night of bad carry.
- And, friction DRAMA...AGAIN!

So we're playing a younger team...looked like a few 19 to mid 20s type of ages. Well, they didn't really do a good job with "etiquette". And, rather than calmly explain to them what proper bowling etiquette is...or having a captain's meeting...or whatever...MY teammates decide to either slam their ball down and march off or yell at them. By the end of the night, our team looked like a bunch of moody idiots and the leadoff bowler decided not to play the last half of Game 3, etc...etc...etc...

For crying out loud. I miss my fall team. The good news is the season is half over. I can't stand drama when I bowl. Drama needs to stay on the internet where it belongs.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 9

500 Series: 137-220-143

7 2, 6 /, 9 -, 7 2, X, X, 7 2, 6 2, X, S8 1.
Multi-pin chops just killed me. Used the Trident Odyssey (TO) even though warm-ups seemed to indicate that I should start with something a little weaker...which I couldn't do because my Scorpion Sting (SS) was cracked (in the bag). And no, I don't keep my bags in my trunk and expose them to extreme heat/cold. This was just a ball failure.

9 /, 7 -, X, 7 /, 8 /, X, X, X, X, X 9 -.
Switched to the Brunswick Endeavor (BE)...a ball I've only used a few times. We needed a good game out of me and I came through...so I was happy with the end result.

8 1, S7 2, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, X, 9 /, 8 /, S5 -.
It was nice to pick up so many spares, but just no carry whatsoever. Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) midway through, but still didn't see much carry.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.48 pins
Strikes: 32%
Spares: 42% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 6-pin, 8-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 50% (9/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 40% (4/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 and 1-3-5 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 166.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 173.67.

Positives
- At least one of the games was a 200+.
- Team won all 4 games.
- No drama tonight.

Negatives
- Ball #2 (SS) cracked in my bag.
- Splits in the 10th in 2 of the 3 games.
- Twice as many multi-pin leaves as last week.

What a frustrating night. I thought I had a good line, but I really felt that starting with the Scorpion Sting would have been better...but when I pulled that ball out of the bag...it was cracked! Not happy with Hammer that this ball I bought a year ago has already failed. This one failed much faster than any of the balls I've bought previously. That led to me trying to throw a Trident Odyssey (TO) that was hitting light...balling all the way down to the Brunswick Endeavor in Game 2...which is a big jump from the TO. If we wouldn't have won all 4 points, I can only imagine how 'peeved' my team would have been. And, this needs to improve before next week when we're scheduled to play the league leaders.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 10

570 Series: 206-208-156

X, 9 /, X, S8 /, X, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -.
Form didn't feel great, but I was getting lucky. Then a 10-pin in the 10th pretty much spelled disaster. Was wondering if I shoulda balled down to the Grudge Hybrid, but my shot repeatability was so 'off', that I couldn't tell if the Trident Odyssey (TO) was burning up or if I just needed to make better shots.

X, X, X, 7 /, 9 -, X, X, X S7 1, X 7 /.
More inconsistent, off-balanced shots...but this time I opened in the 9th instead of the 10th. :(

7 /, X, 7 2, 8 1, X, 9 /, 6 /, X, 6 2, X S7 -.
Considered switching to the Outer Limits Pearl, but I still wasn't making good enough shots to really know whether I should move or not. Too many opens and another open in the 9th. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 56% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 50% (9/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.00.

Positives
- The scores were better tonight.
- Bowled above my average.

Negatives
- Missed both 10-pins.
- Team lost 3 out of 4 points.

Not a great night. Team lost 3 out of 4 to a team of "mentally challenged" individuals. And, that's not being derogatory...two of them were clearly mentally challenged...and the other one was either mentally challenged or just goofy. Their only halfway decent bowler (also I think mentally challenged) was absent. Had to give em over 150 pins...and they mostly bowled above their average.

Gonna need to figure out why my timing and form seem to be so 'off'. And I gotta find a way to start picking up 10-pins. I mean, lane conditions, patterns, ball reaction, the other teams scores....those are things that should be challenging me. If I add my own poor form/technique to that list, then bowling is just tossing a ball and hoping it knocks down the pins.

And my physical condition is getting to be very aggravating. I'm losing weight, which is a good thing. But I got a right ankle/foot that has achilles tendonitis and arthritis. And I got a left knee that just can't support my entire weight. If I bend down too much, I end up with a sharp pain and I can barely stay standing. And usually, at least once per night, my right foot/ankle all the sudden just becomes painful. Not as bad as before I got a procedure done on mu achilles, but bad enough that it usually causes me to have 2-3 really bad frames as I try to push through it.

It truly sucks getting old...but, as anyone will tell ya...I guess it beats the alternative.

[J Anderson]

Two questions Aslan:
Are you getting any practice in besides the usual pre-league ten minute warm up?

Are you doing any exercises strengthen the bad knee and rehab the bad ankle?

In my opinion focusing on getting your strike line during warm up time in league is over rated. It’s not like you’re bowling Jason Belmonte for tens of thousands of dollars. It’s summer league, the difference in payouts after 14 weeks is what? A hundred bucks per bowler? Forget about lining up if you don’t have time to practice outside of league. Use your few practice shots on fixing your ten pin shooting. If you make it in practice it should boost your confidence when you have to make it in a game. If it’s not working try moving your feet and target a bit. Just watch the other bowlers to figure out where you should be aiming for the breakpoint. It’s probably close to where you started the week before.

[Aslan]

Two questions Aslan:
Are you getting any practice in besides the usual pre-league ten minute warm up?

Are you doing any exercises strengthen the bad knee and rehab the bad ankle?


Second question first.

There's not much I can do about the knee, other than lose weight...which I'm losing. It's just a matter of physics and biometrics. Putting > 250 pounds all on one knee...and trying to get good enough knee bend to have a decent release with leverage....it's just too much weight for the joint. The only "rehab/physical therapy" I could do would be to strengthen the butt muscles...which theoretically will allow some of that weight to be supported with more muscle.

The right achilles is something I addressed with a minor procedure...where they tried to clean up the scar tissue. It's much better...I can bowl again. BUT...the only true solution is full-on achilles surgery. And that's a 12-month rehab.

The foot/ankle (right) is arthritis. It just got diagnosed less than a month ago. There's no "cure" for arthritis. I plan to ask my doctor if there's exercises or physical therapy I can do...but it's likely gonna need surgery if it continues to advance. The good news is that the arthritis is very intermittent...it comes and goes.

As to the first question...."no"...I haven't been practicing nearly as much as I should. I think I "over-practiced" when I was in California. I think I didn't "practice smart". So, recently, I actually did some practicing. Worked on some simple, very easy things to try and get me back on track. And, I played a game of lowball to work on the spares.

X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 -.

So, yeah....apparently the small things I worked on were very effective. Lowball didn't go as well. Not sure what is going on with my spares. Either I'm squaring my shoulders and missing inside...or I'm over-compensating and throwing it wide into the gutters. I've gotta get that figured out...and I'm gonna need to continue to prioritize practicing. It's not gonna just get better on it's own.

And, if the practice isn't working....I gotta find a coach. It might not be a PBA level coach like I had out in California...but I just need another set of eyes from someone who has at least some level of success/training...college coach, high school coach...whatever the case may be. I'm encouraged regarding the strike ball practice...but I'm not even close to "there" yet.

[J Anderson]

Sorry to hear about the aches and pains and since you say the weight is starting to get under control there is hope for the knee.

I think Tampabaybob had a system for teaching people to shoot the ten pin. If you can’t find it on the site I’ll try to remember the details.

[Aslan]

I think Tampabaybob had a system for teaching people to shoot the ten pin. If you can’t find it on the site I’ll try to remember the details.

Yeah...I'm gonna have to figure something out. Tonight was an epic disaster...largely because of poor spare shooting.

Summer League

Week 11

498 Series: 173-167-158

6 -, X, X, X, X, S6 2, 9 -, 7 /, X, 8 -.
Had a decent amount of warmup shots and decided to start with the Grudge Hybrid...which I haven't thrown in awhile. I only pulled it out of retirement because my Scorpion Sting cracked a couple weeks ago. Had a decent run after the first frame, but it seemed to come crashing down rather quickly.

X, S8 1, 8 -, 6 /, 7 2, 9 -, 9 -, X, X, XX7.
Another terrible game, another split, more missed single-pins. Arghh! :(

9 -, 7 2, 6 /, 9 /, 7 1, X, X, 9 -, 9 -, XXX.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl to try and get some length and snap downline. But, the single-pin spare shooting continued to haunt me.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.71 pins
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 22% picked up

Single Pin spares: 14% (1/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (7x).
Only left 10-pins.

Makeable spares: 25% (4/16)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4-8 and 2-4-5 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 166.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 185.67.

Positives
- Team split...which is pretty good given how horrible the entire team was bowling.

Negatives
- Left 7 10-pins and only made 1. :mad:
- Form/Timing just isn't 'right'.

Had some high hopes for league night after the positive results in practice...but not so much. This is a fairly unique set of stats. It's very rare that I leave only 10-pins. I think I was hitting light early, and I blamed that on the ball. By the end of Fame 2, I finally made a switch...but it was too little too late.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 12

611 Series: 217(clean)-171-223(clean)

X, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 /X.
Got to the alley a bit late and its been BRUTALLY HOT outside lately...so I was sweating like a mad man. Got some water and a soda...tried to cool down as much as I could so I'm not sweating all over the place. But, I got some decent shots in...was pulling shots badly, but still had time to warm up a little. Moved my line in quite a bit...1:2 on the left lane and 2:4 on the right lane. Things were just working. And, when they weren't working and I pulled the shot badly; it actually left me with something in the middle that I was able to pick up. Only one corner pin and I converted it.

9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, 8 /, 9 -, 7 /, 7 /, 9 -.
Left 3 single 7-pins...missed all 3. [INSERT BAD WORD]. I thought, "Great...another good game followed by a collapse." And, of course, one of the missed 7-pins was in the 10th. :mad:

5 /, 9 /, 7 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, 8 /, X 9 /.
Stuck with the Trident Odyssey and the same line I was using all night. Started out rough...but "you don't adjust off bad shots." So...I stuck with it and things came together. Was still a little "off"...but held on for my 2nd clean game.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06 pins
Strikes: 46%
Spares: 82% picked up

Single Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin and 7-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 4-pin, 6-pin (2x), and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 82% (14/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 100% (7/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 and 1-3-6 (2x each)

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 203.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 214.33.

Positives
- Obviously, anytime I can bowl 1 clean game, much less two clean games; it's a good night. :)
- Team took 2 out of 3 points, even though all 3 of us had bad games in Game 2.

Negatives
- Obviously...learn to pick up a 7-pin and I'd have shot 20+ pins higher minimum. Just embarrassing.

Much better night than last week. Amazing what a little practice and really going back to the basics (setup, push away, swing plane, etc...) can do.

[Timmyb]

Good night!

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 13

498 Series: 161-181-156

X, 8 1, 9 /, S8 -, X, S8 1, 6 /, X, 7 /, X S7 2.
Tough game. My teammates saved the day. One of them probably shot the best game of his life...like a 279..and the anchor salvages a 220+ game after a couple bad shots. But I just couldn't find my line...made bad shots...THREE splits! I mean, c'mon!

X, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, 9 /, 6 2, X 6 /.
Couldn't find carry...but I kept things clean right up until the 9th. Ughh! Left side buckets have been the bane of my existence lately.

3 6, 9 -, 6 1 6 /, 9 -, X, 7 /, 9 /, X, X 7 -.
Had a better game when I switched to the Grudge Hybrid in the 6th...but it was just a disasterous game.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.33 pins
Strikes: 33%
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 2-pin (2x), 3-pin, and 7-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 63% (12/19)
Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 166.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 172.33.

Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- I did better on single-pins...granted, that's because I left more of them in the middle.

Negatives
- I was all over the place.
- My speed seemed to be too high...even though I start the night a foot closer to the foul line.
- The team only took one game against the team just above us in the standings.

I just wish I knew what I did so differently than last week. I attacked the lanes the same as last week...but with drastically pee poor results. :mad:

[J Anderson]

"Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- I did better on single-pins...granted, that's because I left more of them in the middle.

Negatives
- I was all over the place.
- My speed seemed to be too high...even though I start the night a foot closer to the foul line.
- The team only took one game against the team just above us in the standings.

I just wish I knew what I did so differently than last week. I attacked the lanes the same as last week...but with drastically pee poor results."
Aslan, the higher speed may be a result of feeling fine physically. Personally, I have noticed times when I have moved closer to the foul line to slow down that the speed was just as fast. I think that subconsciously, because I was trying to throw it slower, my arm and shoulder muscles were more relaxed and the swing was freer.

Have you checked to see if you are sliding consistently with regard to your starting point?

[Aslan]

Aslan, the higher speed may be a result of feeling fine physically. Personally, I have noticed times when I have moved closer to the foul line to slow down that the speed was just as fast. I think that subconsciously, because I was trying to throw it slower, my arm and shoulder muscles were more relaxed and the swing was freer.

Have you checked to see if you are sliding consistently with regard to your starting point?

I'm not sure. I'll have to keep out for that. Usually, moving closer to the foul line helps me slow down. When I started further back on the approach, I was almost "running" to the foul line. And I didn't need more speed. I can throw it 13-17 with barely any approach. You made two good points though. My speed wasn't slowing down despite moving up. And, maybe getting back into good physical form is ramping my speed up on its own. I'm not fighting a sore knee or damaged Achilles.

Summer League

Week 14

Might be the last week of regular play. I think we're seeded 4th for the baker's tournament the final week. Maybe 5th.

560 Series: 173-189-198

7 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, 7 -, 9 -, X, 9 /X.
Another game where I almost had a Dutch 200. Can't blame it on the lanes...it was just inconsistent shot-making.

S7 -, 9 /, X, X, 9 -, 8 -, X, 9 /, X, XX7.
Switched to the Grudge Hybrid for Game 2. Been awhile since I've thrown it...had to make more of an adjustment than I thought. Always poo-tastic when you open with a 4-7-10 split. Managed to find my way as the game went on. So, I was at least a 'little' encouraged.

7 /, 9 -, X, X, 8 -, X, X, X, X, 8 1.
Had a shot at a decent game...then chopped the 8-pin from behind the 2-8 in the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 46% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 3-pin, 6-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 50% (7/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 186.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 197.63.

Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- Some of my shots were very good.

Negatives
- Inconsistent...shots...speed...just inconsistent.
- Some bad luck...I mean, FOUR 7-pins! Why do I leave SO many 7-pins at this house? I'm not left-handed!
- The rest of my team bowled like garbage...so we had no chance....only took 1 point.

Better than another 498. I'll take it.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 15

The last week of regular play. We're currently in 4th. Maybe we could get to 3rd...but we're nowhere near 1st and 2nd.

524 Series: 183-184-157

X, 7 /, 7 /, X, S8 1, X, 8 /, X, 8 /, 9 /9.
Another game that was nearly a Dutch 200. A teammate and I were talking about just wanting clean games...and I mentioned how hard clean games are given it only takes one split and you're done. Well, a 3-10 baby split in the 5th...and there goes the clean game.

X, X, 6 3, 8 /, 8 -, 9 /, X, 7 2, X, XX6.
Switched from the Trident Odyssey to the Grudge Hybrid (GH). Put a new surface on the GH...500/1500/3000.

X, 8 /, S7 -, 9 -, X, X, 9 -, S8 1, X, 9 /S8.
Switched to the Brunswick Endeavor (BE) in the 3rd...the GH just wasn't carrying...and I can only get it so far out onto the lanes without completely ruining my timing/accuracy. Had to make an adjustment right given how strong the GH is versus the Scorpion Sting I used to throw in that slot. A disappointing game...and it was just really hard to get the BE to find a perfect line. It's a very weak ball...and the line outside 2nd arrow was just really burnt up...so that's a decent combo...but even when I had to make a small move left...then I can't carry the 2-pin. Ughh! BUT...I left 20 pins on the lanes by not picking up single-pins...and that's 100% on me.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.76 pins
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 3-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 174.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 181.67.

Positives
- Well, I picked up a lot more multi-pin spares than previously.
- The team took all 4 points...and I was a big part of the first 2...at least putting our anchor in a position where he could realistically win the point...which is kind've my job in that #3 spot.

Negatives
- Inconsistent...just bad accuracy. When I hit my mark...the results were overwhelmingly positive. When I missed...even 1.5 boards...it seemed like I'd nearly miss the headpin or go through the nose. Felt like bowling on sport patterns...where any little mistake gives you horrible results.
- The single-pin spare shooting is still a big drag on my overall scores. I mean, I'm at 64% this summer...after being 65% last fall. When I was at 75%, I thought that was horrible...but 64-65% is just embarrassing. :mad:

Baker doubles tournament next week to end the season.

[J Anderson]

Baker doubles sounds like fun

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 1

Team lost one bowler from last season and replaced him with a 20yo girl. Not sure if she'll stay on the team or not. Her mom and dad were bowling with an aquaintence of her's on the team we faced this week...so it would make more sense to have her on that team and move their 4th bowler to our team...but whatever.

649 Series: 245-214-190

Had a good line with the Trident Odyssey up second arrow. Only open was on a pocket 10-pin in the 4th. All good strikes except for one brooklyn. Pulled the shot just a bit...and needed to make a slight move inside after leaving the 9-pin in the 5th. Only real "bad" shots resulted in the brooklyn on a pulled shot and the second ball of the 10th when I missed way outside and left the 2-8.
X, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X 8 /.

Wasn't even thinking ball change...only 4-person teams...and the other team only had 3 bowlers show up. The problem was alot of them were throwing house balls and TZones and stuff like that...so I was worried the oil might get pushed down the lane. But I wasn't going to change unless I saw a reason to. Left a 4-pin in the first frame and made an adjustment left. However, that adjustment led me to hit weak on the other lane...so I had to readjust on that lane. Missed considerably right in the 3rd frame and left a 2-pin. Had a couple pulled shots...but two resulted in brooklyn strikes and the other left me a 1-3-6 in the 10th.
9 -, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, 7 /X.

Probably should have switched to the Outer Limits Pearl for game 3...given how many polyester balls were being used. I just was stubborn and didn't want to make a change unless I absolutely had to. However, I was really struggling to get back to the pocket in frames 2, 3, 8 and the second shot of the 10th. Should have put two and two together after the 3rd. Five strikes...only one was brooklyn...and only one pulled shot...pulled badly and ended up with a 3 /. Converted almost every spare...which allowed me to salvage the 190.
X, 7 /, 6 2, X, X, 3 /, 8 /, 8 /, X, X 8 1.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 57%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (2x)

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 216.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 226.67.

Positives
- 600+ is almost always a good night.
- 'Bad' shots were limited...and got lucky on a few of em.
- Converted 3/4 of my multi-pin spares, which was helped by not leaving any splits.

Negatives
- Not ONE clean game. :mad:
- Of all nights to put up a big score...I do it week 1 when we're establishing averages. :eek:
- Should have been more aware of what the bowlers were throwing and probably should have made a ball change early in game 3.

Yeah. So I guess my entering average is a 216. Nice.

Especially given that I averaged 185 in this league last year and am averaging 180 in my summer league. Of matter of fact, I've never averaged more than 195 in a league.

I think I bowled a little better because the 20yo girl was there. Gave me somebody to impress. And, I seem to do better in week 1 because there's less pressure to bowl well...given the worse you bowl the better your handicap situation heading into the season. The team we bowled was awful. Our old lady bowler averages 60 because she's throwing opposite handed, recovering from hip surgery. And, I think she actually beat their lady bowler scratch. Theres a decent number of good teams in this league...we just happened to draw one of the worst ones week 1.

[J Anderson]

Well they can’t accuse you of sandbagging😉

[Aslan]

Well they can’t accuse you of sandbagging��

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 2

Was really excited to use the two new balls...but things didn't go as expected.

