Aslan's Scores (of the non-lady kind) [Archive] - Page 8

Aslan

09-08-2017, 09:22 PM

Friday Practice: medium-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 204 (clean)

550 Series: 171-211-168

Game 1 I was really just trying to get my physical game back (timing, footwork, etc...).

Game 2 I was a missed 10-pin away from a clean 223.

Game 3 I struggled with 3 splits...including a pocket 7-10 in the 4th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 44% (1 turkey, 4 doubles, and 9 singles)
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (9/12)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 3-pin, 9-pin, 2-pin (2x), and 7-pin (3x).

Multiple Pin spares: 58% (7/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 4 games: 188.50.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 193.50.

First time back on the lanes in over a month as I try to get my living situation figured out. The lanes seemed slicker now than when I practiced over the summer...many houses start putting down more oil and more consistent patterns in the fall once the leagues start up...so I had to move from targeting just inside of the 2nd arrow to targeting 7-8.

Overall, glad to see I was able to average in the high 180s despite being off the lanes for over a month. Still trying to get used to the new arsenal...but overall a good practice.

Aslan

09-18-2017, 03:14 PM

Friday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 199

437 Series: 159-149-129

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.07 pins
Strikes: 30% (4 doubles and 5 singles)
Spares: 51% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (12/24)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2, 1-2-4-7, 1-2-4-8, and 1-2-8 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 4 games: 159.00.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 164.25.

First time back on the lanes in a little over a week. I got there right when it opened and I guess the lanes hadn't been re-oiled since the 8:00PM leagues the night before. I didn't see a problem until my line moved left to the 2nd arrow...when suddenly I was going far left. I ended up having to move 4 and 6 inside to get away from the track...despite starting out targeting 7-8 and standing left toe on 18. Once I got in and was on the 12-13 boards...I just didn't have the hand to get the ball to come back. In addition, with so much less practice time, I was very rusty and missing 2-4 boards (usually right) of target on many shots. Bummer.

Aslan

09-20-2017, 01:25 AM

Tuesday Practice: medium-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 181

590 Series: 198-170-222

Game 1 I only opened on a chopped 3-6-9-10 in the 8th frame.

Game 2 I missed a couple single-pin spares and then ran into some split problems in the 8th and 9th frames.

Game 3 I missed another single-pin spare in the 4th and then chopped a 2-8 sleeper in the 8th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 53% (1 4-bagger, 4 turkeys, 2 doubles and 5 singles)
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (4x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (4/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-10 baby split (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 192.75.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 201.50.

Resurfaced the progression. Left the Thug Life at 3000 (no compound nor polish). Brought the Warning Sign down to 2000 (no compound nor polish) because that ball was just not moving at ALL. Decided to experiment with the Scandal Pearl and surface it to 500, use Storm Step 1, but not polish it.

Much better lane conditions and a much better practice. I was the only one bowling in the entire place...it was easy to concentrate. So quiet you could hear a "wiiiiisssh" noise as the ball made it's way down the lane.

My accuracy was much better and my spare shooting as well. My speed was up a bit...closer to 17mph at the pins...not sure why.

Aslan

09-21-2017, 03:55 PM

Thursday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 174

633 Series: 210-211-212

Game 1 I opened on an 8-10 split in the 5th frame and then missed a single 10-pin in the 10th. The Thug Life was hooking a lot...definitely more than when I bowled at this center Monday. I finally had to switch to the Warning Sign by the 8th frame.

Only open was a brain fart in the 9th frame. I left a bucket and decided to change my strike line...then got up and shot as if it was a full rack. So, no clean game for me! The line change worked though and I struck on the first ball in the 10th.

Game 3 I got off to a rough start...maybe I was getting with tired. Missed right and left a 5-7 split in the 2nd frame. Switched to the Scandal Pearl and again missed right in frame 3 and left a 1-2-4-7. Managed to right the ship, pick up the spare, and knock down 5 in a row before a badly missed single 6-pin in the 9th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.63 pins
Strikes: 55% (1 4-bagger, 4 turkeys, 2 doubles and 5 singles)
Spares: 55% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (6/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 201.75.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 206.00.

This is good news. After Monday when I bowled a 437 series...I was worried that maybe my time off from bowling had destroyed my game. Then, Tuesday and now today, seems I'm back in the 192-206 range. Still some consistency issues and spare shooting issues I need to tighten up.

Amyers

09-22-2017, 09:37 AM

Nice bowling bud how goes the job search?

J Anderson

09-22-2017, 09:45 PM

Thursday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 174

633 Series: 210-211-212
4

Perhaps for your warm up game you could focus on spares. You could also devote the game to a drill that isolates a part of your approach that you want or need to improve.

This summer I made the mistake of getting the AMF Summer Pass. It was a mistake for two reasons. One was that I didn't get there very often. The second was the best you could say about the center was that the conditions were inconsistent. There were two constants. It was always too dark to see the lane markings unless you were standing at the foul line, and it was always noisy. Given that the approaches varied from too slippery to no slide whatsoever, I just did release drills and one step drills the last few times I went.

Aslan

09-27-2017, 05:17 PM

Perhaps for your warm up game you could focus on spares. You could also devote the game to a drill that isolates a part of your approach that you want or need to improve.
If my spare shooting is bad enough...I'll often add a 5th game and play low-ball. I think spare shooting is one of those things that takes a little more time to come back when you take a month or so off versus strike-shooting.

This summer I made the mistake of getting the AMF Summer Pass.
I got a pass for a local center. It ended up saving me a little money. I didn't use it a ton...because the center was 30 minutes away...and because I had other priorities including trying out different centers to see where I wanted to bowl leagues. But yeah, summer can really be a challenge because it seems like > 90% of centers treat summer bowling like it's just an "oil once a week" situation. Not very condusive to trying and figuring out what shot works or doesn't work at a given center or (in my case) trying out a new arsenal.

Nice bowling bud how goes the job search?
Bad. I bowled today because I had an interview near the center.

$16.00/hour for a supervisor job. The only offer I've gotten so far is a part-time job unloading trucks at Lowes for $11.42/hour. Last night I figured out that my bills (the ones I HAVE to pay) = just over $1900/month. That doesn't include cable, TV, or phone. If I make $16/hr...after taxes/deductions and healthcare premiums...is like $170 more...which would need to cover gas/groceries. I've looked into disability...which actually would likely net more than the $16/hr job...plus I'd get free healthcare and food stamps. But, even disability doesn't really cover all my bills...unless I cut off cable/phone/cell/phone/internet.

I certainly wouldn't be able to afford bowling leagues under any of those scenarios...which sucks given all the time/money/effort I've put into developing my bowling game over the past 2-3 years.

And that's not even the "bad" news. If I get disability...that's a temporary fix. If I don't...and I don't find something in the next month or two...I have to choose between storing my stuff and either moving in with my parents OR homelessness/living out of my car (until it gets repoed eventually). I'm thinking of heading down to Florida...maybe try and find day laborer work repairing houses or something.

So...if you see a guy that looks like an average-below average bowler who you sort of recognize from one of the many Aslan videos...sitting on the side of the road, unshowered, with one of those homeless guy beards...stop and say hi. I won't ask for money or anything...I despise beggars and charity...btu I'd be happy to talk bowling a little bit. ; )

Wednesday Practice: low-medium oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 156

681 Series: 224-197-220

Bad spare-shooting in Game 1...but I struck out with a 7-bagger to salvage a respectable score.

Game 2 was better than the score indicates...but a 3-6-7-10 split in the 10th kinda snuffed out another 200+ opportunity.

Game 3 I switched to the Scandal Pearl and did quite well...but a 1-2-4-10 washout in the 10th squashed an even higher outcome.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.14 pins
Strikes: 55% (1 7-bagger, 1 4-bagger, 1 turkey, 4 doubles and 2 singles)
Spares: 44% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 199.25.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 213.50.

My speed was really high for some reason. I was hitting around 18mph at the pins...about 2-3mph higher than usual. Really hard to get the ball to move, with my rev rate, at that speed. I thought about toying with a 3-step approach...but once you switch from 4 to 3 (or 5)...now you got a timing issue to deal with. If I had 3-4 days to iron out the timing issues (like, before a major tournament)...then it might be worthwhile. But in a standard practice session, by the time I get the timing in sync...practice would be over.

So, I tried just moving up on the approach...which limits your speed a bit because you have less distance to build up the speed with your legs. I also tried laying the ball down earlier...targeting closer to the "dots" than the "arrows"...so I'm not putting too much shoulder into the shot.

Long story short...even though I'm DEFINITELY not a proponent of changing speeds (messes with timing too much)...I was able to change my speed a bit and it really had a noticeable effect on the outcome. My arsenal at 18mph...just doesn't move much at all. If I can drop that speed down, 1-2mph, even the Warning Sign was hooking.

manke

09-28-2017, 09:58 AM

Have you tried to go threw a temp agency? They might be able to get you something for the short term.

Aslan

09-30-2017, 06:08 PM

Have you tried to go threw a temp agency? They might be able to get you something for the short term.

I've looked into a couple temporary roles. The typical "temp agency" you speak of wouldn't really apply to me. In the United States, those angencies primarily deal with low-level office work or day laborer jobs which pay pretty close to minimum wage ($9.75/hour).

I've worked with and am working with multiple recruiters...but so far nothing has panned out.

In my opinion, the US economy is headed for some big problems in the near-term. Three areas of the country leveled by hurricanes...including the gas/oil hub of Houston. Household debt now higher than it was before the crash in 2008. Home ownership at it's lowest rate since 1967. Unemployment has bottomed out. Wages are flat. 70% of manufacturing is still offshore. Consumer spending is down. The stock market is over-valued. Etc.., Etc.., Etc....

There are a TON of "Help Wanted" signs in just about every window...but the jobs pay $9.75-$14/hour with no benefits. Probably sounds strange to a Scandanavian where the wages are more compressed. I think a person stocking shelves in Sweden makes about $2400 (USD) a month (approximately $13.85/hr). Not sure how it all compares on a 1-1 basis though...since I think many Euro countries have higher wages, but also a higher tax rate.

Saturday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 192

559 Series: 154-177-228

More bad spare shooting in Game 1, including a missed 2-pin in the 9th. I struck a fair amount, but thre 7 -s frames in a row with 1-2-10, 2-4-10, and 2-8-10 in frames 3 through 5.

Game 2 wasn't much better. Two more 2-8-10s and a chopped 3-6-10...but I managed to pick up my more make-able spares and struck out in the 10th.

Game 3 I started working on a more "casual" approach...tried to stop "forcing the shot." Only open was a chopped 1-2-4-6-10 and I managed to run some strikes together to salvage at least ONE good game.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.95 pins
Strikes: 52% (1 6-bagger, 1 4-bagger, 2 turkeys, 1 double, and 5 singles)
Spares: 40% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 10% (1/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-8-10 split (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/6)

Average over 4 games: 187.75.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 196.25.

Took me awhile to settle down. Some shots I'd miss right and the ball would make it back and carry...some shots I'd miss right and the ball wouldn't carry the 2-pin...and I got left with a lot of really bad spare combinations. I needed to follow RobM's advice prior to Game 3...treat the approach more like a "dance" than a "sport". When I get too ramped up...everything gets tight...the shot gets tight...the release gets worse, and I start to pull shots. But if I can keep that approach sort of "free" or "elegant"....the timing is better and the release is better...and usually the results are better.

J Anderson

09-30-2017, 08:33 PM

"Took me awhile to settle down. Some shots I'd miss right and the ball would make it back and carry...some shots I'd miss right and the ball wouldn't carry the 2-pin...and I got left with a lot of really bad spare combinations. I needed to follow RobM's advice prior to Game 3...treat the approach more like a "dance" than a "sport". When I get too ramped up...everything gets tight...the shot gets tight...the release gets worse, and I start to pull shots. But if I can keep that approach sort of "free" or "elegant"....the timing is better and the release is better...and usually the results are better. "

Sounds a lot like what we were seeing in youth league today. The first three weeks were on a short Junior Gold pattern that needed to be played fairly close to the gutter. This week Chris changed the pattern to a longer J G pattern where the exit point was around the ten board. Lots of complete misses to the outside, wash-outs, and balls that were 'helped' so much they almost went into the opposite gutter. It's really hard to get some of the kids to loosen up their swing and let the ball roll off their hand. It's interesting that your warm up game was a respectable 192 and then you crashed and burned when the games started to count.

Timmyb

10-01-2017, 08:42 AM

In my opinion, the US economy is headed for some big problems in the near-term. Three areas of the country leveled by hurricanes...including the gas/oil hub of Houston. Household debt now higher than it was before the crash in 2008. Home ownership at it's lowest rate since 1967. Unemployment has bottomed out. Wages are flat. 70% of manufacturing is still offshore. Consumer spending is down. The stock market is over-valued. Etc.., Etc.., Etc....

You and I seem to be the only people seeing this. The unemployment number is much higher, though, than anyone is led to believe. It's only a recording of those currently looking for work and applying for benefits. Add to that the number that have just stopped looking for work, coupled with the "underemployed", and that number scoots into the double-digits with room to spare, no pun untended.

Grizzly Adam

10-01-2017, 10:13 AM

Are you guys from bigger cities? Here in rural Iowa we don't have enough workers to go around. Some businesses are starting to face the music of shutting down because there just isn't staff to run them. My best friend has worked every day since July 5th and his next day off will be Thanksgiving because Hormel doesn't have enough workers to allow scheduled days off. I don't know what the unemployment rate is out here but it seems like it should be non-existent.

Aslan

10-02-2017, 11:25 AM

You and I seem to be the only people seeing this. The unemployment number is much higher, though, than anyone is led to believe. It's only a recording of those currently looking for work and applying for benefits. Add to that the number that have just stopped looking for work, coupled with the "underemployed", and that number scoots into the double-digits with room to spare, no pun untended.
Yeah. Even in my case...I've had such a hard time finding something...that I've had to apply for disability. Unemployment ran out in February. So, if I'm not on unemployment...the system no longer counts me. They claim I'm "no longer looking for work"...because the only way they have to measure that is unemployment certifications. Once you are no longer eligible for unemployment (about 6 months)...you're no longer counted. The real unemployment rate is in the 10-21% range.

Are you guys from bigger cities? Here in rural Iowa we don't have enough workers to go around. Some businesses are starting to face the music of shutting down because there just isn't staff to run them. My best friend has worked every day since July 5th and his next day off will be Thanksgiving because Hormel doesn't have enough workers to allow scheduled days off. I don't know what the unemployment rate is out here but it seems like it should be non-existent.
It's not the supply of workers or jobs....it's the supply of jobs that pay a reasonable wage and the supply of workers willing to take less money than they can live on. There are "Help Wanted" signs in almost every storefront around where I live. Those jobs pay $9.50 to $13/hour.

I've applied to low-level jobs all over the area....factories, lumber yards, Lowes, installing leaf guards on gutters...and only Lowes called me back...because I intentionally left off my college education on the application. Those kind of places don't want a guy with two degrees...because they know I'd only be working there until I found a "real job".

I interviewed for a job last week...supervisor role...but it only paid $16/hour. I applied at the Post Office...but their jobs paid in the $15/hr range and were part-time. I applied anyways, but failed the "personality test". Apparently, I don't have an adequate personality to put letters in mailboxes on the side of the road. The Lowes job paid $11.42/hour...was part time...no benefits.

I've also applied to jobs in my field that pay in the $50,000-$85,000 annually range...but they get a ton of applicants and in most cases are in remote locations where I'd have to move/relocate to.

There are lots of jobs for certain 'functions'...like healthcare, construction, and truck drivers. But, the construction jobs pay very little for unskilled laborers...many use immigrants to fill those roles. A lot of truck driving jobs...but truck driving requires schooling and licencing...and you don't make much money, necessarily. Healthcare...same thing...you need certifications, specific education, etc... I could go back to school and get certifications...but it would take $100,000-$120,000 to go back to school for a year...because I'd also have bills to pay. I'd have to borrow enough money to pay my bills AND pay for school tuition....which has skyrocketed lately. I wanted to take a creative writing class at a community college...and it was $650 plus books for a semester.

My first book is almost done. I have about 1/3 a chapter left. Then I need to do some review and a short edit/re-write and it'll be ready for the editor. But editing could run $2,000-$4,000. And there's no guarantee I'll find an editor...and no guarantee it'll get published. I could self-publish....but again, then you're looking at $2500-$10,000 to pay to self-publish. And most books don't sell nearly enough copies to live off...I'd likely still need a second job/day job.

I may move home. A buddy and I were talking about doing a podcast. But, podcasts are a dime a dozen and very unlikely to be a real success. I also thought I could go down to Florida...live in my car for a bit (until I have no gas and/or it gets repoed)...and write a book about my experiences. But, thats a real risk where I lose the car and am legitemately homeless...which would make for an interesting book...but would suck. I've thought about doing consulting work...but I'd need >$100,000 to start up the consulting business to networking, cover materials, first year salary, and website design/hosting.

I've also thought about trying to get two jobs...maybe one making $14-$16/hour....then a part-time job like the Lowes job to supplement my income. That would suck...essentially just working 19 hours and sleeping 5...but it's possible...even if it's just short-term. The downside to that scenario...is the $14/$16 per hour job likely will require hours that aren't going to be flexible enough to allow me to moonlight. That $16/hour supervisor job required day and afternoon hours and weekend work. I'd have to find a second job that allowed me to have very flexible hours so I didn't end up losing he higher paying gig.

We'll see. There are 'jobs' out there...but I need $47k-$50k a year to pay my bills and get back to bowling again. And THOSE jobs...are just not very plentiful right now...not in this area. The lower cost of living allows me to look for $47k-$50k versus the > 85k I needed in California...but that hasn't helped the situation as much as thought.

Aslan

10-31-2017, 07:07 PM

Tuesday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 192

500 Series: 168-169-163

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.56 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 63% (7/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 2-pin (2x) and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (6/15)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 and 2-8 (2x each)

Splits: n/a

Average over 4 games: 173.00.

Been awhile since I was on the lanes. I don't enjoy bowling much if I'm not participating in leagues...just seems rather pointless.

Still looking into jobs...no luck at all thus far. I was actually out job searching when I was near the alley and decided to stop in.

My game was certainly off...mentally and physically. Physically I spent most of the practice trying to just get my timing back...getting my hand in the proper position, etc... Mentally I just am not "there" due to the job woes. Plus, I had to pick my daughter up from school at 3PM so I was kinda pressed for time and that was in the back of my head.

Not the usual Pinpal stats because I can't get my Pinpal app to work on the iPhone. Had to enter the scores into the Android phone...which isn't as ideal because it lacks some of the functionality of the iphone version (no strike breakdown, no average if all single pin spares were picked up, etc...)

Hopefully my game isn't completely "gone" after not practicing as much as I'm accustomed to.

Amyers

11-01-2017, 09:52 AM

Sorry the work thing is going so hard. Hopefully something comes up for you soon.

Aslan

11-02-2017, 12:26 AM

Sorry the work thing is going so hard. Hopefully something comes up for you soon.
Yeah. Me too. I'm not nearly the annoying internet bowling board troll I used to be when I had gainful employment. :cool:

The "good" news on the job front is I think I got a general labor job lined up filling pesticides into containers. Assuming I don't get cancer or grow a 3rd testicle...I can at least make $14.75/hr working midnight shift. Now it's just a matter of securing a second job so I can afford to have both an apartment AND utilities...and still have money for that pesky gas/food situation. I have a couple things/possibilities lined up for a second job. What's the over/under on how long I can make it working 80-hour weeks??

I have a few other "possibilities":
1) A job or two...one is about an hour+ drive...but decent money and in my field.
2) A job in Western Michigan...close to six figures...but I'd have to move away.
3) A job in Northern Michigan...close to my sister and other family...close to where I went to college...very good chance I could get it....good money (Between #1 and #2)...but I'd have to move away.

Most importantly (and relevant to the site)...severe interference with my bowling progress. Working two jobs may leave me only Sundays as possible league night...and there aren't really good leagues on Sundays. Western Michigan has good bowling and good centers...but Northern Michigan I'd be lucky to find two centers within an hour of each other. :(

Wednesday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 266 (clean)

594 Series: 214-157-223

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.27 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 91% (11/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (6x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 20% (1/5)

Average over 4 games: 215.00.

Was in a better place mentally...but struggled most of the practice session. My line seemed overly 'tight'...which led me to pull alot of shots. The warm-up game wasn't as good as the score indicates...I'd say all but two of the strikes were brooklyn. Also needed to work on my release. My release has gotten "lazy"...and I'm not staying under/behind the ball...trying to rev it up with my fingers.

Amyers

11-02-2017, 09:54 AM

Well I'd suggest the one an hour away. Trying to work 80 hours a week isn't a long term solution you can do that for a while but eventually life sucks to bad that way. still close enough to see your kid and you can move latter if it works out. Plus bowling boards gets a little dull without you around lol

vdubtx

11-03-2017, 11:55 AM

Keep at it Aslan. Good luck on the job hunt, sure looks like you have some prospects lined up. :)

Aslan

11-27-2017, 06:01 PM

Monday Practice: low-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 160

443 Series: 184-126-133

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.70 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 34% picked up

Single Pin spares: 52% (9/17)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (4x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 8% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 5-10 and 8-10 splits (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 4 games: 150.75.

Been almost a month since I was on the lanes. Amazing to think I used to bowl at least 3 times a week and now it's about once a month. My skills seem to be getting rusty...especially single-pin spares...which were never that great to begin with.

Did the midnight shift job filling pesticides for a couple weeks. Then I had a job interview in Michigan...started as a part-time package handler for Fed Ex in the meantime. Supposed to start delivering packages for UPS Wednesday...temporary job till just after the New Year. Not a good time for finding a new gig since a lot of companies don't really start hiring until after the holidays. Job openings come available...but the people doing the hiring are all on vacation.

Oh well...still alive...

Aslan

07-12-2018, 07:07 PM

Hey all. Still alive.

I came on here to update some of my posts now that I think I figured out the issue I was having with Pinpal on my iPhone...but more on that later.

I am on the road for work (training)...wish I'd have brought my bowling balls...Elk Grove Bowl just down the street from my hotel.

I haven't bowled since about Thanksgiving time last year. I was dealing with the job issue until March. Found a job, but still have the IRS hovering like vultures...so...if the IRS decides to go hardcore and garnish my wages...I just don't make enough money at this new gig to pay my bills AND send $135 to California for State taxes AND send $274/month to the federal IRS. So...still a bit in limbo...and I just haven't wanted to bowl. Last time I bowled my mind was just "elsewhere" and I didn't even bowl a 450 series.

Hopefully I can get things worked out...get back into league bowling 2 nights a week...and get back to "normal". I involved myself on the USBC Facebook page for a short time...but the administrator penalized me with a 48-hour ban because I referred to people who whine about USBC changes as "whiners"...so I just left the group. I mean, if THAT is gonna get me a 48-hour ban...I don't think I'm gonna last long given my track record of riling up the masses. ; )

Hope everyone is doing well.

Aslan

Timmyb

07-12-2018, 08:51 PM

Welcome back, and hope all works out in your favor!

bubba809

07-13-2018, 07:36 AM

Welcome back. I thought you and Iceman may have eloped or dug an underground bunker together. Glad you're back on the lanes. Sounds like your were in a rough spot in life last you posted.

Out of curiosity, what kind of job do you end up finding? Are you still residing in Iowa? I only ask because you gave us so much information and details on your struggles that one couldn't help to be concerned. It's always good to hear about a happy ending-ish and hopefully there is a lady Aslan in your life (besides your daughter).

Good to have you back now rant way!!

Amyers

07-13-2018, 09:28 AM

Good to see you back bud

Blacksox1

07-13-2018, 08:42 PM

Welcome back

boatman37

07-13-2018, 11:08 PM

Welcome back. Well if you 2 are #1 and #2 for long winded posts I am probably a pretty close 3rd...lol

J Anderson

07-14-2018, 12:08 PM

Hey all. Still alive.
Hopefully I can get things worked out...get back into league bowling 2 nights a week...and get back to "normal". I involved myself on the USBC Facebook page for a short time...but the administrator penalized me with a 48-hour ban because I referred to people who whine about USBC changes as "whiners"...so I just left the group. I mean, if THAT is gonna get me a 48-hour ban...I don't think I'm gonna last long given my track record of riling up the masses. ; )

Hope everyone is doing well.

Aslan

Glad you’re back.
Gee, a two day “time out” for calling some one who whines a whiner. Makes me glad to be a semi-ludite who’s not on facebook or twitter.

mc_runner

07-14-2018, 11:51 PM

LOL, there's a reason I don't follow too much bowling stuff on facebook, especially USBC related. Glad to hear things seem to be working out with the job, hopefully you get back to bowling soon.

Aslan

08-13-2018, 08:31 PM

Welcome back. Well if you 2 are #1 and #2 for long winded posts I am probably a pretty close 3rd...lol
You guys never knew Iceman in his prime. That dude had me beat...he'd max out three posts in a row and have pictures and animation...it was like what I imagine an LSD fueled comic book would be like.

Out of curiosity, what kind of job do you end up finding?
I now work for the State....so that's "kind've" a job.

Thanks to all for thoughts and kind words!

I have decided I'm sticking around (Iowa)...even if the IRS doesn't give in. I'll make it work.

I called a center today about fall leagues. Right now, due to Plaza Lanes burning down...centers are packed with teams and there are waiting lists. Some are looking for teams, but not many scrounging for single bowlers. I left my name for two leagues at one center...the lady said she'd pass it on to the secretaries....maybe a team needs a single bowler. If not, I'll either have to wait and see...or try another center.

vdubtx

08-16-2018, 10:57 AM

Good to see you back buddy. :cool:

Aslan

08-18-2018, 12:33 PM

Good to see you back buddy. :cool:
I'll consider myself "back" when I'm averaging in the 190s again. But...thanks.

Friday Practice: summer, open bowl garbage

Warm-Up: 175

503 Series: 166-158-179

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.79 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 65% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (16/20)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin and 5-pin (5x each)
Never left a single 1-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-9 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 169.50.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 181.00.

Got the call Friday afternoon that I've been picked up by a team for the Thursday league. Even though it's been since October 2013 since I touched a bowling ball...I am aiming for leagues with higher average bowlers. In this league, probably the best league in all of Iowa, out of about 125 bowlers...only about 10 bowlers had averages < 180 and it's a men's league. I think one of the bowlers that bowls in it is in the PBA50. So, no more mixed leagues where I'm bowling with 3 bowlers that average 99-125. I might actually be able to watch the other bowlers and their ball movements for a change. Still on a waiting list for the Friday league, which is probably the most popular league in the State/area. Alot of the same bowlers as the Thursday league...same center.

Figure I need to practice a bit before the league starts Thursday. Gonna try to do 4 games a day for 6 days and see if I can get back into my groove. It's hard to practice on decent conditions in the summer when I have a job and can't go to the center in the middle of the day. I thought I did pretty good in the first practice back (since October) given the lanes were trash and 3/4 of the games were during "glow bowling"...which almost caused me to fall down when they turned the lights off while I was on the approach.

Spare shooting was better than I thought it would be. Gonna take me some time to remember what my adjustments were for the various leaves. Strike rate was garbage...but I couldn't get any angle given how bad the lanes were. During the summer, most of these centers throw a ton of oil down in the morning and don't touch the lanes until the following morning. In between oiling, it's just 98% open bowlers throwing plastic balls and pushing that oil down lane. So, good luck trying to get your ball to break.

I think alot of my problem (physical game) was trying too hard. Rob used to always coach me on that. The harder I "try", the less revs and hook I'd ultimately get. So, I think that was a big problem. My speed didn't seem too bad...in the upper 14s at the pins. I just couldn't find the right line. When the lanes are blocked with oil like that...I even tried to bowl up the 4-board...no break.

Knee is sore as hell. Hopefully I don't over-do things here in the coming week. But I'm really worried that I'm gonna end up on a team with all 180-210 averages and I'm gonna cost them points. They'll probably use my last composite average of 188. So, ideally I'd like to be back capable of averaging that...at least in the first few weeks.

Aslan

08-18-2018, 03:53 PM

And....this is more what I expected...

Saturday Practice: medium-oil synthetics

Warm-Up: 112

445 Series: 152-144-149

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.29 pins
Strikes: 26%
Spares: 38% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (6/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 9-pin (8x)
Also left single 2-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 31% (6/19)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-9 and 3-6 (3x each)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 139.25.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 155.25.