497 Series: 141-116-240 (clean)

Started out with the new Zen Master Solid (ZMS) but could tell from warm-ups that this ball was going to cover far more boards than I initially thought. I ended up having to move about 2 (eyes) and 4 (feet) boards left just to stay right of the headpin. And probably the most eratic ball I've ever thrown. My Melee Jab was a bit eratic...as was the Fortera Exile (if I pulled it out too early)...but the ZMS would look like it was going to miss right of the pocket...then at the last minute just "dive" into the headpin. With a ball this erratic....this is how you throw 5 strikes and 3 splits.
X, S8 1, 7 2, X, S6 -, X, X, S8 -, X, 9 -.

Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) for Game 2. Moved in thinking it was going to be even stronger. Well, it wasn't and I had to move back right. Add to that some abysmal spare shooting...and it was just "poo".
6 /, 8 1, X, 8 -, S5 2, 9 -, 6 3, 9 -, 9 -, X 9 /.

Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) and moved a little right. Got dialed in pretty fast and had a solid game.
9 /, X, X, X, X, X, - /, X, 8 /, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 29% picked up

Single Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 8-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 28% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 165.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 179.00.

Positives
- A clean game is always a good night...even though the rest of the night was abysmal.
- Even though it was our only point, it was nice to slam the door in the 10th frame of Game 3.
- Speed control was very good. 14.0 in Game 1, 14.5 in Game 2, and 14.7 in Game 3.

Negatives
- 116 is the worst game I've thrown since I subbed for a team in Iowa and shot a 110 back in late September 2021.
- Lost 3 points to a mediocre team.
- Spare shooting was terrible...just terrible.
- Cost myself 28 pins by dumping the first shot of the 7th in the gutter. I struck to spare the frame, but 268 is a heck of a lot better than 240.

I can almost hear RobM's commentary....this is why you don't come to the lanes with preconceived notions. And its my fault...I should have thrown these new balls prior to league night. Not sure if I need to take some surface off the ZMS...it's very erratic at 2000. And, maybe a Royal Compound finish was too much of a bump down in surface for the PM??

Maybe I need to stop throwing symmetric solids and these balls with too big of cores and too much surface? I throw skid/flip balls very well. The Reax Pearl, Scandal Pearl, Fortera Exile, Force...now the Outer Limits Pearl. It seems like I just throw them better. Meanwhile, the last solid I've thrown particularly well was the Lethal Revolver back in 2015/2016. And the last "ball down/ball #2" option I threw well was the Ebonite Innovate back in 2016/2017.

Took some notes...hopefully I can do better next week now that I know what the ZMS does and what I need to adjust to ball down to the PM.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 3

Was hopin that I'd continue my scoring streak...after I ended last week with a clean 240 game.

556 Series: 172-193-191

Now that I've adjusted my starting position a bit to compensate for the strength of the Zen Master Solid (ZMS)...I was crushing the pocket in practice. But...left two 7-pins, two 10-pins, and a 9-pin...even though I was making good shots. :( The score is a little decieving...I only opened on the 7-pin in the first frame, a baby split in the 8th, and a 10-pin in the 10th...but, a miss in the 10th is deadly.
9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 / S8 1, X, 9 -.

Stuck with the ZMS for game 2. Left a dang 1-3-10...which might of well have been a split. But, then put 5 strikes together before a couple light hits left me with corner pins. Made an adjustment, but absolutely pulled the heck out of the ball in the 9th to destroy that score. Not to mention the continued struggles with corner pins. :mad:
7 2, X, X, X, X, X, 9 -, 9 -, 3 6, X 9 -.

A turkey to start and I started thinking...'maybe' this is the night?? Yeah...right. Another baby split, followed by a chopped 1-2-4-10 washout, then a missed 7-pin in the 9th for good measure. Ughhh!!
X, X, X, S8 1, 6 2, X, X, 9 /, 9 -, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 31% picked up

Single Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 9-pin (2x), and 10-pin (3x).

Makeable spares: 35% (5/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 0% (0/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 185.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.33.

Positives
- Not too many 'bad' shots with my first ball.
- Speed control was decent (13.4-15.0 mph)
- No 'terrible' games.

Negatives
- Spare shooting, spare shooting, spare shooting. < 50% is not gonna get it done. Gonna have to practice and work this out...or break down and make a video and send it to a coach or something. Most of the misses weren't even close.
- Whole team struggled. Lost all 4 points to another mediocre team.
- Still battling my establishing average (216).

Gonna take some surface off the ZMS. It did great...but it covers more boards than I ever thought it would...at least 10 boards...which is alot for a bowler with a rev rate of around 240rpm. I thought it would be disappointing...similar to the Optimus Solid...but it's a beast. Noticeably stronger than the Trident Odyssey I was throwing over the past year.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 1

First night of men's league. We drew the team that had two of my summer league teammates.

575 Series: 174-204-197

X, 9 /, 9 -, S7 2, X, 9 /, X, 8 /, 9 /, X S7 1.
Had a good line in practice...but it broke down quick. I knew it was going to when you have 7-8 bowlers all throwing it over the same line. I switched from the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 7th...it was pretty clear that the line was already transitioning.

6 3, X, S7 2, 7 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -, XXX.
Made some imperfect shots early, but found my line in the 5th and hammered the pocket the rest of the game.

X, X, X, X, X, 6 2, S7 -, X, 7 2, 8 /X.
Fought off the urge to switch to the Outer Limits Pearl for game 3...and I'm glad I did. The PM was just dialed in and doing 'just enough' to carry. Then I just seemed to lose focus. Pushed the shot in the 6th. Pushed the shot in the 7th. Pulled the shot in the 9th. Just poor execution. :(

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 55%
Spares: 40% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 5-pin, and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 54% (6/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 191.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.67.

Positives
- Our team bowled well. Took all 4 points.
- Fun to bowl with this team again.
- No physical ailments.
- Shot a 267 if you start the middle of Game 2 and end the middle of Game 3. :rolleyes:

Negatives
- Spare shooting continues to be a vulnerability.
- No card game wins.

Might not get much use out of the ZMS in this league. It's just too strong when everyone is throwing up second arrow. We had two lefties tonight...but the rest of the rosters were all righties throwing up second arrow. The ZMS works well on Sundays, when its a 4-person league...and half my team are lefties. But with 5 people per team....things can transition fast.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 4

We had to play a team with the same anchor as Wednesday's league...and the anchor of my summer team. We're on good terms, but he HATES to lose and was probably still feeling the sting of Wednesday when we swept him. Granted, two of my teammates on Sunday can't even seem to get 100 pins per game....so my expectations at ticking him off too awful bad...were pretty low.

644 Series: 187-266 (clean)-191

Felt good, but I just couldn't string anything together. The new surfacing I did to the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) was causing it to react more than I thought...so I had to make more adjustments than I planned. Finally switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 9th.
9 /, X, X, 8 -, 7 /, X, 8 -, 8 /, X, X 8 1.

Once I got the PM dialed in, I was able to run some strikes together. After breaking the streak in the 8th, I made the move to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). Thought I might be able to tie my high sanctioned game, but couldn't quite strike out to finish.
7 /, X, X, X, X, X, X, 8 /, X, XX8.

Started off with a turkey, but then it was a pulled shot (5th) bracketed by two pocket 10s...then another pulled shot in the 7th...and I was just hoping I could still hit 200.
X, X, X, 9 /, 8 -, 9 /, 8 /, X, 9 -, 9 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.21
Strikes: 55%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 214.67
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 218.33.

[COLOR="#008000"]Positives
- Felt good, timing felt good, and relatively few 'bad shots'.
- Anytime I get even one clean game...I'm happy.
- It wasn't the 650-675 I aim for (ideally)...but it was pretty close.
- Probably won the team Game 2...givenI think I was the only bowler on our team to exceed 135.

Negatives
- This team is horrible bad...and I don't think I can coach them. One girl is special needs and the old lady on the team wouldn't take advice if it would avoid her getting hit by a bus.
- I really needed to strike out in the 10th of Game 3...because the game was very close...and I couldn't get it down. We only ended up winning because their last two bowlers had splits in the 10th and our anchor struck out.

Really happy with how things are starting out. 4 weeks in and I've had a 240+ game in 3 of the last 4 weeks and am averaging 195...which is the highest I've ever averaged...back in my 2016/2017 form. I just gotta stay focused and stay healthy.

The only downside is I'm still having to work out this new arsenal progression. I'm gonna take the PM from Royal Compound to 2000 to see if I can get a similar look as I'm getting with the ZMS. The OLP is still performing very well, I just think I may need to go up one size in finger inserts...because they're tight.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 2

Played probably the best team in the league. Its close between them and the team that won the league last year, but these are all experienced bowlers...two of them are always in the running for high average/high scratch game, etc... So, I felt a LOT of pressure to bowl well. Especially because, in pregame, one of the guys mentioned that I was all dressed up or something to that effect. I think he was just pointing out that my shoelaces and knee brace had neon colors...and I was wearing a personalized jersey. But, it kinda made me feel like he was challenging me to bowl well enough to justify wearing a jersey with my name on it.

652 Series: 164-245-243

8 1, S6 2, X, X, X, S7 -, X, 9 /, X, S6 2.
This was SO disappointing. I was ready to just quit bowling altogether. Probably an over-reaction; but it was just so, so disappointing that everyone around me is bowling 200 games and I bowled 20 pins under my average.

9 /, X, X, X, 8 /, S8 1, X, X, X, XXX.
Definitely got a few lucky breaks...but after switching to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 2nd frame, everything was just working. Didn't think we'd win the game...because the other team was rolling really well...but me and the two bowlers after me all struck out...and their last two bowlers opened on splits and we barely held on for a second win of the night.

9 -, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, 6 / 9.
Once again (like last week), I fought off the urge to switch to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP)...and like last week; I was glad I did. I was very close to switching after the 10-pin leave in the 1st frame...but I really just felt that it was more of a ringing 10 than a flat 10. The line didn't really start breaking down noticeably until the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.21 pins
Strikes: 63%
Spares: 45% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (3/4)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 3-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (5/7)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (3/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 217.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 221.00.

Positives
- Both teams bowled really, really well. 5-man teams and I think the total was 3700+ to 3600+. I bowled a 652 series and that wasn't even top 3 of the 10 bowlers. I mean, they probably average over 240 per bowler...and we averaged almost 230 per bowler (we got about 70 pins of handicap per game).
- Bowled impressively in front of the one team I most wanted to impress.
- No physical ailments.
- 13 strikes over 14 frames...so maybe a 300-game is possible.
- I won the 3rd card game!
- Its early, but I'm averaging over 200 over 6 games...never cracked 200 before as a league average.

Negatives
- Obviously, the first game really hurt me.
- Another night with 4 splits. :mad:
- No clean games. :mad:

I seem to be able to elevate my game when playing other good teams. I just need to find a way to play with that same focus when playing teams that aren't so good.

[Timmyb]

I have done this plenty. Absolute **** game 1, and then go off the next two. Frustrating as all hell. Next Monday we start at a new house. Hoping I don't get the new house blues. I walked in there a few weeks back on their house shot, and popped 237 off the bat.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 5

We're like in 14th place at the bottom of the league. Tonight we played the team currently in 1st. They don't have any super-talented bowlers...but they have a guy averaging in the high 180s and the other 3 are in the high 150s to high 160s.

574 Series: 213-200-161

Seemed to be doing okay. Just, a bad time for a split (the 9th).
7 2, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, S8 1, X 9 -.

Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) for game 2. Left a pocket 7-pin in the 2nd frame...then again in the 9th frame. Felt okay, but I just never felt like I had the exact best line...like it was just a little off.
X, 9 -, 9 /, 7 1, X, X, X, X, 9 /, X S8 -.

Started off with the PM...but after a couple pocket 10s, I made the switch to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). But, I just never got it dialed in...until the 9th. And, some bad luck...like a pocket 7-10 in the 7th and a pocket 10-pin in the 10th.
X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, X, S8 -, 5 3, X, 9 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.15
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, 7-pin (2x), and 9-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 57% (8/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 0% (0/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/[COLOR="#FF0000"]3)

Average over 3 games: 191.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.00.

Positives
- It was a pleasurable team to bowl...and we took 1.5 points as a very bad team bowling a better team.
- Physically I felt great.

Negatives
- This team is...tough to bowl on. They're nice and there's no drama...so that's great. But, when one bowler is bowling < 50...and the other bowls around 100...and our anchor fluctuates around the high 130s to high 160s...it just puts a lot of the team's success/failure on my back.
- Still trying to figure out what adjustments I need to make when switching to the OLP. It doesn't seem to have the snap it did early on. The ZMS and PM are so darn strong...that it's been hard to figure out how to make that move to the 3rd ball.

I don't feel "bad" about tonight. I think I bowled okay and ran some strikes together. Just couldn't quite make it last 3 games.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 3

My parents are in town visiting, so they come out and watch me bowl...which is kind've a distraction...but its only for about a month and then my routine will go back to normal.

562 Series: 178-193-191

8 -, S8 1, 7 /, X, X, S8 -, X, X, X, 9 -.
Couldn't miss in practice/warm-ups...then 'poof'. Freshened up the surface on the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) and it always seems to be about a 1:2 move left when its recently resurfaced. Once I got dialed in, I did quite well. I just pulled a couple shots and got penalized both times with baby splits that I couldn't convert. Then, missed the 1st of 4 missed 10-pins in the 10th.

X, 9 -, 9 -, X, X, 7 /, X, 6 /, X, X 9 /.
Stuck with the ZMS for game 2, and proceeded to miss two straight 10-pins in the 2nd and 3rd frames. Hard pocket hits, but I couldn't carry. Again, I was fairly dialed in...just pulled a shot in the 6th and missed right in the 8th...but I converted my spares from the 4th frame onward...helping the team narrowly take Game 2.

9 -, X, 6 /, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, X, X, S8 1.
Switched to the Perfect Mindset in the 4th, but didn't like the look so I switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 5th frame. The line held up well...right up until the 10th...when the line finally broke down and I got the maximum penalty of a 4-6 split. We lost the game by 1 pin. Ughhh! :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/4)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 2-pin and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 61% (8/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4-7 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 187.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.33.

Positives
- I don't think I bowled "badly". I was hitting the pocket most of the night.
- Won a card game?

Negatives
- Lost our first games of the young season...so we'll likely be 8-3 and somewhere in the top 5.
- Still struggling with the new arsenal...trying to figure out how these things all fit together.
- OBVIOUSLY...10 PINS!!! Every time I think I need to buckle down and practice, I end up having a good night and re-thinking it. But tonight was just abysmal. I gutter, then I adjust and miss left, then I adjust and gutter, then I adjust and miss left. In a close series like tonight...where we lost both games by less than 25 pins and the total by less than 25 pins...I just can't afford to be 40-50% on single-pins.

This is a tough league. And, the opposite of my Sunday league. On Sundays, we have a few good teams and a lot of sub-par teams. On Wednesdays, It's like 15 really good teams and a few that , well, not so much. Gotta figure out the new arsenal. The Perfect Mindset seems a lot weaker than the ZMS...and it shouldn't be based on the stats. And, the OLP isn't as "snappy" as it used to be...not sure why...not sure if its something I did with the surface or what.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 6

620 Series: 189-219-212

The score was negatively affected by an open in the 10th. Actually, things felt good. I just had to make some adjustments early on and had a couple bad shots in the 7th and 8th frames.
X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, 8 /, 8 1, 9 /, 6 3.

Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) for game 2 and things were going well until the lanes started transitioning in the 5th and 6th. Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 9th and finished strong, but not enough to get past the opposing team.
X, X, X, X, S6 1, 6 3, X, 7 /, X, XXX.

Continued to slam the pocket with the OLP. Essentially 9 straight strikes once I switched to the OLP. Ran into some transition in the 6th, but it was really the 1st single-pin miss in the 10th that killed me.
X, X, X, X, X, S8 1, 9 /, 8 /, X, 9 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12
Strikes: 59%
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin (2x).
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 63% (7/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 206.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 210.67.

Positives
- Took 2.5 points from a much better team.
- Physically I felt great.
- Much better spare shooting tonight.

Negatives
- A chopped bucket in the 10th cost our team 1/2 a point.
- Single-pin improvement was in nor large part due to not leaving any 7-pins nor 10-pins.

A good night. Granted, 230 pins of handicap helps. But, just need to keep my focus and try to erase those '2' bad shots per game...that always seem to derail me. I feel like a big game/series is just barely outside my grasp. I'm almost there...just need to keep on track

[Timmyb]

Good week!

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 4

Had to rush to get there because I had a phone call with my daughter that ran long and had me stressed out. I also was bowling sick...some kind of respiratory issue. I was tempted not to go, but I knew one of the guys already had cancelled and we got a sub for him...and I won't be in town next week.

560 Series: 166-210-184

7 /, 6 /, 9 -, X, X, 9 /, 8 1, X, S6 2, 9 /X.
With missing warm-ups...took me a couple shots just to get lined up and my timing right. Badly missed a 7-pin and chopped a 2-5. Not sure why I keep having trouble hitting 2-pin combos. But, I've had a miserable time with 2-pins, 2-4-5s, etc...

X, X, 8 /, X, X, X, S8 1, X, X, 8 1.
It was a good game...just the dang open in the 10th killed me.

S8 1, X, 9 /, X, 7 /, X, 9 -, X, X, 8 / 9.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in frame 2, but the line was just too tight. Seemed to strike every time on one lane and 0 times on the other...right up until the 9th/10th frames.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 9-pin (2x each).
Also left a single 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 66% (8/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 186.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 194.67.

Positives
- I didn't bowl terribly.
- I'm still feeling healthy.

Negatives
- Left a couple pocket 7-pins and missed both of them...not even close to picking them up. Ughhh!
- Still working on the adjustments going from ball to ball. And still struggling to see the same movement with the OLP that I saw when I first bought it.
- Lost 3 out of 4 to one of the other league leading teams.
- Not sure why I was leaving so many 2-5s. I think it was just that every time I missed well right....that would be the leave.

Average dropped a couple pins in this league...so I'm at 196 in this league and 197 in my Sunday league. Still quite a bit high...gonna be tough to live up to...but, now that I'm healthy (knock on wood)...who knows? The stats and series were almost identical to last week.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 8

490 Series: 159-129-202

Missed right a few times and got hit with a 7 count each time. Otherwise I was hitting the pocket well with the Zen Master Solid (ZMS); but two pocket 10-pins and two pocket 7-pins...which I was 50/50 at converting. :mad:
X, 7 /, 9 -, 9 -, X, 9 /, 7 /, S7 1, X, 9 /X.

After two good shots that were clearly just not carrying, I switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 4th. That was clearly doing the exact same thing as the ZMS....just with a different path...so I moved to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). But my line needed some adjustments since I changed the OLP surface to P5000. Given that I was 1 for 4 on single pins, chopped a 6-10, and chopped two washouts...I tallied a 'wonderful' 129.
X, 9 -, S6 3, 9 -, 8 1, X, 6 2, 9 /, X, 9 -.

Thought I might finally have a decent line to play...but I was off balanced, rusty, and just not making consistent shots with balance and leverage. Fortunately, I ran some strikes together a couple times to salvage a 200+ score.
X, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 -, 7 1, 8 1, X, XX8.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 33% picked up

Single Pin spares: 40% (4/10)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 7-pin and 9-pin (2x each) and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 37% (6/16)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 163.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 183.33.

Positives
- Team took 4 points from a better team.

Negatives
- Spare shooting was abysmal. :mad:
- Carry was almost non-existent.
- Perfect Mindest was unusable.
- Had to make significant changes to my line with a P5000 surface on the OLP.
- Achilles was sore during and afterwards.

The team we bowled had a terrible night. One of their bowlers did well, but the rest of them struggled mightily. This is why I can't take the summer off. I literally missed 1 week of bowling (training out of town for work) and came back just terribly off-balance. I was slipping and sliding on the approach...which I think aggravated my Achilles. And, even though I thought I had figured out my spare shooting issues...I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn tonight. Ughhh....

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 6

Wasn't expecting much after a week off, but I performed better than Sunday.

565 Series: 234-192-139

9 -, 7 /, X, X, X, X, X, 8 1, X, XX9.
Was so 'ticked' after badly missing a 7-pin in the opening frame, that I really had to calm down and refocus. I also had to make some thumb adjustments...going down one insert size on the strike ball and adding a piece of tape to the spare ball. Started with a pocket hit leaving a 7-pin and ended on the 3rd shot of the 10th by again leaving a pocket 7-pin.

X, 9 -, X, S7 2, X, 9 /, 7 /, 9 /, X, XXX.
Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 3rd. However, it just wasn't quite right. Decided to just switch to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 7th...after another dang pocket 10-pin leave. Three (3) pocket 10-pin leaves...fortunately, I picked up 2 of them.

6 -, 9 /, 9 -, - 9, 7 /, 9 -, S7 2, 8 /, X, 8 /9.
When you only strike once in a game...you're not gonna put up a very big score. When you only mark in half the frames, ya might as well stick your head in the ball return. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.74 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 53% (8/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 188.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.67.

Positives
- Achilles wasn't sore.
- Won a card game.
- Surprisingly, this was the highest game I've bowled in the last 3 weeks.

Negatives
- Not living up to my inflated mid-90s average.
- 'Tweaked my knee in Game 1.
- Game 3 was a nightmare...worst game in either league this season.
- Team lost 3 out of 4...so we'll be fighting to stay in the top 5 after this debaccle.

Impressed the opponents in Game 1. By the end of Game 3, I think they were just full of pitty for me. While this night doesn't seem very consistent; this is 3rd straight week, in this league, where I've had a 560-565 series (562, 560, 565). And, it's 4 out of 5 weeks having a series in the 560-575 (575) range. Four (4) games in a 15-pin spread is pretty consistent. And, even though I was very disappointed with game 3...I really try to limit my expectations to a 550+ night. If I get 550 or above, I will accept that.

My teammates were a little annoying tonight. Not all of them, just the one that drinks a little heavy. And, not to sound like a "ball snob"...but bowling is full of a LOT of older bowlers that just simply don't know anything about basic bowling ball technology. If RobM were here, I'm sure he'd say I'm preaching to the choir. But, our anchor is a very consistent bowler who can usually just throw a ball just outside of 2nd arrow and strike. He'd struggle like ***L on sport patterns...but he doesn't bowl on sport patterns. He has a 2nd strike ball, but he switches from one to the other without really being able to explain "why". It's just..."well, that game I struggled to get to 200....so maybe I'll try the other ball."

Well, I have 4 strike balls....and generally 3 "progressions". Of the 3, I really only use 2 because I currently am not bowling tournaments or on sport patterns. The progressions are listed below, and based on sound bowling technology/ball movement principles:

Progression 1
Zen Master Solid, Brunswick Perfect Mindset, Radical Outer Limits Pearl

Progression 2
Zen Master Solid, Radical Outer Limits Pearl

Progression 3
Brunswick Perfect Mindset, Brunswick Endeavor, Radical Outer Limits Pearl

It's pretty simple (to me anyway). I start out with the Zen Master Solid to figure out if I need to adjust my line at all or if I'm good to go. I either use it for one game or into the 2nd...depends on how fast my line breaks down. When I leave a flat 10 or see significant deflection....after a move left...then I ball down. If its early in the 2nd game, I ball down to the Perfect Mindset. If its later in the 2nd, I switch directly to the Outer Limits Pearl.

It's not a "foolproof" system....sometimes its hard to tell the difference between a ball burning up/losing energy...and a line that might be just a little "off" or maybe a bit too much speed, etc... But the progression is based on SOMETHING tangible. Yet, to teammates that couldn't tell you two things about the balls they are throwing...they just look at my ball changes and think its random. And you hear, "Why would you switch balls?! You just shot a 234!!"

Well....I'm switching balls because in frame 2 of Game 1, I threw a very good shot and left an obviously flat 10. I then threw the same ball on the other lane...and was very lucky to strike...because the ball had obviously lost its "pop". What happens when I make the ball change? I struck. So...I made the right decision. But, my teammate is the kind of bowler that would never switch balls until he threw so many back to back to back shots leaving 10-pins...that by that point you've essentially given away the entire game.

The issue I ran into, after making the change to the Perfect Mindset, is that I usually need to make a slight lateral adjustment...because no progression is perfect. The balls are from different manufacturers and you try to surface them to make the transition as smooth as possible with as few adjustments as possible...but there usually will be a slight change. Well, when I made the change, I really should have moved a little more left than I did...to account for a ball #2 that is stronger than ideal. By the time I got it fixed...I was starting to see the same problem as I had seen earlier in the game and it was really just time to move to the Outer Limits Pearl...which I did....and the next 5 shots were 9 /, X, XXX.

It's 5-man teams....lanes can break down fast on the right side...so you gotta be mindful of that. But there's no way of explaining that to bowlers that are just stuck in their ways. And I don't care whether I can change their mind or not....let em bowl however they want...I just ask that they not crawl up my posterior over my ball changes....when they don't have any idea what they're talking about. Rant over.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 9

525 Series: 211-159-155

Felt pretty good. The line played pretty smooth until the 9th...which derailed my score.
8 /, X, X, X, 9 -, X, X, X, 8 1, X 7 1.

After leaving two 2-pin combos in 3 shots...figured it was time to ball down. Unfortunately, the struggles continued...just no carry. I did the best I could converting more spares than usual...but ya can't hope to score high if ya only strike twice the entire game.
7 1, X, 9 /, 9 /, X, 8 /, 8 -, 9 /, X, 8 -.

Figured a switch to the newly resurface Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) would cure my ills...but, nope. It was a friggin greek tragedy. Another game with only two strikes...except this time I had to deal with 3 splits...including a pocket 7-10 in the first frame. :mad:
S8 -, 9 /, X, 9 /, S7 2, S7 -, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 6 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.84
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 6-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x each).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (11/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5, 6-10, and 2-4-5 (2x each).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 175.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 179.00.

Positives
- Better spare shooting than usual.

Negatives
- Carry continues to be an issue as I try to figure out the best surfaces to use.
- Lost all 4 points to a high handicap team that was bowling out of their minds.

Oh well. Not liking that my average is dropping like a lead weight...but it coulda been worse.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 7

574 Series: 220 (clean)-156-198

9 /, X, X, 8 /, 7 /, X, X, X, 6 /, X 9 -.
Was happy with myself about the clean game and was really dreading the transition and having to switch balls....because the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) with the new 500/Step 1 surface was working incredibly well.

7 2, 8 1, 9 /, X, 8 1, 8 /, S7 2, X, X, 9 / S5.
After starting things off with a pulled shot and then a strike shot that couldn't carry the 2-5...I decided to make the move to the Perfect Mindset (PM). Continued to struggle....so I finally made the move to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 8th frame.

X, 9 /, X, S8 1, 9 /, 6 /, S7 -, X, X, XXX.
As the lanes continued to transition....it was maximum penalty with a 4-6 split and a 4-7-10 split. Finally got locked in for a solid finish.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.79 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Also left a single 4-pin and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 71% (10/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 191.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.67.

Positives
- Won another card game!
- A clean game is always a welcomed sight.
- Spare shooting has improved.

Negatives
- Arthritis in my right foot was a bit of an issue.
- Still not confidant in the Perfect Mindset. It just doesn't seem like a good ball-down option.

Pretty consistent scores thus far: 575-652-562-560-565-574. Averaging 567 (taking out the 652) with every game +/- 8 pins. Not 'great'....but not 'bad'. Thats a 189 average....which would be towards the better end of my expectations.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 10

624 Series: 195-172-257

A lot of good, pocket shots...just couldn't quite get eh carry. Better spare shooting definitely saved the day.
X, 9 /, 7 /, 9 /, X, X, 7 -, X, X, 9 / 9.

After starting Game 2 with 2 straight buckets....chopping them both...it was time to make a move to the Perfect Mindset (PM). Unfortunately, the PM just isn't as strong as the specs would indicate. Maybe its how its drilled...but I end up having to adjust considerably right to get a good line into the pocket. After a pocket 10-pin in the 6th and another deflection mess that left me a 5-10 split in the 7th...I decided to end the madness and switch to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP).
6 2, 6 3, 7 /, X, X, 9 /, S8 1, 9 /, X, 9 / 9.

Solid game. The OLP was just crushing it. A lost of miss room to the right. Only one 'bad' shot and hit struck brooklyn. Two pocket hits left corner pins though...and my streak of solid spare shooting ended in the 7th with a missed 10-pin.
9 /, X, X, X, X, X, 9 -, X, X, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.15
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (4x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 69% (9/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 40% (2/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 208.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 212.00.

Positives
- Nearly perfect on single-pins.
- 2nd highest game, this league, this season.
- Team took all 4 points.

Negatives
- SO CLOSE to a couple clean games...but no.
- SO CLOSE to a perfect game...but no.

I think I need to straighten out my line and take some surface off these balls. The form and consistency has come back...spare shooting has been improving...but this whole hitting the pocket flush and leaving 7-pins or 10-pins is just aggravating. :mad: I kinda felt bad for the other team...because that 3rd game they pretty much just gave up. They knew I was nearly 70 pins over my average...and they just couldn't compete.

[boatman37]

Nice night!

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 8

658 Series: 187-214-257 (clean)

X, X, X, 9 /, X, 6 -, 9 /, 8 -, X, 9 /X.
Was kinda bummed out. Felt I bowled well, but missed two makeable spares that cost me 25 pins. Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) on the fill frame of the 10th.

7 2, X, 9 /, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, X, XX9.
Made a bad shot and chopped the spare in the 1st frame...other than that I was clean. Actually had to move to a new pair due to lane equipment problems...so, frame 5, I switched back to the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) I had used for all but one shot in Game 1. Felt good and I was clean to finish...helped the team take a point.

X, X, X, 9 /, X, X, X, X, 9 /, XX9.
Was tentative to change balls in the 5th, but figured it was time given the weak strike in the 3rd frame and leaving the 8-pin in the 4th. The PM was hitting hard...coulda had an even better score....probably my highest sanctioned score ever...but I just pushed the shot in the 9th frame a couple boards right and that was enough to keep me from carrying the 8-pin.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.40 pins
Strikes: 60%
Spares: 75% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (8/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 8-pin (3x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 9-pin (2x), and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 75% (9/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 25% (1/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 219.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a

Positives
- Obviously, happy with the score.
- Two nights in a row (Sunday/Wednesday) where I finished the night with a 257.
- Won ALL THREE card games!! I know that seems like a minor thing....but I've NEVER won all 3 card games. I've won 2 on a few occasions...but never a clean sweep.
- No physical ailments at all.
- I had the highest series of our team and the team we bowled against.
- Ball changes and adjustments worked very well.

Negatives
- DESPITE my best efforts...the team lost 3 out of 4 to a bottom dwelling team that was getting 180 pins of handicap.

You're always gonna play the "what if?" game...I mean, 3 very makeble spares away from a clean series...which would be my first. About 2 boards away from setting a new high (sanctioned) score. But, at the end of the day...I never complain about a 600+ series and at least one clean game. I did my job tonight....my teammates just didn't provide the support they usually do.

We were either in 3rd place or tied for 2nd coming in...might be further down the standings after tonight.

[Timmyb]

Well done!

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 11

The problem with throwing a couple good series in a row is...you start to think, "I FINALLY got this figured out!!"...only to come back down to reality. :confused:

555 Series: 168-189-198
Started out with the Perfect Mindset (PM) since I was having some carry issues with the Zen Master Solid in warm-ups. Couldn't run much together. Had a shot at a decent game until I opened on a basket in the 9th.
S7 2, X, S8 -, X, 8 /, X, X, 8 /, 6 3, X 9 /.

Decided to ball down to the Brunswick Endeavor for Game 2. Not my usual progression...so the Endeavor doesn't get thrown much. Actually did great...right up until the 9th frame when I had to pick up a couple single-pins. :mad:
7 2, X, X, X, X, S8 -, X, X, 9 -, 9 -.

Moved to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in frame 2. After 3 single-pin leaves...two of them on pocket hits...I was gettin pretty 'peeved'. Had a shot at a decent game, but completely whiffed on a 2-4-8 in the 10th.
9 -, X, 6 /, X, X, X, 8 /, X, X, 7 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 35% picked up

Single Pin spares: 25% (1/4)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 6-pin and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 45% (5/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 185.00
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.00.

Positives
- Team took all 4 points (2nd straight week).
- Felt fine physically.

Negatives
- Bowled 2 games below my average and averaged 6 pins under my average on the night.
- Primarily just a bad night shooting spares.

My strike rate wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...so I was getting halfway decent carry. The line just breaks down so awful fast when you're out around 2nd arrow....and it seems like I got no shot inside 13. That gives me a pretty darn small 3-board area to play. Each game was relatively close, so it made for an interesting night anyways.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 9

477 Series: 149-160-168

X, S8 -, 9 -, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, S8 1, 6 2, XXX.
Was very upset. I couldn't get the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) to carry in warm-ups, so I started with the Perfect Mindset. Seven straight pocket hits to start...only 2 strikes!! Two splits!! 50/50 on single-pins and continued my insane tendency to chop nearly every bucket and 3/4 bucket I leave on the left side. :mad:

S7 2, S7 2, X, 9 /, 9 /, 7 2, 8 -, X, X, 9 / X
Kinda demoralizing to start a game with back-to-back 4-7-10 splits. Switched to the Endeavor in the 5th frame...after a weak strike and a 7-pin leave in the fourth. The lanes just seemed to be transitioning so fast.

S7 2, 6 3, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, 9 /, S7 -, XX9.
A second game started with a split to start things off. And, of course, I had have two more splits to add to the total.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.86 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 35% picked up

Single Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin and 10-pin (3x each).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 50% (7/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 0% (0/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/6)

Average over 3 games: 159.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 169.67

Positives
- ???? I mean, I was around the pocket all night.

Negatives
- Hit the pocket nearly all night...very bad carry and maximum penalty for a miss inside.
- The Perfect Mindset was rolling out, about 4 feet from the pins...even with the Royal Compound finish.
- Was perfect on single-pin spares last week...not so much tonight.
- Team rolled almost as miserably as I did...we lost all 4 points.
- Splits, splits, and more splits. And we're not talking babies. A pocket 7-10, 4-7-10, 4-6, 4-6-7, etc...

My parents are still in town. Tonight they were a little more distracting than usual because they were bringing up some issues my daughter was having with her job...which just annoyed me and got me in a "funk" early.

Also, I think the struggles had to do with 8-9 bowlers all playing essentially the same line. It seemed like you were needing to move left every frame...especially in Game 3.

Two bad bowling nights in a row...now my week is ruined until Sunday...when hopefully either my team will win or my fantasy team will win...or both. Then I can be in a good mood at least until I bowl again Sunday night. :mad:

[Timmyb]

Ouch.....

[Aslan]

Ouch.....

Yeah....no kidding.

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 12

605 Series: 173-247-185

Used the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) for the first 5 frames, but it just wasn't quite hitting right. Move inside and leave a flat 10-pin....move outside and go through the nose and leave an absurd split. Unfortunately...the Perfect Mindset (PM) just didn't have any carry. It was rolling out noticeable before ever getting to the pin deck. A Royal Compound surface helps....but its just such a powerful ball to use on the outside. Wasn't a terrible game, just opened in the 10th after dealing with little to no carry.
X, X, S5 3, 9 /, X, 9 /, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 2.

Finally I started to get carry with the PM. Bummed that I whiffed on a 10-pin and it cost me a clean game. :(
X, 9 /, X, 9 -, X, X, X, X, X, XX9.

Stuck with the PM through 5 frames into Game 3. Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 6th frame.
8 /, 7 /, X, X, 8 /, X, X, 8 -, - 7, 7 / 9.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.79
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 5-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 45% (5/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 201.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 205.67.

Positives
- Team took 3 points (11 of last 12).
- Felt fine physically.
- Spare shooting was improved.
- Had a decent 247 game.

Negatives
- Carry was a problem most of the night.

Kind've embarrassing that I tied our team anchor with a 605. I mean, I came in with a 191 average and he (our anchor) is coming in with like a 158-178 average.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 10

573 Series: 209-194-170

X, X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, 7 2, 9 / 7.
Warm-ups went well and the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) was nailing the pocket. I wasn't getting the carry I wanted, but I was picking up my single-pin spares. Really, really ticked me off when I chopped a 1-2-7. Not your normal spare leave...ended up throwing the 1-pin around the 7-pin.

X, 5 /, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, 9 -, X, 8 /X.
Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 3rd frame. I can't really blame "carry"...because most of the rest of the shots weren't that great. Only one open...a dang 10-pin....but I didn't feel terrible about this game.

X, 9 /9 /, X, S7 2, X, X, S7 2, 6 /, 9 -.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP)...but the lanes were transitioning fast and I was facing 4-7-10 split every time I went through the nose. And despite doing fairly well on spares tonight...I picked a terrible time to whiff badly on a 10-pin....in the 10th frame.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, 9-pin, and 7-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 80% (12/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 191.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.00

Positives
- I thought I bowled well. Made a few bad shots...but I was generally around the pocket all night.
- Even though it stung when I missed them, I was 80% on single-pins on a night when I had 5 10-pins...so I'm happy with that.
- Won the second card game...so, not bad.
- Bowled my average.

Negatives
- Open on a 10-pin in the 10th...ughhh. That's just brutal.
- Team might have only taken 1 point....maybe 2.
- Sore lower back again. Been dealing with that the last few weeks.

Our team fell from 3rd to about 8th. Standings are pretty tight. We bowled the 1st place team and they are only 4 points ahead of us. Overall, things are going well. Still have my pooper series from time to time....but at least I mentally feel like I can put up big scores every time I pick up the ball. It's a different feeling than when you're all out of whack and you're just hoping you can bowl okay.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 13

Faced off against the 1st place team tonight...and even though we had 160+ pins of handicap...there's only so much you can do against a team like their's. I think they have the best female bowler and best male bowler in the league...

580 Series: 207-183-190

It was very rainy out for the last few days...so the approaches were a bit sticky. I tried to change my soles, but a #10 just makes me slide around like crazy...so I stayed with the #9. Due to the sticking, it took me a few frames to get my approach down. Too bad I didn't bowl this game on Wednesday...coulda made $4.00 due to getting quarters when ya run strikes together. Only opens were a couple splits...including a pocket 8-9 split in the 8th. Ouch. :mad:
9 /, 6 /, S8 1, 9 /, X, X, X, S8 -, X, XXX.

Stuck with the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) until the 9th frame, when I switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). What can I say? Plagued by splits...made a couple bad attempts at converting spares...managed to pick up a couple baby splits and make enough strikes to salvage a half-way decent score. :(
8 -, 9 -, S6 3, 7 /, X, S8 /, X, S8 /, X, XX7.

Not as bad as the score indicates. I missed a couple corner pins...but I barely missed em. And those were my only two opens.
S8 /, 9 /, X, X, 9 -, X, X, 6 /, 9 -, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.94
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 3-pin and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 63% (7/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (3/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-10 and 2-7 baby splits (2x each).

Splits: 50% (3/6)

Average over 3 games: 199.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.67.

Positives
- Felt fine physically.
- Bowled my average.

Negatives
- Carry continues to be an issue.
- SIX splits!! Fortunately, 4 were baby splits and I was 3 for 4 on picking them up.
- Thought I figured out the single-pins...nope.