Got there early enough to bowl on fresh conditions...but wow...just horrible. My release is off, my timing is off...just horrid. I didn't think taking a year off would cause such a backslide. Most of the warm up game was trying to find a line. By Game 2, I thought I had a line with the Warning Sign...but it was a little inside of where I usually play. And I just didn't have the release to get the ball to come back. But, if I moved right to the track, I'd go through the nose or brooklyn...it was just miserable.

mc_runner

08-18-2018, 06:13 PM

Nice to see you back out there. give it a few weeks, your muscle memory will kick in and if you started poorly while you get back to your groove, you'll be an asset to your team. Keep us posted!

Aslan

08-19-2018, 10:47 AM

So we have to wait until you hit 190 before you comment on other posts? Come on.....so many posts, so many subjects, you know it's killing you so just give in already. =)
It took me a year to get back to picking up a bowling ball. And even back in the day, when I would have a terrible night or practice...I didn't post much. Those are the nights I just posted my scores and contemplated throwing my equipment in a dumpster.

So...yeah...I'll probably have to get back in the "groove" of things before I start participating at a "near Aslan" pace.

Nice to see you back out there. give it a few weeks, your muscle memory will kick in and if you started poorly while you get back to your groove, you'll be an asset to your team. Keep us posted!
That's what I'm hoping/praying for...is that it will just take 3-6 weeks for muscle memory to kick in. It's weird that back when I was rolling in the 190s...I'd mainly just be concerned with accuracy, missing my target, an occasional pulled shot... Now...I'm back to having 10-12 different things going wrong and I'm back to trying to find my timing, and rhythm, and release, and posting, and follow-through, etc... All the things that were coming natural...now I gotta think about them again.

Not sure if I'm gonna practice today. I really, really need to...but all yesterday I was limping around and today, even though the left leg feels a little better, my right forearm is so sore I could barely tie a garbage bag. Apparently I haven't used my "bowling muscles" in some time. God I hope this passes.

Aslan

08-20-2018, 06:48 PM

I'm so#$%ed offf right now!!

I need every single second of practice before Thursday...when there's a 97% chance I'll embarrass myself. But..I can't practice again today...because I have what appears to be a grade 2 forearm strain. It's been slowly getting better...but if I push it...I could miss the entire season.

I must have been really gripping the ball too tight. That would explain the forearm injury. That is BAD news...because gripping the ball too tightly was a 2014 problem...and if I've regressed that far...bowling may no longer be a worthwhile endeavor. I mean, in Cali, I had 2-3 of the best coaches around to get 2-4 lessons a month and I could fix my game. Now I got nothin but Mark Baker's DVD.

I'm gonna throw a fresh surface on the Thug Life...go to the grocery store...and take it easy tonight. But I GOTTA get in some real practice soon. I don't even know if I'll be allowed in the new league with a <140 average...especially with a 188 book average coming in. This is NOT working out as planned!!

Aslan

08-21-2018, 08:37 PM

Have you looked into any kind of medical brace? Maybe there is some sort of precautions you can take so you don't further injure yourself?

Actuallly...thats a good idea. I was thinking of maybe a wrist support like those big robotic things I used to wear. Probably not a "medical" solution...but maybe it would keep me from over-gripping or trying to snap the ball too hard. But...I hate to start doing that...going down that road...plus it mess with my span.

Tuesday Practice: medium-oil synthetics

187-162

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.71 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x)
Also left single 3-pin and 9-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 2 games: 169.50.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 175.50.

The forearm felt quite a bit better today. I didn't want to push it with 4 games, but figured I really needed to get at least a couple games in.

I think I figured out how I screwed up the forearm and maybe what some of the problem was. I've been out of the game so long, the callous on my thumb is pretty much gone. Not totally...and I thought the increased weight (about 20-25 pounds heavier than in Cali) and humidity would keep the thumb about the same size. However, I was able to drop down a couple insert sizes and the fit was better. I ended up just moving down one size...but it made a world of difference. I was no longer really pinching to keep the ball in my hand.

Still struggled to find the right line. The Thug Life was going brooklyn...through the nose. I moved in a great deal...then it seemed like it didn't have enough hook to come back. It would hit the pocket...but weak. I switched to the Warning Sign...moved about 3:2 right. Normally I'd move about 0.5 left:2.5 right to straighten out the line...but I was too far inside for the weaker Warning Sign. But...it was off and on...a perfect ball would strike...a non-perfect ball would leave some rediculous split or a flat 7.

Forearm feels fine. I got a game in the 180s. Single-pin spare shooting wasn't abysmal. Finally some good news.

Amyers

08-22-2018, 09:11 AM

Aslan

08-22-2018, 08:48 PM

Give it time bud it will take a while to get your timing back but you'll get there. I took all summer off for the first time in forever still haven't got mine back. I know its rough but remember its just good to be on the lanes again

Wednesday Practice: ridiculous summer practice conditions

103-96

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 6.50 pins
Strikes: 5%
Spares: 26% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 15% (2/13)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-3-6, 1-2-3-5-6-9-10, and 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9. (2x each)

Splits: n/a

Average over 2 games: 99.50.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 111.50.

I sure hope Amyers is right (for a change). :cool: Because this is ridiculous!! I don't know if it was the crazy lane conditions...or my timing being so, so, so bad that I couldn't keep from pulling shots...but this is probably the worst I've bowled since I got my first ball in 2014. Granted...I kinda stopped trying after the 9th frame of Game 1. In the 10th I just rolled a couple balls at 8mph to see if they'd eventually hook. Then, frames 1-5 of Game 2 I was practicing spare shooting and playing low-ball.

I think I'm back to the very, very bad habit of squaring my shoulders...and pulling that right shoulder down...totally muscling the ball. I'm not doing it with my wrist anymore (which is good)...but now I'm really plunging that shoulder. It's causing my timing to be late and causing me to be off-balance. I gotta stop that...like yesterday...and trust that the ball will come back if I let it drift out to the right.

Today I just knew was gonna be a sucky bowling day. As a terrible omen this morning...I was trying to touch up the Warning Sign on the ball spinner...and the motor sparked, smoked, and stopped working. So...I guess I'm gonna need to take it apart and buy a new motor. Great. Really wonderful to be back bowling. Nearly tear my forearm muscle, my ball spinner catches on fire, and I throw a sub-100 game. Tomorrow is the big dance...coulda used a little confidence tonight...but I guess God's busy answering non-bowling requests at the moment.

Amyers

08-23-2018, 09:00 AM

Lol I feel your pain last night (first night of Wednesday league) open up with a 256 great game clean no complaints game 2 leave a couple of 10 pins which I missed of course but 179 could be worse, last game thumb starts sticking in the quantum so I switch to the radical ridiculous cant find a line and miss most of my spares finish with a 117.

Florida Bowler

08-23-2018, 09:43 AM

Oh no Aslan, you let the magic smoke out of your ball spinner. That's never a good thing.

Good luck today!

Aslan

08-24-2018, 12:51 AM

Pre-League Practice: low-oil synthetics

168-149

I thought I was going to have a panic attack. Here I was 30 minutes from my first legitimate men's league against the best bowlers in the area...and I can't break 170. I can't keep the ball right of the headpin...pulling every shot...off balance..timing just not right.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

512 Series: 143-184-185

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.65 pins
Strikes: 38%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin (2x)
Also left single 5-pin, 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (6/15)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 170.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 174.00.

On a positive note...things started to feel better in Games 2 and 3. Also, I wasn't the worst bowler on the team nor on the pair of lanes. It was still embarassing...but not as bad as I thought it would be.

On the negative side...still not sure what is going on. The lanes seem fine...nice bounce area...decent dry area downlane and on the outside. But, my physical game and release just aren't right. I was having thumb issues the whole night. And I just didn't feel like the release was very good.

Also, the arsenal is weak. I knew when I switched out the Radical Reax Pearl and Innovate for the Thug Life and Warning Sign that I was taking a risk. The Thug Life is almost identical to the Scandal Pearl...it just doesn't seem like a good first ball out of the bag. Once the lanes started to get burned up...it seemed to do well. But on fresh...not much movement downlane. I've tried to put a 4000 and a 3000 surface on it...but it doesn't seem to make much of a difference other than flattening out the hook curve. And the Warning Sign is almost useless. Not as useless as my Track 400A...but still...I have NO confidence in the Warning Sign. Maybe it'll just take time. I know I struggled with the Ebonite Innovate when I first started using it...then when I got used to it I actually liked it. But having to feel my way through this new arsenal...a 16lb arsenal...while also trying to get my physical game back is quite the combination of tasks.

Aslan

08-31-2018, 12:12 AM

Pre-League Practice: low-oil synthetics

115-146

Just horrible...but I need as much practice as I can get at this point.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

480 Series: 134-172-174

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.69 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 31% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 16% (2/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-9 and 4-6-7 splits (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 160.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 169.33.

Odd that the first ball average was actually slightly up from last week while most stats were in the toilet. A rare sub-500 series. The first game I was just very out of sync. Game 2 wasn't much better...but I strung a 4-bagger together near the end of the game. Game 3 I did much better; I just had a really bad 9th and 10th frame that kinda lowered the score.

Oddly, switching to the Warning Sign is when things really started to improve. The Warning Sign just seemed to fit the lanes better. I moved 3:2 right and was throwing it up and in...right up the 10-board. Misses right still usually carried...but misses left were punishing.

I'd like to think the timing is back in sync....but obviously it wasn't the case after last week, so I doubt it will be a flip of the switch this time. I'd like to get back to at least a respectable level soon. This is kinda embarrassing and this league has some really good players including a couple pros. I saw Tom Hess bowling a couple lanes over.

Aslan

09-08-2018, 08:19 PM

Pre-League Practice: low-oil synthetics
I gotta ge there early if I wanna practice from now on...the other side of the house has another league coming in from here on out.

135-183

Just lucky the second game was better...because I was really getting discouraged after the first practice game.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

590 Series: 159-231-200

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.70 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 33% (1/3)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Also left a single 5-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 196.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.00.

First game sucked....but I managed to make spares...only 3 open frames; unfortunately one was in the 10th.

Game 2 I started off with a 4-bagger before running into some trouble. I moved inside because my line seemed to be transitioning...but then the Thug Life didn't want to come back and I left a 5-9 and a 2-4-5 then a 3-10 baby split. I made the move to the Warning Sign and ran another 4 strikes together before making a bad shot on my 3rd ball in the 10th.

Game 3 was probably my best game...only one open on a barely missed 10-pin in the 6th frame. I just lost my ability to strike midway through but wasn't sure if it was the ball or just some bad shots so I never made the move to the Scandal Pearl.

I went into the night knowing that the key was balance. When I was in balance and posting my shots...I did very well...9 or 10 pins every time. As the night went on, I realized a major part of the problem was not getting low enough. It's hard to stay balanced when you're upright...but when you're low enough, your/my body just tends to balance itself.

All the training from the past is starting to come back...get low gradually...sweep the back leg (don't kick it)...forward spine tilt...RELAX....let the ball do the work...watch the ball roll over your target...watch the ball go through the pins. All things that were getting to be second nature in 2017...now I gotta think about them

The arsenal is still a work in progress. I was hoping to get to the ball spinner this weekend. The Thug Life just isn't a great first ball out of the bag option...even having the surface dulled to a 4000 abralon finish and no buffing/polishing. I thought the Warning Sign would be the weak part of the new arsenal...but the Warning Sign has been crushing it from the track.

Aslan

09-15-2018, 04:46 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

516 Series: 153-192-171

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.25 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 53% (7/13)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10, 1-2-4, and 1-2-4-7 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 172.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 174.33.

First game I just couldn't get the ball back to the pocket...way too many 2-pin combos. While I was struggling...Tom Hess was shooting a 300-game on the lanes next to me.

Game 2 was a 4-10 split in the 3rd frame away from a clean game...but was still struggling to get to the pocket and hitting light when I did.

Game 3 was more of the same. I was clean through 8...but then opened in the 9th and 10th to ruin my chance at a decent score.

Aslan

09-21-2018, 10:24 PM

Pre-League Practice: low-oil synthetics
I had some comp time I had to use up so I went to the lanes a little early. As usual, practice was just brutal and really discouraging.

470 Series: 150-155-165

Just really had trouble getting the ball back to the pocket. Just embarrassing. Plus, this humidity...I was about drenched.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

567 Series: 151-224-192

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.85 pins
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 6-pin, 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (5/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 189.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 192.67.

Once AGAIN....first game I simply could NOT get the ball back to the pocket. I'm really starting to wonder if this isn't a ball issue. More on that below.

Second game I switched to the Warning Sign...a game earlier than usual. Managed a 5-bagger...although I think a couple were Brooklyn. Only open was a baby split in the 4th frame.

Third game I lost the pocket about 7th frame and just couldn't get it back. My spare shooting stayed solid though. Only open was a 6-7-10 split in the 2nd frame.

I'm beginning to think the timing it "okay"...but the arsenal is **** poor. I knew this arsenal was going to be a challenge...it's a piece mail arsenal to use up the last of my 16lb balls...but I expected way more from the Thug Life. I was actually really looking forward to throwing DV8...and thus far it has been horrid.

Over 5 games, I am averaging:

First Game (Thug Life): 148
Second Game (Thug Life/Warning Sign): 201
Third Game (Warning Sign): 184

The Thug Life is just not making it back to the pocket the way the Reax Pearl was able to two seasons ago. I tried putting a 4000 surface on the Thug Life...similar to the Reax Pearl...but it hasn't helped.

The Warning Sign (like the Innovate two seasons ago) was supposed to be the weak point of the arsenal...yet, it has been surprisingly good. I usually move 3-4 boards right with it...because it is a weaker ball per the specs...and it just plays nicely up and in. It just destroys the pins.

The Scandal Pearl was my best ball two seasons ago...but I've only used it one night thus far. The Warning Sign has been alot more versatile than the Innovate was...so by moving out right...I have plenty of room to move left over Games 2 and 3.

I figure I'll try to dull the surface down to 3000 on the Thug Life and maybe put a 3000 polished on the Warning Sign. Try to get the Thug Life to move sooner..and try to get the Warning Sign to play more like the Innovate used to so I don't need to make such a drastic adjustment right from the Thug Life. Only problem is my ball spinner blew the motor...so I need to go out to the garage one of these nights and try to take that thing apart and get a new motor.

If the Thug Life continues to be horrible...I may have to start with the Warning Sign and use the Thug Life as the ball down option.

J Anderson

09-22-2018, 02:42 PM

I realy think you need to go into warm ups with more of an open mind. Even Norm Duke says that he lets the lane tell him how it should be played. This means he’s open not just to using different areas of the lane, but also seeing what ball is going to give him the best pin carry. I do admit that when I’m on familiar lanes with relatively fresh oil, I know which ball should work and won’t try anything else until that ball proves to be a bad choice. Just because I’m occasionally stupid and stubborn doesn’t mean you have to be too.

JasonNJ

09-23-2018, 02:00 AM

Just out of curiosity, in the 10-15 minutes of warm up, do you throw every ball or just the thug life? I would suggest throwing all 3 balls a few times if time allows and even on different parts of the lane. That way, you know which ones is working best and what part of the lane to play.

Tony

09-23-2018, 02:08 PM

Has the Thug Life ball been effective for you in the past or has it been junk from day 1 ?

Perhaps if the ball has never performed well for you and continues to work poorly you should take it our of your rotation
until a time when the conditions are more flavorful for that ball.
Quite a few of the guys I bowl with throw 2 to 3 different strike balls IN PRACTICE and use the one that seems like it's working the best for that days lane condition.

Aslan

09-28-2018, 11:46 PM

All suggestions below...absolutely valid.

Normally;

1) I have quite a few more options for arsenal creation. Like I said, this was kinda just piecing this one together.

2) I'd have spent a LOT of time practicing with the arsenal and figuring out how they interact. Versus this time...where I essentially quit bowling for 9 months.

3) I had a coach that would essentially correct me if I put them in the wrong order or could recommend different options. Now I only have Mark Baker's DVD...which doesn't address arsenal/equipment at all.

4) I usually had balls from the last arsenal I could use if I needed to. This time...the Reax Pearl cracked in two places...and thats the one I need.

Pre-League Practice: low-oil synthetics

342 Series: 178-164

Experimented with a shortened approach. My speed seems to be WAY up...like 19.5-21mph at the pins. The shortened approach actually looked pretty good.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

456 Series: 128-184-134

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.32 pins
Strikes: 29%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin and 6-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 30% (4/13)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 148.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 155.33.

Worst series I've thrown since 8/9/2016. Absolutely embarrassing. I finally join a legitimate men's league and I bowl like someone that should be bowling in one of those leagues where ya get a strike for knocking over 9 pins. When I tried a sport league, I went in KNOWING it was just a learning experience...so it didn't matter if I stunk. Now I'm going in feeling like I should average 180-200 and I'm averaging 172.

Ughhh...

I tried the shortened approach...but it threw my timing off. I couldn't seem to get the ball back to the pocket without moving outside to the 5-6 boards. That meant playing my "B-Game" the entire night...which makes me pull too many shots...afraid that a miss right will put me in the gutter. And, when the ball does hit the pocket...it doesn't have a ton of energy given it spent so much time out in the dry. Ughhhh!!

Amyers

10-01-2018, 09:25 AM

Aslan

10-05-2018, 07:41 PM

While the old days of throwing the ball slow so it could hook are firmly over it takes a lot more hand than I've seen from you in the past to make that work at 20 m.p.h. would love to have that problem for a day though lol. You haven't had your normal practice and don't have a lot of coaching right now not sure but personally don't think this is the time I would be making major changes to my game that will effect something as basic as timing.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

479 Series: 141-170-168

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.90 pins
Strikes: 35%
Spares: 40% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-10 baby split

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 159.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 178.33.

This is really frustrating. These last two weeks I've been seriously thinking this may be the last season I bowl. I mean, I've probably spent $5,000 just on bowling lessons...and after a 9-month break...I can't barely average 170.

Game 1 I either struck or took down 9 pins in every frame except the 9th. BUT...two problems:
1) You shouldn't be getting 9 on 6 first balls in a row. I mean, figure out the lanes for ****s sake!
2) Ya can't rely on 9/ if ya miss 2/3s of your single-pins!

I was hitting the pocket...but there wasn't any carry. I kept moving further outside...trying to get some angle...but the more outside I moved, the less energy the ball had when it hit the pocket. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. If I stay around 9-11...I barely can get back to the pocket. If I move outside to 7...it hits dead.

Game 2 I struck twice as much as Game 1 (still not much) and picked up 2/3 of my single pins...but it was X, X, 8 1, X 9/, 8 1, 9 /, X. 8 1, X9-. Breaking up marks every third frame doesn't score well in bowling.

Game 3 started out the same: X, 8 1...but then I marked 6 frames in a row. Then, for some reason, I just threw two horrible shots in a row and opened in the 9th and the 10th (also not good for scoring in bowling).

I used the Thug Life the whole night...stayed out in the 7.5-9.5 area...played very "up and in"...my "B-Game". I think my next move is move up a step and slow my approach down. Amyers is correct...I don't have the hand for 19-21mph at the pins (assuming thats close to accurate). I've obviously re-developed a bad approach...too big of steps...running to the foul line...and last time that was a problem my coach had me move up in front of the dots..which automatically slows me down. The trick will be to stay in time with that adjustment.

If I keep having games like Game 1...where I'm hitting the pocket and getting a 9-count...and my shot feels good...then I gotta change my arsenal. Either start with the hybrid Warning Sign and ball down to the Thug Life...or start with the Warning Sign and ball down to the Scandal Pearl. It 'may' just be that the Thug Life isn't a good ball for me. Thats what happened with the Rotogrip Asylum...I seemed to be throwing it well...but it'd never work for me. I didn't think that'd be a problem with DV8 since I throw Brunswick so well...but maybe.

This is embarrassing though. Pretty soon our team will be going up against Tom Hess's team and I'm gonna look like a damn fool in front of him. Maybe that'll be the one of the two weeks I'm out of town and I'll luck out. :(

RobLV1

10-05-2018, 09:49 PM

boatman37

10-05-2018, 10:07 PM

I often struggle with 9 counts no matter which ball I use. I find that if I get inside the first arrow I don't get carrys even though it looks like a perfect shot. 6-7 board is about my limit. If I get inside that I get 9's. I move over slightly and get to the first arrow I start striking. Can't explain it.

Aslan

10-12-2018, 09:37 PM

So I'm still trying to figure out how you determine that the lanes are "low oil synthetics." Is it a short pattern? Is it a long pattern with extremely dry outsides? Is it dry in the middle but oily on the outside? Once you get to the level where you stop trying to sum everything up with two or three words, you'll probably get to be where you want to be.

I dunno. Honestly, I totally 1000% agree that low oil synthetics vs heavy oil don't mean much. Until I get to the level where I am bowling competitively and know exactly what pattern and oil volumes are being used...it's a rather useless description. I actually can only go by what other players are feeling. I call it "low-oil synthetics" because our anchor throws plastic and averages over 200. He claims he can't use reactive or it over hooks. To me, that seems on the lower oil side. Tonight I changed it to "medium oil" only because one guy that usually struggles (he has really low speed and a strong ball) mentioned the lanes seemed heavier oil (or longer) tonight.

Thursday Men's League: medium-oil synthetics

541 Series: 128-167-246

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.32 pins
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 42% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 6-pin and 7-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 41% (5/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-3-4-5-7-8 (2x)

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 180.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 193.33.

Still no answers.

It could be the ball. Statistically speaking, it lends me to believe that the ball is a factor...given the scores almost always improve as the night goes on.

But I can't say for certain...because the first games just seem like the timing and release are still "off". By the third game (tonight)...I could feel my timing back where it was supposed to be and my balance and my release.

So is the balance/release/timing the issue? Is it the ball? Is it both? I still can't figure out the issue.

J Anderson

10-13-2018, 08:26 PM

So is the balance/release/timing the issue? Is it the ball? Is it both? I still can't figure out the issue.

Based on your latest scores I vote”balance/release/timing”. Unless Iceman put a curse on the ball that makes it leave splits 3 out 4 frames, you should be able to do better than 128. And if it was the wrong ball for the conditions, you probably wouldn’t string enough strikes to break 240.

Obviously something clicked the last game, allowing you to repeat good shots. Either that or you were the luckiest s.o.b. bowling that game;)

Now there is a chance, make that two chances, that the ball is affecting your technique. One is that the ball no longer fits properly. A ball that doesn’t fit right is almost impossible to throw right. The second is that if you don’t believe the ball is any good you may very well subconsciously throw it wrong to prove your belief to be correct.

Aslan

10-20-2018, 05:50 PM

Based on your latest scores I vote”balance/release/timing”.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

509 Series: 168-173-168

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.44 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 44% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (4/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6 and 4-6-7-10 split (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 169.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 174.33.

The scores are a bit lower than how I actually bowled.

In Game 1, I started out with Big 4 and a 4-10. I missed a 10-pin in the 6th frame, but was otherwise clean. I wasn't happy sith a sub-170 game...but I made 2 out of 3 of my 10-pins (which I have been struggling with lately) and I only had three open frames...two of them splits back-to-back. And, I took the point from my opponent who had an awful game.

Game 2 was more of the same. Three open frames, one on a 6-7-10 split and one on a 1-2-4-10 washout...with another missed 10-pin...this time in the 9th. I actually bowled quite well...6 strikes including a turkey. Where I really kicked myself was on the last ball. I struck on the first ball and then somehow ended up with a 2-4-6-7-10 split. I only needed two pins to tie my opponent...3 pins to win. I should have just moved 4 boards right and would have likely gotten the 3 pins. Instead, I tried to pick up the split with a straight shot from the left using my spare ball...and guttered.

Game 3 was miserable and embarrassing. For the first time in probably 3-4 years...I started the game with two gutters. I was trying to get some angle...but I was just too deep to aim at the dots...two shots that hit the target...but the line put them right in the gutter. Another 4-6-7-10 split in the second frame before I started getting back in my groove. Then, my third open frame occurred in the 10th when I chopped the 3-9 off a 1-3-9.

Things are "feeling" better. I'm starting to feel some consistency in my release again. I tend to agree with JAnderson that its the form and not the arsenal...I'm just a bit uneasy about the statistics.

Game 1: 145 average
Game 2: 188 average
Game 3: 170 average

Whether I warm up, don't warm up...doesn't matter. That first game is gonna be 128-168...20-60 pins lower than Game 2. Could it be that the Ebonite Warning Sign's hybrid cover is simply reading the lanes earlier than the Pearl cover on the DV8 Thug Life? How can that be? The Warning Sign is a mid-level ball that virtually nobody liked, it has a 0.041 differential and a PerfectScale rating < 189. Not to mention, it's an Ebonite...with a release date of 2011. The Thug Life is from DV8, it's much newer technology, with a > 0.050 differential, and a PerfectScale rating over 230.

I mean, I knew the Thug Life wasn't an ideal #1 ball...more of a #3 (assuming oil carrydown is a thing)...but it's really not much different (specs) than the Radical Reax Pearl that I was throwing in the #1 slot...and the Reax Pearl was a BEAST. I gotta get the ball spinner back up and running. I need to see if I can do something with surfacing.

Tony

10-22-2018, 01:29 AM

I like the balance / release / timing answer and when I went to see the local Gold coach he suggested that those along with
being able to consistently repeat those said actions in the same way were the problem with many bowlers.

I've also been fortunate to bowl with a high school coach who is very observant and has helped me to realize that nearly all my problems are caused
by issues that are hard to see but easy to feel when I start doing them.
I would venture that with your experience and known ability to throw good balls and games that one or more of these flaws have crept into your game.
That seems to usually be the case when the delivery, approach, release just doesn't feel right and it can be a ball or lane condition that triggers it without you really
noticing what or how it does.

What happened to your other older balls, do you have any still around that you consistently threw well?

Get it out and throw a few games, does it feel right and score well ? Use it.

I certainly can't pick out what flaws you might have slipped into but maybe some of the resident experts could if you post some video.

I can tell you what are a couple of the ones I fall into are, one is speed variance on approach, if I get going too fast up to the line it messes up my timing and balance\
and the second is if I start to come around on the ball instead of staying behind it, that causes me to start to chicken wing my elbow and the ball goes all different places messing up my release.

Chances are your issue is pretty simple, and that's what makes it so hard to get a handle on it .......

Good Luck !

Aslan

10-26-2018, 09:34 AM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

467 Series: 162-158-147

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.78 pins
Strikes: 25%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 73% (11/15)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (6x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 6-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 split (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 155.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 170.00.

Do I like the score/series? No, of course not. This is yet another embarrassment...3 games below my average and below my lifetime average. Are there encouraging signs? Yes.

- The timing feels like it is back.
- There were no "horrible shots" or bad misses. Almost every shot was a pocket hit.
- Single-pin spare shooting was improved.

The real problem seemed to be carry. Only 3 strikes in Game 1. Only 4 strikes in Game 2. Only 1 strike in Game 3.

Game 3 was 5 3, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 2, X, 9 -, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -. The first shot I had a bit too much speed and adjusted my angle a bit too much when I made my ball change...so I ended up with a 1-2-4-8-10 washout. Frame 5 was either a slightly pulled shot or a little too much hand...maybe a slight miss inside...that led to a 4-7-10 split. Otherwise it was good shots...single-pin leaves. Games 1 and 2 were very similar. 3 open frames...the rest were marks. A few of the opens were splits.

So...I'm feeling improvements...just not seeing the results yet.

Aslan

11-02-2018, 10:00 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

486 Series: 176-129-181

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.60 pins
Strikes: 30%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Never left a single 4-pin and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 57% (8/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2, 1-2-4, and 4-9 split (2x each).

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 162.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 176.33.

Do I like the score/series? No, of course not. This is yet another embarrassment...3 games below my average and below my lifetime average. Are there...still...encouraging signs? Yes.

The timing is coming back...I can feel the form getting back to what it used to be. When I'm lined up...I'm hitting the pocket. My speed is down from the 19.67mph range to the 16.87mph range...much closer to what I should be throwing.

Tonight came down to TWO problems...neither of which were form related.

1) I did a pee poor job of spare shooting. I missed 3 10-pins in Game 2 and a 10-pin in the 10th frame of Game 3. You can't do that and expect to shoot in the 190s or higher. Something I need to work on. I missed them all about 0.5-1.5" to the left...so it wasn't a complete embarrassment...but still...that is something I can control and improve on. Game 3 was a clean game until I missed the 10-pin in the 10th...ya just can't do that.