I can pick up 3 baby splits, but can only pick up 50% of my corner pins! Ughhh!! Oh well. I don't think I bowled badly. I had the 2nd highest series between the 4 bowlers on my team and 4 bowlers on the other team. And, the only guy that beat me was their anchor who averages around 220...highest average in the league.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 11 - Position Round

536 Series: 154-169-213

X, 7 /, 9 /, 6 1, X, 6 /, X, 7 2, 8 /, 7 -.
Kept missing right. Something was off with my timing. Every single non-strike was a miss right left some kind of 2-pin combo. I tried to adjust my line right a bit...but kept missing my mark right. :(

X, 9 -, X, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, S8 -, 9 -.
Stayed with the Zen Master Solid (ZMS). Missed a couple single 4-pins...BARELY...but still missed. Had a great pocket hit that left a 8-10 split in the 9th. Just jaw-dropping how such a flush hit could punish me THAT much!

9 /, X, X, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 /, 9 /X.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) after the strike in the 2nd. I mean, I was making good shots and left a 5-pin in frame 1 and then struck (but deflected right) on the next shot....so, I figured it was time to move a little right, increase the angle a bit, and throw the OLP. Shoulda bowled better...but Achilles was sore, my ankle was sore, and I just didn't have my "A-Game".

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.90 pins
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 61% picked up

Single Pin spares: 64% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 7-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (11/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-8 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 178.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 190.33.

Positives
- I won the 3rd game card game?

Negatives
- Team only took 1 of 4 points.
- Sore lower back again. Sore ankle. Sore Achilles. :mad:

I just haven't figured out these lanes and the interaction with my ball surface. I tried to add surface...thinking that would help with "light hits". Then I take surface away, trying not to lose energy, and I get the same results. And I was missing right most of the night...is my timing off? Is it my aim? I dunno.

And it seems like I do best with skid-flip balls. So, should I 'just' throw skid-flip balls?

I could put together an arsenal of:

- Brunswick Fortera Exile (retired...currently # 4 on my list of Top Balls)
- Radical Outer Limits Pearl
- Pyramid Force Pearl (retired...currently #2 on my list of Top Balls)

But....I'm not sure how those balls would do on fresh oil. The specs would dictate that the Exile would skid too far and over-react to dry. The Outer Limits Pearl might have the same issue. The Force Pearl would probaly work well as ball #3...but any of these would work well in the #3 position.

I found a high level coach nearby, but he's a small college coach and don't know what extra time he has to give lessons/take on new students.

[J Anderson]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League


I found a high level coach nearby, but he's a small college coach and don't know what extra time he has to give lessons/take on new students.

You’ll never find out unless you ask

[Aslan]

You’ll never find out unless you ask

True. I definitely will.

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 14

I think we are in 8th/9th and we were playing the 5th place team. They got two 200+ average bowlers and a female bowler with a decent average. I think we were getting around 165 pins of handicap.

573 Series: 173-220-180

Couldn't get dialed in with the Zen Master Solid. Seemed like it was burning up on the right lane and not even making the turn on the left lane.
9 /, 6 1, 9 /, X, S8 -, 6 /, X, X, 8 /, 6 /X.

Tried another 5 frames with the Xen Master Solid (ZMS). Stuck with the ZMS on the left lane...because it was clearly behaving like a heavier oil situation...but balled down to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) on the right lane.
X, X, 7 /, S8 1, X, X, 8 /, 9 /, X, XX9.

Continued to make minor moves left, but stuck with the same ball combination. Maximum penalty...3 splits...just disheartening. :(
9 /, X, X, S8 1, X, S8 1, X, X, S8 1, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (5/5)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 5-pin and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 90% (10/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 191.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a

Positives
- Felt fine physically.
- Almost bowled my average.
- Made my spares!! Single-pins, multi-pins...no problem.

Negatives
- Carry continues to be an issue.
- FIVE splits!! And only one of the splits was remotely "make-able". And we're talking pocket hits. Just wrong.

Was struggling like hell(o)...finally figured out that the left lane was playing WAY different than the right lane. It makes sense...we were on the pair on the end...and sometimes the end line gets more or less oil...because the machine either dumps a little more when it ends or first starts out. I mean, we're talking 3:5 difference one lane to the other.

Absolutely exhausting. To bowl that well...make my spares....hammer the pocket all night...yet I can't even hit my average and the team loses 3 out of 4 points.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 12

Playing one of the few bad teams in this league...so I think we had to give them about 215-235 pins.

534 Series: 146-226-162

9 /, X, S8 1, X, 9 /, 6 /, 9 -, 9 /, S7 1, 7 2.
Terrible. Could not find my line the entire game. Tried the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the second half of the game...to see if that would help...but it was even worse. Add in a pocket 7-10, a whif on a single 4-pin, and a chopped 2-4-5 3/4 bucket in the 10th...and you got this poo festival.

X, 9 -, 7 2, X, 9 /, X, X, X, X, XX9.
Switched to the Brunswick Endeavor in the 3rd frame. Took a frame or two to get the line figured out...since I don't use that ball very often. But, it seemed a lot less affected by the transition and had "just enough" pop left in it to carry some strikes.

8 -, 9 -, X, X, 8 /, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, 8 1.
I think carry down played a part in Game 3...just lost the "pop" at the end. Probably should have made the move to the Outer Limits Pearl midway through...but I didn't. Then I chopped a 2-5 in the 10th to put a poo flavored cherry on top of this debacle.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 41% picked up

Single Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 46% (7/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 178.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 192.00.

Positives
- I won the 2nd card game.
- My 2nd game helped us take that point.
- My shots were pretty good...at least on the first ball...as is evident by the improved first ball average.
- Team got 3 points.

Negatives
- Spare shooting was abysmal across the board.
- Trouble with carry all night.
- Average in this league has officially dropped below 190 (189).

So many pocket hits that left 7-pins, a 7-10, 10-pins, etc... The Perfect mindset was an abysmal failure tonight. Maybe I need to use weaker equipment because the lanes are so dry on the outside? Maybe I need to move 1:2 right...maybe I'm just too far inside to start? I dunno. Similar series to last week...so at least I'm consistent week-to-week.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 15

Tonight we bowl against the only team in the league with a lower average than us...so our one time in the season where we have to give away some pins.

606 Series: 185-231 (clean)-190

Couldn't get dialed in with the Zen Master Solid in practice so I scrapped it and went with plan B...tried to use the Perfect Mindset (PM) to start. That lasted all of 5 frames until I realized I needed something weaker. Moved outside and started throwing the Endeavor. Took me 2-4 frames to readjust my line (never used the Endeavor in Game 1 before)...but managed to strike out to stay within 10 pins of my average.
9 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, S8 1, 9 -, 9 /, 9 /, XXX.

Stuck with the Endeavor for the first 5 frames...but with almost half of the bowlers throwing house balls...it just seemed like there was too much carrydown...so I switched to the Outer Limits Pearl. (OLP) in the 6th.
X, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, X, X, 7 / 8.

My shots weren't as great in Game 3. Seemed like I hit the pocket most of the time with no carry to show for it. Like Game 1, I managed to strike out to salvage a score within 5 pins of my average.
9 /, 9 /, 8 1, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, 8 -, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.26
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 77% picked up

Single Pin spares: 92% (12/13)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (6x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 82% (14/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (2/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 202.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 205.33

Positives
- Felt fine physically.
- Almost bowled my average.
- Made my spares!...for the most part.
- Clean game!
- Won $40 in the 50/50.

Negatives
- Carry continues to be an issue.
- The team only took 1 point (again)

Gotta figure out this carry issue. I can't keep shooting 10+ corner pins a night. I was hitting the pocket shot after shot after shot and one pin would remain standing. Frustrating.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 13

Playing the highest average team in the league. All 5 of their bowlers are over 200 averages and one has the highest average in the league at 237. I've personally seen two different bowlers on their team shoot a 300.

536 Series: 182-159-195

X, X, 9 /, X, 3 6, X, 8 1, 9 /, 9 /, 9 / 9.
Started out great. Nailed the pocket on the first 4 shots. Then, I had to go to the bathroom...washed my hands...no paper towels in the dispensers, wiped my hands off on my towel (the one I wipe my face with, not my bowling towel). Then my thumb stuck and I pulled the ball across the lane. Then I "over-powdered" my thumb and 2 frames later the ball slid off my hand and missed right. Made my single-pins to salvage at least a half-way decent score.

8 -, 7 /, X, 9 -, 9 /, 7 2, 8 /, 9 -, X, X 9 /.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 8th frame...but by then it was too late to salvage a decent score. 4 opens and two missed single pins just killed me.

X, X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X 7 -, X, 8 -.
It was a solid game until I pulled a shot in the 8th and whiffed on the 3-6-10. Coulda still salvaged a 200-game...but whiffed on a 6-10 in the 10th. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 6-pin, 8-pin, nor 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 55% (10/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 25% (2/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 178.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 186.33.

Positives
- I won TWO card games!
- My spare shooting was improved over last week.
- Team got 3 points.

Negatives
- Not a great first ball average.
- Trouble with carry all night.
- Consistency...usually a "positive"...but after 3 weeks of 536, 534, 536...I'm starting to wonder if my ceiling might be lower than I had hoped.

Kinda depressing. I was thinking I was finally starting to live up to expectations of being a 190s average bowler....yet the last 3 weeks would suggest I'm more of an upper 170s bowler.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 16

Tonight we bowl against a solid team that, for some reason, is in last place.

605 Series: 200-223-182

Touched up the surface on the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) and it was working well in Game 1. Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) on the 3rd shot of the 10th. Stupid 10-pin cost me a clean game. :mad:
X, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, X, 7 /, 6 /, 8 /X.

The PM was doing fairly well in Game 2. Can't say all the strikes were "perfect"...but the PM was a little more forgiving than the ZMS. Unfortunately, I missed a little "too" right in the 7th and it deflected a little too much leaving me an 8-10 split. Ooops. There goes clean game #2. :rolleyes:
X, 7 /, X, X, X, X, S8 1, 6 /, X, X 8 1.

Switched from the PM to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 4th after leaving (and chopping) a 2-4-5 that really shouldn't have been that weak of a hit given I pretty much hit my mark.
X, 9 -, 7 2, 9 -, X, 9 /, 8 1, X, X, XX9.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 5-pin, 6-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 57% (14/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4 and 2-4 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 201.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 212.33.

Positives
- Felt fine physically.
- Consistent (606 last week, 605 this week).
- Helped the team take 2 points.
- First multi-200-game night in about 10 weeks.

Negatives
- Spare shooting sort of failed me tonight.

Over the last 5 weeks I've shot 605, 580, 573, 606, and 605. I haven't been sub-550 in this league in 8 weeks. Average is up to 193. The problem with me averaging in the 190s is that I really gotta be"on my game" all the time or else I cost the team. I thought for sure we were gonna lose 3 points tonight. In Game 3, their better female bowler had the front 8...and going into the 10th they had the lead. Fortunately, their best bowler opened and then their best female bowler opened. I had already struck in the 8th and 9th...then struck two more times before leaving a 10-pin on the final shot. The game 3 score wasn't great, but I made the shots when they counted.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 14

Playing a team made up of 3-4 guys that work at the center and 1 guy who I think is related than of them. They only spotted us about 20 pins, so it was pretty even.

557 Series: 182-203-172

X, 9 -, 7 2, 9 -, X, X, X, X, 9 -, X 9 -.
Hit the pocket almost every shot...but carry was hit or miss. Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 5th frame which gave me a little better line to work with. Obviously, when you are 0% on spare conversions...probably not going to score very high. Two weeks in a row with a 182 game to start.

9 /, X, 9 -, X, X, X, X, 7 /, X, S7 2.
Finally made a spare...so thats good. :rolleyes: It was a decent game...until the lanes transitioned just enough for my shot in the 10th to go through the nose and leave me 6-7-10 split. :mad:

9 -, S7 2, 9 -, 9 /, S8 1, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, X 9 /.
After starting out with 3 frames of poor carry with the PM, I figured it was time to bring out the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). Better carry, but my shot-making started to wane.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.16 pins
Strikes: 46%
Spares: 35% picked up

Single Pin spares: 36% (4/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin (2x each).

Makeable spares: 42% (6/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (2/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 185.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 206.67.

Positives
- I won a card game.
- I made most of my non-split, multi-pin spares.
- Team took all 4 points.

Negatives
- Trouble with carry all night.
- Just terrible single-pin spare shooting. And most weren't even close.

I gotta figure out the single-pin spare shooting if I'm ever gonna have a chance of being a 200+ average bowler. Also gotta figure out the carry situation. It may be that these lanes are just too dry to continue starting with the Zen Master Solid...even with a Storm Step 1 finish...it seems like it can barely last a game most nights before I lose the ability to carry the 10-pin.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 17

This league is nowhere near the talent level of the Wednesday night men's league. I think our team (4-person) averages just over 500 and we had to give the opposing team 70 pins. We each had a bowler with a < 75 average. We had one, and they had two, bowlers with a 100-110 average. I think their anchor averaged around 150.

618 Series: 199-246 (clean)-173

Threw the Zen Master Solid in practice/warm-ups. First two balls in practice left 10-pins. Moved right and it went through the nose. So, in an attempt to not have to mess with flat 10s the whole entire night....I decided to start with the Perfect Mindset (PM)
9 /, 8 /, 9 -, X, X, 9 -, X, X, X, 8 / 8.

First ball in Game 2 left a 5-9 on a decent shot. So, decided to give the Endeavor a try. Moved a bit right and played a more traditional up and in shot.
8 /, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, XXX.

Stuck with the Endeavor for another 7 frames into game 3. Then I switched to the Outer Limits Pearl to finish out the game. Unfortunately...that didn't help with carry and I whiffed on both 10-pins.
S7 1, X, X, 9 /, X, 8 /, 9 -, 8 1, 9 -, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.29
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (914)
Multiple Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 and 5-9 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 206.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 221.00.

Positives
- Third straight week with a 600+ series and 8 straight weeks of 550+.
- Helped the team take all 4 points.

Negatives
- Another questionable spare shooting performance.
- "Tweaked" my knee late into Game 1...so balance wasn't great most of the night.
- Still, carry is sub-par.

Overall, a good night. The opens at the end of game 3 really hurt me.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 15

Rolled against the team we beat week 1 that is composed of two of the guys I bowled with over the summer.

512 Series: 163-147-202

8 /, X, X, S7 2, 8 /, 9 /, 7 /, 7 1, 9 -, 9 /8.
Wasn't a terrible game. Made a lot of spares. Just couldn't carry and opened one too many times to score well.

6 /, 5 4, 9 /, S7 -, X, 9 /, 6 3, 9 -, 9 /, XXS5.
Had switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 9th frame of Game 1 and continued with through the 7th frame of Game 2. Used the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) the rest of the way.

9 /, 8 /, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 /, X 9 -.
Just couldn't find the sweet spot. Either I'd hit the pocket a little too hard and leave a 4-pin...or I'd hit it a little too light and leave a 10-pin.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.47 pins
Strikes: 26%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (8/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (7x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, nor 8-pin (2x each).

Makeable spares: 66% (14/21)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 170.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 181.33.

Positives
- ???

Negatives
- Trouble with carry all night (again).

I don't know. Its very defeating when you're hitting the pocket all night and can't consistently score well. And I can't totally blame it on carry...there were a fair number of shots that missed right and a few pulls. Just not a good night.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 18

Our opponents were absent and are going to post-bowl...so who knows if we won any points. Last week before a 2-week break for Christmas.

580 Series: 203-179-198

Again...threw the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) in practice and just felt like there was no carry...so I started game 1 with the Perfect Mindset (PM). After several frames (and a pocket 2-4 leave...I balled all the way down to my Endeavor (BE). Four out of five of my next first balls were strikes...so it seemed like I made a good choice. Only open was on a 6-10 in the first frame.
8 -, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, XXX.

Stuck with the BE through 7 frames in Game 2. The line was tight, but it was two missed single-pins that killed me.
X, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, S7 1, 8 /, 9 -, 9 / 8.

Had to move right more than usual when switching to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP). So, it took me a few frames (Game 2) to get dialed in. But, started out with a 4-bagger in game 3. Would have likely been the front 6, but I fouled on the first ball of the 5th frame. I tried to pull back when I noticed how close I was...but that only made me almost fall backwards. Had a decent game going, but left a pocket 8-10 in the 10th. :mad:
X, X, X, X, F 7, X, 9 /, X, X, S8 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 7-pin, and 4-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 69% (9/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 193.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.67.

Positives
- Almost hit my inflated average in this league (194).
- Been consistent over the last several week: 605-580-573-606-605-618-580 averaging 198 over that span.

Negatives
- Carry still an issue....too many pocket hits the left a pin standing.
- Form was a little 'off'. I need to remind myself to get lower without bending over.

I think I'm gonna switch up my arsenal for Wednesday. If the ZMS is too strong for this THS, maybe I can unretire a ball from the rack and put together something a little better for this house.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 16

Rolled the team that is tied with us for 2nd place. Decent team. One guy averages in the 170s, one is in the 190s, and the other 3 are in the 180s. Our team is very similar with one bowler in the 170s, 2 in the 180s, and 2 in the 190s.

First night using my new strategy of bypassing my Ball #1. I think the lanes are just too dry for the Zen Master Solid with a Storm Step 1 finish.

600 Series: 211-235 (clean)-154

X, X, S8 -, X, 8 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -.
Was a good game and I was doing well. Just couldn't convert the baby split and opened on a 7-pin in the 10th.

X, X, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, 8 /X.
Stuck with the Perfect Mindset (PM) through the first 6 frames. Increased my angle slightly and switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) for the remainder of the night.

6 /, 7 /, S7 2, 9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, 6 1, 9 -.
This game was a slap in the face. Missed badly on the first two shots, then had to deal with some transition. Managed to run 4 marks together before the transition just killed me again.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.13 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 6-pin, 7-pin, and 4-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 66% (4/7)
Multiple Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 200.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 211.33.

Positives
- New arsenal approach seems to result in less pocket hits that don't carry the 10-pin.
- Accuracy was improved. A few misses left and a several misses right...but, for the most part, the shots were hitting their marks.
- Always like to see a clean game. Inching closer to my 200th career clean game.
- Team took all 4 points...should be 1st or probably sole possession of 2nd going into next week.
- Won a card game.
- Despite me not being the highest average bowler on either team, I had the highest series of either team.
- Always glad to see a 600+ series.
- Average in this league inches up to 188.

Negatives
- Stinks when you have a good night and then the last game you just step in it.
- Two games I opened in the 10th.

Rather than replace the Zen Master Solid in the arsenal, I think I'll just start with the Perfect Mindset. It gives me a nice shot into the pocket up the 8-10 boards.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 19

Last night of bowling for a 2-week Christmas vacation. Bowling against the team that has my Wednesday team captain on it...so I was a little more motivated to try and have a decent game.

524 Series: 146-206-172

Again started the night with the Perfect Mindset (PM). My timing was off, my shots were off, I just didn't feel comfortable. Trying to move right just ended in disastrous splits.
X, S6 1, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, 7 /, 7 2, 9 -, S7 2.

Thought I could stick it out with the PM, but after 4 frames I switched to the Endeavor. Cost me a frame to adjust, but then ran 5 strikes together before I lost my line.
X, X, 8 -, 7 2, S7 -, X, X, X, X, X S7 2.

Started out Game 3 with the Endeavor, but...after a few frames...I moved to the Outer Limits Pearl. But...just didn't feel "right". Bad shots, etc... Stinks when you have to strike out just to get a 172.
9 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 -, 9 /, 9 -, 8 /, 7 2, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.85
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 42% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 5-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x each).
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 53% (8/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 174.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 184.33.

Positives
- Had a 5-bagger that saved the night from complete disaster.

Negatives
- Physical game was off. Maybe I was just distracted with all the last minute Christmas shopping.
- Still need to iron out the details with my new arsenal approach.

The Zen Master Solid with a Step 1 surface is just too strong for the drier THS patterns I'm seeing. Maybe I need to change the arsenal moving forward...maybe I need to develop another facet to my game to improve my speed/rev situation so I can move further inside...but continuing to throw the Zen Master Solid and realizing it can't carry the 10-pin after 4-5 frames is just unnecessary banging of my head into a brick wall.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 17

Team has managed to move into a tie for 1st place going into the last night before the holiday break. Rolled against the 3rd place team...but they had a sub in for one of their regulars.

628 Series: 201-212-215

S7 -, X, X, X, S7 2, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 /X.
Not a bad game. Only opens were "unmakeable" splits. And it was largely self-inflicted...because practice gave me a line that was working...but I decided to move right out of fear and staying true to my "system"...which was not the right call.

8 1, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 /, 7 /, XX9.
Stuck with the Perfect Mindset (PM) through the first 4 frames. But, after a decent shot left me with a 2-pin...I decided to move a little right and ball down to the Endeavor. Left a 10-pin in the 8th and a 2-4-8 on a bad miss right in then 9th...but it was still a good ball change.

X, X, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, S8 1.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl for Game 3. Also got a little "flexible" and decided to make a slight line adjustment based on "feel" versus "system". The line was just getting too tight and I needed to open it up a little. Struck pretty much every time I hit my mark and once when I pulled a shot and struck Brooklyn. Unfortunately, couldn't keep the clean game with a pocket 7-10 split in the 10th. Darn it.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.30 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 71% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (9/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin and 10-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, and 5-pin.

Makeable spares: 90% (10/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (1/2)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 209.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a.

Positives
- I think I had the 2nd or 3rd best series of the 5 players on each team (10 total).
- Love seeing all 3 games as 200+
- Love, love the single-pin spare shooting improvement.
- Won a card game.

Negatives
- Chopped 6-10 in the 1st frame was the only real makable multi-pin spare that I missed. Sort of, my only "unforced error" in tennis talk.
- The pocket 7-10 in the 10th really cost us the final point and the sweep.

Good night. And, I think starting with the Perfect Mindset is going to work. I just need to remember that the Perfect Mindset is nearly as strong as the Zen Master Solid...so I can't "over-react" by moving out to the 8-9 boards and think it'll maintain energy to strike. Gonna have to move closer to that oil line...and not be too afraid to switch to the Endeavor in Game 1 and ride that 2nd arrow.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 18

First week back. Was supposed to be Sunday night, but the snowstorm cancelled that night.

519 Series: 175-188-156

X, X, 9 -, X, 9 /, X, S7 2, X, X, 7 1, X 9 -.
Ughh. Two bad opens and a split.

9 /, S7 /, X, X, X, 9 -, S7 -, X, X, 9 -.
Switched to the Endeavor after two decent shots that left a 10-pin and then a 2-7-8 split. Disappointed that I was hitting the pocket each shot...but still couldn't carry. But, more disappointed in my spare shooting. Coulda hit a 200+ if I picked up a 4-pin and 7-pin.

9 /, 7 /, S7 1, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 -.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl after a pocket 10-pin in the 1st frame. Made some bad shots and missed a couple corner pins before putting a few strikes together....only to hammer the pocket in the 10th and leave a stone 8-pin...which I missed to the left...which I probably couldn't repeat in 30 tries. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 29% picked up

Single Pin spares: 30% (3/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (4x each).
Also left a single 4-pin and 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 33% (4/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (1/2)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 20% (1/5)

Average over 3 games: 173.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 195.00.

Positives
- Made decent shots most of the night.

Negatives
- Too many splits.
- Horrible spare conversion.
- Bad carry.
- Team only managed to take 1 point.

Was gonna try to play with my wrist position...been reading Joe Slowinski's manual. Thought maybe I could use the Zen Master solid if I changed my axis tilt, but it wasn't working in practice/warm-up so I scrapped that plan for now.

[J Anderson]

Changing your axis tilt is one of those things that takes some practice outside of league, and who has the time and money to do that.

[Aslan]

Changing your axis tilt is one of those things that takes some practice outside of league, and who has the time and money to do that.

Agreed. I'm trying to at least stay cognoscente of my axis tilt...but messing with it beyond that means I have to take my focus off some of the other important aspects of my game. Better to mess with in practice.

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 20

First night back for this league after getting snowed out last week. Was kinda worried after my disappointing showing Wednesday.

620 Series: 267 (clean)-205 (clean)-148

Didn't bother with the Zen Master Solid and started with the Perfect Mindset with a 1000/4000/P5000 surface. This surface (versus the royal compound surface I had on it previously) seemed to push me 2:4 left. Both non-strikes were significant misses right...so I was happy that I was making good shots and getting good carry. One pin shy of my high sanctioned game (268) which I've hit twice. This is my 6th 267 in league play.
X, X, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X, X, X 8 /.

First shot of game 2 and I missed so far right I almost dumped it in the gutter. Seemed to lost a great deal of my carry ability. 3 pocket 10s and a pocket 7. Fortunately, my spare shooting held up to salvage a clean 205.
3 /, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, X, 6 /, X 9 /.

My captain from my Wednesday team came over and mentioned how good a night I was having and joked about me wasting all my good shots on Sunday. I responded that I usually finish these types of nights with something like a 138...so not to worry. Started off with a pocket 7-pin that I missed. Then the ball dove hard and I chopped a 6-10. Then I had a great shot into the pocket that left me a 7-10 split. :mad: So, it was time to switch to the Outer Limits Pearl. Took me a frame to adjust, then a pocket 10-pin in the 5th that I missed. Encountered some more transition and got stuck with a 4-6-7 split in the 7th followed by a big miss right in the 8th. By the time I got dialed in and settled down, it was already the 9th. So, I was close (148), but didn't quite hit the 138 I predicted. :rolleyes:
9 -, 8 1, S8 1, 7 /, 9 -, X, S7 -, 7 /, X, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Also left a single 6-pin and 7-pin (x2).

Makeable spares: 78% (11/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 206.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 213.67.

Positives
- Tied my 2nd highest score (267).
- Two clean games.
- Team took 3 out of 4.
- Spare shooting was improved.
- Felt good physically.
- I had highest series on our pair.

Negatives
- Could have easily had a 650+ series had I not completely collapsed in Game 3.
- Collapse in Game 3 cost team a point.

Added a little speed once I realized the PM was moving so much with the P5000 surface. Not a big increase....just into the low 15s (mph).

[Timmyb]

This series looks remarkably familiar....

[Aslan]

This series looks remarkably familiar....

I know right!? I saw your recent series and was like, "Yup...been there...recently."

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 19

We're in 4th...playing one of the better teams...virtually even on handicap...I think we got like 2 pins. We're 3 games back of first and they are only 1.5 games behind us.

601 Series: 249 (clean)-188-164

X, 7 /, X, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, X 6 /.
Got lucky. Wasn't making the solid shots I was making Sunday night when I shot a 267 out of the gate. But, they were falling.

X, X, X, - 6, 7 2, X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X 9 -.
Similar shots...just not as lucky on the pin fall. Switched to the Brunswick Endeavor in the 5th, but I was so far inside with the Perfect Mindset that I had to make a big move right with the much weaker Endeavor.

9 /, X, 8 /, S8 -, 7 /, X, X, S6 2, 8 /, 8 -.
After a pocket 10-pin in the 1st, I figured enough of that and moved to the Outer Limits Pearl. But, the line was just a little off and by the time I found it again, things were transitioning too fast. A pocket 7-10 in the 4th and a Big 4 in the 8th also didn't help.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.75 pins
Strikes: 53%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 69% (9/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 and 4-7 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 200.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.67.

Positives
- Another night with a big game to open.
- Spare shooting was decent (not terrible).
- Helped the team take 1 point in Game 1 when the rest of my team wasn't bowling that great.
- One of only two bowlers (on our pair) to get over 600.
- Another clean game...love those.

Negatives
- Too much "luck" and not enough "skill".
- 1st ball gutter in the 4th of game 2 cost me as much as 20 pins and a 2nd 200-game on the night.
- Open in the 10th of Game 3 probably cost the team that point and maybe total.
- No card game wins despite getting some decent hands!

I chalk this up to mental toughness. I had some work stuff on my mind all night and just wasn't concentrating the way I usually do.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 21

563 Series: 200-165-198

Was leaving 10-pins in warm-up...but I tried the Endeavor and that wasn't hitting well either. Finally decided to use a trick I just learned in the bowling text I'm reading. I tucked my index finger in and spread my pinky finger. Seemed to work well. Unfortunately, I missed right in the 10th and left a 1-2-4-10 washout.
X, 9 /, 9 -, X, X, X, S8 /, X, X, 6 3.

After a weak hit in the first, I switched to the Endeavor. Took me a few frames to get adjusted. Left a silly 3-4-6-7-9-10 split. Guttered on the first ball in the 9th.
9 -, 7 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, S4 4, X, - 9, X 7 /.

Used the Outer Limits Pearl in Game 3. Kept things clean...even picked up a 2-10 split. Unfortunately, couldn't pick up the 4-10 split in the 10th.
7 /, S8 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, 6 /, 9 /, S8 1.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.48
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 4-pin and 10-pin (2x each).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, nor 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (10/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4-10 (2x)

Splits: 50% (2/4)

Average over 3 games: 187.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 194.33.

Positives
- Team took another 3 out of 4.

Negatives
- Cost the team the 4th point with my Game 2 debacle.

My speed stayed pretty consistent...right around 13.5-13.7. A lot of nice pocket hits that just didn't carry. Best shot of the night left me a stone 8. :mad: Gonna further reduce the surface on the Perfect Mindset to see if I can retain some more energy for the pocket. The good news is that changing my pinky and index finger position is a technique I now have in my toolbox.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 20

We're still in 4th...playing the 9th place team that is only 5 points back. They gave us some handicap...they have a couple, younger 200+ average bowlers that obviously bowled competitively in high school not that long ago. They also have a 195-200 bowler and a couple 175-180 bowlers.

Our team is made up of a 195-200 bowler, a 165-170 bowler, and then there's 3 of us in the 185-190 range.

628 Series: 236-191-201

X, X, X, X, 9 /, X, S8 1, X, X, X 9 /.
The new surface on the Perfect Mindset (PM) was working great. Bad luck leaving the 9-pin on a very good shot in the 5th. Only made two bad shots the whole game...the 1st frame I struck Brooklyn and left a 3-10 baby split in the 7th. But, I was pleased with the result.

X, X, 9 /, X, 6 /, S8 1, X, 9 -, 8 /, XX7.
Stuck with the PM in Game 2 until the 10th frame. Most of the shots were good...but there were 4 frames (5th, 8th, 9th, and last ball of the 10th) that I missed way right. Highlight of the game/night (for me) was picking up a 1-2-8-10 in the 5th. According to my extensive Paypal data set...in 3459 games...I've left the 1-2-8-10...27 times and this was the FIRST time I've ever converted it. Granted...my jubilance was quickly dashed when I whiffed on a 5-pin 3 frames later. :mad:

8 /, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 -, X, 7 / 6.
Finished things off with the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP).

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.15 pins
Strikes: 55%
Spares: 69% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 9-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 81% (9/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 100% (4/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 209.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 216.67.

Positives
- Second highest series on my team, just 3 pins behind our anchor.
- 3rd highest series behind the two anchors.
- Won 2 card games.
- Helped team take 3 out of 4 points against a good team and when we were down 30 pins due to an absence.

Negatives
- Too many 'pulls' and pushes'...timing still needs a little work.
- Speed control was a little off...usually pretty solid between 13.5 and 14.9...tonight I saw a couple shots in the 15-16 area.

Second time in 4 weeks of this league that I've rolled a 628 series. Fourth time in the past 5 weeks that I've had a 600+ series. Pretty much when I decided to change my rotation and start with the PM (versus the Zen Master Solid)...thats when my series jumped about 125-150 pins in this league. My speed/hand combination just seems to work better with balls that have less surface and can be thrown right around 2nd arrow. When I start getting into solids and adding surface...and subsequently moving left to stay in the oil longer...I just can't make it work.

These lanes are also some of the drier outside/heavier inside than I'm used to. Pulled shots tend to still hit the pocket (although with a likely 4-pin and/or 9-pin result). And there's a good deal of miss room to the right...you'll still find the pocket...just probably not carry the 10-pin and maybe even leave a 2-pin combo. Other house shots I've played have been a little less forgiving. You miss right...you might leave the headpin...you miss left, you might go through the nose and get a 4-7-10 or 6-7-10 for your troubles.

It 'stinks'...because I really wanted to set up my arsenal to take more advantage of an inside line. But it also doesn't make sense to keep banging my head against a wall hoping that I'll just magically develop an inside game. Maybe the Zen Master Solid will be of use if I do tournaments at other houses...but at this point its just an extra ball I'll lug around until I put together another arsenal next fall.

[Timmyb]

Nice night!

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 22
In 8th place and bowling the 7th place team. They are probably one of the top 5 (out of 16) teams in the league with 2 bowlers that roll 200+ and a 3rd in the high 170s. Granted, we got 202 pins of handicap...so it was like bowling 5 bowlers against 4. :rolleyes:

540 Series: 180-201-159

Started off okay. Kept hitting the pocket and leaving 4-7s. A couple bad shots where I left a 5-9 and a 2-4-5-7-8. Three opens trying to pick up all the multi-pin spares. :(
8 /, X, X, 7 /, X, 8 1, 8 1, 5 2, X, X 9 /.

Switched to the Endeavor for the 2nd game and was crushing it. Lost my line in the 6th then left a pocket 7-10 in the 7th. Then a missed single-pin and a shot pushed wide leaving me a 2-10 and I was back to having 3 opens. Had to strike out to salvage a 200+ game.
X, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 /, S8 1, 9 -, S8 -, XXX.

Used the Outer Limits Pearl in Game 3...but I just wasn't bowling well and couldn't get the ball to move like I wanted. I touched up the surface on it and I think I needed to stay where I was after Game 2 rather than make a small move left like I normally would.
X, 9 /, 7 1, X, 9 /, 9 -, X, S8 /, 9 -, 7 /8.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 53% (8/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (2x)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 180.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 190.00.

Positives
- Team took another 3 out of 4.
- Physically felt good. A little back soreness, but nothing too terrible.

Negatives
- Cost the team a point with my abysmal failure of a Game 3.
- Single-pin spare shooting failed me again.

Not much to say. Bad night. This house plays so dry that its even hard to keep my Perfect Mindset polished enough so it retains enough energy to strike. And the Endeavor is weak enough to give me a decent look, but its just not strong enough to reliably strike. And I don't know what to think about the Outer Limits Pearl. On paper, it should be an ideal ball for my game and where I use it. Yet, its been very hit or miss. Terrible spare shooting.

Position round is next week. Team will be somewhere between 4th and 9th place. The team we beat will probably be in 9th or 10th...so we might play them again.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 21

We remain in 4th...about 1.5 points back of 2nd/3rd. Bowled against the team in the 3rd from last spot so we had to spot them 117 pins.

597 Series: 229-210-158

9 /, 7 /, 7 /, 8 /, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, X, XXX.
Switched from the Perfect Mindset (PM) to the Endeavor after 6 consecutive spares. Once I made the change...I was destroying the pocket. Who'd a figured? I bowl far better with a $110 ball than the $245 ball. :confused:

X, 8 -, 9 -, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 /S8.
Pulled a shot in the 2nd frame and missed right in the 10th...but other than that I was hitting the pocket.

X, 8 /, X, 6 /, 7 /, X, 6 2, S7 -, 9 -, X 8 1.
In frame 2, we had to switch lanes due to an equipment problem on one of the lanes. So, that means going back to fresh...which means going back to ball #1 in my progression...but I probably should have just stuck with the Endeavor and moved right. After the open in the 7th...I was mentally spent.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.85 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x).
Also left a single 2-pin.

Makeable spares: 68% (11/16)
Multiple Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 199.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 206.33.

Positives
- Highest series on my team (3 of them bowled poorly).
- Second highest series on the pair.
- Got another clean game under my belt.
- Bowled above my average on the night.

Negatives
- Didn't have any clean track pants, so I had to wear jogging pants.
- Forgot to switch the battery in my fan, so it gave out in warm-ups...so I was sweating a great deal all night.
- Team lost all 4...probably the worst I've seen our anchor bowl...ever.
- Due to "beer frames"...I ended up drinking way more than usual...so that didn't help the end of night performance.

Our team bowled good the first game...but they had a 185 average bowler roll a 268...and at least 4 (of 5) of their bowlers bowled above their averages. In game 2, we had a couple bowlers above their averages, but most of the team was bowling poorly. And having to move to fresh lanes in Game 3...messes with my progression system...so that added further insult to injury.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 23 - position round
In 9th place and bowling the 10th place team. One of the very few teams we actually have to give handicap to...but only 6 pins. Nobody on their team average over 140. One of our bowlers and one of their bowlers were absent...so that evened out the absentee penalty.

561 Series: 163-174-224

Started off with the Perfect Mindset, but struggled to stay right of the headpin so I switched a little earlier than planned to the Endeavor in the 6th frame. Pushed a couple shots and had a couple that transitioned in...but mostly pocket hits. Far too many pocket hits to generate just 4 strikes. :mad:
8 /, X, 9 -, 8 1, 9 /, X, 8 1, 8 1, 9 /, XX9.

Stuck with the Endeavor through the end of the second game. More of the same. 4 pocket shots and only one strike for the first half of the game. Only opens were a couple of splits...but only two strikes the entire game. :mad:
X, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 /, S8 1, 9 -, S8 -, XXX.

Brought out the Outer Limits for Game 3. Suddenly I started getting more downlane movement and power. Hit the pocket every frame except a pulled shot in the 7th.
X, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 /, S8 1, X, X, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 6-pin, 10-pin, and 8-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 66% (10/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 187.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 194.33.

Positives
- Threw a decent 3rd game.
- Glad to see the Outer Limits Pearl is still capable of generating decent scores. It wasn't doing so hot for me this past month or so.
- Physically felt good. Achilles area was a little sore earlier in the day and my left knee had some pain in practice...but nothing major.
- Spare shooting improved over last week.
- Good speed control...13.9-14.7 range on pretty much every shot.

Negatives
- Team lost all 4 points to a team with < 140 average bowlers that somehow managed to throw a couple 180 games and a 200 game.
- All over the pocket and the carry just wasn't there.

Gonna keep trying to knock that surface down on the Perfect Mindset to see if I can keep it right of the headpin. But, I may have to start altering my hand position and throw the Zen Master Solid and Perfect Mindset with more of a 30 degree axis tilt versus 45 degree axis tilt. But, then I'll have to start all over...because I think both balls will need a little bit of surface if I start throwing them at a modified axis tilt. Then, with more surface...will I have to throw them more inside with more axis tilt (closer to 90 degrees)?

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 22

We fell to 5th after dropping all 4 last week. Played the team that is a half a game behind us and is pretty strong.

543 Series: 180-214 (clean)-149

X, 7 2, X, 9 /, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 /, 7 1.
Was doing okay. I think I just got overly annoyed when I missed the 10-pin in the 5th. Took me a few strikes to get back to a decent mindset...then I chop a 2-4-5 in the 10th...which has been the bane of my existence recently. :mad:

X, X, X, 8 /, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, 9 /, X 8 /.
Switched to the Endeavor and things started off good. Then I just hit a wall and it was all I could do to convert spares. And they were spares that shouldn't have BEEN spares! A stone 8? Yet ANOTHER pocket 10? Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl in the 8th...but needed to make some adjustments. I'll take the clean game though.