2) I cost myself a lot of pins trying to move around when I made my ball changes. I need to trust my line and my instincts and just change balls without trying to adjust my line. I ended up moving right when I switched to the Warning Sign at the beginning of Game 2...when I should have stayed where I was. That led to a 1-2-4 washout and a 1-2...then a 4-7 before I finally got lined up again. Same thing with the Scandal Pearl in Game 3. I moved a little right...and got a 1-2-8 then a 2-7 baby split...when I should have stayed where I was. Now, I picked up 4 of the 5 splits...but still...I need to get my strike rate up and stop d*cking around with splits all night if I want to get my average back up to 195-200. I struck 4 times between Games 2 and 3...that makes for a long, tiring night.

Got the motor off the ball spinner. Need to order a replacement motor this weekend and then try and figure out how to get the whole thing back together. The entire arsenal needs some refinishing at this point.

J Anderson

11-02-2018, 11:14 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

486 Series: 176-129-181

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.60 pins
Strikes: 30%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)k
Never left a single 4-pin and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 57% (8/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2, 1-2-4, and 4-9 split (2x each).

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 162.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 176.33.

Do I like the score/series? No, of course not. This is yet another embarrassment...3 games below my average and below my lifetime average. Are there...still...encouraging signs? Yes.

The timing is coming back...I can feel the form getting back to what it used to be. When I'm lined up...I'm hitting the pocket. My speed is down from the 19.67mph range to the 16.87mph range...much closer to what I should be throwing.

Tonight came down to TWO problems...neither of which were form related.

1) I did a pee poor job of spare shooting. I missed 3 10-pins in Game 2 and a 10-pin in the 10th frame of Game 3. You can't do that and expect to shoot in the 190s or higher. Something I need to work on. I missed them all about 0.5-1.5" to the left...so it wasn't a complete embarrassment...but still...that is something I can control and improve on. Game 3 was a clean game until I missed the 10-pin in the 10th...ya just can't do that.

2) I cost myself a lot of pins trying to move around when I made my ball changes. I need to trust my line and my instincts and just change balls without trying to adjust my line. I ended up moving right when I switched to the Warning Sign at the beginning of Game 2...when I should have stayed where I was. That led to a 1-2-4 washout and a 1-2...then a 4-7 before I finally got lined up again. Same thing with the Scandal Pearl in Game 3. I moved a little right...and got a 1-2-8 then a 2-7 baby split...when I should have stayed where I was. Now, I picked up 4 of the 5 splits...but still...I need to get my strike rate up and stop d*cking around with splits all night if I want to get my average back up to 195-200. I struck 4 times between Games 2 and 3...that makes for a long, tiring night.

Got the motor off the ball spinner. Need to order a replacement motor this weekend and then try and figure out how to get the whole thing back together. The entire arsenal needs some refinishing at this point.

Are you sure the whole motor’s bad? It could just be the brushes.

Aslan

11-03-2018, 08:44 AM

Are you sure the whole motor’s bad? It could just be the brushes.

I don't know. It has two speeds and I accidentally switched directly from one speed to the other speed. It kept running fine that evening, but when I went to use it the next morning I saw a spark, it stopped working, and smoke was coming out of it.

A new motor is < $100...its just I'm not a "mechanic" and there is no manual...so I've had to feel my way around trying to fix it. I called the company, but they don't sell that spinner anymore...I don't think they even sell ball spinners at all anymore. I talked to one of their techs and he kinda walked me through what I needed to do...but it's hard to do over the phone.

Aslan

11-09-2018, 09:46 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

584 Series: 157-181-246

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 60% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 63% (7/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (2x).

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 194.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.00.

Hmmm. I wanna say it's further evidence that the arsenal isn't put together right...but I also noticed my speed was quite high in Game 1...like 21-22 at the pins. It's possible that as the night is progressing...I start to calm down and tire a bit....the speed comes down...and the ball reaction improves. Hard to say at this point.

First game I only struck 3 times and spare shooting was sub-par. Game 2 was similar...struck 4 times and only opened twice. Game 3 was just...different. I was focused...the form was there...I probably was a bit buzzed from a couple Zimas...I managed to ruin the clean game by missing a single 3-pin to the right...which I probably couldn't do more than 1 out of the tries with my strike ball. Only other non-strike was a 8 / in the 8th. Last ball was a 9-count...but other than that...all strikes.

Timmyb

11-10-2018, 09:39 AM

Nice night!

Aslan

11-16-2018, 12:03 PM

Nice night!

Thanks!

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

678 Series: 243-234-201

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.53 pins
Strikes: 76%
Spares: 12% picked up

Single Pin spares: 0% (0/3)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)

Multiple Pin spares: 20% (1/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 226.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 237.67.

Game 1 looked problematic early on. My shot felt better and I felt lined up correctly...but after doubling to start things off...I had a 1-2-4-10 washout and a missed single 10-pin in frames 3 and 4, respectively. I was thinking, "here I go again! A strike or two intermingled between numerous open frames!" But, I struck out.

After the success of Game 1, I was confident going into Game 2...started out with a 7-bagger. I literally threw 15 strikes in a row from frame 5 of Game 1 through frame 7 of Game 2. Thoughts of a 300-game starting sinking in about frame 6 or 7. But...it would not be as I made a bad shot...a little too far to the right...and it couldn't make it back...leaving me with a 2-5. I figured I was still on track for a 276...which would be my highest ever (sanctioned)...but barely missed converting the 3-10 baby split in the 9th and then was blessed with a 7-10 split on a slightly pulled shot in the 10th.

I was still feeling confident going into Game 3. I left a 10-pin on a decent shot in the 2nd frame, so I decided a ball change was probably overdue. But...after striking in frame 3...made a 'slightly' bad shot in frame 4...left another 10-pin. After missing the first two 10-pins way to the left...I must have over-compensated and guttered. Three 10-pins....0% success rate at picking them up. I was able to make some better shots (and get a bit lucky) and ran 4 strikes together before a 1-2-10 washout on a miss to the right. Struck out in the 10th to salvage the 200+ game (and win our team's high game pot for the 2nd time that night)...but the first two strikes were garbage.

Highest series I've bowled since a 682 on 10-7-15...and 3rd highest series I've thrown (career). I'm sure the other team wasn't very amused that the 171 average bowler with 41 pins of handicap put a 284-275-242 801 handicap series on them. 4 of our 5 bowlers bowled well....not sure how many points we took...but the last place team (us) put a beatdown on them last night. Bumped my average up from 171 to 175. I'd love to see it back at 195 by the end of the long season.

Things are just feeling better. The timing and footwork seems better...but I still gotta working on my forward spine tilt and not bending my elbow....I noticed those two things weren't good. And, of course, I gotta make single-pin spares....tonight was rediculous that I scored my 3rd highest sanctioned series ever yet didn't have even ONE clean game. :mad:

boatman37

11-16-2018, 12:18 PM

Awesome! Sounds like me Tuesday. I made 3/4 7 pins (lefty here) but didn't have as many strikes as you did. I finished 201, 236, 198 (635). My average was 172 coming in so my handicap series was 791. We are in 2nd in our division and played the 2nd place team in the other division and took 5 out of 7 points mostly because of me (not bragging cause I have cost us a lot of games this year).
The only change I made was hitting my ball with a 2000 CTD pad. Other than that I didn't change anything and I actually picked up my spares...lol.

Again, good going and keep it up!

Blacksox1

11-16-2018, 11:52 PM

Great bowling.:cool:

Timmyb

11-17-2018, 07:42 AM

Another great night! Giving out any lessons? I sure could use some right now.....

mc_runner

11-23-2018, 05:20 PM

Nice night! Hopefully everything's clicking for good!

Aslan

12-01-2018, 01:35 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

553 Series: 192-180-181

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.44 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)

Multiple Pin spares: 20% (7/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 63%.

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 184.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.33.

Played the PBA pro's team today...so it seemed everyone on our team (including myself) was a little bit on edge. It seemed like everyone wanted to put their best foot forward.

Game 1 I only struck 4 times; but managed to pick up most of my spares.

Switched to the Warning Sign for Game 2. More of the same, except I opened 3 times (instead of 2 in Game 1) including an open in the 10th.

Switched to the Scandal Pearl in Game 3. Only 1 open, but I couldn't strike worth a poo.

It kinda stinks that when my timing finally comes back (2 weeks ago)...we end up having a week off for Thanksgiving. So, the timing seemed a bit off. The good thing is I'm recognizing some of the flaws as issues I'd worked on in the past...so at least by recognizing them I kinda know what I need to do to fix them.

Aslan

12-22-2018, 01:17 AM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

568 Series: 186-200-182

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)

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

Splits: 20% (1/5)

Average over 3 games: 189.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 193.00.

First time back after 2 weeks in Chicago for a training (work).

Game 1 I wasn't carrying very well, but I was clean through the first 9 frames. Then I completely choked on a 6-10 to ruin it. Still managed to win the card game and beat my opponent by a pin...so I guess it was okay.

Game 2 the lanes were transitioning and each signal the lanes gave me was a friggin split. 6-7 in the first frame, 4-6 in the 4th frame, then another 6-7 in the 5th frame. Every other frame, until the 9th, was a strike and I made all my spares...finished with an even 200. Picked up the 6-7 split in the 5th and won another card game...so not bad.

Game 3 was my usual craptastic self...2 open frames...3-4 strikes...blah blah blah... I changed to the Warning Sign midway through after a flat 10 in the 4th frame and a weak strike in the 5th frame. But...just made too bad of shots to figure out if it was a good idea or not.

Aslan

01-04-2019, 01:09 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

481 Series: 144-148-189

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.73 pins
Strikes: 26%
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 58% (7/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (5/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 160.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 179.33.

Games 1 and 2 I just couldn't strike....struck once in each game and was abysmal at shooting spares.

Game 3 was much better...only two open frames; but one open was a missed 6-pin in the 10th frame which cost me a chance at a 200 game to salvage the night.

I moved much further inside than normal...but just couldn't find a line. If I stood 18.5 targeting 10.5...it'd hook through the nose and leave me 4-pin combos. If I tried to stand a half board left of center and target 12.5...the ball just didn't seem to have enough revs to get back to the pocket...or it would hit pocket and leave me a corner-pin.

Just feels like I lost my timing again over the holiday break. When I was in time and making good shots...I would either strike or hit pocket and leave a corner pin. If my timing was off...I'd end up pulling the shot through the nose or go Brooklyn.

:mad:

Tony

01-07-2019, 01:27 AM

Sounds like a rough day, we all have them.

Aslan

01-11-2019, 12:22 PM

Sounds like a rough day, we all have them.
Pretty much. The real tragedy is that I'm starting to get used to the bad days as the new normal. :(

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

557 Series: 139-193-225

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin (5x)

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 185.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.33.

Games 1 my timing was just really, reallly awful. Spare shooting was horrid...missed two single-pins, a Big 4, and two washouts from yanking the shot.

Game 2 I switched to the Warning Sign. I didn't really add any strikes...but I made all but one spare to salvage a respectable score.

Game 3 I switched to the Scandal Pearl. I moved well inside (targeting 14 at the arrows, standing 24) of my usual position (targeting 10 midway between the dots and the arrows, standing 18). The strikes were "questionable"...a couple Brooklyns before I made the move left and a couple really light hits that carried. The only open was a 4-6-7 split in the second frame.

As the night went on, I tried to remember all my training and tried to fix the issues. Mainly;

- Forward spine tilt and the line with good form/balance.
- Keep my sweep leg foot on the floor.
- Watch the ball go over the target (to avoid rising up out of the shot or jerking my head up).
- Stay under the ball.
- Follow-through.

I even used Rob's advice that he gave me WAY back when....when he told me to get to the line and before I started my approach, to imagine a STOP sign. Then, think about the shot and what you need to work on...then start your approach. I have the tendency, especially when I'm struggling...to hurry up and get set...then immediately start my approach (hoping to quickly fix my shot). When I do this, I often forget at least 1-2 things I was planning on focusing on.

Still haven't managed to get the ball spinner up and running...but need to. The balls really could use a surfacing. The Scandal Pearl has nowhere near the performance it had OTB. It used to by a ball I KNEW was going to make that nice move at the end and carry well. Now, it limps into the pocket.

Aslan

01-18-2019, 12:00 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

592 Series: 212-179-201

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12 pins
Strikes: 53%
Spares: 40% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)

Multiple Pin spares: 25% (2/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-10 washout (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 197.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 205.33.

Games 1 it was back-to-back 1-2-10 washouts and a missed 10-pin on the 3rd shot of the 10th frame that held me back.

Game 2 was a 5-10 split in the 6th frame, a missed 4-pin in the 2nd, and a missed 10-pin on the 2nd shot of the 10th that really hurt me.

Game 3 I pulled a shot in the 4th and was rewarded with a 4-6-10 split, then missed right in the 5th and chopped a 2-4-8. Another 1-2-10 on the 2nd shot of the 10th didn't help either.

My spare shooting was unacceptable, and obviously I need to do some practicing after leagues for the rest of the season if I continue to have that issue. But, that is an issue hopefully practice can fix.

While the spare shooting upset me, because I know I can do better, I really learned a lot about what my struggles may be since starting back up bowling. Leaving 3 1-2-10s...on lines that also struck...made me take a look at my hand position. And, I found that when I got low enough that my hand naturally was under/behind the ball...I would usually strike or leave either a ringing or flat 10. A flat 10 just meant that I probably needed to either get the ball out on the lane a bit further or I needed to make a slight adjustment left. If I didn't get low enough...my release would be more like a suitcase style release...and I'd get very little movement downlane....thus leaving the 1-2-10.

So, the 1-2-10 leaves were actually a good thing from the standpoint that it helped me realize what my problem may be. Leaving less subtle things...like flat 10s...is harder to diagnose...because there is more than one reason you might have left it. But, a 1-2-10...on a line that was striking on the previous shot...when you seem to be hitting your mark...that's not a changing lane condition or slight speed increase.

So...if I'm right (and I rarely am)....I just need to focus on getting lower. Your hand will naturally get behind/under the ball when you are low...just like your hand will naturally move out of position and towards the top of the ball if you raise up out of your finishing stance. To keep you hand under/behind the ball while upright would require a good deal of loft. So... a little more knee bend and forward spine tilt...focusing on my hand position...and staying down in my stance (no popping up or lifting my swing leg)...and I may be headed back towards the 195 average target.

Amyers

01-18-2019, 02:05 PM

Better day at least.

Aslan

01-25-2019, 12:36 PM

Better day at least.

Yeah...no I just gotta keep inching back towards that 195 average level.

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

583 Series: 212-199-172

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 63% picked up

Single Pin spares: 81% (9/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 194.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.00.

Games 1 I started off with a 4-10 split...opened on a 10-pin in the 3rd...but was clean the rest of the way.

Didn't strike as much in Game 2, but only open was on a 3-9-10 split in the 5th. Was hoping to strike out in the 10th and have a chance at a 212-212-212 triplicate...but a 1-2-10 washout on the second shot destroyed that idea.

Game 3 I left a 4-9 split in the 3rd and missed a 10-pin in the 9th. Otherwise clean...but, with only 3 strikes and an open in the 9th...my scoring was abysmal.

Spare shooting was better. Still not perfect...but better. Gotta stay focused on the release...and not just go up there and suitcase it. And, I still pulled more than a few shots which tells me my timing still isn't completely back. But...I averaged > 180...only a handful of open frames...so we're getting there.

Timmyb

01-26-2019, 09:10 AM

Pretty decent night!

Aslan

02-01-2019, 08:55 PM

Pretty decent night!
Thx

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

544 Series: 157-190-197

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.62 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 72% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin and 6-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (2x)

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 181.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 192.67.

Game 1 I just couldn't get dialed in. Timing was still a bit off as well. Only a couple opens, but also only a couple strikes.

Game 2 was / X X / then an open, then X X / X until an open in the 10th on a missed single 2-pin of all things.

Game 3 I was working on a Dutch 200 until I missed a single 7-pin in the 7th. Finished clean with a X, X, 9 /, X...but it wasn't enough to get to 200.

Just never figured things out the whole night. The line or ball or something...was just off. No miss room right or left. I switched balls midway through Game 2...with much less of a reason than usual. I think the same thing happened last time were on this pair...but I don't remember for sure.

Aslan

02-08-2019, 01:12 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

440 Series: 138-178-124

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.31 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 43% picked up

Single Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (4/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 146.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 162.33.

Game 1 I couldn't figure out the left lane: 7 2, X, 9 -, X, 7 2, X, 9 -, X, 7 2, X, 5 2. Due to the way bowling is scored...a strike every other frame coupled with an open every other frame, doesn't tend to score well.

In Game 2, I fixed the tape in my thumb hole on my spare ball...which helped me pick up my spares. If it weren't for a 1-2-10 washout in the first frame (that I almost picked up throwing a back-up ball)...it'd been a clean game. Only 2 strikes...but a clean game.

Game 3 everything just fell apart. I was back to missing single-pin spares, I threw a first shot into the gutter in the 3rd frame, splits in the 6th and 10th...it was just abysmal. One of those games (and series) that make you start to question whether to continue bowling or not.

It just seemed like I was pulling my shots again...missing left...going through the nose...then I'd move left and leave washouts, 3-5-9s, and 3-9s. I don't know how to get my timing back and get back to the consistency I'm used to. I don't care if I can't throw a 260 game...as long as I know every game is above 170 with 0-3 open frames. Very disappointing. :(

Aslan

02-15-2019, 11:56 AM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

570 Series: 196-172-202

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.94 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 5-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (2x)

Splits: 50% (1/2)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 201.00.

Six strikes in the first 7 frames of Game 1. Screwed myself out of a good score by missing a 10-pin in the 9th and missing right on the first ball of the 10th...leaving me a 2-8-10 split.

Game 2 was some bad spare shooting early, then X, /, X, / X, / over the last 6 frames. Not condusive to high scoring.

Game 3 was similar to Game 1. Five strikes over the first 6 frames...then a missed 10-pin...missed right in the 9th to leave a 2-4-5-7-8.

I think I figured out my problem (which I keep saying but then have to figure out a new solution the following week). In Game 3...I tried to just relax and let the swing happen. If I can get in a balanced position at the end...and I just let the swing happen...with my hand behind or under the ball...good things tend to happen. Games 1 and 2 I was trying HARD to "make shots". Trying to be super precise. That led to pulling shots or throwing the ball down into the lane (double dribbling) with my hand on top the ball.

Once I relaxed and stopped trying to force things...the ball speed came down...the revs seemed to increase a little (better hand position)...and I was able to move inside of the 10-board and open my shot up a little bit.

Not sure what my deal is with the 10-pins. I felt like last week the thumb hole was sticking and that was messing with my release. This week, it felt like the thumb hole was a little too big...which led to me grabbing the ball. But, it's also just watching the ball go over the target and not pulling my head and torso up...kinda like my golf game...if I keep my head down during my swing...straight shot. If I pull my head up and turn to look where the ball goes...I slice the ball 1-2 fairways over.

vdubtx

02-15-2019, 12:24 PM

I think I figured out my problem (which I keep saying but then have to figure out a new solution the following week). In Game 3...I tried to just relax and let the swing happen. If I can get in a balanced position at the end...and I just let the swing happen...with my hand behind or under the ball...good things tend to happen. Games 1 and 2 I was trying HARD to "make shots". Trying to be super precise. That led to pulling shots or throwing the ball down into the lane (double dribbling) with my hand on top the ball.

Once I relaxed and stopped trying to force things...the ball speed came down...the revs seemed to increase a little (better hand position)...and I was able to move inside of the 10-board and open my shot up a little bit.

Nice observation of your own game and one of the exact same things I tell some of my team mates when they are struggling a bit. Get back to basics, let the ball do the work for you and just let your arm naturally swing. When you force things, it never turns out the way it is wanted to.

Timmyb

02-15-2019, 05:09 PM

Nice night!

Aslan

02-22-2019, 11:58 AM

Nice observation of your own game and one of the exact same things I tell some of my team mates when they are struggling a bit. Get back to basics, let the ball do the work for you and just let your arm naturally swing. When you force things, it never turns out the way it is wanted to.
Not to mention, that's what 4 out of 4 of my coaches have said as well.

Nice night!
Yeah...if only I could keep the momentum going...

Thursday Men's League: medium-oil synthetics

515 Series: 133-203-179

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 36%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (9/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (3x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 22% (2/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 171.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 183.33.

Game 1 I really struggled to find my line. I don't know if I started too far inside...not inside enough...or with the wrong ball...or a combination of the aforementioned...but I was hitting light shot after shot. 7-pin, 4-7, pocket 7-10, weak strike, 2-5, 1-2-4-10 washout, 2-8, the 2 strikes before finishing with a single 4-pin. I thought about switching balls after the first few frames...but didn't want to jump to that conclusion. I probably should have moved 1:2 right...but I guess I thought it was a "burning out" issue so I moved a little inside and tried to get the ball out a little further on the lane. When you only have enough practice time to take 3 friggin shots...and you waste 1-3 of them just getting your feet under ya...Game 1 becomes a learning exercise.

After another pocket hit leaving a 10-pin in frame 1...I decided enough was enough and balled down to the Warning Sign. I doubled down on my "burning out" theory by also moving slightly more inside with my target and my feet. After a couple strikes, it was back to the same problem...pocket 7-pin leave...4-pin...pocket 8-10, etc... I finally determined I might be dealing with (RobM cover your eyes) 'carrydown'...so I switched to the Scandal Pearl and struck out in the 9th/10th to salvage a 200+ game.

I went into Game 3 thinking, "Okay...problem solved." But...NOPE. 2-4-5, 2-5-8, 10-pin, 2-5, 6-pin, 7-pin, 10-pin, etc... Almost all of those were pocket hits.

So... I don't know. Spare shooting was awful early, but I rebounded a bit in Games 2 and 3. I felt my timing was okay...not back to where it should be...but okay. I think I just started out too far inside...shoulda made a move right to start...but didn't. And each time I hit weak...I thought it was the ball burning up...when it probably was the ball not making a full turn into the pins.

Aslan

03-01-2019, 05:26 PM

Thursday Men's League: low-oil synthetics

491 Series: 144-179-168

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.35 pins
Strikes: 32%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin and 7-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 2-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (6/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 and 5-9 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 163.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 167.67.

Game 1 was an embarrassment. Never figured out my line...one strike...4 opens, including a 4-6 split in the 10th.

Game 2 was an embarrassment. I managed a couple doubles...but opened 3 times, including a wonderful missed 7-pin in the 10th.

Game 3 felt like my best game. Only two opens...and one was a 4-6-7 split. It was the only point I managed to win.

I dunno. If this continues...the "Era of Aslan" is about to go the way of the Do-Do bird (and Iceman). That's right...extinction. I mean, what's the point? I should be averaging 180-200...and I'm barely averaging 177.

And this is NOT a difficult house!! When I was trying to select what house to bowl leagues at back in 2017, I bowled 51 games at this house and averaged 181. My first ball average was 8.78 and my single-pin shooting % was 70%. Now I'm struggling to hit a 177 average, I have a first ball average of 8.74, and my single-pin spare shooting % is 65%. And that may not seem significant...but this league has bowlers averaging in the 180-235 range...only a handful of whom are professionals. I keep watching guys throw with crappy technique and form...and they're averaging in the 190s.

Without coaching, without time to practice, and with my game somehow having devolved greatly during my 9-month break from bowling...I might as well just bowl a couple "fun leagues" around where I live and retire from men's leagues. My timing is OFF...as in AWFUL. I keep missing left, my timing is obviously late, and I can't figure out how to fix it. I'd like to have my daughter video tape me and compare the video to Mark Baker's "The System" DVD that I have...but weeknights all the centers are full with leagues and on weekends any place near me is only like 10 lane centers full of little kids birthday parties...so good luck getting a lane with two lanes vacant to the right for the camera person to stand.

I try to maintain my sportsmanship...I really, really do. But, I admit...I kicked my bowling bag pretty damn hard after Game 1. It was not my proudest moment...but the frustration is just testing my limits.

:mad::mad:

Aslan

03-09-2019, 03:50 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

559 Series: 158-203-198

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 44% (4/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-10 split (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 186.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 193.33.

My game 1 struggles continued. Another problem getting lined up. I would hit weak and leave 7-pins....then move a little left and leave 2-pin or 4-pin spare combos. Then I'd move back left and leave corner pins again. And, of course, it doesn't help when you shoot 50% at corner pins.

After trying everything and anything to figure my line out in Game 1, I decided maybe a ball change was in order. Managed to start making some better shots and strike when I hit the pocket. Seemed like every 3rd shot was just a 'bad shot'...but at least I was lined up properly. Almost had my first clean game (in a LONG time)...but a shot wide right lead to a 1-2-5-10 washout that I couldn't pick up.

Game 3 started out with a 4-bagger...but then started making some bad shots...and by the time I started making better shots...the line had broken down.

Still some options to maybe right the ship.

1) The ball spinner is still out of commission. I think I'd be doing a little better if I could tweak the surfaces on the balls. Unfortunately, I'm still waiting on a part and the letter I sent over a week ago has yet to be answered.

2) Despite lack of a coach, I might be able to use Mark Baker's DVD to get better and correct some problems.

Aslan

03-15-2019, 12:47 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

518 Series: 180-177-161

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.72 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 63% picked up

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

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

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 172.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 180.00.

I seemed lined up better last night....but had trouble on on the right lane. Had a Dutch 200 going until the 9th frame when I missed way right. Had I struck, it would have been a "Dutch 198" since I didn't strike on the last ball (4-9 split).

I started striking on that right lane in Game 2, but the left lane had transitioned too much to keep throwing the Thug Life. After a pocket 10-pin (that I missed) in the 4th, I figured it was time to break out the Warning Sign...which did well for me the week prior. Unfortunately...it was missing WAY right...so I had to adjust a bit and move right (which I don't normally do). Put a turkey together near the end of the game...but the 3 opens (two of which were on pocket hits) earlier in the game just killed me.

Game 3 I lost carry and my thumb started sticking. Waited a little too long to move up a size in the IT grips. Pulled too many shots. And...BAD spare shooting...a missed 4-pin in the 1st frame, a missed 6-10 in the 7th frame...and then a chopped 6-10 in the 10th...gotta get better at my spare shooting.

I took a look at some stats as I started thinking about what I may/may not do for summer league...and what goals I want to set for myself. A TELLING stat is that while my strike rate is down about 7% from what it was in Anaheim...it's actually UP 2% from what it was in Anaheim Hills. But, when you look at the spare shooting...that's where you see the problem.

Overall spare shooting is down 7-10% and opens are UP 6-8%. While the multi-pin spare pick-up rate is close (44% vs. 48-52%)...the single-pin spare pick-up rate is significantly LOWER. In Anaheim Hills, I only had a 38% strike rate...but had an 80% single-pin spare shooting rate. In Anaheim, my single-pin spare shooting was worse (73%), but I was striking about 49% of the time. My single-pin spare shooting rate here in Iowa is an abysmal 65%. That's 8-15% lower than it was in California.

So...I guess I know what I need to work on. I need to get that % Open number down to closer to 20%. While picking up a few more multi-pin spares would help...I need to fix my single-pin spare shooting. 65% is not acceptable and I can do better than that...significantly better.

The ball spinner is still in pieces in my dining room. I sent a letter to the company asking for another bolt and some help with the wiring...never got a reply. I even included $20 cash in the correspondence to compensate them for their time/materials. It's hard to work with them over the phone...especially when it's during the week and I'm busy at work. So...that drama continues.

Aslan

03-22-2019, 06:18 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

593 Series: 192 (clean)-235-166

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 3-pin and 7-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 and 1-2-4-10 washout (2x).

Splits: 50% (1/2)

Average over 3 games: 197.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 201.67.

Didn't have a great first game...but my spare shooting was solid. First clean game in...well, since probably 2017. And it wasn't easy...lots of spares and not many strikes. X, /, /, /, X, /, /, /, X, /, X.

Second game was a lot better. A stone 9-pin in the 3rd interrupted a 7-bagger. Only open was on a 7-pin in the 8th.

By the beginning of Game 3...my line had moved in enough that I needed to make an almost perfect shot in order to strike...so I switched to the Warning Sign and moved right a bit. Seemed like the right move...put together a turkey...but then the wheels just fell off my game in the last 3 frames...opened on two makeable spares...then a 1-2-4-10 washout in the 10th that I couldn't pick up.