9 -, 8 /, S7 2, X, 9 -, X, S7 2, 9 /, X, 8 / 8.
Two missed single-pins just deflated me. Add in 2 splits and a complete inability to run strikes together...just abysmal. :(

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 61% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 3-pin, nor 4-pin.

Makeable spares: 68% (11/16)
Multiple Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 181.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 192.00.

Positives
- Had a clean game...that's always a positive.
- Won a card game. $5 is $5.

Negatives
- Team lost 3 of 4...to a team that has now jumped ahead of us in the standings. Our team didn't bowl badly...but their team just ROLLED us.

Another night of brining out the best in our opponents. But, honestly, there were high scores all around us as well...so just one of those nights where everyone seems to be figuring it out except you.

Had trouble switching to the Outer Limits Pearl. It just wanted to move so much more...and there just didn't seem like maybe there was enough carrydown to facilitate it. Oh well.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 24
Most of the league members were away watching the super bowl. We were down one bowler and were bowling an absent team.

482 Series: 148-149-185

Same as last week...I struggled to keep the Perfect Mindset right of the headpin...even with a polished finish. Four chopped multi-pin leaves just killed me. One was a Big 4...but the other 3 were very makeable.
X, 8 /, 8 -, X, 9 /, X, 8 -, S6 2, X, 7 2.

Switched to the Endeavor in frame 2...but then switched back in the 6th...because I knew I had moved too far left and I needed to reset. Switched back to the Endeavor in the 10th. But, another game with 4 opens....including a missed 10-pin in the 9th.
7 -, S8 1, S8 /, 8 1, 7 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, 9 -, X 9 /.

Started with the Endeavor, but switched to the Outer Limits Pearl in the 5th frame. Was pounding the pocket...but carry was abysmal. :mad: Made more single-pins than I thought....missed another 10-pin and a 7-pin though.
X, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, 9 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88
Strikes: 34%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (7x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 55% (10/18)
Multiple Pin spares: 28% (2/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 and 2-5-8 (2x each)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 160.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 172.00.

Positives
- No physical difficulties.
- Game 3 my first ball average was 9.45.
- After reviewing the data, did better shooting single-pins than I felt like I did.

Negatives
- A sub-500 series is attrocious!
- Far too many chopped, makeable spares or misses entirely.
- Team probably lost all 4 on our path to bottom dwelling.
- Probably the 1st time this season and second time in two seasons that our anchor out-bowled me.

Struggling with this arsenal. The Zen Master Solid and Perfect Mindset are so dang strong that I can't keep them right of the headpin. The Endeavor does great...when the lanes are worn out. Not so well on fresh. The Outer Limits Pearl was doing great...but only 50/50 on carry...which is different than what I experienced with the Reax Pearl, Scandal Pearl, Foertera Exile, and Pyramid Force...which have similar specs.

I don't know. Part of me is tempted to just stand one board left of center and throw straight up the 8-board with the Endeavor. Seems like this house rewards that 2nd arrow, up-and-in type of shot. And part of me wants to scrap this arsenal and create one with the balls I still have that I had success with in the past (Fortera Exile, Pyramid Force). Or maybe pull out the weakest equipment I have (Yeah Baby Sinful, SpecialOps, Rhino Pro) and see if I can make an arsenal specifically for these dry conditions.

[J Anderson]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Struggling with this arsenal. The Zen Master Solid and Perfect Mindset are so dang strong that I can't keep them right of the headpin. The Endeavor does great...when the lanes are worn out. Not so well on fresh. The Outer Limits Pearl was doing great...but only 50/50 on carry...which is different than what I experienced with the Reax Pearl, Scandal Pearl, Foertera Exile, and Pyramid Force...which have similar specs.

I don't know. Part of me is tempted to just stand one board left of center and throw straight up the 8-board with the Endeavor. Seems like this house rewards that 2nd arrow, up-and-in type of shot. And part of me wants to scrap this arsenal and create one with the balls I still have that I had success with in the past (Fortera Exile, Pyramid Force). Or maybe pull out the weakest equipment I have (Yeah Baby Sinful, SpecialOps, Rhino Pro) and see if I can make an arsenal specifically for these dry conditions.

I would vote for breaking one of your old friends out of the retired bowling ball home and starting with that. I’d go with one that worked well, not necessarily the weakest

[Aslan]

I would vote for breaking one of your old friends out of the retired bowling ball home and starting with that. I’d go with one that worked well, not necessarily the weakest

Definitely good advice...and probably what I'm gonna attempt.

It just flies in the face of arsenal-making theory. You wouldn't buy 3 balls with identical specs. The point of having an arsenal is to have a range of choices. Granted, if you're only playing one THS pattern twice a week...and never playing another house or doing tournaments...you almost don't need an "arsenal".

[J Anderson]

Definitely good advice...and probably what I'm gonna attempt.

It just flies in the face of arsenal-making theory. You wouldn't buy 3 balls with identical specs. The point of having an arsenal is to have a range of choices. Granted, if you're only playing one THS pattern twice a week...and never playing another house or doing tournaments...you almost don't need an "arsenal".

There are bowlers who do quite well with just one ball that matches up well with their centers normal pattern plus a ‘spare’ ball. If you bowl leagues with 5 person teams and are surrounded by guys with lots of revs throwing very aggressive equipment you might need another ball to handle the transition.

[Aslan]

There are bowlers who do quite well with just one ball that matches up well with their centers normal pattern plus a ‘spare’ ball. If you bowl leagues with 5 person teams and are surrounded by guys with lots of revs throwing very aggressive equipment you might need another ball to handle the transition.

Well, thats true.

I decided to take a personal day to run some errands and had some time to practice before leagues.

The main focus of the practice to get a feel for some balls that I unretired to see if weaker equipment might be a better first for this drier lanes type of house. I figured I could throw a game with the Rhino Gold, the Endeavor, and the Yeah Baby Sinful and just see how much/little hook they had.

The PROBLEM with bowling practice...is finding lanes that have an intact pattern. I had no luck and was playing on some lanes that were pretty burnt up and probably had a good deal of carry down from the house balls. But, I figured I could still get some semblance of useful information.

Open Bowling:

Oil Pattern: THS (dry and not fresh)

155-214-209

Started out with the Rhino Gold up the 7-board, but I had to move 1:2 left as even the Rhino Gold at 4000 abrasion was too much for what was left of the pattern. Didn't seem to do very well...4 misses and 4-5 weak hits.
8 -, X, S8 -, 8 /, 9 -, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 /, 9 / 9.

Switched to the Endeavor with a 2000/polish finish. Had to move 1:1 left as the Endeavor had a little more "bite" to it. Had a few misses...but only 1 weak hit.
8 1, X, X, 9 /, 8 /, X, 8 /, 9 /, X, XX9.

Switched to the Yeah Baby Sinful (Lane Masters) with a 4000/polish finish and had to make a 1:2 move left...which was surprising given the high RG (2.62) of this ball. A few misses and about 6 deflections. This ball clearly has "issues" which is why I barely used it back in the day...the specs are just absurd. A solid cover with a very weak core. It's like wrapping a Brunswick Slingshot in a solid cover.
X, X, X, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, 8 -, 7 /, 9 / 6.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 35%
Spares: 73% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin (3x)
Never left single 1-pin, 3-pin, 8-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (7x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 192.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.33.

Hard to make heads or tails of the results with the lanes all beat up. I figured I'd use this new (unretired) arsenal and see how it did up the 7-9 boards on a fresh pattern during league. The decision to show up with this arsenal turned out to be a good one...but not for the reason I thought. More on this when I post tonight's league results. But, I need to go to bed because my body is aching...not used to bowling 6 games in 5 hours...out of practice and 10 years older than my younger self. :(

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 23

Read open bowling post below...

...so I'm sitting around waiting for leagues to start...thinking it may have been a mistake to bring all my weaker equipment given hot weak it was hitting on the chewed up lanes. THEN, something unforeseen happens. The less experienced bowling center employee oiling the lanes...forgot to turn them all off first. So, when the oil machine went into the pin deck, the pin-setter cycled and smashed the oil machine and screwed up the lanes. One pair was already down to maintenance issues.

...so, there was a captain's meeting before leagues started explaining the situation and a vote on whether we wanted to bowl or not. It was a difficult night to just send people home because many of the folks braved some slippery road conditions to come in...so it would be doubly aggravating to just tell them to go home. But for me...I was probably in a better position than most...because I just happened to bring my high-RG equipment thinking I was going to try the weaker stuff up the 7-9 boards. :cool:

593 Series: 160-189-244

X, X, - 8, X, S5 3, 9 /, X, 8 /, X, 9 -.
Stated off okay...sans dumping the first shot of the 3rd frame in the gutter (slipped off my hand). But it was just a real struggle to stay right of the headpin...even with the relatively weak Vintage Rhino Gold at 4000 abralon. Went through the nose in the 5th...left a 9-pin in the 6th...moved left and struck...then back through the nose...moved left and struck....then left a 4-pin.

X, X, X, X, S7 2, 9 -, X, X, 8 1, 9 -.
Finally was left enough to run some strikes together...but that only lasted 4 frames...then back through the nose. The next shot I hit weak and left a 10-pin...so that was my cue to switch to the Endeavor. At this point, I was practically at 3rd arrow and running out of room on the approach. Put a couple strikes together...but still couldn't hold the line.

X, X, X, X, X, X, X, S8 1, S7 1, XXX.
By this time, my left foot was practically on 33 and my target was inside the 3rd arrow. Usually a bad combination for my game. But, the line was working....and for the first time that night, I was getting some miss room to the right. Unfortunately, I couldn't hold that line past the 8th frame. Pulled my shot badly in the 8th...then a 6-7-10 split in the 9th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 65%
Spares: 18% picked up

Single Pin spares: 25% (1/4)
Most common single-pin leave: 9-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 28% (2/7)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (1/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 197.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 209.00.

Positives
- Haven't had the front 7 in awhile.
- 65%! strike rate! Rarely, if ever, am I in the 60% range for strikes.
- The 3rd game salvaged what was on track to be an abysmal night.
- I was able to use my bowling 'knowledge' to bowl on conditions that most of the rest of the league had no idea how to tackle.
- Won the 3rd card game.
- Helped the team salvage one point against a team tied for 1st in the league.

Negatives
- Team lost 3 out of 4...AGAIN. Thats like 2-3 straight nights.
- Wasn't able to test by "low-oil, up-and-in" hypothesis due to the lanes being so screwed up.
- As good as my strike rate was...my spare stats are off-the-chart HORRID! 18%!!? 1/4 of my single-pins and 1/3 of my multi-pins??!
- Adding in 4 splits was just kicking a man while he was down...but it could have been ALOT more based on what other folks were encountering.

So, I (accidentally) brought the exact right equipment on the rare night it'd be useful. Not to mention, I had just practiced on dry lanes beforehand...so I had a bit of an edge over the competition. :cool:

Hopefully they get their oil machine fixed/replaced before Sunday. I still think I'm gonna have more success with an entire arsenal of skid/flip balls (that I had the most success with in the past)...but I wanna rule out the weak equipment/dry lanes idea first.

If I can throw the weaker stuff up 7-9...standing center or just to the left of center...thats essentially my wheelhouse. If I move to my skid/flip arsenal (Fortera Exile, Force Pearl, and Outer Limits Pearl)...its going to be alot more "jumpy"...a lot less forgiving. Should give me a better angle and more power...but I'll lose some miss room and could see tougher leaves. I have the Force Pearl in my bag now just in case the high RG stuff fails miserably.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 25
We're in the bottom half of the league and are bowling the team that is a point or so out of first place. Two 200+ average bowlers...one of which just set the league scratch score season high last week with a 289 and 738 series.

Our younger female bowler had emergency gall bladder surgery recently, so her sister bowled with us. It didn't matter much...our regular bowler averages about 103 and her sister averages 93. But, it would turn out to be important.

585 Series: 202-209-174

As far out as it seems...the Brunswick Vintage Rhino Gold, with a 4000 surface, was seemingly burning up in practice...on fresh. So, I started out with the Endeavor. Had to move 6 boards left with my feet and 3 boards with my eyes. Still couldn't keep the ball right of the headpin...so I switched to the Lane Masters Yeah Baby Sinful (YBS). Can't say I had a huge amount of confidence in that ball given its questionable specs. I mean, this ball has the highest RG of any ball I've ever owned...0.034 higher than a Brunswick Slingshot and 0.040 higher than a Track 300A....both of which were practically 'spare balls'. But, it was working.
S8 1, X, X, X, S8 -, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, X 6 /.

Stayed with the YBS and things were going very well. But, by 8th frame, the line was starting to transition again. The problem with using weaker equipment to stay around 2nd arrow....is that there's so much traffic on that line...it's almost impossible to stay there for any long length of time. Wasn't too upset. Only one missed spare. Switched to the Force Pearl with the 3rd shot of the 10th frame.
X, X, X, X, 7 /, X, 9 -, 8 /, 8 /, 7 / 9.

Had a lot more confidence in the Force Pearl...one of my favorite balls I've ever thrown. Lots of power...but a real smooth arc into the pocket. Unfortunately, my shot-making started to falter. And, my line got very angular just to keep it right of the headpin. Three missed single-pins just really ticked me off. :mad:
X, X, 9 -, 9 -, 8 /, X, 9 -, 8 /, X, 7 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (4x).
Also left a single 7-pin and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (10/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 100% (8/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 195.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 208.33.

Positives
- Other than a short bout of arthritis (foot)...no physical ailments.
- Made 100% of my multi-pin, non-split leaves.
- Team took 3 out of 4.

Negatives
- Kinda faltered in Game 3.
- Abysmal single-pin spare shooting. :mad:
- Thought I could keep up with the two 200+ average bowlers on the other team...but they both had 600+ series and I fell short.

Kinda sad that I may have to keep using this "unretired" arsenal. I 'may' have to completely change my next arsenal to accommodate these lane conditions. But, its like RobM and Bowl1820 and others used to say...the lanes dictate how to play them...ya can't force your will on the lanes. I 'may' be able to use stronger equipment if I master a lower axis tilt...but I don't think thats a reliable way to get a ball to the pocket with the energy to consistently strike.

I'm just amazed at the way I was able to use the Yeah Baby Sinful. It's #21 (out of 28) on my list of "best balls I've thrown". The Vintage Rhino Gold is #18. So...I really wasn't thinking these would amount to much. And I still plan to try an arsenal of entirely skid/flip balls (Fortera Exile, Force Pearl, Outer Limits Pearl)...maybe this summer I'll give that a try.

[boatman37]

Yeah I have been struggling with my single pin spares, mostly the 10 pin and I'm a lefty. Last week my coach stuck around and worked with me for a few minutes. Seems to be a simple fix so will find out tomorrow. I might actually be a decent bowler if i could make my spares...and strike a little more...lol

[Aslan]

Yeah I have been struggling with my single pin spares, mostly the 10 pin and I'm a lefty. Last week my coach stuck around and worked with me for a few minutes. Seems to be a simple fix so will find out tomorrow. I might actually be a decent bowler if i could make my spares...and strike a little more...lol

I may need to know that secret. I've tried a few different "fixes"....but just when I think I got it figured out...I have a night like this.

[boatman37]

It was just a matter of standing too square to the line. Didn't leave any lone 10's last night but did leave a few 6's and a couple of 6-10's and made all of them so must have worked...lol

[Aslan]

It was just a matter of standing too square to the line. Didn't leave any lone 10's last night but did leave a few 6's and a couple of 6-10's and made all of them so must have worked...lol

My problem is I tend to square up (hips rotate square) as I go through my release. I've been trying to move my target out...which makes it harder to hit...but helps me not to square up.

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 24

Bowled against a team that was absent. They're the last place team...don't know if they are post-bowling or not.

546 Series: 156-154-236

- 9, X, 8 1, X, 7 -, X, 9 /, X, X, S7 2
Just abysmal. I'd make a terrible shot and then redeem myself...then make a terrible shot...then redeem myself...repeated for 8 frames or so.

X, S8 -, X, 9 /, 9 /, S7 1, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, 7 / 9.
TWO strikes!! What a *** show. After two pocket hits leaving me a 2-pin and 10-pin in the 4th and 5th frames....I decided to switch to the Yeah Baby Sinful (YBS) which I'm still not confident in. It was playing WAY weaker than last time I used it...had to move my feet right about 6 boards from where I was playing the Endeavor.

X, X, 9 /, 9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, X, XXX.
Tried to stick with the YBS...but after a pocket 10-pin in the 4th...I decided it was time for the "ball of destiny"...the amazing Force Pearl (FP). Struck brooklyn in the 5th which made me realize I needed to adjust left big time. Once I did...the FP was just crushsing it. That ball was covering 11 boards like it was nothing.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 61% (8/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 25% (1/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 182.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 189.67.

Positives
- Single-pin spare shooting was better than I thought at the time.
- I guess its better to end on a high note.
- The Force Pearl has once again pleasantly surprised.

Negatives
- Obviously...not one, but TWO games sub-160...horrible! :mad:
- My early struggles may have cost the team a point.
- Still not sure this new arsenal is going to be productive.

If this keeps up, I may go with the 2nd option of trying an entire arsenal of skid/flip balls that I seem to throw well. I could put a little surface on the Fortera Exile and use it on fresh. Put a Step 2 surface on the Force Pearl as a ball down option. Then put a 500/polished surface on the Outer Limits Pearl to use if there's any carry down.

My only pause is that I'm still getting my timing and consistency back. Its mostly back...the speed is consistent and I'm making good shots 66%-75% of the time. But, if I switch to the skid/flip arsenal...any inconsistency is going to be magnified.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 26
We're in 9th (out of 16 teams) and are bowling the 2nd place team. This team moved into 2nd place after we took 3 out of 4 from the team that was ahead of them last week. This is a team of 3 gals and 1 guy and they average in the 130-146 range.

Our younger female bowler had emergency gall bladder surgery recently, so her sister bowled with us again.

550 Series: 143-226-181

Felt good, but I would make 2 good shots and then miss right, make two good shots and then miss right. Two missed single-pins and a pocket 7-10 just deflated me. :(
X, X, 6 3, X, X, 6 3, 9 -, S8 1, 9 -, 6 2.

Continued to struggle. First three shots felt good, but I couldn't carry nor pick up the spares. Switched to the Endeavor in the 4th but pulled the shot. Then I just got dialed in and everything came together.
S7 2, 8 1, 9 -, 7 /, X, X, X, X, X, XX9.

Kinda lost my line and got too far inside after the first few frames. Switched to the Force Pearl in the 8th, but I was too far inside by that point to get even that strong ball to work.
X, X, X, 6 2, 9 /, 7 /, 8 /, 7 1, 9 /, X 9 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.76
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 29% picked up

Single Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 6-pin, 9-pin and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 33% (5/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-9-10 and 1-2-4-7 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 183.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.67.

Positives
- My 2nd game saved me from throwing my equipment in the dumpster.

Negatives
- Spare shooting = atrocious
- Carry = not good
- Team lost 3 points...mainly because of me.
- Still don't know if this new approach to dry lanes is going to work.

I bowled so badly in Game 1 that I think the other team felt sorry for me. When I made my first spare (frame 4 of game 2); a gal on the team slapped hands with me. She probably wished she wouldn't have...because after that I went X, X, X, X, X, XX9 : X, X, X. Ten strikes on 11 attempts...mid Game 2 until early Game 3. Closed the gap to 21 pins going into game 3...but then we lost Game 3 by 2 pins...so only 1 point on the night. :(

[Timmyb]

Opens kill. Nice comeback in 2 & 3, though.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 25

Bowled against a team of "old-timers". They have a team average of 915 (198, 193, 167, 167, 190). Our team has an average of 927 (188, 169, 190, 183, 197). If I had to guess, I'd say our team has an average age of just over 50...where as their team (guessing) would be just shy of 70.

607 Series: 197-204-206

9 -, 7 /, 9 -, X, X, X, X, X, 7 -, X S8 1
Got upset early when I couldn't get the Rhino Gold to perform at ALL. Switched to the Endeavor in the 3rd frame and then struck 6 out of 8 times including a 5-bagger. I was happy to salvage a decent score, but wasn't bowling very well.

S8 1, 8 /, 9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 / 9.
Again, started out with issues....then decided to switch to the Yeah Baby Sinful (YBS). Managed to salvage another decent score thanks to improved spare shooting and completely readjusting my line. There was no way the YBS was going to play inside...so I moved back out to 2nd arrow.

8 /, 9 -, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 /X.
Switched to the Force Pearl (FP), but this change only confirmed my suspicions that my line was good...but my physical game was off. When I had good timing/form, I made great shots and the ball did great. When I didn't have good timing/form...not as good of results. The ball is great, but it can't make a bad shot perfect.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.27 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 4-pin (2x) and 2-pin.

Makeable spares: 61% (8/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (3/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-8 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 202.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 217.00.

Positives
- The result was adequate.
- I had the highest series on my team.

Negatives
- The performance was not as good as the score indicates. Far too many brooklyn strikes.
- Single-pin spare shooting continues to be a problem.
- Team only managed 1 point.
- No card game wins tonight.

Weird night where the score wasn't bad, but I bowled terribly. My balance was off. I couldn't seem to stay behind the ball. Even my fingers/thumbs weren't always fully in the ball leading to some slippage.

Also kinda predicted it'd be a tough night for carry given that 9 of the 10 bowlers were RHers playing second arrow...all throwing reactive resin. And, as I feared...their team had a pretty strong night...I think all but one of their bowlers had one game in the 230-240 range. So, we only managed to salvage the 1 point on the night. That'll certainly bump us out of 4th place.....just not sure how far we'll fall. Best case 5th, worst case 9th (out of 14). Play the 3rd place team next week...so thats gonna be a tough one.

Disappointed in the Rhino Gold. The lanes just seem to be so dry that even that weak ball with only a 4000-grit surface seems to be unusable. And, the Endeavor...which should be a weaker ball than the Rhino Gold...is clearly reacting stronger.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 27
Still in 9th and bowling against the 8th place team. A few bowlers in the 145-155 range and one with a 185.

We got our regular bowler back who had gall bladder surgery a few weeks ago.

599 Series: 187-223-189

Had trouble finding the line with the Rhino Gold, but stuck with it. Was happy with my spare shooting...just had the misfortune of a 4-6-7 split in the 10th.
7 /, 7 /, 8 /, 7 /, X, 8 /, X, X, 9 /, S7 2.

Started with the Rhino Gold, but it only took one frame to realize it was time to switch. The Endeavor was moving much better and stayed strong until the 10th, when I switched to the Force Pearl on the fill shot. Was really ticked that I missed a single 2-pin in the 2nd.
S7 /, 9 -, X, X, X, X, 8 /, X, X, 7 /X.

Just bad shooting in Game 3. The pinsetter, on the right lane ****ped out in the 7th frame, so we had to move a pair over. A split in the 9th killed my score and missing 2 single-pins really tested my patience.
8 /, 9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 8 /, S7 1, X 9 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88
Strikes: 46%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 40% (2/5)
Most common single-pin leaves: 4-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 6-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 78% (11/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 100% (9/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10, 4-7, and 6-10 (2x each)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 199.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 208.00.

Positives
- My revised spare shooting strategy seemed to improve my single-pin conversion.
- The shot-making was pretty good.
- Team took 3 out of 4.

Negatives
- Still not sure the revised spare-shooting strategy is going to work.
- Unsure why the Rhino Gold is behaving so badly for me. Others have used that ball with great success.

Pretty much the same scores as last week (143-226-181) except I didn't completely poo the bed in Game 1. Was able to stay right of 14 (board), so I didn't get in too deep. The team should either remain in 9th or possibly fall to 10th despite taking 3 out of 4.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 25

Bowled a solid team...they are currently in 4th place. They have a 170s, 180s, 190, 200s, and 210s bowler so...a decent spread. They also have 2-3 of their bowlers on the league board...so I was trying a little extra hard not to embarrass myself. :rolleyes: Our lead bowler was out sick, so there's 10 pins/game we'd get penalized. The left us with a 160s, 180s, and two 190s bowlers. Our team is in 8th place (actually tied for 6th).

641 Series: 222-189-230

X, X, X, X, 9 -, X, X, X, S7 2, 9 /X.
Had to work in practice to find a line where the Rhino Gold would actually work...but once I found it...I found it. I was ticked that I left a pocket 7-pin in the 5th and then missed it terribly. And a 4-7-10 split in the 9th didn't help. But, overall positive game.

S6 -, 8 -, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, S7 2, X, XXX.
Thought things were gonna fall apart after a Big 4 followed by a complete whiff on a 6-10 to start things out. But, after another split (6-7-10) in the 8th, I finished strong to at least finish 'close' to my average.

X, X, 7 /, X, S7 -, X, X, X, X, X 9 /.
Was still going strong with the Rhino Gold...so I stuck with it. Only non-strikes were two bad misses right in the 3rd and 5th...and then a pocket 7-pin on the fill shot of the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.32 pins
Strikes: 67%
Spares: 45% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Also left a single 4-pin and 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (5/7)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (1/2)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 213.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 217.67.

Positives
- FINALLY got a good series from the Rhino Gold!
- Overall single-pin spare shooting was improved.
- Won a card game.
- Team took all 4 points, against a good team, with us minus a bowler.
- Made some really good shots in Game 3...by form was back to 2017 levels...at least for a few shots.
- 600+ game and 80% single-pin spare shooting...I'll take it.

Negatives
- Gotta stay focused so I don't have those occasional misses/pulls if I ever want a perfect game.
- Game 2 was just below my average.
- 7-pins were a problem...makes me think there was a placement issue.
- My sole failed during Game 3.

A good night. Might have been a "great" night if the pinsetter was a little better with the 7-pin placement. Should probably move into sole possession of 5th place and close the gap between us and the top four. One indication that I'm going to have a good night is I didn't have to move much. I think I move 3:5 (left) from start to finish. Never had to get near 3rd arrow. Never had to change balls. Now averaging 191 in both leagues.

My S9 sole fell off my slide foot show in Game 3. It had done that once on Sunday night as well. I couldn't get it to stay on so I just grabbed another S9 that I had in my bag. I think, over time/use, the soft part of the sole loses it's ability to stick to the velcro on the bottom of the shoe. I'll have to order another one since I primarily use the S9. The second time it happened, I managed to strike despite losing my sliding sole...so it didn't damage me too much.

[Timmyb]

Nice night!

[Aslan]

Nice night!

Thanks. Short-lived...but thanks.

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 28
Still in 9th place...bowling the 10th place team.

509 Series: 158-194-157

Couldn't find a line with the Rhino Gold in warmups, so I started with the Endeavor. But, I couldn't ever seem to find a decent line the entire game. Misses left, misses right, misses left, misses right. And it didn't take a very big miss. And, God forbid I can pick up a multi-pin spare.
8 1, 9 /, 8 1, 9 /, 6 3, X, 9 -, X, X, 9 /X.

Had to move to a different pair due to lane issues. So, I got the Rhino Gold out to see if I could find a line on the new pair. Missed a 7-pin to start and got penalized with some splits...otherwise it was a decent effort.
9 -, S7 2, X, X, X, X, S8 1, X, 8 /, X 8 /.

Started with a missed 2-pin and then had chopped bucket in the 6th, and a chopped baby split in the 9th. Only 3 strikes...hard to score that way.
9 -, X, 9 /, X, 8 /, 6 2, X, 8 /, S8 1, 7 / 7.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.79
Strikes: 39%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin and 9-pin (2x).
Also left a single 3-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 56% (9/16)
Multiple Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 169.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 180.00.

Positives
- ???

Negatives
- Strike rate stunk.
- The rest of the team didn't have a great night either.
- Our opponents all bowled above their average.
- We lost 3 out of 4 points.

It was just a nightmare of a night. Shortly after the night began, I dropped my soft drink and spilled it all over. Then I had to use my towel to clean it up...so I didn't have a towel to dry my forehead and face. And, now my faith is shaken concerning my new arsenal selection.

Looking back at my stats this season, most of my bigger scores were with the Perfect Mindset. I had a few with the Endeavor. I think I had 1-2 with the Outer Limits. I'm just second guessing my choice to move to a high RG lineup. I've been experimenting with it for 4 weeks now...averaging 193 until tonight. Now I'm averaging 190 over 8 weeks...which isn't much different than before the arsenal change.

Not much else to say. Maybe just a bad night.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 26

Team is tin 5th place (actually, 3-way tie for 4th) and only a game and a half back of 3rd. There's only about 3 teams in this 14-team league that I would say are "bad"...and this team is clearly the worst of them. Not one player even averages 160...so we had to give em about 210 pins per game.

692 Series: 245 (clean)-201-246 (clean)

X, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, 7 /, X, XXX.
The Rhino Gold was smooth and getting me good carry. Only bad shot was a pulled shot in the 8th. Switched to the Endeavor in the 10th...which probably caused my team some heartburn. They hate when I switch balls after throwing a strike...but no sense on waiting for the 2-4-5 and THEN making the change.

X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, 9 -, 8 /, 9 /, X, XX7.
After 5 solid strikes, I just couldn't keep the Endeavor right of the pocket. After two horrible single-pin spare misses...I thought my night had flown off the tracks...but I settled back in and stuck it out with the Endeavor until the final ball of the 10th when I switched to the Force Pearl (FP). I unfortunately left the 2-4-5...but it showed me what I needed to do to adjust my line for Game 3.

X, X, X, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, 9 /X.
There's some nights where I throw the FP and I almost feel like I'm cheating. That ball has SO much backend that it isn't even fair. It scares ya because it looks like its going to slide past the break point and then it just "lurches" into the pocket.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.46 pins
Strikes: 62%
Spares: 83% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 6-pin (2x), 9-pin (2x), and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 83% (10/12)
Multiple Pin spares: 100% (3/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 230.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 237.33.

Positives
- TWO clean games! Thats what I'm talkin about!
- As well as I was striking...it was markedly improved spare shooting that really elevated my scoring.
- Won TWO card games.
- No Splits! Thank you very much.
- Team took all 4 points!
- I was far and away the best bowler on either team.
- Highest series of the season (in either league).

Negatives
- Two frames away from my first clean series....ouch.
- Eight pins away from my second, sanctioned 700-game.
- Kinda felt like "piling on" against a team that really isn't in the same "league" with us.

The new spare shooting method (thanks to Joe Slowinski's bowler's reference manual) is helping. Its gonna take some practice, but, if anything, it is improving my confidence a little. Its amazing what a bowler can accomplish when they make their spares and avoid splits.

And the Force Pearl....dang...I'm gonna have to find another ball like this one. It doesn't hit as "hard" as the Fortera Exile...but it's more predictable. And its not quite at the level of the Scandal Pearl...which was all-around the best bowling ball I've ever thrown. But dang...like I said above....sometimes it feels like I'm cheating. The ball moves like a heat-seeking missle. It doesn't "turn" into the pocket...it "dives into the pocket.

[boatman37]

Very nice!

[Timmyb]

Well done!

[Aslan]

Well done!


Very nice!

Thanks. Again...short-lived...but thanks.

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 29

Tied for 10th (out of 16). Our team is kind've a joke. The other guy on the team is okay...161 average. He's capable and consistent. The younger girl is "slow"...I think she bowled in the special olympics once...or something like that. Shes about a high 80s to high 120s bowler. She just throws a plastic ball straight at the pins. And the captain/old lady on the team hurt her hip a year or so ago so now she bowls with a house ball and averages around 55. Its frustrating. I used to bowl better on Sundays....less pressure I suppose. Now its just frustrating. It seems like even when I bowl well, our team still gets smacked around.

555 Series: 199-183-173

Didn't bowl terribly, but missed a couple spares I shouldn't have missed and made some bad shots. Wasn't too disappointed with the score, but was hoping for a better Game 2 and 3.
X, 7 /, 8 /, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 /, 8 -, XX8.

Stayed with the Rhino Gold through the 7th, but after two straight 2-4-5s, I made the switch to the Force Pearl. Struck a couple times, but was too far outside and made another abysmal spare conversion attempt for a disappointing 10th.
X, 8 -, X, X, X, 7 /, 7 2, X, X, 8 -.

Was really getting frustrated. I missed the pocket ONCE...the whole game. And I left FIVE 10-pins. The only shot I missed the pocket I left a 9-10 split. Granted, I left 30 pins on the board with HORRIBLE spare shooting. But still.
9 /, X, S8 1, 9 -, 9 -, 9 -, X, X, X, 9 /9.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 40% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (7x).
Didn't leave any other single-pin.

Makeable spares: 42% (6/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 185.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.33.

Positives
- Was around the pocket all night.
- Most stats improved over the miserable night I had last Sunday.
- Still had a lot of movement and power from the Force Pearl, despite the miserable 10-pin carry.

Negatives
- Team dropped 3 points....again.
- Pretty much the entire other team out bowled me.
- Just terrible, terrible spare shooting.

Such a frustrating night. And I hate when our captain comes back after bowling a 56 and says, "Well, Got my average." First, anyone able to roll a ball with even partial blindness should be able to get a 56. Second, it doesn't really matter. If me and the other guy on the team bowl well, we'll probably win. If me and the other guy bowl badly, we'll likely lose. Whether she gets a 49 or 69 is usually inconsequential.

I guess I just need to treat this league like a "fun night" and try not to care so much.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 27

Team is still in 5th place (actually tied for 4th). One half point out of 3rd and 4 points out of second. We were playing the highest average (214.8) team in the league with the highest average (234) bowler in the league....so we got some handicap (we average 186.6) out of the deal.

547 Series: 165-199-183

X, 9 /, 9 /, S8 1, 9 /, 7 1, X, X, S8 -, X 9 /.
Didn't feel too terrible. Not the score I wanted, but two splits ...with one being in the 9th...it is what it is. Best shot of the night left me a stone 8 in the fill frame of the 10th.

X, X, X, 7 /, X, X, S8 1, 9 -, 7 -, XXX.
Switched to the Endeavor and had a good line. Ran into a string of opens in the 7th, 8th, and 9th. Had to strike out just to salvage the 199.

8 /, 9 /, 9 -, X, 8 /, X, X, 9 -, 9 -, XXX.
Stuck with the Endeavor through 5. Got a good reaction from the crowd when I threw a great shot in the 3rd, only to leave a stone 8 that "migrated" over to the 10-pin position and stayed standing. :mad: Just couldn't pick up the corner pins. :(

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.20 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin (3x).
Also left a single 6-pin (2x), 7-pin, 8-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 57% (8/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 182.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.33.

Positives
- Team took 2 points from a very good team.

Negatives
- Pretty much every stat.
- My speed was off...down in the 11.9-15 range instead of the 13.9-16.9 range.
- Spare shooting was, once again, abysmal.

The new spare shooting method (thanks to Joe Slowinski's bowler's reference manual) is helping. Its just gonna take some practice. I still miss far too many single-pins, but at least I'm close to them when I miss them.

[J Anderson]

Those late in the game splits really hurt. My team had a chance to sweep today and I left a 4-6-7-9 in the last frame🤬

Sometimes it feels worse to miss a single pin by a millimeter than to miss by several boards.

[Aslan]

Those late in the game splits really hurt. My team had a chance to sweep today and I left a 4-6-7-9 in the last frame🤬

Sometimes it feels worse to miss a single pin by a millimeter than to miss by several boards.

Case in point....

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 30

Team is 14th out of 16th. Would like to move to a different team/league next season, but not sure how I pull that off without hurting feelings.

574 Series: 206-223-145

Recovered from a bad shot in the first frame. After 5 frames of struggling with carry with the Vintage Gold Rhino, I made the switch to the Endeavor in the 6th and probably could have struck out. But pretty much ruined my score with a gutter on the 1st shot of the 10th. Missed WAY right. :mad:
5 4, X, 9 /, 8 /, 9 /, X, X, X, X, - /X.

The Endeavor was doing well, still striking except for a pulled shot in the 2nd. Tried to adjust my line in the 7th, but made a bad shot and then missed a friggin FIVE-pin...of all things. Finally lost the line again in the 10th.
X, 8 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -, X, X, 9 / S7.

Wanted to stay with the Endeavor, but a horrible 2-4-5-7-8 leave in the opening frame made me switch to the Force Pearl. Just a hodgepodge of pulled shots, pushed shots, bad carry, and maximum penalties for slight misses. Not good when your first "good" shot is the last shot in the 10th. :(
5 2, X, 9 /, 6 /, X, 8 1, S7 1, 9 /, S7 2. 7 /X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.55
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 83% (5/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: n/a
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 3-pin, nor 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (10/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6 and 2-4-5-7-8 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 191.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 195.33.

Positives
- Endeavor was very strong tonight.
- Spare shooting was better, for the most part.

Negatives
- Disasterous Game 3.
- A couple disastrous shots in the first 2 games cost me a 600+ series despite the bad game 3.
- Team lost at least 1 (Game 3) due to my abysmal Game 3.

Over 13 shots between Game 1 frame 6 and Game 2 frame 6...struck 11 times. Essentially would have shot a clean 248 had it been over the course of one game. And really, it was better than that because one of the two misses was a gutter ball...so that cost me like 30 pins. Could have been my highest ever game at 278...but instead that stretch just propped up Game 1 (where I was struggling to find a good line with the Vintage Rhino) and gave me a good base to score well in Game 2 despite a missed 5-pin in the 7th.

Disappoint night for the Force Pearl....which is usually incredibly effective. But, a ball can't make good shots for you and I was just "off" in Game 3...struggling to play near 3rd arrow.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 28

Team moved up to sole possession of 4th place...within striking distance of 2nd and 3rd, but I think the 1st place team is a bit out of reach. We're bowling the team we opened the season against...2 of the 5 guys on that team are 2 of the 4 on my summer team. We were down a bowler, so lost 10 pins per game.

619 Series: 189-256-174

X, 9 -, X, 7 /, 7 /, 8 -, 9 /, X, X, X, 8 /.
Mixture of some bad breaks and some bad shots. Finished strong enough to salvage a score that was at least close to my average.

X, 9 /, S7 2, X, X, X, X, X, X, XXX.
Lanes transitioned a little in frames 2 and 3. Made the right moves and struck out. Was tempted to change balls around the 6th/7th...but was too afraid to mess up the roll I was on. I just moved my vertical targeting to compensate for the lanes transitioning and that seemed to work. Only open frame was a 4-7-10 split in the 3rd.

9 -, 9 /, 8 1, 8 /, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, X 9 -.
Switched to the Force Pearl in the 4th...but my line was very tight. A small miss right or left would go through the nose. Solid first ball average, but couldn't run anything together.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.21 pins
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: n/a
Left a single 4-pin, 6-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x each).

Makeable spares: 66% (10/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 206.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 214.00.

Positives
- Team took 3 much needed points.
- I won a card game.
- 256 was my 2nd highest game in this league, this season. And, it was my 5th highest score this fall; highest score since 1/12.
- Overall, spare shooting was improved...although still a work in progress.
- A 600+ series is always a good night.