Overall a good night. This pair was the drier pair in the house...which fits my game. It was also a game against Tom Hess's team...and I think everyone steps their game up a bit when a PBA tour pro is watching. I'm not the anchor...so I didn't bowl against him directly...but I would have beaten him 1 out of 3 scratch and probably 2 out of 3 handicap. Let's just say...he wasn't in a good mood...lots of throwing things and kicking things. They are the #1 team in the league and we are 3rd from last...yet we probably took 26 out of 40 points. I almost felt bad for my opponent...he was a 214 average bowler that averaged 192 that night...bowling against a 177 average bowler that averaged over 197.

Amyers

03-25-2019, 09:18 AM

Nice Set Aslan

Aslan

03-29-2019, 11:28 PM

Nice Set Aslan

Thank you. About time...but I'll take it.

Thursday Men's League: THS

563 Series: 161-190 (clean)-212

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.85 pins
Strikes: 38%
Spares: 80% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin (4x)
Also left a single 5-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 81% (9/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 and 1-2 (2x each).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 187.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 195.33.

First game struggles continue. This time was kinda my fault because I showed up late and didn't get any practice time. Three opens, but two of them were splits. Just never got lined up right.

Game 2 was more of the same. Good spare shooting, but just never really got lined up where I had a good strike line.

After 2 frames in Game 3, I switched to the Warning Sign. Made a stupid move right to try and compensate for the weaker Warning Sign...but it was too far right and it took me most of Game 3 to get lined back up. Struck out with a 5-bagger to finally get a respectable score.

Only 4 opens and I average 187?? Sometimes this can be a cruel sport!

J Anderson

03-30-2019, 07:08 AM

Thank you. About time...but I'll take it.

Only 4 opens and I average 187?? Sometimes this can be a cruel sport!

187 average with four opens sounds about right. The maximum score without striking is 190, and unless you can put strikes together, a strike is realy only worth a few pins more than a spare. Think about a dutch 200, five strikes and it’s only 200.

Aslan

04-05-2019, 05:33 PM

187 average with four opens sounds about right. The maximum score without striking is 190, and unless you can put strikes together, a strike is realy only worth a few pins more than a spare. Think about a dutch 200, five strikes and it’s only 200.

I didn't say I scored it wrong...only that I didn't like it.;)

Thursday Men's League: THS

576 Series: 193-208-175

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.85 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 62% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 60% (6/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a (1x each).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 192.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.00.

4 out 5 shots struck on the right lane...only 1 out of 6 on the left lane. Decided to get a little "balsy"...and started throwing a different ball on each lane. The "one" strike on the left lane was a result of that change. Missed 4-pin in the 1st frame away from a clean game.

Game 2, 4 out of 5 strikes on that left lane...but only 3 out of 6 strikes on the right lane.

Made some adjustments and struck 4 out of 5 times on the right lane...but only 1 out of 6 shots on the left side were strikes.

Won 3 out of 4 points against my opponent, so I guess it wasn't a bad night. I kinda got used to having a clean game, so it feels a bit disappointing despite the higher average.

Timmyb

04-05-2019, 06:55 PM

Decent night!

Aslan

04-13-2019, 10:21 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

Last night of the season roll-off. I don't think it actually counts toward my average.

445 Series: 141-156-148

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.47 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 40% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 28% (4/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-10 split (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 148.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 157.33.

Game 1 was horrid spare shooting....missed 3 single-pins and just couldn't get a line to hold...constantly transitioning left.

Game 2 I failed to pick up 4 multi-pin spares...including one in the 10th.

Game 3 I finally started making better shots...but the ball change gave me dilemmas due to a recent surface adjustment...and 3 of the 4 opens on multi-pin leaves...were splits.

I guess I'm glad there wasn't much money at stake. Bad spare shooting, faster than usual transitioning lanes, dealing with a ball surfacing issue that was unexpected, and far more splits than usual...that results in one of my three lowest series in this league and one of only 5 sub-450 series dating back to early August 2016.

classygranny

04-14-2019, 11:00 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

Last night of the season roll-off. I don't think it actually counts toward my average.

Unless your league does a special fun night like 9-pin no tap, then your season end/sweeper/roll-off or whatever it's called does count toward your average. Common misconception that is covered by USBC rule 113b 2. 2. Games are counted toward individual averages.

Aslan

04-16-2019, 08:58 PM

Unless your league does a special fun night like 9-pin no tap, then your season end/sweeper/roll-off or whatever it's called does count toward your average. Common misconception that is covered by USBC rule 113b 2. 2. Games are counted toward individual averages.

Good news! That drops my sandbagging average to 178!

Aslan

04-18-2019, 02:35 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Trios League: THS

This is the "party" week before the league starts...this is gonna be my primary summer league.

595 Series: 195-224 (clean)-176

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.76 pins
Strikes: 36%
Spares: 90% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 100% (11/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4 and 2-5 (2x each).

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 198.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 205.67.

Game 1 was a missed 4-pin in the 2nd frame away from a clean game. Game 3 was a missed single 6-pin away from a clean game and a strike on the first ball of the 10th away from an all-spare game.

First time bowling in this center and not on fresh conditions. This is a smaller, 24-lane center...a little hard for me to see the boards as the lanes are very light and the lights are bright.

I needed to move about 3.5 left with my feet and 1.5 left with my eyes to start things off. Not sure if it is the center or just that it isn't fresh conditions. Also had to move my target out to the arrows...versus just above the dots. Made my 2:2 move right in Game 2 and started using the Warning Sign. Also needed to move my target midway between the dots and arrows. Switched to the Scandal Pearl in Game 3, but had to move 1 board right with my eyes and 2 boards right with my feet...and move my target back to the arrows.

I think I need to put the Scandal Pearl in the dishwasher. It has really been underwhelming lately. Maybe I'll wait until my Siaair pad shipment arrives.

I was worried I might not be good enough for this league...because it is a mix of head-to-head scratch and handicap...but it's only a 6-team league and of the 9 (of 18) bowlers that showed up for the party...only 2 of them could match me.

Aslan

04-25-2019, 12:59 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

624 Series: 180-213 -231

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.15 pins
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin, 4-pin, and 10-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 208.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 212.33.

The first game I had to adjust to fresh conditions having never bowled league in this house before. When I bowled on burnt conditions I was standing a little left a center and targeting the 2nd arrow. But, on fresh, I needed to move a little right of center and target a board right of the second arrow. Made a really awful shot in the 4th and left a 1-2-6-10 washout...and missed a 10-pin in the 7th. Missed a 4-pin on the final ball of the 10th as well.

In Game 2, everything was going well...I just had a tendency to miss right every now and again. My only open was a missed 6-10 in the 5th. By the end of the game, I felt like a ball change was in order. I must have been right...and made the right adjustment when I balled down...because it led to a triple to close out the 10th.

In Game 3, I continued to put another trio of strikes together...so 6 straight strikes after the ball change...but then ran into trouble as the lanes were really starting to transition. I decided to switch to the Scandal Pearl in the 8th and, again, must have been the right choice...because I rattled off 3 straight strikes. Could have tied my opponent and taken 3.5 points (rather than just 3)...but I made a bad second shot in the 10th and ended with a 9 /.

This is the first scratch league I've ever bowled in and was worried I might not be good enough to compete...but it's only 5 teams and thus far I've held my own. I even outscored our #3 bowler in 2 out of 3 of the games...and he came in averaging 7 pins higher than I do normally.

The scoring is scratch individual (games and series) and handicap for total games and series. We ended up taking like 14 out of 17. Our most likely competition is going to come from the team of old ladies what were putting up 180-221 games on the pair next to us. Those ole birds can roll!! And I don't mean that in a derogatory way...they are really talented....super consistent...very effortless swings, consistent speeds, consistent approaches, near perfect spare shooting, etc... It would SHOCK me if they haven't won senior ladies awards (many of them) numerous times in recent history.

Gonna leave the ball surfaces alone for now. I will probably resurface again in 1-3 weeks...try to get the progression to work without having to adjust right when making the ball change...but right now the changes with adjustments are working.

Aslan

05-01-2019, 11:58 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

537 Series: 194-166-177

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (6/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, and 9-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 179.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 193.67.

Had a little trouble finding my line...but had a decent amount of time in practice to at least get a clue.

A couple missed 10-pins cost me a 200-game in Game 1...but I still felt pretty good.

Game 2 I chopped a 2-4-5-8 bucket I left off a bad shot. Had a Big 4 that I made a good attempt at picking up. Another missed corner pin...this time a 6-pin. Ended up losing 179-166.

Game 3 I started off good...a double...clean through 4...then a washout in frame 5 made me decide on a ball change. Struck in frame 6 with the Thug Life, then switched to the Warning Sign on both lanes. Pulled a shot in the 8th frame and left a 6-7 split...which I damn near picked up. But ANOTHER missed 10-pin in the 9th just killed me...lost a second game and the series.

Our team managed to take 10 of 17 points...and were tied for first coming in...but very disappointing after starting Week 1 with a > 200 average. I was so pissed about the corner pin shooting that I stayed a game after league and played a game of low ball.

I think the main problem was fit. I tried to step down a VISE IT size and use some VISE thumb tape...and it just didn't feel right and made my thumb really tight in the spare ball. During low ball practice I took out 2 of the 3 pieces of tape from the spare ball and that seemed to help.

I'm gonna resurface the Thug life down to a dry sanded 3000 matte to see if I can get an earlier reaction. I'd like to be able to play closer to the 12-board rather than being stuck outside in the 8-9 board area...but the Thug Life just doesn't have the cover to make that move early enough.

Aslan

05-07-2019, 12:04 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 39ft Inferno 3:1 ratio

476 Series: 178-116-182

Games 1 I only had a couple opens...but couldn't carry worth a darn.

Game 2 was a complete disaster. Six opens.

Game 3 was only a couple opens...and I managed a couple doubles...but a couple missed corner pins (including one in the 10th) hurt me.

With handicap, I scored high enough to qualify at #3 for the stepladder tournament.

Stepladder Finals: 158-123

Games 1 I barely managed a victory against a talented, young lefty...but fortunately was bowling on the same pair I had bowled on for the qualifying round...

Game 2 was on a new pair and didn't go very well. Six opens...again.

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.00 pins
Strikes: 18% (3 doubles and 4 singles)
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 81% (13/16)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (5x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 38% (10/26)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 5 games: 151.40.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 158.20.

Wasn't terrible. Had to play my "B-Game" by going up the 4-7 board area...standing 9-13. Spent $16 and won $13. Tipped the scorekeeper a couple books...so it cost me $5 to bowl 5 games on a challenge pattern.

Gonna be difficult with this arsenal I have...with no strong solids...to bowl on these tougher patterns. But...it's just gonna take some better accuracy and better shot-making than I'm used to. Finished 3rd out of 13...including some pretty darn high-level guys...I just need to keep getting better so I don't have to rely on my handicap to save me.

Aslan

05-09-2019, 12:27 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

615 Series: 193-201-221

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 60%
Spares: 64% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-7-10 split (2x).

Splits: 50% (3/6)

Average over 3 games: 205.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a.

I knew it was going to be a good night when I made 3-5 really good shots in practice and knew I had the right ball on the right line.

I was bowling scratch against someone that had 132 average to my 193...so all I really needed to do to take 4 scratch match points was to not have an EPIC meltdown. And, on cue, after doubling, I left a 4-6-7 (which I converted). Okay, no harm no foul. Then, 2 frames later, a 6-7-10 split (did not convert) followed by a 3-10 baby split (which I converted), followed by a Big 4 (did not convert), and then a 3-6-7-10 (converted). So, when all I needed to do was coast to victory...I threw more splits in one game than I ever have!! The double to start, being able to convert 3/5 splits, and a 4-bagger to finish salvaged my average...but holy CARP!

Then, things got better. A chopped 2-4-5 away from a clean Game 2. Then a Game 3 where I struck in all but 3 frames...including a 5-bagger.

I had the 4th highest average going in (199, 199, 195, 193, 186, 183, 182, 173, 163, 161, 156, 143, 143, 134, 132, 119)...will probably stay at #4 going into next week. Next week "The Superpowers Explode" as we face the other good team (a team of old ladies...one of which leads the league in average). I'll be testing my 197 average against their lead bowler that was 186 this week but I think will around 190 after this week.

Aslan

05-14-2019, 01:26 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 39ft Inferno 3:1 ratio

498 Series: 150-182-166

Games 1 was miserable. Four opens including in the 10th. Just couldn't find a line with the Thug Life. The 4-5 board line I used last week just wasn't working. I tried to move inside, play straight at the pocket...which worked a little better...but I had to be near perfect.

Game 2 I switched to the Warning Sign. I was able to play a line virtually straight at the pocket...the Warning Sign made a slight move just before hitting the pocket which seemed to give me some carry. But, very little room for error. And a split in the 10th certainly didn't help things.

Only a few opens, and managed to put a handful of strikes together in Game 3.

With handicap, I scored high enough to qualify at #1 for the stepladder tournament.

Stepladder Finals: 183

The finals opponent was last week's winner...a youngster not too far removed from high school bowling. I was fortunate that he had trouble carrying. He stayed relatively clean, but didn't strike much. That, a significant amount of handicap, and a turkey in frames 7-9 was all I needed to pull off the upset.

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.60 pins
Strikes: 35% (2 turkeys, 2 doubles, and 5 singles)
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 5-pin, 6-pin, and 8-pin (2x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 4-pin, 7-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 47% (8/17)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-4 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 4 games: 170.25.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 177.50.

Was tempted to skip. Been having some knee issues. Relying much too much on my handicap...but two weeks and two straight stepladder finals, including one 1st place finish. Who'd have guessed that I'd be the 'star' bowler after two weeks?? Not me...

J Anderson

05-14-2019, 08:59 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 39ft Inferno 3:1 ratio

Who'd have guessed that I'd be the 'star' bowler after two weeks?? Not me...

Me neither!

Let the accusations of sandbagging begin. I’m kidding about this but after two weeks in row of good finishes, don’t be surprised to find people calling you the “s” word behind your back or, if they’re a real sorehead, to your face.

vdubtx

05-14-2019, 11:47 AM

Congrats on the win Aslan!

Aslan

05-14-2019, 08:31 PM

Thanks VDub.

Me neither!

Let the accusations of sandbagging begin. I’m kidding about this but after two weeks in row of good finishes, don’t be surprised to find people calling you the “s” word behind your back or, if they’re a real sorehead, to your face.

I think things will tighten up when they adjust handicap. First 3 weeks are book...then its what you've established.

And I haven't been at the "sandbag" level. I mean, I shot a 116 and 123 last week. I missed a single 5-pin and single 8-pin in the championship game this week. Only averaging around 160...about 173 if you adjust it.

Aslan

05-15-2019, 11:43 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

This scoring update will be a SPECIAL EDITION: Going into tonight, the two top teams were facing off.

On one side, Aslan's trio including himself, a talented, young 2-hander, and an anchor with a lofting hook. Aslan's team has won 40 of 51 points and is in first place by a mere point.

On the other side, a team of ladies in their 50s-70s. Their anchor carries a 204 average with a high game (thus far) of 235. Her teammates both have scored 215 games thus far this season. They have won 39 of 51 points thus far this season...and even brought a PBA50 coach along with them to help them with their lane play.

I started out strong. X, X, 9 /, X and was leading over my opponent. My opponent has the 4th highest average in the league behind her team's anchor, our team's anchor, and ME.

My opponent had an open early, but kept pace. Then, she went a 4-bagger run while I opened on a 4-10 split then X, 8 /, 7 -. I managed to recover and struck in the 9th...but I was behind the 8-ball going into the 10th. Fortunately, my opponent left a 4-6-10 split while I struck. All she needed was two pins to guarantee the win...one to guarantee a tie...and she guttered. I threw my 2nd ball in the 10th and left a 1-2-10 washout. If I picked it up, I win by a point. If I gutter or only get 1 pin, I lose. I hit the 1-2 but couldn't pick up the spare = TIE 185-185.

Now I was worried. The Thug Life wasn't working well with it's new 2500 surface. I had to make a ball change...and that meant moving right...right of where the ladies were playing. I could almost hear Rob in my head telling me it was an idiotic move...but I had to. I haven't rolled the Scandal Pearl since putting the more aggressive surface on it...so I had no idea what it'd do.

My opponent doubles to start...while I lead off with a 9 - on a missed 10-pin. Then...I remembered what Mark Baker used to tell me..."Walk past the ball". I have a tendency to "dive" toward the foul line and rush. It throws my timing off, throws off my balance, and usually causes me to pull my shot. Next 9 shots = X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X until I leave another 10-pin in the 10th: 9 /. My opponent shot a 208 and I beat her by 60...my highest game ever.

Game 3 continued the trend: X, X, X, X, until 2 straight bad shots left me a 7 - before another X, X, X, X. All I needed was a X, 6 / or better and I'd have my first ever 700 series! After about 2-3 frames of trying to make small adjustments so I didn't need to switch balls...I finally couldn't best the lanes and it went through the nose leaving me a 4-7-10 split.

679 Series: 185-268-226

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.41 pins
Strikes: 71%
Spares: 33% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (2/3)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Also left a single 3-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 16% (1/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 226.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 230.00.

Our team took 15.5 (of 17) points. The ladies were only 6.5 points ahead of the 3rd place team, so with this loss they may have fallen into 3rd place. Not the night they were hoping for. They were good sports, but you could tell they were disappointed.

Can Aslan maintain a 200+ average? Or will he lower his game to match the weaker opponents he'll face over the next 4 weeks? We shall see...we shall see...

Amyers

05-16-2019, 09:14 AM

Wow congrats on a great night bud. Now if you had started with that Scandal Pearl lol;)

Aslan

05-16-2019, 09:38 AM

Wow congrats on a great night bud. Now if you had started with that Scandal Pearl lol;)

Thanks.

To be HONEST...had I tried the Warning Sign in warm-ups...it may have given me a better 1st game.

BUT AGAIN...these are the two top teams...so EVERYONE is taking part in practice...6 bowlers...10 minutes...most taking 2 shots. I barely had time to throw 2 shots on each lane.

It was also a MISTAKE to drastically change the Scandal Pearl surface and NOT take it out for some practice shots. My progression...due to using balls of varying manufacturers and age...requires a slight adjustment as I 'progress'.

For example, the Thug Life at 800/1000/1500/2000...to step down to the Warning Sign at 500/1000/1500/Step 2 compound requires I move my line right 1.5 boards with my eyes and 1.5 boards with my feet. Ebonite goes longer...and it's an older technology.

IDEALLY, I'd surface each ball to the point that the step down is 0...where it's just a ball change on the same line as the previous ball...but that takes a lot of trial and error.

The Scandal Pearl at 180/360/Step1 only required a 1 board move right with my feet (from the Warning Sign). It's a much more powerful and newer ball...and a sooner hooking Hammer brand...but it has a LOT of games on it and has really lost it's 'pop'. So, I decided to sand it with 100-grit sandpaper, do a much longer de-oiling step, then surface it with 180/240/Step 1. Well...given the surface change, the ball is noticeably duller...and I can still see some scratches from the sandpaper. I figured a one board right move with my feet was gonna be disaster...and was tempted to make the change and do a 1:2 move left instead....but that was just a 'guess'.

But how do you change balls when you're opening Game 3 with X, X, X, X ? I KNEW the Warning Sign wasn't working great on the right lane...but I couldn't change with a perfect game possibility...ESPECIALLY when the ball I was going to switch to...I hadn't even thrown since making a noticeable surface change. :confused:

Amyers

05-16-2019, 09:56 AM

Thanks.

To be HONEST...had I tried the Warning Sign in warm-ups...it may have given me a better 1st game.

BUT AGAIN...these are the two top teams...so EVERYONE is taking part in practice...6 bowlers...10 minutes...most taking 2 shots. I barely had time to throw 2 shots on each lane.

It was also a MISTAKE to drastically change the Scandal Pearl surface and NOT take it out for some practice shots. My progression...due to using balls of varying manufacturers and age...requires a slight adjustment as I 'progress'.

For example, the Thug Life at 800/1000/1500/2000...to step down to the Warning Sign at 500/1000/1500/Step 2 compound requires I move my line right 1.5 boards with my eyes and 1.5 boards with my feet. Ebonite goes longer...and it's an older technology.

IDEALLY, I'd surface each ball to the point that the step down is 0...where it's just a ball change on the same line as the previous ball...but that takes a lot of trial and error.

The Scandal Pearl at 180/360/Step1 only required a 1 board move right with my feet (from the Warning Sign). It's a much more powerful and newer ball...and a sooner hooking Hammer brand...but it has a LOT of games on it and has really lost it's 'pop'. So, I decided to sand it with 100-grit sandpaper, do a much longer de-oiling step, then surface it with 180/240/Step 1. Well...given the surface change, the ball is noticeably duller...and I can still see some scratches from the sandpaper. I figured a one board right move with my feet was gonna be disaster...and was tempted to make the change and do a 1:2 move left instead....but that was just a 'guess'.

But how do you change balls when you're opening Game 3 with X, X, X, X ? I KNEW the Warning Sign wasn't working great on the right lane...but I couldn't change with a perfect game possibility...ESPECIALLY when the ball I was going to switch to...I hadn't even thrown since making a noticeable surface change. :confused:

Yeah I can see that. Even if your just updating the current surface the first time you try them out it makes you worry about your adjustment. Don't fret moving right early on. Rob aversion to that is trying to adjust right later in a set throwing a weaker ball not making an early change in the first game of the set. In my opinion anyway.

Aslan

05-16-2019, 10:14 AM

I recall hearing the PBA50 pro telling the ladies on the other team: "Okay, you need to move right now...because there's a lot of carrydown out there..." and I thought..."If Rob was here, he'd punch that guy in the mouth!"

And I'd be more inclined to side with Rob on that given night...because I didn't notice carrydown at all until 'maybe' midway through Game 3 on the right lane. This guy was talking about carrydown about a game earlier than that on both lanes.

Amyers

05-16-2019, 11:27 AM

Aslan

05-21-2019, 12:00 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 37ft Rhino pattern

437 Series: 136-131-170

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.00 pins
Strikes: 29% (2 doubles, and 5 singles)
Spares: 40% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 38% (7/18)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-8 and 1-2 (3x each).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 145.67.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 152.67.

Stayed home from work today to take a sick kid to the doctor...gave me a chance to compare some of the video I had taken a couple weeks ago...to the Mark Baker video I took with me from California. Got to the center early to catch the pro shop guy before he closed so I could get a couple VISE IT rings re-glued.

Practiced a few games to see how each of my balls looked relative to one another. Also brought the Innovate and Columbia Blue Knight with me...worried that on this shorter pattern I might need some weaker stuff and/or more options.

Nope...just like last time I played in a sport league...the shorter patterns didn't play any shorter for ME. The THS shot at this house is generally up the 6-9 board...standing left foot on 16-20. Well, I was playing every line from the 1st arrow to the 2nd arrow to the 3rd arrow...stood everywhere from 8 to 26...couldn't find a reliable line. The Thug Life, even at 1000 Siaair...just never grabbed. No dry on the outside...anything straight up 4-9 would be right of the headpin. Anything up the middle would find enough dry to either go through the nose or go brooklyn. I ended up having to stand 8-13 and trying to straight at the pocket over the 4-10 area.

Add to that nightmare that my speed was up in the 17.2-18.3 range...and I just couldn't do anything. Managed to finish 7th out of 11...missed the stepladder finals for the first time.

Aslan

05-22-2019, 11:53 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

544 Series: 168-175-201

PinPal Stats:

Game 1 I missed a 7-pin...then a 4-6 split in the 4th and a 8-10 split in the 10th.

Game 2 I left a 1-2-4-10 washout in the 6th followed by a missed 4-pin in the 7th.

Game 3 started out with 9 /, 7 /, 8 /, 9 / before opening on another 4-pin in the 5th. Managed to stay clean the rest of the way: 9 /, X, X, 9 /, X X X...but those last 3 strikes were about as weak as I've thrown.

First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 66% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (3x)

Splits: 50% (2/4)

Average over 3 games: 181.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 192.67.

After an epic performance last week...destroying the top competition and in the process shooting my highest score ever and raising my average to over 200...we play a team where we have about 36 pins advantage (on average) over each bowler...and I have to strike out in the 10th frame of Game 3 just to manage one game over 200.

We took 10 out of 12 scratch points...I took all 4 of mine. But the other team took 2 scratch points and all 5 of the handicap totals. And, my average falls back under 200...short lived tenure as a legitimate bowler. I just never had a good shot. I had to play much closer to the 1st arrow than the 2nd arrow. I could get to the pocket...but had trouble carrying. Very little miss room to the right...as is evident by all the 1-2 leaves.

Aslan

05-30-2019, 01:29 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

599 Series: 196-211-192

PinPal Stats:

Game 1 I started with a washout...then remained clean the rest of the way...but didn't put too many strikes together.

Game 2 I started with a chopped 4-6. Managed to stay clean until a chopped bucket in the 7th...but managed a X, X, X, X, 9 to close out the game.

Game 3 I really struggled to carry. My only open was my only missed single-pin (10-pin) of the night...but only 4 strikes and two were singles.

First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 76% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (6x)
Also left a single 4-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (2x)

Splits: 100% (1/1)

Average over 3 games: 199.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.67.

This is the second place team in the league and came into the night 8.5 points back of us and 7 points ahead of the 3rd place team. We had beaten them 9-8 the first time we bowled them...by far the closest match of the season. And, it was extra bad for me because I lost 3 individual points to their best bowler.

This time we beat them pretty good...16-1. The 3rd place team of high average ladies beat the last place team 16-1...so it looks like the ladies are back to being our primary competition. We should still have a 15.5 point cushion over them though.

Missed a 600 series by a pin...didn't manage to get my average back up over 200. But, I avenged my poor performance earlier in the season...and I think I still have the high game and high series on the season. Should be smooth sailing until we face the ladies again. Not sure if I can correct my struggles by being more consistent...or if I need to fix my line/ball.

I also have to figure out what's going on with my knee. Strangely, it doesn't bother me so much when I'm actually bowling...but it aches 24/7 when I'm not bowling. On the one hand, I don't want to miss any bowling if I get knee surgery...when I just am starting to get my game back. On the other hand, if I address the knee now, maybe I can salvage fall season...but probably not.

J Anderson

05-30-2019, 09:10 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

599 Series: 196-211-192

PinPal Stats:

Game 2 I started with a chopped 4-6. Managed to stay clean until a chopped bucket in the 7th...but managed a X, X, X, X, 9 to close out the game.

I also have to figure out what's going on with my knee. Strangely, it doesn't bother me so much when I'm actually bowling...but it aches 24/7 when I'm not bowling. On the one hand, I don't want to miss any bowling if I get knee surgery...when I just am starting to get my game back. On the other hand, if I address the knee now, maybe I can salvage fall season...but probably not.

What do you mean, “a chopped 4-6” ? I’ve only seen that made once.

Standard disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The knee issue may be caused by a muscle imbalance. A friend of mine was telling me just last week that a physical therapist had saved him from knee surgery by figuring out that his quads were too tight compared to his hamstrings. Hope you get it resolved.

Aslan

06-04-2019, 02:14 AM

What do you mean, “a chopped 4-6” ? I’ve only seen that made once.
My bad. Chopped "4-7"...which I'm sure you've seen made more than twice.

Standard disclaimer: I am not a doctor. The knee issue may be caused by a muscle imbalance. A friend of mine was telling me just last week that a physical therapist had saved him from knee surgery by figuring out that his quads were too tight compared to his hamstrings. Hope you get it resolved.
It's been better as of late. Losing some weight will almost certainly help.

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 37ft Rhino pattern

408 Series: 118-147-143

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 7.44 pins
Strikes: 15% (1 double and 3 singles)
Spares: 44% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: n/a.
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 38% (8/21)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-4-7 and 1-2 (3x each).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 136.00.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 142.67.

Just miserable. I hate this pattern. In warm-up, it seemed like I had a shot straight up the 9-10 board standing a little right of center. But, it wasn't to be. If I missed right...AT ALL...I'd miss the headpin. Any miss...even a half board left...and it'd go through the nose or hit brooklyn. I didn't even bother with the outside shot...which was terrible last week. I tried to move a little inside and play up 12-13 boards...but the same problems as playing the track.

The former PBA pro that runs the tournament said he liked my form...but I probably needed a ball with more surface. I thought getting the Thug Life down to 1000 would be enough, especially with a shorter pattern. But, nope. Longer pattern next week...so maybe I gotta drop the surface down to 500 and see if that helps.

Aslan

06-06-2019, 12:25 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

600 Series: 219-226-155

PinPal Stats:

Game 1 was ruined by a chopped 2-5-8 in the 10th frame. Honestly, I have no idea how my 16lb ball deflected enough to allow the 8-pin to remain. Seemed like it was heading straight for it.

Only open in Game 2 was a chopped 2-5 in the 5th frame. I pulled the shot, but thought the 2-pin would still take out the 5-pin...it did not.

Game 3 I had moved my feet left of center and my line inside the 2nd arrow...and I just didn't have the hand to get the ball to make the turn. In addition, I was starting to make bad shots...pulling the ball. Missed a couple single-pins, ended up with a split in the 8th, then chopped a 2-4-5-8 bucket in the 10th.

First Ball Average: 9.16 pins
Strikes: 59%
Spares: 38% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 25% (2/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 200.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 206.67.

The night didn't go that well. A 600-Series is always nice, but;

- 155 is my lowest score in that league to date.
- The poor 3rd game cost me an individual point and cost the team the total for that Game...so that's 2 points.
- Spare shooting was abysmal.
- The team won 9 points to 8...our closest match to date.

JasonNJ

06-06-2019, 01:58 AM

For the 3rd game, how big a move was it from your original line and why did you move? Did you see something in your ball motion that prompted you to move or was it a move just because you thought you should move because it's the 3rd game?

Anyway, as you said a 600 series is always nice so good job but I know it must be frustrating finishing with a 155.

J Anderson

06-06-2019, 07:51 AM

Two thoughts:
1. When you see that your ball isn’t making the turn when you move way inside your subconscious mind will tell your arm to pull the ball.
2. Have you tried slowing it down when you have to make the big move inside?

Aslan

06-06-2019, 10:41 PM

Two thoughts:
1. When you see that your ball isn’t making the turn when you move way inside your subconscious mind will tell your arm to pull the ball.

I think that's probably true. That 3rd game, and really anytime I start to move inside...I just subconsciously feel like it's not coming back and I usually pull it.

2. Have you tried slowing it down when you have to make the big move inside?
I need to. The monitors were clocking me at 18.58-19.56 (at the pins). That's too fast for my minimal hand. Not sure what I'm doing to cause the speed increase. I think I'm moving my feet too fast...gotta work on it.

But no, I try not to change my speed (intentionally) unless I really have no choice. Changing my speed usually means moving up in the approach...and then my timing gets a little 'messy'.

For the 3rd game, how big a move was it from your original line and why did you move?
Yes. The problem is the difference between burning up and having a bad line.

So, in warm-up...on the right lane...I was hitting the pocket HARD on the right lane...and leaving a 10-pin. I thought maybe a slight move outside would solve that...it didn't. I tried a vertical targeting change...move the target a little closer to me....also didn't work.

That's when I thought, "okay...maybe it's hitting weak because it's burning out...maybe I need to move in?" Well, that didn't work. So, maybe I needed to push my target OUT...out to the arrows. Bingo! So that was how I got lined up on the right lane.

Game 1 I had trouble because the Thug Life would seem like it wanted to go through the nose...or leave me a 4 or 9...but when I moved IN...I'd leave a 2-pin combo...which tells me my line is too far in. Usually when I KNOW I need to move in...and that works...but then I start hitting light...that's my cue that I need a ball change because the lanes are transitioning.

So, Game 2 I switched to the Warning Sign...and things were looking fine.

As I started Game 3...I was starting to go through the nose again...leaving 4-10s and such. So, I move in...but the Warning Sign can't make the turn...time for the Scandal Pearl...maybe there's some carrydown to deal with. Well, the Scandal Pearl wasn't working either...either there wasn't carrydown and it was burning out...or my line had just gotten too far inside for my speed/hand combination.

Add to that...I wasn't making great shots and started pulling the ball...and was not shooting spares well...and it just made for a miserable Game 3.

Did you see something in your ball motion that prompted you to move or was it a move just because you thought you should move because it's the 3rd game?
As stated above...definitely based on what I was leaving and seeing.

Generally speaking:
Through the nose - 1:2 left
Brooklyn = 2:3 left
4 and/or 9 pins = 1:1 left
2-pin combo = 1:2 right (or ball change depending on when it happens)
Leave the headpin = 2:3 right (usually this is only an issue in a strange house/sport or challenge pattern...usually not an issue once league play starts)
6 and/or 8 pins = 1:1 right (or ball change depending on when it happens)
Pocket hit leaving a flat 10 = ????? could be a slight move right, vertical target change, or ball change.
Strike with ball exiting too far towards 7-pin = vertical target change or slight move left
Strike with ball exiting too far towards the 10-pin = vertical target change or slight move right or ball change.

That real hard part is:
1) These systems ONLY work if you throw good shots. If I tug it or have no hand or can't get low enough or any number of stupid things I'm capable of doing...then what happens is meaningless and I need to just throw the same shot next time and hope to be better.
2) Whether you are lined up wrong or the ball is burning up or you're experiencing carrydown...they all look very much alike...and result in the same leaves. Three different pros can watch the same shot and same result and tell you three different reasons why you left the 10-pin.

Aslan

06-10-2019, 11:38 PM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 42ft "The Deep" pattern

419 Series: 118-157-144

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 7.81 pins
Strikes: 12% (1 double and 2 singles)
Spares: 44% picked up

Single Pin spares: 40% (4/10)
Most common single-pin leaves: 6-pin (4x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 5-pin, and 10-pin (3x).

Multiple Pin spares: 47% (8/21)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 3-6-10 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 139.67.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 159.33.

Put a lot of work into adding some surface to all of the balls in my arsenal, which I figured I'd need for the longer pattern. But, the pattern only has 17.14ml of volume...turned out not to need the surface.

Just played badly. Couldn't make easy spares...if I missed to the right...I'd miss the 3-pin...if I pulled it even a little...through the nose. Just miserable.

The surface experiment is over...if they are going to make the pattern longer but drop the oil volume...then what's the point?

Ughhh. Very disappointing.

boatman37

06-11-2019, 03:59 PM

Aslan

06-12-2019, 04:14 PM

Yep. I was in a tournament in March with a 47' Scorpion. My first time ever on a sport pattern. As a lefty if I missed by 1 board left I'd take out the 4-7 and 1 board to the right and I'd go Brooklyn. Oddly my best game that day was a 219 scratch but I think every one of my strikes were Brooklyns that game. My average for the tournament was 157

Yeah, the biggest difference I'm seeing between these sport/challenge patterns and a THS is on the outside. I've played THS shots where you could miss 3-12 boards right...sometimes barely miss guttering...and the ball could make it back to 'near' the pocket...sometimes striking, sometimes leaving a flat 10-pin. I have virtually no miss room on these challenge patterns. It's almost better to pull it and hope you Brooklyn or at least don't split.

I can't get mad at the pattern for Monday night. I wasn't making good shots. I'd have struggled on a THS the way I was bowling Monday.

fortheloveofbowling

06-12-2019, 11:51 PM

With all due respect i think the bigger issue is 12/31 on non split spares.

Aslan

06-13-2019, 12:21 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

570 Series: 202-196-172

PinPal Stats:

Game 1 started off great... 9 /, X, X, X, X... Then, the wheels fell off. I crushed the pocket and watched a pin fly across the deck...leaving a 9-pin...which I missed. I then left a 7-pin...and missed it. I then left a 10-pin...and missed it. Going into the 10th frame, I needed a strike and a spare to win. I struck and then left a 1-2-10 washout...which I picked up. It would be my only victory...and I think our team's only point of the night. :mad:

Game 2 started off strong with a turkey...but then I made a couple bad shots...recovered...but realized I needed to make a ball change. I ended up missing a spare in the 9th thanks (in part) to the youth league girls on the pair next to us shrieking just as I released the ball. My opponent easily beat me.

Game 3 I just couldn't find the right line. My spare shooting improved, but an open on a 2-10 split in the 8th doomed me. I made a ball change to the Scandal Pearl and struck in the 9th, but then left a 7-pin on a pocket hit in the 10th...and missed it...perfect, disasterous ending to the night.

First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 63% (7/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (4x)
Also left a single 2-pin (1x), 4-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x each).

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 204.67.

This was an EPIC DISASTER for the following reasons:
1) Our team lost it's first match of the season.
2) The loss was to the 2nd place team.
3) Going into the night we had a 13.5 point cushion, and are now probably 2.5 points back in 2nd place.
4) I JUST had eye surgery to have a cataract removed yesterday. I'm not making excuses, but it is a bit distracting with one eye looking through a corrective lens and the other still dilated.

Last time we bowled this team, we beat them 13.5 to 3.5. Their PBA50 coach seemed unable to give them much of an advantage. I put up my highest series (679) and my highest game (268) against this team last time we bowled them. Our #2 spot bowler easily took care of their worst bowler and our anchor took 2 of 3 from their anchor.

Well, THIS TIME...their worst bowler was replaced by their PBA50 coach. I know their 2nd bowler had some injury issues...so I can't necessarily accuse them of adding a ringer just to beat us...but I also am a bit curious. I felt bad for my teammates more than I did for me. Our anchor really struggled against their anchor. Their anchor is a woman in her 60s...as consistent as I've ever seen...averaging 207 coming into the night. Our anchor was second highest average at 203. And I really felt bad for our #2 guy...a young kid...who actually bowled really well...but was up against a pro that put up a 725+ series.

I was so disgusted with my spare shooting that I bowled a game of lowball before I left. Didn't do too bad...a 47...77 when ya factor in a few gutters...although 2 of the gutters were very close.

Aslan

06-13-2019, 02:44 PM

With all due respect i think the bigger issue is 12/31 on non split spares.

Oh yeah...I can't argue that. I wouldn't have been nearly as mad (at myself) if I had picked up those spares but not made the finals. If I can't carry, I can't carry...but there's no excuse for my spare shooting the last couple nights.

Aslan

06-18-2019, 01:37 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 42ft "The Deep" pattern

416 Series: 156-135-125

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.42 pins
Strikes: 19% (1 double and 4 singles)
Spares: 37% picked up

Single Pin spares: 63% (7/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 6-pin and 10-pin (3x each).
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 5-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 15% (2/13)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-4 and 4-6 split (2x each).

Splits: 25% (1/4)

Average over 3 games: 138.67.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 151.67.

Honestly considered not going tonight. It's just so disappointing. On these patterns, every shot has to be perfect. Maybe a board miss room left or right...maybe. And the hand has to be perfect...one shot seems like it's lined up...then your release isn't perfect...and you barely hit the pocket. Even picking up multi-pin spares is harder....because the ball doesn't move the way you think it will.

But, gotta figure these out if I ever want to get better...as humiliating as it is.

Aslan

06-19-2019, 11:03 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

672 Series: 233 (clean)-224-215

PinPal Stats:

Wasn't 100% confident in the Thug Life to start. Just seemed like maybe the Warning Sign was going to be the better option to start...but I just didn't have enough time in practice to try it out and confirm. Just seemed like I didn't have very much miss room. Anything 1-2 boards right of target and I'd struggle to carry the 2-pin. Took me until about the 8th frame to really feel comfortable. Slipped on the approach in the 9th leaving me a 5 /...but at least I covered. Struck out for a 233.

The last couple strikes in that 10th frame just seemed a bit weak and figured I needed to make a ball change going into Game 2. Seemed to find the pocket and carry better once I made the change...but had to move my line a bit in the 4th, 5th, and 6th...which led to a 8 1, 9 -, and 9 / before going X, X, X, X, X, 9 to finish.

Tried to stay with the Warning Sign in Game 3...but after a 6 /, X, X, 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, 9 / I decided maybe it was time to pull out the Scandal Pearl to deal with what appeared to be some carrydown. X, X, X, 9 / to finish.

First Ball Average: 9.34 pins
Strikes: 57%
Spares: 78% picked up

Single Pin spares: 81% (9/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 6-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 66% (2/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: n/a

Average over 3 games: 224.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 231.00.

I was hoping to get a 687 and regain my top spot in individual series...taking it from the anchor on our rival team that beat us last week...but couldn't manage those extra 15 pins. :(

Luck was a factor...one brooklyn strike...2-3 weak strikes. Spare shooting was better...and the only single-pins I missed were two 10-pins that I just barely missed to the right...guttering inches before hitting them.

Always a good night when I get a clean game and can throw 3 200+ games. Kinda depressing that I can do this on a THS but can only average in the 130s on challenge patterns. Just kinda sad that bowling is so pattern dependent...hard to really know how good or bad you are when averages are so meaningless.

But...our team took 17 of 17 points and should be back in 1st place by a half point given that the 3rd place team probably took at least 4 points from the top team tonight.

Amyers

06-20-2019, 09:15 AM

Wow... Nice night bud. Yeah bowling on challenge patters is different. Ones that fit my game I'm good on ones that don't I need to go home lol

Aslan

06-27-2019, 08:13 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

612 Series: 202-207-203

PinPal Stats:

We bowled on the worst pair of lanes of the 3 pairs we get assigned for our league. I don't know what it is about this pair...at the end of the house...but i just can't seem to get a good line on this pair. Sometimes the lanes on the end have more volume or less volume because its where the machine starts or ends. Sometimes the lanes on the end are more subject to environmental factors. But, I started with the Thug Life....switched to the Warning Sign 5 frames in...took me a few frames to get dialed in...then struck well to salvage the 200+.

Game 2 I had a few opens...but managed to run some strikes together to salvage another 200+.

Switched to the Scandal Pearl and ran 5 strikes together to start the 3rd game. Made a bad shot in game 6 and I think I just mentally 'gave up' at that point. The strikes seemed weak...the line still wasn't right...so I took out the 300A and tried it...but I use that ball so infrequently that I really had no idea where to play that ball...so that led to one spare, one strike, and finished with 2 opens in the 9th and 10th.

First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 46% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 204.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 211.67.

Normally a consistent night of 200+ scores would be a big victory...but SO many of those strikes were weak...and I never 'really' had a good line to the pocket...and in Game 3 I really threw in the towel once my shot at a 300-game went away....which isn't a good strategy....I'm just tired of putting SO much into bowling and I just can't get over that hump.

Amyers

06-27-2019, 11:19 AM

Yeah bowling back to back 600+ series must suck!!! lol I understand what you mean though but how often do we have a good hit but can't score well last night you hit like crap but scored well. Sometimes we have to take what we can get.

Last 2 weeks ball hit has been good feels better seems like it looks better but I've got 2 575 series to show for it.

Aslan

06-27-2019, 07:01 PM

Aslan

07-02-2019, 12:47 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 16mL, 36ft Canadian Teen Championships pattern

442 Series: 146-150-146

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.19 pins
Strikes: 19% (6 singles)
Spares: 54% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 46% (7/15)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-4 and 3-10 baby split (2x each).

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 147.33.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 157.67.

Took last Monday off after eye surgery...so this was my first night and only chance on this pattern. I was told it played like the Cheetah.

Played a little better tonight, but nowhere near where I need to be to be competitive on these conditions. Had no frame of reference, so I was just trying to make minor adjustments around the track...playing 8-12...standing 14-21...trying to find the right line. But...I had to make near perfect shots to strike...just didn't have the game.

Aslan

07-03-2019, 11:43 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

587 Series: 243-178-166

PinPal Stats:

Game 1 everything was just 'clicking'. I knew it wouldn't last, and it killed my hope of a 250+ game when I chopped a 1-2-4-5 in the 10th frame.

Game 2 I ran into some problems with the ball just not hitting well...left me a 2-pin and then a pocket 7-10. Switched to the Warning Sign and just couldn't get lined up. Stayed clean, but only one strike.

The Warning Sign seemed to be working later in Game 2 and early in Game 3...but then a 1-2-4 followed by a 5-7 made me switch to the Scandal Pearl...and it again took me far too long to get lined up...3 frames later I was lined up...but missed a 10-pin in the 8th... X, X, X, 8 to finish...but too little too late at that point.

First Ball Average: 8.88 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 56% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin (2x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 7-pin, and 10-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 195.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.67.

Things started off so great...hard not to be disappointed with how things turned out. Team still took 15 out of 17 points...and my league average stayed strong at 201...but it went from a potential "First 700" to "Couldn't hit 600"...which may not be an "epic" fail...but is still a "fail" in my book...not to mention we should have went 16-1 if not for me losing my second game head-to-head.

Aslan

07-08-2019, 11:13 PM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 19mL, 45ft Black Diamond pattern

470 Series: 166-155-149

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 7.75 pins
Strikes: 18% (1 turkey and 3 singles)
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (7/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (3x).
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 47% (8/17)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 156.67.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: n/a.

I decided to change things up after practice. My arsenal and hand/speed combination just isn't a good match to these longer or heaver volume patterns. And this particular house has a really bad outside shot...anything around 2-7 isn't coming back...almost like the outside edge is tilted towards the gutter. With no A-game and no B-game...and the pattern way too heavy/long to even think about a C-game......I really have no option but to throw for the headpin and hope for the best.

So, I extended my target out a bit...trying to hit 12-16 at the breakpoint (45-31 = 14). A miss inside would go through the nose or hit brooklyn...but I was lucky not to get many splits. Shots too close to 11-13 tended to miss right and leave 1-2-4s or 4-7s.

On these types of patterns...for me...the trick it to make spares. I averaged 156.67 this week because my spare shooting was solid. Last week, had my spare shooting been better, I'd have averaged 157.67. So, if I'm not able to get a good entry angle into the pocket and am unable to carry...it puts that much more emphasis on being able to make spares...which i did pretty well tonight. Each game had 3 opens...in Game 2 I didn't even have ONE strike. My shots were essentially like throwing a plastic ball at the headpin.

Scoring pace was pretty high...but like most nights...favored the younger guys with a ton of hand and the guys with lower ball speeds.

Hey...I raised my average by a pin and was 7/7 on single-pin spares...so I can't complain.

Aslan

07-11-2019, 12:47 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

503 Series: 169-152-182

PinPal Stats:

Started out with a missed 7-pin in the 1st frame, a chopped 1-2-4-10 washout in the 3rd frame, then a chopped 1-3-8 in the 6th frame. I guess the only good news is I picked up 4 out of 5 corner pins.

In Game 2, my lowest score of the league summer season to date, I started off with a 6-7-10 split in the 1st frame...chopped the 10-pin off a 4-7 in the 4th frame, missed a 10-pin in the 6th frame, then split a 2-4-5 in the 7th frame. Again, only good news was my 4 of 5 conversion rate on corner-pins.

Game 3 I was finally feeling like my physical game and timing were back. I struck in the 1st frame before an open on a 6-7 split then a chopped 1-2-4-5 in the 3rd. Missed a 6-pin in the 6th frame. The good news was I struck 6 times, including 3 times in the 10th. I also was 2 for 3 on corner pins.

First Ball Average: 8.94 pins
Strikes: 35%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 78% (11/14)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin (5x)
Also left a single 5-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin (3x), and 10-pin (4x).

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

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 167.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 177.67.

Reasons Tonight SUCKED:
1) We played the 3rd place team...they aren't as good as we are...but they are competitive (half the league is not).
2) I bowled against my 'nemesis' tonight. Not because he's a bad guy, but because he's one of the few good bowlers in the league that has a chance of beating me.

High Averages:
1) Professional bowler who coaches and subs for the 2nd place team; 227 average.
2) Anchor on 2nd place team, a lady in her 60s...very consistent; 209 average.
3) Sub for one of the teams, he's only bowled 3 games; 203 average.
4) Our team's 2nd bowler, a big and young 2-hander...former high school stand-out; 201 average.
5) ME; 201 average.
6) Our team's anchor, a "lofter" with a consistent shot and big hook; 200 average.
7) Another sub who has only bowled 3 games; 198 average.
8) Lead bowler on the second place team, a lady in her late 50s to early 60s, very consistent but not much carry; 192 average.
9) Lead bowler on the third place team, not much power or speed, but solid spare shooter; 182 average.
10) #2 bowler on the 2nd place team, older lady in her 60s, decent and consistent, above average spare shooter; 181 average.
11) Anchor on the 4th place team, asian kid, thumbless bowler, very inconsistent; 181 average.

As you can tell from the list, there are 11 bowlers capable of providing me a good match (it's a scratch league). Three of those are subs...that leaves 8 competitors. In this league, you only bowl against a person in the same slot as you, so I only bowl other lead-off bowlers...and the order can't change unless there's a sub. That leaves me TWO competitors. The other 3 lead bowlers average 166, 152, and 131.

I have a head-to-head record of 16-0 against the bowlers averaging 152 and 131. I am 8-3 against the bowler averaging 166...due to him putting up a 242, 213, and 189...apparently finding his "A-Game" when I'm his opponent. :confused:

Against the 192 average bowler on the second place team, I am 4-4-1. We are as evenly matched as the record indicates.

Against the 182 average bowler on the third place team, I was 5-3 coming into tonight...and am now 5-7. In our first meeting he took 3 of 4. In our last meeting I blanked him 4-0. Tonight he returned the favor.

3) BAD BREAKS. I don't usually blame "bad breaks"...it's too easy an excuse and over-used by bowlers in general. But tonight, the left lane broke down twice...both times when I was up to bowl. I hit the pocket...sometimes with authority...and I couldn't carry. I chopped a 2-4-5 and a 1-3-8 and a 1-2-4-5...and a 6-10...all of which it seemed like I should have picked up. I went 0/7 on multi-pin spares...1 was a washout and 2 were splits...but that doesn't explain the others. I was hitting the pocket and leaving 7-pins (3x) and 10-pins (4x). If I missed even slightly inside...I got some hold...but I'd almost always leave a 4-pin (5x). That same hit by my opponent would strike. He was getting BS strikes and brooklyn strikes...and I'm crushing the pocket and watching pins fly around the 7-pin like seagulls around a cracker.

4) Out team LOST. We've only lost ONCE in the first 11 weeks...and that was to the 2nd place team when they subbed a PBA50 pro for their worst bowler and he put up a 723 series. It wasn't 'just' my struggles (although, I won ZERO points)...they're 130 average bowler put up games in the 160s, 170s, and 190s. He couldn't best our 2-hander, but their team killed us on handicap totals (5 of 17 points are handicap team totals).

5) I didn't bowl well. In game 3 I started to bowl better, but it was too little too late. I can't keep waiting until Games 2 and 3 to settle down and make quality shots...it's ridiculous.

6) There goes my hopes of a 200+ average. I dropped from nearly a 202 down to a high 198. Five more weeks to get my head out of my butt if I want to finally get over the 200-hump.

Anyway...I think we're supposed to play the 2nd place team next week...but the schedule has us bowling the last place team again (we bowled them 2 weeks ago)...so I don't know.

Aslan

07-15-2019, 11:12 PM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 19mL, 45ft Black Diamond pattern

514 Series: 196-149-169

Stepladder Finals: 167-151

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.13 pins
Strikes: 22% (3 turkeys, 1 double, and 1 single)
Spares: 63% picked up

Single Pin spares: 84% (11/13)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 53% (15/28)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2, 1-2-8, and 1-2-4 (3x each).

Splits: 16% (1/6)

Average over 3 games: 166.40.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 171.00.

First game was almost clean; but mostly spares. Ran a few strikes together near the end to salvage a decent score.

Game 2 I didn't strike once...and had 3 opens...2 of which were on single-pins...one of which was in the 10th.

Game 3 started off poopity...a 6-7-10 split in the 2nd and chopped 4-7 in the 5th. Managed to strike out in the 10th to barely get me into the stepladder finals...mainly because we had a small field tonight....only 9 bowlers.

Given the small field, the first match was the 3 bottom finishers...the top 2 would move on and cash. I figured I'd be lucky to make it out of this level given 4 opens in the first 5 frames. But, clean for the last 5 frames...including a turkey managed to get me a chance to move on.

The battle for 3rd place was gonna be a long shot...bowling against a kid with only 1 pin of handicap (versus my 45 pins)....probably the best bowler in this league...and someone that works at the bowling alley who practices a lot on the challenge patterns during the week. Started off with 3 opens in the first 5 frames...4 out of the first 5 frames were splits. Kept things clean in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th...but needed the opponent to open and for me to have a clean 10th in order to squeak past him...but he struck out and I chopped a 2-5-8...so I won $4.50 of the $16.00 I paid to enter.

Hopefully this'll be the last night where I'll be using this arsenal. I hope to have the new one drilled up this weekend...but we'll see...might put it off a week or so.

Aslan

07-18-2019, 02:13 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

650 Series: 202-242-206 (clean)

Seemed like a solid game, nothing spectacular, right up until I missed a 10-pin conversion by what seemed like 3mm. Doubled heading into the 10th and figured I could still salvage a 220+ game...but a 4-6-7 split in the 10th knocked me back down to reality.

Started off with the front 6 in Game 2 before a significant miss right left me with a 1-2 leave. Doubled going into the 10th and figured I could still could get into the 260s-270s...BUT...a 1-2-4-10 washout was a bit too tough to convert.

My spare shooting felt solid in Game 3 and I tried to switch to the Warning Sign...figuring the Thug Life was finally starting to burn out. But, the line just wasn't right and it took me a few frames to get my pocket entry angle optimized...by then I figured a 700 series was out...but I stayed clean and at least scored another 200+ series to end a pretty solid night.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.29 pins
Strikes: 58%
Spares: 76% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (11/14)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 6-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 216.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 220.67.

3 open frames in 3 games...one of them was a 4-6-7 split...another one was a washout...and the "makeable" single-pin was pretty dang close. The team took 12 out of 17 points...we increased our lead on the second place team to 7.5 points going into our final showdown of the season, with them, next week...and I managed my 3rd highest game (242), 3rd highest series (650), and my 2nd clean game (206) of the summer season.

On the slightly negative side: a kid with a 164 average rolled a 299 and bumped me out of the high game spot...and I couldn't get my average quite up to 200...and not quite enough to move into the high average (men) spot...although I did move from 3rd into 2nd and am within 74 pins of the top spot.

Not sure if I'm gonna get a new arsenal this weekend or not. The plan is to get the new arsenal drilled Saturday...get some practice in on Saturday and Sunday...then in the tournament on Monday...and if the knee holds out...some practice on Tuesday. But...

vdubtx

07-18-2019, 06:42 PM

Nice set Aslan. :cool:

Aslan

07-23-2019, 04:34 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: 37mL, 40ft PBA Don Johnson pattern

435 Series: 156-137-142

Stepladder Finals: 157

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.30 pins
Strikes: 29% (1 turkey, 1 double, and 8 singles)
Spares: 46% picked up

Single Pin spares: 63% (7/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin (4x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (7/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 4 games: 148.00.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 158.50.

First game wasn't terrible, but I couldn't run any strikes together.

Game 2 was miserable...4 opens in the first 5 frames and an open in the 9th. I struck out to get up in the 180s with handicap.

Only one strike in Game 3 and 4 opens...just about knocked me from contention for the stepladder finals.

Another small field allowed me to sneak into the stepladder finals as the #5 seed. I managed to out-bowl the #3 seed in the 3-person match...but came up short against the gal I beat last week. Four opens was just too many to overcome.

This was a harder pattern for me. It's longer, and also had a pretty decent oil volume. I had no choice but to move up in my approach and cut my speed back from 17.5mph to 15.2mph. No miss room to the right...and not enough angle to carry very well.

One more week on this pattern and then a finals night for everyone that has made a stepladder finals.

Aslan

07-25-2019, 02:39 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

643 Series: 194-216-233

Was having trouble carrying on the right lane and almost had a dutch 200. Ended up chopping a bucket in the 6th and doubled in the 9th/10th. Just really had a bit of a hard time figuring out the left lane.

Game 2 was more of the same...still struggling with carry on the left lane. I briefly struggled with carry on the right lane, but adjusted my target vertically and that seemed to solve the issue. A missed 10-pin in the 3rd cost me a clean game.

By Game 3 I had made adjustments on both lanes and the adjustments were working well. Only made one bad shot, and it cost me a clean game; leaving me a 4-6-10 split in the 8th. The only other non-strikes were pocket hits that left a 10-pin and a stone 8.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.43 pins
Strikes: 62%
Spares: 76% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (6x)
Also left a single 8-pin and 6-pin (2x).

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

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 214.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 218.33.

This was our second to last match against the second place team. We came in up 10.5 points with 17 points at stake and only 51 points (counting tonight) available before the end of the season.

Game 1 I was able to beat my opponent 194-181. Her teammates took the other two points and they got a point for the game (team). So that put us at 1 point won and 3 points lost. The team was also down 69 total pins.