Negatives
- Missed my average 2 of the 3 games. Had to rely on one big game to save me.
- Despite how good I was doing, I got beer framed twice!
- Missed the Strike-A-Mania pot thanks to the pocket 10-pin in the 2nd frame of Game 3. :mad:

Overall, can't complain. The Force Pearl was a little "erratic" tonight...but I think that was just the line I was playing. This is the closest I've been to the Strike-A-Mania pot. In order to win it I have to strike in the 3rd and 9th frames of Game 1, the 1st and 5th frames of Game 2, and the 2nd and first shot of the 10th frame in the 3rd. Struck in all those frames except for a nice pocket shot in Game 3, frame 2 that left a ringing 10-pin. Dang it! :mad:

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 31

Team is still 14th out of 16th. We're rolling against a team that has 4 bowlers and their highest average is 152...so should be able to get at least a point or two. :rolleyes:

528 Series: 210-105-213

Things seemed to be working. Pulled a few shots, but everything else seemed fine.
9 /, X, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 7 2, 9 /, 7 / 9.

Switched to the Endeavor in the 10th frame of Game 1. And even at a polished 4000 surface...I struggled to keep the ball right of the headpin. And when I did hit the pocket, I left a 9-pin, a 7-pin, or a pocket 7-10. Threw the first shot of the 3rd frame in the gutter. Got the ball a little too far right on a couple shots and left a 2-pin and a 2-8. Switching to the Force Pearl in the 8th didn't help much as I had to adjust my line slightly to the new ball. Not one strike the entire game. Can't remember the last time that happened.
S7 2, S8 -, - 7, 9 /, 9 /, S8 -, 9 -, S8 1, 9 -, 8 1.

Finally got the Force Pearl dialed in a bit. Pulled 3-4 shots...but much improved results versus Game 2.
X, 8 /, X, X, 8 -, X, X, X, 9 /, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.72
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin and 7-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 3-pin nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 60% (9/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 176.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 182.00.

Positives
- Didn't feel terrible about games 1 and 2.
- Team at least took 2 points.

Negatives
- As bad as game 3 was last week (145)...rolling a 105 is nightmarish. More below.
- Every stat was terrible.
- Rare night where the "team" didn't bowl too awful, so our loss of 1-2 points is squarely on my shoulders.

To put Game 2 in perspective...bad perspective...since starting to track my stats in Pinpal (January 2014)...over a decade...Game 2 was tied for the 8th worst game I've thrown. The last time I bowled this badly (or worse)....was August 2018. And that was when I was trying to get back to bowling form after taking 12/17-8/18 off working two jobs. AND...that was open bowling...so who knows what diasterous pattern I was bowling on.

IF you remove open bowling from the statistics...the 105 I bowled yesterday was the lowest score I've EVER bowled in league or tournament play. EVER. Now, realize, that includes two seasons bowling on PBA/Challenge patterns in a sport league out in California. And, it includes the one summer I bowled in a league on challenge patterns. The last time I bowled this low of a score, in league play, was a 106 in a sport league on the WTBA Mexico City pattern.

I'm hoping this was just a 1 off...because the Endeavor has been rolling very well for me...far more reliable than the Vintage Gold Rhino or the Yeah Baby Sinful. But, how dry are these lanes? When you can't keep a Brunswick Endeavor with a 2.54 RG and a 4000/polished surface right of the headpin......with a 12.9-15.9 mph and 240rpm release...there's not much weaker I can go. Moving left doesn't help...because the middle is flooded and the ball won't come back. And if I get too far right, it slams back through the nose.

Only 3-4 more weeks. I'll probably use the "dream team" arsenal over the summer....Fortera Exile, Radical Outer Limits Pearl, and Force Pearl. Maybe that'll give me more backend when I move inside to avoid the dry....but they won't burn up the way the Trident Odyssey, Zen Master Solid, and Perfect Mindset seem to.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 29

Still in sole possession of 4th place. Still within striking distance of 2nd/3rd. Bowling a team that is very hot/cold. Their lowest average bowler usually doesn't do that well, but he's been known to throw a high game here and there. And they have a 2-hander that usually is in the running for high handicap game awards because he's not very consistent, but can pull a 270+ game out of his backside from time to time. This team is in 6th place, 4 games back, so we just needed a tie to keep em behind us in the standings.

586 Series: 176-261-149

X, 9 -, X, 8 /, X, X, 6 3, X, X, 8 -.
Too many opens. Just not a good spare-shooting night.

X, X, X, 8 /, X, X, X, X, X, X S6 1.
Very similar to last week. Last week, in game 2, I had a spare in the 2nd and a 4-7-10 split in the 3rd. Otherwise all strikes (10). Last night it was a spare in the 4th and a Big 4 on the second ball of the 10th....struck 9 times.

8 /, X, 8 /, 8 -, 9 /, 7 1, X, 6 /, - 8, 8 /X.
Just could not find my line again once I lost it in the 10th of Game 2. Finally switched to the Force Pearl in the 6th. I thought I found the line in the 7th, but then went to the bathroom, washed my hands, and when I came back I lost my thumb fit/release...which is why I try not to use the restroom when I bowl. And dumping the ball in the gutter on the first shot of the 9th pretty much cost me 20 pins. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.72 pins
Strikes: 56%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (1/2)
Most common single-pin leave: n/a
Left a single 5-pin and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 53% (7/13)
Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6, 3-6-9-10, and 4-7 (2x each).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 195.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.33.

Positives
- Bowled my highest game, this league, this season.
- Bowled my 3rd highest game (between both fall leagues) this season.
- I won TWO card games!
- Finally nabbed another clean game.
- Given how poorly I bowled in game 3, and to a lesser extent game 1...I was relieved to come away with a 550+.

Negatives
- Obviously, 2nd week in a row with a big Game 2 bookended by less than stellar efforts.
- Second straight week that I was close to the strike-a-mania pot...just needed a strike on the first ball of the 10th in Game 3...but, nope.
- The team pooed the bed so bad in Game 3 that we ended up splitting. So, looks like we'll be remaining in 4th or fall to 5th by next week.

Not sure what could be causing the recent trend of very high scores in Game 2 with much lower scores in Games 1 and 3. Between the two leagues, the data is:

Average by Game:

Game 1: 188.61
Game 2: 196.81
Game 3: 189.31

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 32

Team is still 14th out of 16th. Bowling against a pretty skilled team. They are in 15th...but I'm sure thats mostly because opponents get so much handicap against them.

598 Series: 179-180-239

Didn't feel "bad", just struggled to keep the ball right of the headpin.
X, S7 -, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, 7 /, 9 /, X S8 1.

Hard to be upset at such a sweet spare-shooting performance. But, for crying out loud! Switched to the Endeavor in frame 2, but that didn't help.
9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, S8 1, X 9 /.

Switched to the Force Pearl and suddenly started hitting the pocket a little better.
X, X, 6 2, 8 /, X, X, X, X, X, X 8 1.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin

Makeable spares: 80% (12/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 199.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.00.

Positives
- Only 2 of the 4 opens were non-splits.
- Health was good.
- Team took all 4 points.
- Average back up to 190.

Negatives
- A couple points shy of 600.
- Two games below my average.
- Could not buy a strike in Game 2. The ball just didn't want to stay right of the headpin.

Can't remember the last time I ran 7 spares together consecutively. Not much else to say.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 30

Still in sole possession of 4th place. Still within striking distance of 2nd/3rd. We're playing the 2nd place team, so a chance to move up. Granted, they are all 200+ average bowlers except for one guy who was subbing.

566 Series: 172-204-190

7 2, X, 3 6, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -.
The Rhino Gold was just not carrying. So, I switched to the Endeavor...but essentially the same issues.

7 /, X, 8 /, 6 /, 6 /, 9 /, 8 -, X, X, XX7.
Switched to the Yeah Baby Sinful...but I just have trouble comfortably throwing that ball. Very high RG...I feel like I'm gonna miss right and then at the last minute it makes a little jog to the left. Jogs too much to miss left and not enough to miss right. Finally managed to carry a bit near the end.

7 /, 8 /, X, S8 1, X, 9 -, X, X, 8 /, XX8.
I can't blame the ball. Just wasn't making the greatest shots.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.65 pins
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 4-pin (2x), 6-pin, and 7-pin.

Makeable spares: 70% (12/17)
Multiple Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 188.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.67.

Positives
- I won a card game.
- The last two games weren't terrible.
- Spare shooting was improved across the board.

Negatives
- Bowled under my average 2 out of 3 games.

The night started out pretty darn bad. The other team had 4 bowlers that all had the front 5. One of them ended up sparing in the 7th, one in the 8th, and one in the 9th. The other one spared in the 10th. Five guys and their total (scratch) for the game was 1341. This team had the high scratch game last week with an 1167. So, if ya do the math, they AVERAGED 268 in game 1. I mean, thats essentially USBC Masters/PBA level scoring.

I think we managed to get one point...but quite a humbling experience. Should be in 4th or 5th next week when we take on a team of consistent, experienced, high 170s-high 190s bowlers. I doubt they can average 268 in a game.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 33

Team is still 14th out of 16th. Bowling against a pretty skilled team. Last week we bowled the 15th place team. This week we bowl the last place team. My Wednesday teammate/captain is on the other team, so I don't want to embarrass myself too much.

598 Series: 212-171-215

Didn't feel too bad. Was just ticked that I had the one open.
X, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, X, 7 2, 9 /, X, X 8 /.

Stayed with the Gold Rhino through 6, but I finally had to make the switch to the Force Pearl in the 7th. From there it was smooth sailing with the exception of a big miss right in the 9th.
X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, 8 1, X, X, S8 1, X 9 /.

More of the same. The Force Pearl is a beast...just needs someone halfway talented to throw it...and I'm only 1/8 talented at best. THREE 7-pins. For crying out loud thats annoying. All the misery of a lefty with none of the benefits.
9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 -, 6 /, X, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.29
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (5x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 6-pin, nor 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 66% (10/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (2/4)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 199.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 209.00.

Positives
- Beat em scratch the 1st game even though they were giving us 146 pins.
- A couple 200+ games is always nice.
- The Force Pearl is still a powerful beast when I make half-way decent shots.

Negatives
- The Rhino Gold is still struggling to carry consistently.

Two straight weeks with a 598 total.

I think we ended up taking 3 points from them. Not so much because our team bowled awesome....they were all just really struggling in Games 1 and 2. Not sure who'll we face in position round. It won't be the top 6 teams nor bottom 2 teams. So, that leaves 7 potential opponents and a best case 3-way tie for 5th (out of 16). And we'll be off Easter Sunday, so we'll be bowling position round on the 27th. Then final week of play will be May4th...but that will just be for payout.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 31

The team has snuck our way into 3rd place. And, teams 1 and 2 play each other this week. So, a 'chance' to move up to 2nd, but thats about the best we'll be able to manage this season with only one week to go after tonight. The team we were bowling was very similar...we only got 7 pins handicap...so almost even/scratch bowling.

653 Series: 195-204-254

7 2, X, X, S8 1, X, X, X, 6 3, X, X 6 /.
I used the Rhino Gold for one shot and then angrily put it away in favor of the Endeavor. That ball (Rhino Gold) just refuses to move. It just kinda 'drifts' into the pocket. If I put more surface on it, it'll get to the pocket better...but won't carry as well. The Endeavor was a solid upgrade. The other team quickly asked that I go back to using "the gold ball". I barely pulled a shot and it left a 4-9 split in the 4th. Missed right a couple times and left a 1-2-4-10 washout and a bucket. Everything else struck.

X, X, X, 6 -, 9 -, X, X, X, 8 /, X 8 1.
Just like last week, I switched to the Yeah Baby Sinful (YBS) for Game 2. Its a tough ball to throw because a slight miss inside and it won't move enough to go brooklyn. And, any miss to the right it likely won't get back to the pocket. You essentially have to throw it straight at the 3-pin and it'll make a quick 'jerk' to the pocket at the end.

X, X, X, 9 /, S8 1, X, X, X, X, XX8.
Stuck with the YBS until it netted me a pocket 10 and then a pocket 7-10. That was clear indication it was time to bring out the big gun. Once I made the switch, it was lights out right up until the 3rd ball of the 10th when the shot had started to transition a little.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.21 pins
Strikes: 67%
Spares: 30% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (1/2)
Most common single-pin leave: n/a
Left a single 6-pin and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 37% (3/8)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 217.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 221.33.

Positives
- I won TWO card games.
- Strike rate was awesome.
- The Endeavor, YBS, and Force Pearl were killing it.
- Form seemed good.
- Team took all 4 points.
- Highest series of my team and their team.

Negatives
- One of my worst spare shooting performances. :mad:
- So many bowlers got beer framed, that I drank twice as much as I usually do.
- The Rhino Gold might be going back into retirement. I just can't make it work and the Endeavor is just a far superior ball.

I'm leaning towards switching out arsenals from Arsenal 8.25 (dry lanes equipment) to Arsenal 8.5 (skid/flip). I was gonna wait until summer league starts, but I think I've gotten a good enough feel for what the dry lane balls can do....might be time to break out my mini All-Star lineup of skid/flip balls that I throw so well.

[Timmyb]

Well done!

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 32

The team is in second place. We tied for second place last year. Unfortunately, this is the final week...position round...and there are 4 teams within 2.5 points.

570 Series: 210-177-183

S8 1, X, X, X, X, X, 8 1, 8 /, S7 2, XX9.
Firgures...4 out of 5 strikes in warm-ups...then opwn with a 6-7 split. :rolleyes: Wasn't a terrible game, mainly got stung by a 4-6-7 split in the 9th.

X, 9 /, 5 4, X, X, 9 /, S8 1, X, X, 9 /, 9 /S8.
After two frames, decided to make the move to the Perfect Mindset. Pretty upsetting to hit the pocket 9 times and not being able to even get to 180. Pocket 10 in the 2nd, pocket 10 in the 6th, pocket 8-9 split in the 7th, pocket 10 in the 9th, and a pocket 8-10 split on the 3rd ball of the 10th. :mad:

6 3, X, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, XX8.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl and carry got even worse! Another game with 9 pocket hits and I couldn't break 185! Pocket 7-pin in the 4th, pocket 10 in the 5th, pocket 10 in the 7th, pocket 8 in the 8th, and a pocket 10 ion the 9th! Abysmal!

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (1/2)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (6x)
Also left a single 4-pin, 7-pin, and 8-pin.

Makeable spares: 71% (10/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 40% (2/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 193.67.

Positives
- I won a card game...whoopdie-doo.
- Spare shooting improved...especially single-pins. Made all 8 that I attempted with my spare ball. Only miss was an 8-pin that I threw my strike ball at.
- Health was good. My knee had been hurting earlier in the day, but it was fine.

Negatives
- Just terrible carry. Terrible.

Switched my arsenal back to Arsenal 8.0. I realized that my highest games were with the Perfect Mindset...so maybe switching to the high RG lineup wasn't the best strategy. Well, now I'm not so sure. How do you hit the pocket as often as I did and leave that many 10-pins and 8-10 splits? Was I too far inside? I dunno. Some people think you should go to a symmetric core ball to drive through the pins closer to the 8-pin. I can't take any surface off the balls...they're all polished. We'll see. Maybe give it another month and if I'm, still leaving insane numbers of corner pins...maybe I just need to throw higher RG balls at this THS. Ughhh!

The team lost all 4 points...dropped down to a tie for 4th. So, there goes any chance at extra prize money. My 570 series was the highest of our team. In other words, our whole team stunk it up...not just me. Oh well....we finished in the top 5 in a competitive 14-team men's league...I guess thats not terrible.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 34

Position week. Team is still 14th out of 16th. Unlikely to move more than a position up or down.

586 Series: 166-183-237

A couple bad misses right. Probably 4 pocket hits that just didn't carry. Just too many opens and not enough strikes.
6 /, X, 9 -, S5 -, 9 /, X, X, 8 -, 3 /, 9 /X.

Stayed with the Zen Master Solid for a couple frames, but a pocket 10 in the 2nd frame told me it was time to make a change and I switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM). Had a few bad misses. Still had a chance to salvage a 200, but the lanes transitioned in the 10th and I ended up with a split on the 2nd ball.
X, 9 /, 7 /, 9 /, X, 7 /, X, 6 1, X, X S5 3.

The line with the PM was super-tight...and eventually I just couldn't make it work. Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 5th frame and struck out.
9 /, X, S7 2, 9 -, X, X, X, X, X, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.74
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 56% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 69% (10/15)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-6-7-9-10 split (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 195.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 201.33.

Positives
- Won 3 points, so maybe we move up to 13th in the final tally.
- The Outer Limits Pearl was dominant.
- Three straight weeks bowling over my average.

Negatives
- Still made 2-3 bad shots per game which are unforced errors.

Still struggling with this arsenal. It forces me to start the night about 1.5:4.5 left of where I was with the weaker/higher RG arsenal. Its not a big deal until the lanes start to transition and then I'm aiming at the 13-14 board and standing about 10 boards left of center. Thats a tough line for me to play. Very little miss room. A miss a couple boards right and I barely get back to the pocket...1-2 board miss left and I'm lucky not to get a split.

We'll see where I end up. I think I finished with a 191 average which should put me just over the cutoff for top 20% of the league. My main goal is to average 203 or higher and have a few series of 729 or higher. Still nowhere close to accomplishing that. Improving spare conversion rate, especially single-pins, will definitely help...a work in progress.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 33 (FINAL WEEK)

Ended up finishing tied for 5th. Same point total as last year when we finished 2nd.

666 Series: 221-222-223

8 /, X, S6 /, 6 1, X, X, X, X, X, 8 /X.
The Zen Master Solid was abysmal...so I changed to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 4th frame.

X, 8 -, X, X, 7 /, X, X, X, 9 /, XXX.
Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) in the 10th after a pocket 10-pin.

8 /, 5 4, X, 9 /, X, X, X, 9 /, X, XXX.
Another solid game. Missed way right in frames 1 and 2. Other than that, was throwing it well.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.23 pins
Strikes: 68%
Spares: 72% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (3/3)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Also left a single 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 70% (7/10)
Multiple Pin spares: 57% (2/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (2x)

Splits: 100% (1/1)

Average over 3 games: 222.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 222.00.

Positives
- I won TWO card games at the end of the year level (5x the usual amount).
- Strike rate was one of the highest I can remember.
- 100% on single-pin spares.
- All 200+ games
- Consistent
- Highest series of either team, and the other team had a 200+ average bowler.
- 600 series
- Only 3 opens
- Only one split (and I picked it up)
- Other than a little arthritis in my swing leg foot...health was good.

Negatives
- No clean games. :(
- Beer framed 3 opponents so I drank more than usual.
- '666' not the luckiest number...especially when my winning card game hands were 4 6s and 5 6s. :eek:
- The Zen Master Solid continues to give me problems.
- SO close to a triplicate! Dang.

I don't know why I don't have success with Rotogrip/900 Global equipment. The Asylum, Defiant Edge, Optimus Solid, Special Ops, and now the Zen Master Solid...I just can't find a surface/line/speed combination that works. The only Storm ("brands") ball I've ever thrown that I liked was my old Frantic. Whether its (Zen Master Solid) at 3000 matte or 360/2000/polished....It refuses to stay right of the headpin...until I end up practically on 3rd arrow...and then it doesn't come back. I hate to skip it and start with the Perfect Mindset...but I also hate spending half of the first game, every week, fighting with my ball.

Averages (both leagues) not quite up to my 2016/2017 level (180/185/195)...but I'm getting very close (190/194). Need to work on focus and I MUST get my spare shooting up in that 80-95% range versus the 65-70% I've been in for the last several seasons. I think, before next fall season, I'm gonna buy a new spare ball (probably a Columbia WD) and have it drilled for my VISE inserts. My Maxim has started to crack/chip between the fingers and I think the difference in 'feel' is a contributing factor to why my accuracy suffers when I switch to my spare ball.

Always good to go home with more money than you show up with. Payout ($174) + Card Game Winnings ($50) = $224 minus card game entries ($15), minus bar tab ($10) = + $199.00.

I was dead tired when I got home...and a little dehydrated. Fell asleep almost immediately and kept waking up with bad leg cramps.

[Timmyb]

Nice night!