Game 2 I lost my match 216-227 and so did one teammate; meaning we were 2-6 at that point. The opponents were now up 89 points.

Game 3 I won 233-171. My teammates also won their points, including a 255-198 game and a 237-194 game. That gave us a 725-581 (handicap) victory and we ended up with a 1923-1868 overall victory (worth two points). So, Game 3 gave us a 3-0 win head-to-head scratch and a 725-581 win handicap...so 4-0...putting us at 6-6.

I ended up with a 643-579 scratch series win. Our middle bowler salvaged a 621-571 victory. And out anchor lost 659-664. That gave us a 2-1 point advantage putting the total at 8-7. With the 1923-1868 total (handicap) victory, worth 2 points, that gave us a 10-7 overall victory.

That means, going into next week, we have a 13.5 point lead. We face a team in 4th or 5th (of 6) place and we have 100+ pin average advantage. The 2nd place team faces the 3rd place team where they only have a 50-55 pin handicap advantage.

So, we can lock up 1st place if we can gain a +4 point advantage over the 2nd place team after next week. If we're up by 17.5+, they could beat us 0-17 and we'd still hold onto 1st place.

This performance moves me into 1st place in men's average with a 200.83. Our #2 bowler bumped his average up to 200.64 and our anchor bumped his up to 200.36....the three of us are well ahead of the 4th highest men's bowler (with at least 9 games) who had a 182.74 coming into tonight.

I didn't need to make a ball change tonight. I was able to adjust my target out vertically a bit...and then when that wasn't working...midway through Game 3 on the right lane, I finally moved the target in and moved 1:2 inside. All my moves seemed to work...and my form was solid. Timing was a little scketchy early on...causing me to pull a few shots...but a couple of em struck Brooklyn, so it wasn't terrible.

J Anderson

07-25-2019, 07:54 AM

Always nice when the scores go up each game:)

Aslan

08-01-2019, 01:26 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

599 Series: 184-244-171

Game 1 I had very little carry. Spare shooting was decent, only a missed 2-pin away from a clean game.

Game 2 was the opposite...4 strikes...then two opens...then 6 strikes.

Game 3 was more like Game 1...not much carry...a couple opens.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.24 pins
Strikes: 47%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (9/12)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin (5x)
Also left a single 2-pin (3x), 4-pin (2x), 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (2/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 50% (1/2)

Average over 3 games: 199.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 207.33.

When I got to the center, I was informed by a teammate that apparently the oil machine had 'problems'...so the lanes were going to be 'quite dry'. Well, he wasn't lying. My usual "A-Game" of playing the track quickly became my "C-Game" of playing inside the 13-board.

I decided to start with the Grudge Hybrid based on trying both the Aura Mystic and Grudge Hybrid in practice. It really took most of Game 1 just to move left enough where I could consistently get to the pocket. Game 2 I was finally dialed in...but any miss left was tragic.

By Game 3, I was starting to lose the pocket. Given the dry conditions, I thought maybe switching to the Gold Rhino and moving a bit right would help...it didn't. I thought maybe moving back a bit left and switching to the Fortera Exile would help...it didn't. I was able to make my spares...but still led to a disappointing game.

Aslan

08-06-2019, 01:46 AM

Adult PBA Weekly Tournament: Brunswick 19mL, 45ft Black Diamond pattern

This was the final week of the weekly challenge pattern tournament. All bowlers that had made a stepladder finals at least once during the year were eligible to participate.

557 Series: 174-220-163

Stepladder Finals: 178-200

Pinpal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.71 pins
Strikes: 43% (1 5-bagger, 1 4-bagger, 2 turkeys, 3 doubles, and 3 singles)
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x).
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (6/18)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-3 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 5 games: 187.00.
Average had I picked up 100% of single pin spare leaves: 191.00.

First game wasn't great, but I ran a few strikes together near the end.

Game 2 was my first scratch game in this league of 200+, 8 1, X, X, X, X, X, 8 /, 9 /, 8 /, 9 / 7.

Game 3 was rather lackluster, but still over my average.

Qualified in the #2 spot for the stepladder finals, so I had to wait around a bit.

Put together a clean front 6 and marked a couple more times. It was enough to get me to the finals where I had to face a very talented young player. I figured my only chance was to use my 30-pin advantage in handicap...but I ended up beating him scratch due to a 4-bagger starting in the 8th.

Great way to end the summer session. Used the Grudge Hybrid to start, then balled down to the Aura Mystic. Not the progression I envisioned...but until I change the surfaces...it works pretty good.

Aslan

08-08-2019, 02:13 AM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

FINAL WEEK: POSITION ROUND

Our team came into the final week in first place with 176 points.

We were expecting to bowl the team of high average, older ladies...our primary competition this season...but last week the 3rd place team managed to bump them into 3rd. The second place team came into the night with 164 points. With 17 points in play, we only needed 3 points to take the championship.

588 Series: 205-205-178

Early in Game 1 I went with the Aura Mystic...the lanes just seemed too dry for the Grudge Hybrid that I surfaced to 2500 with Royal Compound. Struck every time on the left lane, but struggled on the right lane.

Switched to the Vintage Gold Rhino for Game 2. Moved right a bit...a more "up and in" shot. Still couldn't seem to get anything going on the right lane. Struck 4 out 5 shots on the left lane...but only once on the right.

Switched to the Fortera Exile for Game 3, but made some bad shots on the right lane...then a bad break and a bad shot on the left lane...pretty much ruined my bid for a 205 triplicate.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 6-pin and 7-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2 and 1-2-4-7 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 196.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.00.

Took 14 out of 17 points and secured 1st place with a record of 190-82.
The ladies reclaimed 2nd place with a record of 176-92.
The 3rd place team ended up 167-105.
The next nearest team had < 90 points.

Still have a 200 average...but, even though we're done bowling for points, one more week that counts for average.

Aslan

08-11-2019, 02:30 PM

9-pin Tournament

190-147

End of the summer season raffle/prize giveaway...the 2-game 9-pin tournament was something to do while they drew tickets.

Not a big fan of 9-pin bowling...but I figured out why certain bowlers might be:

1) If you're a thumbless/palm/high rev bowler...you can absolutely score well on a THS...especially when you don't have to shoot corner pins.
or
2) You have an exceptionally slow ball speed.

We had 9 bowlers on our pair with the following style make-up:

Slow Speed/Older Man: 1
High Rev/Thumbless/Palm: 4
Regular/Strokers: 2
Female: 2

I'm not sure 'why'...but the lanes played super dry this morning. It could be that:

a) I'm not used to this side of the house.
b) I usually don't have as many bowlers on the pair (2-6 bowlers this summer vs. 9 this morning).
c) The change I made to the Mystic caused it to be too aggressive.
d) The styles of the bowlers I was up against messed up my line(s).

I don't think it's (C) because the change I made was only from OOB rough buff (~320/1500) to 1000-1500 Abralon.

I don't think it's (A)...I don't really buy that the lanes can be that different when oiled using the same machine...unless they didn't oil prior to the tournament. This is a newer, smaller house with synthetic lanes and I haven't noticed a big difference on the lanes we've used on Wednesdays.

The opponents 'could' have messed with my shot or the number of bowlers caused faster transition.

The palm/thumbless/crankers seemed to do well. Not that hard to carry 9 pins, with that style, when you hit the pocket. Now, when they had to shoot at anything that wasn't a full rack...it was embarrassing to watch. The older guy with a ball speed of < 8mph was able to carry 8-9 pins when he was in the pocket. Couldn't carry 10...but he could carry 9.

Same ole same ole. Once I got inside of 12, I would either go through the nose of leave a washout. Probably would have faired better had I started out with the Grudge Hybrid and balled down to the Rhino Gold...but not enough time in warm-ups to get my line figured out with the Mystic...not enough time to try the Grudge Hybrid.

No prizes...not even a colored headpin to shoot at to win $1. No pinpal stats...don't want to sully pinpal with ridiculous 9-pin nonsense.

Aslan

08-14-2019, 11:41 PM

Wednesday Miller/Coors Master's Trios League: THS

FINAL WEEK

Won the league last week. This week we just got paid and bowled one more week for average.

My only goals were to keep my 200 average and stay in first place among male bowlers. Instead, well, things didn't go well.

496 Series: 133-189-174

Game 1 I shot my worst game of the season. Washouts, splits, only one strike, bad spare shooting...just the perfect storm of horrible. At this point, I needed to average about 223 in the final 2 games in order to keep my 200 average.

Switched to Aura Mystic for Game 2...struck 4 out of the first 5 frames...spare shooting improved...but just didn't make the best shots and only struck once in the last 5 frames.

That meant I needed a 255+ game in Game 3 to keep my 200 average...not to mention I was down about 89 pins to my teammate who was poised to take my 1st place for male average after he shot a 222 in Game 2. I started out okay...switched to the Fortera Exile on the right lane. Only opened twice...once on a split and one 6-pin...but just lost carry and was making bad first shots.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.44 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 165.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 175.00.

On the plus side, I finished with a 198 average...third highest in the league...on the first place team...all of which are firsts for me.

On the NEGATIVE side...I lost my 200 average...and lost my top male average spot...and shot my worst game of the season and worst series of the season.

Oh well, 8 more days until fall season starts and this bowling stuff actually matters.

Aslan

08-23-2019, 04:40 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

First Night of Fall Season

523 Series: 135-215-174

Game 1 was bad in just about every way a bowling game CAN be bad. Wasn't comofrtable, timing was off, was rusty, wasn't lined up, was missing the pocket, no carry, horrible spare shooting.

Game 2 seemed like more of the same...bad spare shooting, a couple splits, missing the pocket...THEN...the timing returned and I got comfortable. Struck out with 7 strikes.

Game 3 I continued to hit the pocket...but started to lose carry. Single-pin spare shooting was 60%..so that didn't help either.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 42% picked up

Single Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin, and 4-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 30% (3/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-7 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 174.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 188.67.

A lot of green....only because it's based on my terrible final series of last season. Definitely not the series I was hoping for given that I only had a 9 day layoff between summer season and fall season. On the positive side, I took 3 out of 4 head-to-head to points and 3 of our 4 points our team won....and my 215 game won high game for the team in Game 2 which won me $3.

I forgot my notebook, so I was kinda bowling blind in terms of where I was setup to start. I started out about 3.5 boards right (feet and target) of where I should have...so the ball would either hook too early and miss left...or burn out in the dry and barely make it to the pocket and hit weak when it did. Once I got closer to the track and my feet closer to center...I had a pretty good line. Then in Game 3 that line started diminish a bit...still hitting the pocket...but no carry. Switched the Aura Mystic...but it still wasn't ideal.

I'm gonna try one more surface adjustment to see if I can get the Aura Mystic into the Ball #1 slot and move the Grudge Hybrid into the Ball #2 spot. If it doesn't work, then I may just give in and switch the two balls in my progression.

Gonna try and join a team on a Friday league at a different center. Kinda nervous about just showing up on league night without an actual team lined up...but hopefully it works out.

J Anderson

08-23-2019, 08:07 PM

You bowled all summer and you’re rusty????

Seriously, I hope you find a good team Friday. Some years back my wife and I decided to join a summer league. We showed up the first week and were teamed up with a young man that we got along with very well. He’s been out of bowling for a few years, but I should be seeing him this season as he has been put on the sub list for my Thursday league.

Aslan

08-30-2019, 12:58 AM

You bowled all summer and you’re rusty????

I know, right? Everyone else spent the summer golfing and they were all griping about being rusty at bowling. Meanwhile, I bowled TWO leagues over the summer and couldn't get a 550 series after a 9-day layoff. Pathetic.

Seriously, I hope you find a good team Friday.
Well, I didn't...but then I did...more on that story tomorrow.

Thursday Men's League: THS (drier pair)

600 Series:213-194-193

Practice kinda stunk...so I was worried I night have ANOTHER bad first game. But, once I made a slight adjustment right (based on the practice shots)...I got fairly dialed in. Ran a few strikes together and only one open helped me get a 200+ game.

Balled down to the Aura Mystic and I started Game 2 with a couple opens as I realized I needed to move a little right...then clean the rest of the way. But, couldn't put a 4-bagger together so I couldn't get to a 200-game.

Wasn't sure if I should ball down the the Rhino Gold and move further right...or try to battle carrydown with the Fortera Exile...but settled on the Exile for game 3. Started to pull some shots...but lucked out with some Brooklyn strikes and made my spares. Stayed clean until a 6-7-10 split in the 9th. Had to strike out in the 10th to salvage a decent score.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 75% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 200.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 206.33.

Our team changed this week. Our captain needed to give up his spot for financial and health reasons and his replacement is a semi-pro "staffer" with a 213-225 average...so I'll miss our captain...but we definitely got an upgrade in talent.

I think having the semi-pro on our team kinda "pushed" me a little bit. Like, I didn't want to embarass myself...so I actually elevated my game a bit. It also helped in Game 3 when our lead player and I made a side-bet...gave me something extra to play for. Even though we played a very far superior team (in terms of average)....we held our own. I dominated my opponent...beating him 2 out of 3 games scratch and taking all 3 games and the total handicap. So, since getting demoted from #3 to #2 this season, I've managed to win 7 out of 8 individual points...well ahead of my teammates. Last week I finished with the 3rd (of 5 on my team) highest scratch total and 2nd highest handicap total. This week I had the 2nd highest scratch total and I 'believe' the highest handicap total.

After tomorrow, I'm gonna try and surface the Mystic down to 800 Siaair and take the Grudge Hybrid to 3000 with Royal Compound. If that isn't enough to position the Mystic ahead of the Grudge Hybrid...I'm gonna finish the Mystic to 500 and hit it with Storm Step 2 and surface the Grudge Hybrid to 4000 Abralon...and move the Grudge Hybrid permanently into the #1 spot and the Mystic to the #2 spot. At some point, you just have to accept that the ball is going to do what it is going to do. One "spec" that is hard to account for is age. Technology gets more advanced...so newer cores and newer coverstocks are going to be more aggressive. "Theortically" the Aura Mystic is the stronger ball and should break first...but that's not been the case. And I'm not gonna surface the Mystic to 360 Siaair and polish the Grudge Hybrid to try and create difference.

Aslan

08-31-2019, 12:27 PM

Seriously, I hope you find a good team Friday.

Well, I got home last Friday...kinda disappointed that I couldn't find a team with an opening...but figured maybe it was for the best given my financial situation and decision to bowl a "fun" league with my teenage daughter.

Then, I got a call from an Iowa phone number and it was a kid that worked at the center who said he was going to put a team together and I had a spot if I wanted it...so I'm back to being in two leagues (actually 3 come Sunday).

Friday Mixed League: THS

563 Series:182-190-195

In practice, I wasn't making it back to the pocket...so I figured maybe I needed to go to my "B-Game" and play closer to the 5-board than the track. But, after 3-4 frames...it just felt like the Grudge Hybrid was going to be too 'jumpy' to play out there. Any slight miss left and I'd go through the nose or brooklyn...and even when I made a good shot I left a 10-pin. So, I switched to the Aura Mystic a little earlier than usual. It wasn't a 'terrible' game per se...but I missed two 10-pins and two opens pretty much kills your shot at a 200+ game.

Given that balling down to the Mystic wasn't working...and it was too early for carrydown to be the culprit...I decided to get the Grudge Hybrid back out and move a little left for Game 2. Started out with 3 opens in the first 4 frames...a split, a washout, and a chopped 3/4 bucket. I then struck on 5 of my remaining 7 shots to salvage a 190.

Stuck with the Grudge Hybrid for Game 3. Had trouble on the right lane...had a Dutch 200 up until a strike on the right lane in the 7th. But, the only open was a 4-9 split in the 9th...so I managed a decent 195.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 58% picked up

Single Pin spares: 77% (7/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 3-pin (2x), 4-pin (2x), and 7-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a.

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 189.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.67.

Had to get used to this center a bit. It's a strange center because it is a smaller center that is located beneath a shopping mall. There are big pillars between some of the pairs...just a weird "feel". I've probably only bowled at this center 2-3 times before tonight. A lot of older bowlers in this league...decent skill level. Not nearly the skill level as in my Thursday league...but still, trying to finish in the top 20% of the bowlers is still gonna require some work.

Aslan

09-01-2019, 08:58 PM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

551 Series:213-201-137

I started a bit inside the track based on previous experience at this center. This center is very close by where I live, but its not a very "league friendly" center...so I don't bowl there very often unless I need to. The line just wasn't working so I just moved about 3.5 boards right of center and aimed for 2nd arrow to see if I could get a better read.

I struck solidly on both lanes and had a chance to also try to the Grudge Hybrid. It looks like I finally found a surfacing combination that makes the Aura Mystic stronger than the Grudge Hybrid by surfacing the Aura Mystic down to 800 matte and surfacing the Grudge Hybrid to 3000 and then hitting it with Royal Compound.

Game 1 I was pretty well dialed in. Opened on a 10-pin in the 1st frame, but then stayed clean the rest of the way. A little more consistency in my release and I could have had a really big game.

Game 2 it was pretty obvious that I needed to make a minor move left. The move worked..but I made a couple bad shots early on before putting together a 4-bagger. Chopped a 2-5 in the 10th to dampen what could have been another 210+.

Game 3 the wheels fell off. The line started moving quicker than it was in the first 2 games. I chopped a 1-2-8-10 washout in the 3rd, chopped a 1-2-9 washout in the 6th, came < inch away from picking up a 4-7, completely missed a 1-2-8 washout in the 9th, then ended with a 4-6 split.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.81 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (4/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 9-pin (2x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 6-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 41% (5/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 183.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 186.67.

Yet another reminder that I'm not yet a 190-200 average bowler....no matter what my summer average was. But, this is for 'fun'...something to do with the daughter. I'm gonna try and help her get a little better without taking it too seriously.

J Anderson

09-02-2019, 09:26 AM

So the important question is did your daughter have fun? Did she kick your butt that last game?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Aslan

09-02-2019, 07:26 PM

So the important question is did your daughter have fun? Did she kick your butt that last game?
Inquiring minds want to know.

She "sort of" had fun because she's not very good at bowling. That was her assessment.

No, she didn't break 70 in Games 1 or 3...so I was safe...even with the pathetic sub-140 effort.

I gotta try and work with her, see if I can get her bowling better while also keeping things "fun".

Aslan

09-14-2019, 07:20 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

593 Series: 197 (clean)-176-220 (clean)

Not a lot of strikes in Game 1, but spare shooting was above average to salvage a score above my average.

Game 2 was still pretty good...I just had a couple splits and a chopped 3-6...but I struck more, which helped.

Game 3 was kind've a combination of Games 1 and 2...solid spare shooting...AND I ran a couple strikes together here and there.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (6/6)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, and 6-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4-7 washout (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

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

Continued to struggle with consistent carry...but my spare shooting was at a high level.

Last week where I can use my book 178 average from last season...so things will be a bit tougher moving forward carrying a 190.

Aslan

09-14-2019, 08:16 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

538 Series:182-170-186

Game 1 was a tale of two games. Started out with 4 opens in 5 frames...missed 3 single-pin spares after two clean games the night before. Then, a 4-bagger and spare to finish out in the 180s.

Balled down to the Grudge Hybrid (3000 surface) from the Aura Mystic (surfaced to 800). Game 2 was more of the same...3 missed single-pin spares...struck out in the 10th.

Started Game 3 with another 4-bagger...then ended up with a 5-10 split in the 5th. Opened on a chopped 6-10 in the 7th and completely whiffed a 6-10 in the 10th...so more of the same. :(

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 39%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin (4x)
Also left a single 5-pin, 6-pin (1x), 7-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 179.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.00.

It's even more depressing to see that I could have averaged 200 if I only made my single-pin spares. Made 100% of them the night before...then last night...less than half. Ya just can't do that and expect to win.

J Anderson

09-14-2019, 10:22 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

593 Series: 197 (clean)-176-220 (clean)

Last week where I can use my book 178 average from last season...so things will be a bit tougher moving forward carrying a 190.

I’m in the same boat except my league has only finished two weeks. 17-18 season my average was in the 190s, 18-19 average was 184. First week of this season I had a 611 series. This week I had a 663 series.
While it feels like I should be able to stay over 200, I finished the summer at 192. I think I’ll just try to enjoy it while it lasts.

Aslan

09-15-2019, 10:33 PM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

568 Series:190-168-210

Game 1 started out with a 4-bagger...then 9 /, 9 -, 9 /, 8 /, 8 -, 9 -. Just struggling like MAD on 10-pins lately.

Seemed like the Mystic, with an 800 surface, was too strong to be used way outside...near first arrow. So, I switched to the Grudge Hybrid....but still couldn't get a good line. On the left lane I was waffling between moving outside to the 7-board...or moving just inside the second arrow. On the right lane, I was much further right plying first arrow. Only struck twice...but fortunately only opened twice.

Decided to switch to the Fortera Exile...figured maybe with the plastic balls being thrown by the two juniors...'maybe' some carrydown was out there. Opened with a turkey...had a double a couple opens...had to strike out for the 200+.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 61% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (6/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, and 7-pin (1x).

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

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 189.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.33.

Miserable night. My daughter was NOT enjoying herself. I'm gonna have to work with her some next week and the week after. I want her to have fun and she isn't having fun bowling 67-97 games.

And I GOTTA get better with corner pins. Not sure how I went from two clean games on Thursday to such poor, poor corner-pin shooting Friday and today.

J Anderson

09-16-2019, 08:38 AM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

568 Series:190-168-210
Miserable night. My daughter was NOT enjoying herself. I'm gonna have to work with her some next week and the week after. I want her to have fun and she isn't having fun bowling 67-97 games.

And I GOTTA get better with corner pins. Not sure how I went from two clean games on Thursday to such poor, poor corner-pin shooting Friday and today.

I know many amateur bowlers who are streaky when it comes to making spares. They can go for months where they make single pin spares at nearly the same rate as the pros. Then they go into a slump where it seems like they are missing 90% of their attempts,( it’s probably only 50% but it feels worse).

Without seeing you bowl I don’t have any suggestions on how to “fix” your ten pin problem. All I can say is you know that you have been able to make the corners consistently in the recent past, you will be able to do it again.

RobLV1

09-16-2019, 10:50 PM

Without seeing you bowl I don’t have any suggestions on how to “fix” your ten pin problem. All I can say is you know that you have been able to make the corners consistently in the recent past, you will be able to do it again.

I really hate advice like this. If you start missing ten pins, there is a reason. It may be the line, or it may be something physical in the release, the timing, or, more probably, the footwork. This is why God created coaches. Use them!

J Anderson

09-17-2019, 08:14 AM

I know many amateur bowlers who are streaky when it comes to making spares. They can go for months where they make single pin spares at nearly the same rate as the pros. Then they go into a slump where it seems like they are missing 90% of their attempts,( it’s probably only 50% but it feels worse).

Without seeing you bowl I don’t have any suggestions on how to “fix” your ten pin problem. All I can say is you know that you have been able to make the corners consistently in the recent past, you will be able to do it again.

I really hate advice like this. If you start missing ten pins, there is a reason. It may be the line, or it may be something physical in the release, the timing, or, more probably, the footwork. This is why God created coaches. Use them!

Rob,
This was not advice. This was encouragement. We both know that the fastest or best way out of his spare making slump would be qualified coaching. We also know that we’re talking to Aslan and for a variety of reasons coaching is not going to happen. I did not mean to imply that there wasn’t a problem that needs to be fixed.

Aslan

09-21-2019, 08:38 PM

I know many amateur bowlers who are streaky when it comes to making spares. They can go for months where they make single pin spares at nearly the same rate as the pros. Then they go into a slump where it seems like they are missing 90% of their attempts...All I can say is you know that you have been able to make the corners consistently in the recent past, you will be able to do it again.

I really hate advice like this. If you start missing ten pins, there is a reason. It may be the line, or it may be something physical in the release, the timing, or, more probably, the footwork. This is why God created coaches.

Rob,
This was not advice. This was encouragement. We both know that the fastest or best way out of his spare making slump would be qualified coaching.

1. Thank you JAnderson for the encouragement.
2. Yes Rob, you are right...it's "something" I'm doing.

3. This is where...believe it or not...you're BOTH RIGHT.

Yes, JAnderson is correct. SOMETIMES...picking up corner pins is a mental problem. We've all gotten done with a league night and felt like we missed 60% of our corner pins and looked at our stats and found out we missed 25%...it just SEEMED worse. And we've all went to shoot a 10 or 7 and thought to ourselves, "I'm gonna miss this." versus "I got this."

And yes, shooting corner pins should be like making free throws...it should be automatic...it's just throwing a plastic ball straight at a pin. You can't blame the ball or the pattern or the lanes. YOU did something wrong. So yes, Rob is ALSO correct.

We also know that we’re talking to Aslan and for a variety of reasons coaching is not going to happen. I did not mean to imply that there wasn’t a problem that needs to be fixed.
That makes no sense. Aslan has LITERALLY had more coaching than anyone on this site. I've taken roughly 80 lessons from about 7 different coaches. Thats private lessons. I also went to 3-5 weekly clinics where I got pointers from a team of 2-6 coaches. I've probably spent upwards of $3500 just on bowling instruction...not counting lane usage during the lessons.

So, just for the RECORD...Aslan is VERY open to coaching and values it.

The PROBLEM with bowling coaching...is that a coach only considers you 'coachable' if you agree with them and discount all the others. So, my coaching experience/timeline..when I'd tell a coach about advice a previous coach gave me...would go something like this:

Coach 2 (about Coach 1): "Yeah, that guy doesn't know anything."
Coach 3 (about Coach 2): "Yeah, that guy is a complete nutcase, don't listen to anything he says."
Coach 4 (about Coaches 1-3): "How many pro events and titles do they have? You might want to trust me on this stuff."
Coach 5 (about Coaches 1-4): "Soooo...are any of them in the PBA Hall of Fame? Because I am."
Coach 6 (about Coaches 1-5): "I coach pros on the National Tour...but go with whatever advice you think is best."

Now, those are sorta "hypotehticals". I learned early on not to disagree with coaches or mention what another coach told me to do. Bowling coaches don't care what other bowling coaches say...and usually it just irritates them to hear about it. So, I take in as much knowledge and coaching and direction and opinion as I can...and I do my best to sew all those things into one cohesive strategy.

I havent taken coaching "lately"...because I only know of one high level coach in this area. Now that I'm at the level where I'm bowling "against" some of these guys on league night...it seems kinda weird to walk up to them and say, "Hey...do you give lessons?" I'm pretty sure Tom Hess and Don Breeden give lessons when they aren't traveling for the tours...and I bowled against Tom Thursday and Don this past summer.

SPEAKING OF Thursday Night...

Thursday Men's League: THS

492 Series: 187-157-148

Game 1 wasn't terrible. As usual, I tend to elevate my game a bit when playing the pro team. Only opens were a 1-2-4-10 washout in Game 5 and then a missed 6-pin in the 10th...that 6-pin cost me a 190s finish.

Everybody was playing left of me...so I had to move alot and had to ball done to the Grudge Hybrid to get a little more length. Missed a 10-pin in the 2nd frame, a 4-9 split in the 3rd, a [- 8] in the 4th, then a 5-10 split in the 6th. Kept things clean 7th through 10th...but I was really struggling.

Game 3 was a tale of two lanes.
On the Right lane: 8 -, 6-7-10 split, 4-7-10 split, 5-7 split, then 4-6-7 split. I actually made the 5-7...kinda the highlight of night.
On the Left lane: X, 9 /, 7 /, X, 7 / X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.38 pins
Strikes: 34%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 5-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (6/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6 (2x).

Splits: 16% (1/6)

Average over 3 games: 164.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 171.33.

Always interesting playing the pro team. Everybody is a little more tense, trying a little harder, etc...

I got kinda ticked off at my opponent at the start of Game 3. I went up to the approach and stopped to let the guy to the left of me bowl. My opponent got on the approach to the right of me...then the guy to the left of me ended up getting off the approach to do something with his ball or the lane wasn't working or something. I then stepped onto the approach, but realized the guy to the right of me had already stepped onto the approach...so I said, "sorry", and stepped back off the approach. But, the opponent then stepped off the approach with an annoyed look on his face and motioned for me to go.

I mean, it's a rather high-level men's league and all...but its not the PBA Championship. It was my bad for not looking to my right after the guy to my left decided not to bowl...but it wasn't intentional. So, once he got me ticked off...well, then I actually bowled better. I just couldn't overcome the splits on the right lane.

I took 3 out of 4 from my guy...and our team took at least 1 total and we won every match-up in Game 1...so we probably came close to splitting with them.

Aslan

09-21-2019, 09:04 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

571 Series:166-212-193

I only had two open frames in Game 1...but couldn't find a good strike line.

I gave the Fortera Exile a shot in Game 2. At first I thought maybe I'd skip it in the rotation and jump to the Vintage Gold Rhino...but I'm glad I stuck with the Exile because I was able to run some strikes together: 9 /, X, 9 /, 6 2, X, X, X, X, 9 /, X 7 2.

Went with the Vintage Gold Rhino in Game 3. Took me awhile to find that strike line again...but was clean in frames 3-10 and managed a 190+ game to finish the night off well.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 63% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (11/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin (2x), 6-pin, 7-pin (2x), and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 12% (1/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 4-6 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

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

Sooooo....
LAST WEEK...I leave 11 single pins and go 5/11.
THIS WEEK...I leave 11 single pins and go 11/11.

LAST WEEK...I leave 8 multi-pins and go 4/8.
THIS WEEK...I leave 8 multi-pins and go 1/8.

I was actually bowling quite well. The lanes were a real challenge tonight...MUCH drier than they had been the last couple weeks. I had to make two 1:2 moves inside as soon as the night began. By the 3rd game I was using my "dry lanes ball" and playing close to 3rd arrow.

The progression seems to be working better now that I surfaced the Aura Mystic to 800 Abralon and surface the Grudge Hybrid to 3000/Royal Compound. It seems to put enough distance between the two balls where I can use the Aura Mystic as my Ball #1 and the Grudge Hybrid as Ball #2.

The sub-500 Thursday night was too much...even with a decent Friday night...so my 2019 composite average drops from 187 to 185.

J Anderson

09-21-2019, 09:21 PM

1. Thank you JAnderson for the encouragement.
2. Yes Rob, you are right...it's "something" I'm doing.

3. This is where...believe it or not...you're BOTH RIGHT.

Yes, JAnderson is correct. SOMETIMES...picking up corner pins is a mental problem. We've all gotten done with a league night and felt like we missed 60% of our corner pins and looked at our stats and found out we missed 25%...it just SEEMED worse. And we've all went to shoot a 10 or 7 and thought to ourselves, "I'm gonna miss this." versus "I got this."

And yes, shooting corner pins should be like making free throws...it should be automatic...it's just throwing a plastic ball straight at a pin. You can't blame the ball or the pattern or the lanes. YOU did something wrong. So yes, Rob is ALSO correct.

That makes no sense. Aslan has LITERALLY had more coaching than anyone on this site. I've taken roughly 80 lessons from about 7 different coaches. Thats private lessons. I also went to 3-5 weekly clinics where I got pointers from a team of 2-6 coaches. I've probably spent upwards of $3500 just on bowling instruction...not counting lane usage during the lessons.

So, just for the RECORD...Aslan is VERY open to coaching and values it.

The PROBLEM with bowling coaching...is that a coach only considers you 'coachable' if you agree with them and discount all the others. So, my coaching experience/timeline..when I'd tell a coach about advice a previous coach gave me...would go something like this:

Coach 2 (about Coach 1): "Yeah, that guy doesn't know anything."
Coach 3 (about Coach 2): "Yeah, that guy is a complete nutcase, don't listen to anything he says."
Coach 4 (about Coaches 1-3): "How many pro events and titles do they have? You might want to trust me on this stuff."
Coach 5 (about Coaches 1-4): "Soooo...are any of them in the PBA Hall of Fame? Because I am."
Coach 6 (about Coaches 1-5): "I coach pros on the National Tour...but go with whatever advice you think is best."

Now, those are sorta "hypotehticals". I learned early on not to disagree with coaches or mention what another coach told me to do. Bowling coaches don't care what other bowling coaches say...and usually it just irritates them to hear about it. So, I take in as much knowledge and coaching and direction and opinion as I can...and I do my best to sew all those things into one cohesive strategy.

I havent taken coaching "lately"...because I only know of one high level coach in this area. Now that I'm at the level where I'm bowling "against" some of these guys on league night...it seems kinda weird to walk up to them and say, "Hey...do you give lessons?" I'm pretty sure Tom Hess and Don Breeden give lessons when they aren't traveling for the tours...and I bowled against Tom Thursday and Don this past summer.

SPEAKING OF Thursday Night...

Thursday Men's League: THS

492 Series: 187-157-148

Game 1 wasn't terrible. As usual, I tend to elevate my game a bit when playing the pro team. Only opens were a 1-2-4-10 washout in Game 5 and then a missed 6-pin in the 10th...that 6-pin cost me a 190s finish.

Everybody was playing left of me...so I had to move alot and had to ball done to the Grudge Hybrid to get a little more length. Missed a 10-pin in the 2nd frame, a 4-9 split in the 3rd, a [- 8] in the 4th, then a 5-10 split in the 6th. Kept things clean 7th through 10th...but I was really struggling.

Game 3 was a tale of two lanes.
On the Right lane: 8 -, 6-7-10 split, 4-7-10 split, 5-7 split, then 4-6-7 split. I actually made the 5-7...kinda the highlight of night.
On the Left lane: X, 9 /, 7 /, X, 7 / X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.38 pins
Strikes: 34%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 5-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (6/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6 (2x).

Splits: 16% (1/6)

Average over 3 games: 164.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 171.33.

Always interesting playing the pro team. Everybody is a little more tense, trying a little harder, etc...

I got kinda ticked off at my opponent at the start of Game 3. I went up to the approach and stopped to let the guy to the left of me bowl. My opponent got on the approach to the right of me...then the guy to the left of me ended up getting off the approach to do something with his ball or the lane wasn't working or something. I then stepped onto the approach, but realized the guy to the right of me had already stepped onto the approach...so I said, "sorry", and stepped back off the approach. But, the opponent then stepped off the approach with an annoyed look on his face and motioned for me to go.

I mean, it's a rather high-level men's league and all...but its not the PBA Championship. It was my bad for not looking to my right after the guy to my left decided not to bowl...but it wasn't intentional. So, once he got me ticked off...well, then I actually bowled better. I just couldn't overcome the splits on the right lane.

I took 3 out of 4 from my guy...and our team took at least 1 total and we won every match-up in Game 1...so we probably came close to splitting with them.

Sorry Aslan, I didn’t mean to imply that you are anti-coaching. Somehow I got the impression that either your budget was tight, or there just weren’t very many coaches in your area.

boatman37

09-21-2019, 10:02 PM

I get about getting frustrated with the guy next to you. Last week a teammate went up and before he even let go of his ball a guy on the team we were bowling started his approach. My teammate almost bumped into him as he released his ball. Then one of our opponents went up to the approach and grabbed his ball after he threw a 9 count. Turned around and walked back. I went up to go and as I let go of my ball his ball went flying by me in the other lane. My teammates said he was mad about bowling bad and walked back and grabbed his spare ball and threw it from the ball return without waiting for me. Odd thing is this was one of the friendlier teams we bowled.

Aslan

09-21-2019, 10:14 PM

Sorry Aslan, I didn’t mean to imply that you are anti-coaching. Somehow I got the impression that either your budget was tight, or there just weren’t very many coaches in your area.

No prob...I wasn't sure if you actually KNEW how much coaching I've had. Going by my inability to bowl...I can see how someone would think that.

And you're right...money IS tight right now...I don't think I can afford it right now AND bowl 2.5 leagues. Money 'should' loosen up mid-2020...so maybe I'll look into it again then.

And...you're also right that there aren't as many around me. Southern California was better in that regard. I'd see Missy Parkin twice a month and Mark Baker once a month...and even get some pointers from Rob M (I made 1-4 Vegas Sweeps trips while I was in Cali) when time/health allowed.

Now, I got Tom Hess here locally, but I don't know if he gives lessons. Don Breeden is local, but I haven't asked him yet. The sport league I bowled over the summer was run by Denny Torgerson...and I'm not sure if he gives lessons either. So, there are some options. Until then, I have all my notes from Missy's lessons and I bought Mark Baker's latest DVD before I left...lots of good stuff on the DVD to correct some stuff.

Aslan

09-29-2019, 03:52 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

534 Series: 209-174-151

Started with 2 splits...a shot that went wide and left a 2-4-10...then a pocket hit that left a 7-10. Was able to recover and lay down a 5-bagger then kept things clean to finish with a respectable 209.

Game 2 was better than the score indicates. Only open was a 4-pin in the 2nd frame and another pocket 7-10 in the 10th.

Game 3 was a miserable spare shooting performance...which has been up and down with me lately. Made a 2-pin and 9-pin. But, missed a 9-pin, 7-pin, 10-pin, and 4-pin. Given I managed only 3 strikes the entire game... = a horrible score.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.75 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 28% (2/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 4-pin and 9-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 2-pin, 7-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 75% (9/12)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 2-4-5-7 bucket, 7-10 split and 4-7 (2x each).

Splits: 25% (1/4)

Average over 3 games: 178.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 194.67.

Pretty simple...can't go 2 for 7 on single-pins and expect to do well. Not sure if my targeting is off...maybe the thumb is too loose...but I gotta get better.

Aslan

09-29-2019, 04:45 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

498 Series:179-168-151

Carry was a problem in Game 1, but spare shooting was decent: X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 7 /, 9 /, X, 8 -, 9 -, X X X.

Game 2 I was having problems on one lane but was doing well on the other: X, 8 1, X, 7 2, X, X. The opens were a 6-7 split and a 6-7-10 split.
After the double, one pair broke down and we were moved to a pair on the end. The center apparently didn't bother to oil this pair nor clean the approach. First shot I threw..the ball entered the hook phase before it got midway down the lane leaving me a 1-3-6. I picked it up...and on the next shot my sole stuck and I fell over the foul line....led to a - 7. Finished with a 6 /, X X 8.

Game 3 was more of the same. The Gold Rhino was my only option...but it wasn't enough to make the turn on the left lane...and was too strong on the right lane. I managed to move a bit outside on the left lane to get to the pocket...but too little too late.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.57 pins
Strikes: 40%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (4/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-3-6, 6-10, 6-7 split, 6-7-10 split, and 2-4-5 (2x each).

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 166.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 169.67.

Not much you can do with the lanes what they were. Having to pick up and move to a new pair...in the middle of league night...then the pair you move to isn't maintained at all...you just do the best you can. If our team didn't consist of the pro shop owner and a center employee...we probably could have made a case to get our lineage refunded for that night...but oh well.

J Anderson

09-29-2019, 04:50 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

534 Series: 209-174-151

Pretty simple...can't go 2 for 7 on single-pins and expect to do well. Not sure if my targeting is off...maybe the thumb is too loose...but I gotta get better.

First, if you think the thumb might be too loose, it probably is. Of course it might not be next time out, or you might be one of those lucky people who have thumbs that shrink or swell as the match goes on.

What do you mean by saying “Not sure if my targeting is off...” Are you unsure of whether you are hitting your mark? Are you not sure your target is the right one?

One thing that might be happening is that being in a slump you’re trying extra hard on the easy spares, maybe taking a bit more time in your set-up position, all of which tenses muscles that need to be relaxed to make a good shot.

Aslan

09-30-2019, 12:10 AM

All good questions/insights...

First, if you think the thumb might be too loose, it probably is.
At various times in my bowling 'career'...when I've had troubles with spares...it was attributed to thumb fit. If it starts to get too tight...I pull the shots and start missing left. If I make it too loose, I grab it on the back and downswing...same thing...end up pulling it

I've thought about getting the spare balls drilled for VISE IT...but I don't like the idea of switching out slugs and I really, really don't like the idea of buying a second set. Switching them ends up wearing out the inserts prematurely.

If I have to go that route, I 'could' just add tape to the next biggest insert I have in my strike ball...then wouldn't need to switch them out...and the feel would be closer.

What do you mean by saying “Not sure if my targeting is off...” Are you unsure of whether you are hitting your mark? Are you not sure your target is the right one?
More the second one. I had a system in place of exactly where to stand and where to aim when picking up corner pins...set up by one of my former coaches.

I've started experimenting with aiming further downlane...which I was having some success with. But, harder to hit a target farther away.

Usually when I am off...its not that the targets aren't right...its that I'm doing something with my shoulders (like squaring up to the foul line) during my release.

One thing that might be happening is that being in a slump you’re trying extra hard on the easy spares, maybe taking a bit more time in your set-up position, all of which tenses muscles that need to be relaxed to make a good shot.
I've noticed that a little. I seemed to have more success when I just got up there and went...didn't give the corner pins a chance to psyche me out.

Aslan

09-30-2019, 12:55 AM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

477 Series:122-190-165

Splits, horrible spare shooting, and no carry adds up to 122.

Still struggled with carry early in Game 2...but the spare shooting was better and I put together a 4-bagger near the end. Then, of course, I missed a 4-pin in the 10th...so that was wonderful. :mad:

Game 3 was more of the same...lack of carry. Spare shooting was 'okay'...only two opens...one on a 4-6-10 split.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 7.97 pins
Strikes: 25%
Spares: 56% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (7/14)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-3-4-5-7-8 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 159.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 170.00.

Well, on the "upside"...my daughter did better after my coaching....sort of. And, I think we won 3 out of 4 points. The adult bowler on the opposing team was kinda attractive and not wearing a wedding ring...woulda been nice not to throw my worst game in God knows how long and my worst series since April.

Aslan

10-05-2019, 11:01 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

431 Series: 127-163-141

Game 2 wasn't completely embarrassing...just sort of embarrassing. A 1-2-4-10 washout in the first, a missed 10-pin in the 5th, abd a chopped 3-10 baby split in the 6th. Otherwise clean.

More of the same in Game 3. Another 1-2-4-10 washout in the 3rd, a 4-p split in the 7th, a complete miss in the 8th leaving a 1-2-3-4-5 that I then guttered trying to pick up, then top it all off with a complete miss at a 6-10 in the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.16 pins
Strikes: 21%
Spares: 45% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (7/19)
Most common multi-pin leave; 6-10 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 143.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 147.00.

No idea what is going on. It seems like every year I go through a slump period...it's usually not this early in the season...but I no longer have the coaching I used to rely on to correct my course....so who knows...

Aslan

10-05-2019, 11:21 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

458 Series: 142-167-149

Game 1 was a constant adjustment to deal with a much heavier oil condition than we faced previously. Started out with a pocket 8-10...a 1-2-10 washout in the 5th, a missed 5-pin in the 6th, and a 3-9-10 split in the 8th due to a pulled over-correction to continually missing right.

Game 2 I missed a 10-pin in the 5th, 6-7-10 split in the 7th, then completely missed on a 6-10 in the 10th.

Game 3 I was all over the place trying to stay ahead of lanes that seemed to be transitioning every frame. A chopped 3-6-10 in the first, a chopped 1-2-4-7 washout in the 3rd, a chopped 1-2-4-10 washout in the 7th, and a missed 3-pin in the 9th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.34 pins
Strikes: 25%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 4-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (8/16)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 152.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 163.00.

The only excuse I have here is that this house stinks. It's having money issues and apparently doesn't have the money to make needed repairs to their oil machine. Last week, so dry I had to throw my Rhino Gold around 3rd arrow...Friday night the Aura Mystic with an 800 surface couldn't make it back to the pocket when thrown up 9-10.

Normally I'm a good sport and good teammate...try to make sure to shake the other team's hands...etc... But, Friday night I just walked out...contemplated whether I needed to just do one "fun" league starting next season...no more serious bowling in a men's league...I just don't have the skill set. :(

Aslan

10-12-2019, 04:33 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

587 Series: 231-242-114

Completely whiffing on a 3-6 spare conversion in the 5th cost me 12 pins and a clean game...but 231 was the highest score I had shot in that league, this season...and the highest since late July.

Game 2 I made a couple bad shots that resulted in spares...but then ran 7 strikes together until paying maximum penalty for a miss right...ending up with a 2-8-10 split that I couldn't convert.

On the first shot of Game 3, it looked like maybe the lanes were transitioning. I moved inside and made a decent shot in the 2nd frame...but it barely struck...so I figured that was a good time to ball down....figured the ball might be burning out. Well, a combination of bad shots and the ball change not being ideal...then a missed 10-pin in the 9th...my worst game in a long, long, long time.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.77 pins
Strikes: 54%
Spares: 35% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (2/3)
Most common single-pin leaves: n/a
Left a 3-pin, 7-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 27% (3/11)
Most common multi-pin leave; 3-6 (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 195.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.33.

A couple encouraging games. Might be the result of switching to my Grudge Hybrid as my lead/starting ball versus the Aura Mystic. I was needing to keep a fresh 800 surface on the Mystic and put a 3000/R. Compound surface on the Grudge Hybrid in order for the Mystic to hook sooner...and once that 800 surface started to wear down...it would mess up my progression. So, instead of trying to fight the technology, I figure I'll switch the Mystic and Grudge Hybrid in the progression...put a 2000 matte on the Grudge Hybrid...put a 1000/R. Compound surface on the Aura Mystic...and that should at least fix the progression problem.

Aslan

10-12-2019, 04:58 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

491 Series: 171-177-143

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.31 pins
Strikes: 25%
Spares: 66% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 1-pin (3x)
Also left a single 2-pin (1x), 4-pin (2x), and 10-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 56% (9/16)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-4 (4x).

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 163.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 167.00.

Still a house issue. It was so bad and has been such a frequent problem...that the league had a team captains meeting midway during play. I don't know what they talked about, but its clear the league is getting annoyed. I mean, my 143 in Game 3 was the high score for our team that game. C'mon. I'm all for putting a more difficult pattern down than a THS...but it needs to be a PATTERN. This garbage seems like either their machine is badly in disrepair and just flooding the lanes...OR...the machine isn't cleaning the oil before putting additional oil down.

Standing left toe on 15 and throwing the ball up the 8-board should not result in a complete miss of the headpin to the right...especially when I lower my speed as much as I possibly can (without taking the approach away altogether).

And the stats show the result...a 25% strike rate...because you can't get any entry angle. I was just trying to throw the ball at the 3-pin and hope for the best because nothing else worked.

Timmyb

10-12-2019, 11:40 PM

Ouch on that last game Thursday, but two nice first games!

Aslan

10-14-2019, 01:41 PM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

487 Series:152-175-160

Games 2 and 3, I only had two open frames in each:

Game 2: 7 /, 6 3, 6 -, 7 /, X, 7 /, 9 /, X, X, 6 / 9.

Game 3: 9 -, X, 9 /, - 9, 7 /, 7 /, 8 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 / X.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.12 pins
Strikes: 30%
Spares: 63% picked up

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

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

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 162.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 169.67.

The daughter did a little better...so that was good. I think she was the reason we took 2.5 points. My numbers were just about the same...slightly better percentages...but very similar.

This is a tough house. Seems like my shot has to be perfect...no miss room. The pattern seems heavy and wide. I was getting oil on my ball throwing up the 6-7 boards.

I really need to snap this slump...its getting ridiculous.

Aslan

10-18-2019, 06:19 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

527 Series: 184-204-139

First game wasn't terrible. Three opens, but they were all on splits. Unfortunately, one was in the 10th.

Game 2 was probably more frustrating than Game 1...because I only had two opens...but they were BOTH missed 10-pins.

Game 3 struggles continue. I think I started experiencing carrydown but didn't want to (or know to) make the adjustment when I needed to and get out the Fortera Exile.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.59 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 44% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (4x)
Also left a 7-pin and a 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 41% (5/12)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-4 and 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x each).

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 175.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 186.67.

Still not quite sure why I've been in such a funk lately...

- Is it a lack of concentration? Is it too much concentration?
- Am I leaning too far forward at the foul line? Am I standing too straight at the foul line?
- Am I too far on the top of the ball? Am I trying too hard to get a snappy release and thus losing a effortless swing?
- Is my first step too big or too fast or is there too much of a pause?
- Is it a progression issue? Is the arsenal I've assembled just not put together right?

I don't know. I was doing fine over the summer...almost had my first ever 200 average in a league...now I can't seem to get back to the 180s. :mad:

Aslan

10-19-2019, 08:43 AM

Friday Mixed League: THS

578 Series: 173-205-200

Game 1 I opened on a chopped 3-6-9-10 in the 7th and then a 4-6-7 split in the 10th.

Game 2 my only open was a 10-pin in the 3rd frame.

Game 3...two open frames...both splits...a 6-7-10 split in the 3rd frame and 5-10 split in the 7th frame.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 66% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 55% (5/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 192.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.67.

Apparently the league getting upset must have worked...because the oil machine finally got fixed and the lanes were much better. I don't know...I just bowled better tonight...can't really explain it.

Aslan

10-26-2019, 12:11 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

587 Series: 180-204-203

First started out horrible...3 opens in the first 4 frames. Another split in the 7th...but I put together a 4-bagger starting in the 8th frame to salvage a 180.

Game 2 was clean through 9...then horribly missed a 6-10 leave to open in the 10th and get a lackluster 204 (and no clean game).

Game 3 I can't figure out how I only got a 203. The only open frame was a Big 4 in the 5th frame. I had a 4-bagger in the 6th through 9th. Just seems like it was a better game than a 203...but oh well...better than the 139 last Thursday.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 60% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 44% (4/9)
Most common multi-pin leaves: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 195.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.67.

Had some lucky strikes in Game 3..which only annoyed my opponent more and more...since he was 222 average bowler and took all 4 points from him. And I was in bed with bronchitis/a bad cold/the flu for the last two days...so I wasn't 100%.

Two guys on another team shot > 800 series that night.

Aslan

10-26-2019, 01:15 AM

Friday Mixed League: THS

551 Series: 168-180-203

Only opens were on some pretty tough spares...4-6-7-9-10 split, 1-8, and 1-2-10...but too many opens to score anywhere near decent.

Game 2 was looking clean until I missed a single 7-pin in the 9th followed by a 4-7-10 split in the 10th. That left me with a rather disappointing 180.

Game 3 started out with a chopped 1-2-4....then clean until a pocket 7-9 split in the 8th...my only two opens.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.88 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 61% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x)
Never left a single 5-pin nor 6-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 25% (1/4)

Average over 3 games: 183.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 186.67.

Watched my Mark Baker CD this past weekend...trying to get out of my slump. Trying to be a little more attentive to my stance and swing path...without causing me to "think of too many things at once".

Aslan

10-28-2019, 01:21 AM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

579 Series:177-223 (clean)-179

Chopped a couple multi-pin spares...otherwise clean...but couldn't run many strikes together.

Game 2 I started with a turkey...but then I couldn't run much together.

Game 3 was almost clean; but only a couple strikes kept the scoring down.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.61 pins
Strikes: 42%
Spares: 78% picked up

Single Pin spares: 88% (8/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 4-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 1-2-3-4-5-7-8 (2x).

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 193.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 196.33.

Definite improvement. My best series at this house. Always love getting clean games. Wish I'd have carried better. Focusing on my setup stance and the ball's swing path seems to have helped. Got a lot of work to do on my release though.

J Anderson

10-28-2019, 09:18 AM

And is your daughter improving? Enjoying the game? Getting frustrated?

Aslan

11-01-2019, 04:20 PM

And is your daughter improving? Enjoying the game? Getting frustrated?

All I can say is...she doesn't care. When she "wants" to bowl okay...she shoots in the 90s. When she 'doesn't care'...she bowls in the 60s/70s. No, she's not enjoying the game. She would prefer to be on her computer or smart phone. That night, the owner of the alley asked her if she wanted to be on the girls HS bowling team...which of course she couldn't say no fast enough.

Decline of bowling...decline of society...oh well.

Thursday Men's League: THS

458 Series: 168-152-138

Only 2 opens in Game 1...to go with my 2 strikes.

Only 3 opens in Game 2...all on less than makeable spares (1-2-4-10 washout, pocket 8-10 split, and 4-6-7 split)...but again, only 2 strikes.

And Game 3 was just an embarassment. Really struggle getting the ball back to the pocket.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.50 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (4x)
Never left a single 6-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (4/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 152.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 163.33.

:mad:

RobLV1

11-01-2019, 04:34 PM

The game is changing, and it's changing FAST. Between stronger bowling balls, different oils, and synthetic lanes that are approaching, or past their life expectancy, scores can vary greatly. Last week in my Thursday league, I couldn't keep anything to the right of the headpin. I shot 614 for FOUR games. Sunday, at the same center (Red Rock), I shot 649 for three games. Yesterday (Thursday, again) I shot 170-199-207-256=832 for Four. The moral of the story is that each week is a new experience. Yesterday, from my 170 start, which was the high on my team, through transition that was different between the two lanes and several ball changes, and finally to 256 when the lanes were finally even. Patience is the key word, as well as spare shooting. Yesterday, I had five open frames in four games... all splits. If you can't pick up your makable spares, you are just flushing pins down the toilet. Practice!

J Anderson

11-01-2019, 09:53 PM

All I can say is...she doesn't care. When she "wants" to bowl okay...she shoots in the 90s. When she 'doesn't care'...she bowls in the 60s/70s. No, she's not enjoying the game. She would prefer to be on her computer or smart phone. That night, the owner of the alley asked her if she wanted to be on the girls HS bowling team...which of course she couldn't say no fast enough.

Decline of bowling...decline of society...oh well.

Thursday Men's League: THS

458 Series: 168-152-138

Only 2 opens in Game 1...to go with my 2 strikes.

Only 3 opens in Game 2...all on less than makeable spares (1-2-4-10 washout, pocket 8-10 split, and 4-6-7 split)...but again, only 2 strikes.

And Game 3 was just an embarassment. Really struggle getting the ball back to the pocket.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.50 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (4x)
Never left a single 6-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (4/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 152.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 163.33.

:mad:
Sorry to hear your daughter is merely tolerating bowling with dear old dad. At least you do get to spend time with her.

My Thursday scores were way stranger than yours. In my regular fun league I started with a 147 & a 160 lefty, then a 171 from the right. Oddly enough I was getting most of my lefty spares and missed a couple easy spares right handed. Usually my carry is better lefty but I struggle on the spares from that side.

I then subbed on a five man team in a serious money league that follows our league. Started off with a 255, misread the transition for a 168, and managed to finish with a 202. Even with two subs bowling the team was a man short so we lost all three games. Fortunately the league uses individual points as well, and each of us won one game so it wasn’t a complete shut out.

Aslan

11-02-2019, 12:37 AM

Sorry to hear your daughter is merely tolerating bowling with dear old dad. At least you do get to spend time with her.

It is what it is I guess.

The moral of the story is that each week is a new experience....Patience is the key word, as well as spare shooting. Yesterday, I had five open frames in four games... all splits. If you can't pick up your makable spares, you are just flushing pins down the toilet. Practice!

Yeah...at this point I'm usually more proud of myself for shooting 100% on single-pin spares than I am scoring high. I just can't figure it out. I used to have targeting...set up via coaching...it worked...> 75%...approaching 80%. Then it just went away. I've tried to target further downlane...thinking that might help...mixed results...I just can't figure it out. And there's the psychological angle. On nights where I start to miss...I MISS. On nights where I'm doing okay...I'm usually good.

Friday Mixed League: THS

634 Series: 202-221-211

Game 1 was clean except for a chopped 1-2-4-8 in the 8th.

Had the front 5 in Game 2, then sort of lost my line. Opened on a bucket in the 8th and a 4-6-7 split in the 9th...but struck out to preserve the 220+ game.

Had the front 3 in Game 3...wasn't as strong a game as the lanes started to transition faster...but only one open; another bucket in the 5th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.23 pins
Strikes: 60%
Spares: 69% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (7/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 4-pin (2x), 5-pin, and 9-pin.

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

Splits: 0% (0/1)

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

Was trying to stay more upright during the first half of the approach. My line was a good one to the pocket and my accuracy was above average. Got a little lucky with a few Brooklyns. And, we were playing one of the better teams...so I usually elevate my game when the competition is better. One of the better nights thus far this fall season.

Timmyb

11-02-2019, 07:35 AM

Nice Friday scores!

Aslan

11-09-2019, 06:28 PM

Nice Friday scores!

Thanks.

Unfortunately it didn't transfer into bigger and better things the following week. :(

Thursday Men's League: THS

507 Series: 173-191-143

Game 1 was clean through 5. Bad spare shooting on a 4-7 in the 7th and a 7-pin in the 10th pretty much killed me.

Opened on the first two shots of Game 2, but then was clean the rest of the way.

Struck on the first shot of Game 3...then a mix of opens and spares the rest of the way...capped off by a missed 2-pin in the 10th frame. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.35 pins
Strikes: 29%
Spares: 59% picked up

Single Pin spares: 81% (9/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 4-pin (5x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 7-pin (2x), 9-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 36% (4/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 4-7 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 169.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 177.00.

Not sure what was going on. I just couldn't get dialed in and comfortable the entire night.

Game 1 I just got so upset with myself at whiffing on the 4-7...that when I had to pick up a 7-pin in the 10th...there was almost no doubt I was going to miss it. Game 2 wasn't bad...but then in Game 3 I left a 4-10 split in the 3rd, chopped a 2-4-5-7-8 in the 4th...could only manage 7 /, 9 /, 8 /...so I'm watching as my maximum score continues to nosedive. Then a Big 4 split in the 8th, a 8 /, then I just knew I was going to miss the 2-pin. Lifetime I'm 80% on 2-pins...it's my 4th easiest single-pin to convert.

5-pin: 85% (525/616)
3-pin: 82% (366/443)
9-pin: 81% (364/447)
2-pin: 80% (443/547)
1-pin: 78% (25/32)
-----------------------------------
6-pin: 72% (582/798)
4-pin: 71% (589/829)
8-pin: 69% (90/130)
7-pin: 67% (689/1024)
10-pin: 65% (1328/2037)

Aslan

11-09-2019, 07:44 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

520 Series: 155-140-225

The first two games, I just couldn't get lined up. Go through the nose, move left. Then, leave a 2-pin combo...move back to the right...go through the nose....move back left...leave a 2-pin combo. I tried all 3 of my primary balls...I tried different balls on different lanes...nothing was working.

In game 3, I switched to the Rhino Gold and was lined up differently on each lane. Picked up a 4-pin in the 1st frame, then went X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 /...before leaving a 2-10 split in the 10th which I couldn't quite convert.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.71 pins
Strikes: 38%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 5-pin, 6-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 25% (3/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 5-9 and 2-4-5 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 173.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 177.00

Game 3 was the highest score I've had in this league...and our team took 5 of 7 points despite my abysmal overall performance...but geesh...that was brutal. Our anchor seems to think our high-rev youngster, throwing urethane, is messing up the breakpoint...which might explain why I was about 3:6 further inside on the left lane than on the right.

Aslan

11-10-2019, 09:23 PM

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

476 Series: 149-159-168

Game 1: Pocket 8 in frame 1, 2-8 sleeper in frame 4, baby split in frame 6, 2-8 sleeper in frame 7.
9 /, 9 /, 8 /, 8 1, X, 8 1, 8 1, 6 /, X, 7 2.

Game 2 was better...just ruined it with sub-par 10-pin shooting.
9 /, 9 -, 6 /, 6 3, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -.

Game 3: Another 2-8 sleeper in frame 3, 2-4-10 split in the 4th, 1-2-4-10 washout in frame 6.
X, X, 8 -, 7 1, 9 -, 6 3, 7 /, 9 -, X, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.56 pins
Strikes: 28%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 65% (7/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (4/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-8 sleeper (3x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 158.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 171.67.

Just didn't have a good look...didn't have a consistent release/speed...and my spare shooting was abysmal. Granted, a LOT of very difficult spares (2-8 sleepers, washouts, splits)...but also a 6-pin and a few 10-pins that I should have picked up.

The only good thing that happened was late in the final game. Going into the 10th, my opponent was on a spare and I was on a strike.

He had 128 in the 9th and struck to give him 138 in the 9th and a strike on his first ball of the 10th.
I had 118 in the 9th and struck to give me 128 in the 9th, + the next ball.

He got a 6-count on his second ball in the 10th...meaning he could spare and finish with a 158.
If I guttered twice, I'd have 128 in the 9th and 138 in the 10th...another strike gives me 138 in the 9th and 158 + the final ball in the 10th. A 9 / would max me out at 157.

He finished with a 3-count giving him a final score of 157.
I struck to guarantee a 158...then struck again to finish with a 168.

I ended up taking 2 of 3 games from my opponent...and I "think" totals...although it was close and I'm not 100% sure. I think he beat me by 14 the first game and I beat him by 11 the 3rd game...I'm pretty sure I beat him the second game, but I don't recall by how much...it was close. Normally I don't care that I beat the opponent because there aren't individual points assigned...but this guy and I are within 1 point average of one another...and we shouldn't be. He has very bad form...he's not a good spare shooter...and I should have a much higher average than he does. This is the only house he bowls at...where as I'm still trying to figure this house out.

Aslan

11-16-2019, 03:12 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

569 Series: 197-203-169

Game 1 I opened with a 5-bagger before opening on 2 splits and a 3-6-10. Spared a couple frames to finish just shy of 200.

Game 2 I was clean through 9; then missed a single 10-pin in the 10th. :mad:

Game 3 I started with a - 7...but then went X, 7 /, X, X, X before a missed 7-pin in the 7th. Spare shooting woes continued with a missed 10-pin in the 9th...and had to settle for a sub-par 169 to close out the night...losing my only point.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.69 pins
Strikes: 43%
Spares: 47% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leaves: N/A

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 189.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.33.

Gotta figure out this single-pin spare shooting nonsense...its an unacceptable way to lose.

Aslan

11-16-2019, 01:05 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

520 Series: 176-160-184

Struck 4 out of 5 times on the right lane before pulling a shot through the nose in the 9th frame. On the left lane, didn't strike until the first shot of the 10th frame. Opened on a couple very make-able spares though...so wasn't happy about that.

Game 2 was miserable. Four opens...one was a 6-7 split...the other 3 were single corner pins. :mad: And, of course, two of the 3 missed were in the 9th and 10th frames...which is very helpful to scoring in bowling.

Just like last week, Game 3 I switched to the Rhino Gold. I had used the Grudge and Mystic in Game 1, Mystic and Exile in Game 2...and by Game 3 it was the Exile and Rhino Gold....quickly just using the Rhino Gold on both lanes of the pair. After opening on a pocket 8-10 in the first frame, I was clean the rest of the way...just couldn't run any strikes together.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 69% (9/13)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 4-pin (3x), 6-pin (3x), 7-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 173.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 188.00

Two straight weeks with a 520 series. Last week was disappointing because I was coming off a much better performance the week before...and it wasn't consistent (155,140,225). This week seemed even worse because I just needed to make spares...makeable and single-pin spares...and I could have averaged 10-11 pins higher...easy. And, at least last week I had a high score in the 3rd game...this time I was more consistent (176,160,184)...but consistently "blah".

Aslan

11-22-2019, 12:28 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

456 Series: 166-170-120

Game 1 I was clean through 5...then opened on a 4-6 split followed by a chopped 3-6. Clean the rest of the way...but no carry...only one strike.

Game 2 I started with a chopped 2-4-5...then was clean until the 7th when I opened on a 4-10 split. First missed single-pin was a 10-pin in the 9th. But, managed to strike a handful of times...nothing I could run together much.

Game 3 I missed another 10-pin in the 2nd frame. I then opened 5 of the next 6 frames...before finishing with a couple spares. 3 of the 5 opens were the same leave on the same lane...a 4-6-7 split. Each time I adjusted by moving in...only to leave it again. :mad:

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.36 pins
Strikes: 21%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 71% (5/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, and 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 41% (7/17)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10 (4x)

Splits: 16% (1/6)

Average over 3 games: 152.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 159.33.

Embarrassing. I don't think I'm ready for this league. I think maybe its time to face the facts and maybe next fall join a couple "fun leagues" rather than men's leagues with quality competition. It's embarrassing to be the low man most nights. Do I win the occasional high game? Yes. Do I rack up individual points for the team? Yes. But...most of these guys are averaging over 200 and throwing occasional perfect games...700-800 series...and I'm struggling to put up a consistent 550.

boatman37

11-22-2019, 07:46 PM

Don't give up. At least for me the stronger competition makes me work harder. I tend to play down to my competition. For 1.5 years I was low man on my team and about 70% of the bowlers were ahead of me. Our summer league is very competitive and I was almost at the bottom of that league the first year and even early on my 2nd season in it. I'm talking of about 80 bowlers I was ahead of about 4 or 5. Pretty embarrassing but it made me work harder and I learned from those better bowlers. Right now only 40% of the bowlers are ahead of me (47th of 113). If I had been in a 'fun' league with weaker competition I'm sure I'd still be down there.
The biggest thing for me was getting back to basics and quit trying to get those high revs that look so cool. I went back to being simple and consistent. I'm also much better at adjusting and understanding what the lanes are doing and what I need to do to work with that. Keep it up and good luck.

Aslan

11-23-2019, 01:39 AM

Don't give up. At least for me the stronger competition makes me work harder. I tend to play down to my competition.
I don't know. I also tend to play up to competition, but you have to draw a line at some point. I've never bowled at the master's or entered the WSOB...because there's no point to it. The question is, where is that line for me?

The biggest thing for me was getting back to basics and quit trying to get those high revs that look so cool. I went back to being simple and consistent. I'm also much better at adjusting and understanding what the lanes are doing and what I need to do to work with that. Keep it up and good luck.
I think I have an above average understanding of the technology, lane play, and techniques. I've spent thousands of dollars on lessons with pros at the highest levels. But what does it matter if I don't have the physical skills?

Friday Mixed League: THS

456 Series: 151-133-172

Spare shooting...can't figure out where my spare game has gone. Maybe I need to practice more. This is getting ridiculous. Missed a 10-pin, 5-pin, and twice missed a 6-10. More issues in Game 2: missed a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 10-pin...chopped a 3-6.

Game 2 was miserable. Four opens...one was a 6-7 split...the other 3 were single corner pins. And, of course, two of the 3 missed were in the 9th and 10th frames...which is very helpful to scoring in bowling.

Game 3 was splits. I was clean and managed to strike a few times...but a 4-6-10, 2-4-8-10, and 2-7-8 killed that.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.40 pins
Strikes: 23%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin (3x)
Also left a single 4-pin (2x), 5-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Multiple Pin spares: 53% (8/15)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 and 6-10 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 152.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 169.00

Two straight nights with a 456 series. Very embarrassing.

I just couldn't find a line that would work. At one point I was playing very different lines one lane to the other. By the time I realized just how dry the lanes were that night, I was already almost done with Game 2.

Just surfaced the Exile to 360 and then added polish. I figured that might enhance the skid/flip characteristics...but every time I use polish, the ball just doesn't want to turn. Even with that 360 surface, playing outside 10, and laying it down at the dots...the ball just slid all the way down and made a very minute move to the pocket. It essentially had the same reaction as my old Brunswick Slingshot. I actually had to move INSIDE, considerably, to switch to the Rhino Gold...which should be weaker than the Exile. And what happens when that polish starts to wear off (which it WILL)...now I got a skid/flip pearl that I use when there might be oil carried down to the breakpoint but the first 3/4 of the lanes have transitioned...and suddenly I got a ball with a 360 surface.... :confused:

boatman37

11-23-2019, 12:09 PM

I think I have an above average understanding of the technology, lane play, and techniques. I've spent thousands of dollars on lessons with pros at the highest levels. But what does it matter if I don't have the physical skills?

I started understanding it several months ago but I had trouble converting that to 'reality'. I'm finally starting to be able to do what I'm seeing in my head. I was at your point a few months ago. I started figuring I was only a 175-180 bowler and that's what I would be. Seems like shortly after that is when I started doing better. My average the last 18 games is 206 and I'm missing alot of spares that I shouldn't be. According to my app if I had been making those spares my average would be about 219 in that span. Before this 18 game stretch I was at 177 and I'm now at 192.
Maybe try relaxing and not putting so much pressure on yourself. That is kind of what I did and I started bowling better almost instantly.

Timmyb

11-23-2019, 01:27 PM

I think I have an above average understanding of the technology, lane play, and techniques. I've spent thousands of dollars on lessons with pros at the highest levels. But what does it matter if I don't have the physical skills?

This is likely to **** a few off here, but I'm one of those other guys. I've never had a lesson in my life, save for being coached in junior leagues. I don't study ball dynamics, lane conditions. or any of that stuff (not to discredit anyone that does). I bowl once a week, and practice very little during the off season. My average has been roughly between 210-220 since I came back 5 years ago from a 6-7 year hiatus.

I am not someone who would ever consider myself to have "physical skills". Am I maybe just dumb lucky? Could be. I look at my scores and can see that if I got rid of half the mistakes I make each week, I could be 230's, but I don't fret much about it. Maybe the fact that I don't try to wrap my head around this might be why I do better than the average guy. Possible you're just over thinking, and should just say "f**k it, let's bowl"?

boatman37

11-23-2019, 02:18 PM

This is likely to **** a few off here, but I'm one of those other guys. I've never had a lesson in my life, save for being coached in junior leagues. I don't study ball dynamics, lane conditions. or any of that stuff (not to discredit anyone that does). I bowl once a week, and practice very little during the off season. My average has been roughly between 210-220 since I came back 5 years ago from a 6-7 year hiatus.

I am not someone who would ever consider myself to have "physical skills". Am I maybe just dumb lucky? Could be. I look at my scores and can see that if I got rid of half the mistakes I make each week, I could be 230's, but I don't fret much about it. Maybe the fact that I don't try to wrap my head around this might be why I do better than the average guy. Possible you're just over thinking, and should just say "f**k it, let's bowl"?

Yep. kinda what I was saying. Just relax and don't put pressure on yourself. I do study and try to learn but it is kind of my character. When I do something I live and breath it until I understand it inside and out. My son raced karts and I studied chassis tuning for years. Started day trading stocks and lived and breathed it (still do). But I can't help myself but study anything I'm into. It definitely helped me. And yeah, against the advice of many here I have never had any lessons of any kind except a Brian Voss VHS tape I had back in the 80's and the tips I got from Mark Roth when I bowled with him but that was all informal.

As far as physical skills...yeah 30 years ago I was pretty athletic but now I'm 50, 6'0 tall and 270lbs. I have 2 bulging discs in my lower back and I cannot use my right arm at all. Not sure I would give many people a pass for physical abilities when it comes to bowling.

Aslan

11-24-2019, 08:36 PM

I don't think performing a labotomy and then bowling will get me averaging 200+.

Sure, relaxation can help...but I've seen lots of players that can physically throw a nice ball...or have a ton of revs/speed...of are old and have been throwing a ball since the 1960s...all of them have the skills to go out there and roll strikes. They never leave the house they are used to...they tend not to do tournaments and wouldn't ever join a sport shot league. They are happy doing what they do. If the lanes are transitioning...they just complain that the particular house is famous for leaving 10-pins. If oil has been pushed to the break-point...they just complain the oil is too heavy. If the lanes transition and their balls start going through the nose...it's because the lanes are too dry. Everything is the fault of the house or the oil machine...unless they're bowling well...then its their skill shining through.

Every-Other-Sunday Family Doubles: THS

577 Series: 188-154-235 (clean)

Games 1 and 2 were very similar. I seemed to be shooting well, but would either miss corner pins or have to shoot at splits or washouts. Seemed like maximum penalty for anything outside the pocket.

Game 3 I was keeping things clean...got lucky on a few strikes...a couple brooklyns and one through the nose.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.90 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 6-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 5-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x).

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 192.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.00.

Second position round. It was position round Friday night...that league is now off until after the New Year. This league has competitively ended tonight...just one more "fun week" in a couple weeks. Coming in, we were in 4th...1/2 point back of teams #2 and #3...3 1/2 points back of 1st place. So, best we could do was tie for 1st place. But, the last place team was only 3 1/2 points back...so we could fall pretty far if we had a bad night.

To tie for first place, we needed to take all 4 (which we did) and we needed team #2 to get 3 1/2 points...no more, no less. Unlikely...but even if that doesn't happen...we should be guaranteed second place.

Individually, the 3rd game was enough to tie me for men's high scratch game and should be enough to get me men's high handicap game for the season. Kinda upsets me that I missed a single 7-pin on my final shot of the 10th frame...which woulda gave me men's high scratch game outright.

Aslan

12-06-2019, 09:59 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

606 Series: 189-197-220

Games 1 and 2 were both games where I got off to a bad start, but managed to keep things clean in the final part.

Game 3 I struck on 6 of 7 shots...then a 2-4-10 split cost me a clean game and a chance at a 240+ game.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 52%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (6/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x)
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin, 5-pin, and 6-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (4/10)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 5-9 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

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

Best series thus far in this league. Still got some work to do...but I was keeping my body more upright in my approach and trying not to put too much spine tilt into my posting position...and that seemed to work. I was more accurate, I was getting more revs on the ball...and I even went 6/6 on single pins...which is ALWAYS a good thing for me.

boatman37

12-06-2019, 11:13 PM

Nice night. I have tried standing more upright just cause of my knee and back but seem to always go back to my old style

Aslan

12-07-2019, 06:20 PM

Nice night. I have tried standing more upright just cause of my knee and back but seem to always go back to my old style

A coach once told me: "Walk past the ball." That's the first step, staying upright as you 'walk past' the ball. The next part is to keep your head level during the release.

And, thats what seemed to be working for me.

Aslan

12-23-2019, 01:01 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

424 Series: 120-166-138

Just a miserable night. Nothing was working...and spare shooting was abysmal. Game 2 I only had 3 opens...which would normally be a 'bad' game...but that was the highlight.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.16 pins
Strikes: 21%
Spares: 41% picked up

Single Pin spares: 61% (8/13)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (6x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 6-pin, nor 7-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 18% (2/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-8-10 (3x)

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 141.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 157.00.

One of those nights that makes one question whether its time to resign from competitive men's leagues and maybe try the "fun" leagues. Just embarrassing.

Aslan

12-23-2019, 11:32 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

607 Series: 210-188-209

Game 1 I struck on 7 of my first 8 shots, but opened in the 4th, 9th, and 10th to pretty much barely salvage a 200+ game.

Game 2 I only had two opens...this time in the 2nd and 9th...but didn't carry quite as well as Game 1.

Game 3 was more of the same...only opened once in the 6th frame; but didn't carry any better than Game 2.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.03 pins
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 60% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leaves: 6-pin and 9-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 4-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 202.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 213.33.

From worst night of the league last week to best night of the league this week. Very weird. The guy I bowled against, at one point, remarked, "Why am I giving YOU pins?" I tried to tell him that the previous week I didn't break 450...but I don't think that was any comfort to him. It was all good though...he's a good guy.

Timmyb

12-24-2019, 12:03 AM

Nice night!

boatman37

12-24-2019, 07:03 AM

Nice bounce back!

Aslan

12-27-2019, 12:21 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

594 Series: 150-235-209 (clean)

Game 1 was abysmal. The lanes were a little drier than expected and I started out way too far outside. Left 4 opens; one split and 3 makable multi-pin spares. Took my point though, so I was happy about that.

Game 2 I started out leaving single 9-pins and 4-pins...which was good because I know what adjustment I need to make for those leaves. Once I made the adjustment, it was 4 straight strikes before leaving another 9-pin...made the adjustment...3 more strikes. Only open was a terrible miss on the 4-pin in the 2nd frame.

Game 3 I started to struggle with carry. Ball change to the Aura Mystic didn't really help. Ball change to the Fortera Exile seemed to solve the problem...but by the time I made that change, I was barely able to salvage a 200+ game. Made all 6 spares though...and I'm always happy when I'm making my spares.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 68% picked up

Single Pin spares: 90% (10/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 9-pin (5x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 6-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 2-4-5-8 bucket (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 198.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 201.67.

Drier lanes usually favor my style. I was paired up against a much better bowler...but his higher rev game meant he spent much of the night going through the nose and leaving nasty spares. I needed to move left a bit further and more often than I prefer...but it was gradual and I knew what moves to make because I was making average-good shots and leaving the automatic "leave this, do this" type spares.

Started the night in a 4 or 5 way tie for 11th with 36.0 individual points...now I'm up to 40. So, I'm pulling my weight...granted, I'm bowling the 2nd position on a 5-man team...so I usually have the more favorable opponent. One of the guys I'm tied with is Tom Hess so I guess I'm in good company. Team standings reset at the midway point of the season...so we came into tonight in 4th place at 29 points. I think after tonight we're at least in 3rd at about 59.5. If I can get back into form...carrying a 177 average into the second half of the season...I could do fairly well. But, I gotta avoid those occasional 119-163 games and occasional sub-460 series.

Aslan

01-03-2020, 02:22 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

616 Series: 226-206-185

Game 1 I started with a 4-9 split, then rattled off 6 straight strikes before opening on a 4-pin in the 8th. Finished clean to salvage a 225+ game.

Started out with some weak hits an a couple opens in Game2...whic prompted a ball change to the Aura Mystic. The ball change led to 5 straight strikes on the left lane...but 8 /, 8 /, X on the right lane. Putting together that late 4-bagger helped me hold onto a second 200+ game.

Threw a solid final shot in Game 2 and left a flat 10...so I figured maybe another ball change was in order and moved to the Fortera Exile. Wasn't able to do much until a turkey I frames 7-9. Wasn't enough to get me another 200+ game...but was enough to stay over 600 for the series.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.15 pins
Strikes: 55%
Spares: 57% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 50% (4/8)
Most common multi-pin leaves: n/a

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 205.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 211.33.

Again, another night with drier lanes that favor my style. I was facing off against a lefty with a 198 average...took 3 out of 4 of my points...and I think our team took the majority of our points and 'should' still be holding on to second place (the standings reset a couple weeks ago). Been making better shots and my timing has been better.

I've found when I bowl against a team with a player that has good form...I tend to bowl better. I tend to watch them deliver a shot and think, "okay...you can do that...you've done that...it's not that hard...just focus on form/balance, etc..."

Another 800-series and a 300-game in the league. Don Breeden (PBA50) was on the pair next to us and shot a 300. Sometimes I think maybe this house has easier conditions....but to be honest....this league just has some really high level bowlers. When I was bowling in Cali...I was one of the top 20-25% of the bowlers in the mixed leagues. In this Thursday men's league....I'm one of the bottom 10-15%. Even if I could get back to a 185-195 average I would be in the bottom 40-60%.

Friday league starts back up next week....hoping I get my average to climb back to the mid 180s-190s before fall season winds down.

Aslan

01-04-2020, 12:45 AM

Thanks to a last-minute LeagueSecretary e-mail...I found out our Friday league started tonight (not next week).

Friday Mixed League: THS

517 Series: 179-215-123

First game I started out with 4 strikes in the first 5 frames. Unfortunately, my only other strike was in the ninth. Highlight of the game (and of the night) was a converted 6-7-10 split in the 8th frame.

Game 2 I switched to the Aura Mystic and seemed very dialed in. 5-bagger to start...6 strikes in the first 7...7 strikes in the first 9. Granted, a missed single 10-pin in the 10th really put the damper on things.

Game 3 was just miserable. Made my only single-pin leave in the 5th...struck a couple times...picked up a 2-5-7 split...and that was pretty much the entirety of my "marks" for the game. Four splits in the last five frames.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.70 pins
Strikes: 46%
Spares: 31% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (3/4)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 16% (2/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 8-10 split (2x)

Splits: 33% (2/6)

Average over 3 games: 172.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 176.33.

At times...I looked like a professional bowler who was bowling against amateurs. And, at other times I made worse shots than the worst player on our pair. The approach was slick...making balance a bit difficult. The lanes transitioned quickly...causing me to be between 2nd and 3rd arrow before I was even out of Game 1. Once I get that far inside...I just don't have the hand to make that turn...and when I move back right...the ball goes through the nose. A very tough night of roller coaster emotions.

Aslan

01-11-2020, 02:23 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

529 Series: 214-150-185

Missed a clean game in Game 1 due to a 3-6-7 split in the 5th.

Issues with splits continued in Game 2 when I left a 4-6-7 in the 3rd frame, another 3-6-7 in the 8th, and another 4-6-7 in the 10th. Add in a chopped 6-10 in the 6th and you have a pretty miserable 2nd game.

Game 3 was a little better...a 6-7-10 split to start followed by a missed 8-pin. Then, stayed clean until the 8th when a horrid shot left me a 1-2-7-8-10 washout I couldn't convert.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.73 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 47% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin and 10-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 41% (5/12)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 4-6-7 and 3-6-7 splits (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 176.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 180.00.

I felt good...just had trouble with splits. Amazing how one open (Game 1) can really knock a score down.

boatman37

01-11-2020, 04:10 PM

yep. We got hit with splits like crazy the other night too. I had 3 but a guy on the other team had about 7 in game1. If I had to guess I'd say our team left about 10-12 and the other team about 15-20 on the bight.

Aslan

01-11-2020, 05:49 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

562 Series: 183-177-202 (clean)

Chopped a 3-6 in the 3rd and then a pocket 7-10 in the 4th. I don't usually switch balls that early in the night...but ut just seemed like Grudge Hybrid was too strong for the lower oil volume on these lanes. I had already moved 1:2 left on one lane and that led to the pocket 7-10...I was gonna need to at least moved 1:2 on the other lane after the 3-6 leave...so maybe I just didn't have the right ball in my hands. Switched to the Aura Mystic and went 9 /, X, 6 /, X, 9 /. Maybe it was too early...but something still felt off...so I switched to the Fortera Exile in frame 10 and went 9 / 9 on a bad shot.

Game 2 I had to make some adjustments. I had JUST resurface the Fortera Exile that morning...and I put a 360/R. Compound/resin polish surface on it. The resin polish...especially when freshly applied...usually means I got to adjust right when I make the switch...sometimes a lot, sometimes a little, sometimes not at all. Took me a couple frames on the right lane to figure it out...then I went X, X, X until a couple bad shots led to two opens and a couple spares to finish out the game only 1 pin above my average.

Decided to switch to the Vintage Rhino Gold to end out the night. I moved back outside to try an up and in shot that usually works well with that ball...but moving right just wasn't a good idea. I ended up just constantly going through the nose until about the 8th frame. Fortunately, I stayed clean the entire game...minor highlight in an otherwise disappointing night.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.73 pins
Strikes: 36%
Spares: 72% picked up

Single Pin spares: 87% (7/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin, 5-pin, and 7-pin (2x each)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 4-pin, 8-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 60% (6/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 187.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.33.

I think I'm going to change my progression on these lanes the rest of the season and go Mystic, Rhino, Exile. The Grudge is too strong to use more than 1/2 to 3/4 a game...and switching the Exile too early...before there's reasonably carry down at the breakpoint...doesn't work. The bad news is our team got smoked for the second straight week...the good news is I got a clean game out of it and threw my highest series in this league since November 1st.

Aslan

01-17-2020, 07:52 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

527 Series: 166-152-209

Struggled in Game 1 on the left lane.

Similar to last week (3 splits), 4 splits kept me in the 150s. A 4-6-7-9 in the 1st frame, a 4-6-7 in the 4th, a 6-7-10 in the 5th, and a 2-7-8 on the first shot of the 10th. I was at least able to convert the 2-7-8.

Made the move to the Fortera Exile for Game 3 and started off with a 4-bagger. Opened on a terrible shot in the 5th...then it was 4 straight splits, a strike, and a split to fill the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.48 pins
Strikes: 39%
Spares: 65% picked up

Single Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Also left a single 3-pin, 4-pin (2x), and 6-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 53% (7/13)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10, 3-6, and 4-6-7 split (2x each)

Splits: 20% (1/5)

Average over 3 games: 175.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 179.33.

Last week I shot a 529 series and made the closing comment: "I felt good...just had trouble with splits. Amazing how one open (Game 1) can really knock a score down."

Well, this week was a 527...splits killed Game 2...and one open in Game 3 left me 'barely' a 200-game. The bummers for tonight...I split with my opponent...and no clean games.

Aslan

01-25-2020, 05:48 PM

Thursday Men's League: THS

521 Series: 187-164-170

Did pretty well in Game 1...just pulled a couple bad shots.

Did okay in Game 2....definitely wasn't throwing as good a shots as Game 1.

Threw even more bad shots in Game 3...started out with 2 opens...and ended with 2 missed single-pins.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.38 pins
Strikes: 37%
Spares: 55% picked up

Single Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (5x)
Also left a single 3-pin, 6-pin, 8-pin, and 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: N/A

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 173.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 184.67.

In the last 3 weeks: 529, 527, 521. Perhaps I've hit my ceiling. :mad:

This week I had thumb issues. I ran out of ultra-slide powder and have been using VISE tape on my thumb in a bigger insert. Seemed to be working fine, but with slightly warmer temperatures as of late....started to get sticking issues...especially in the spare ball that I probably needed to take a strip of tape out of.

Aslan

01-25-2020, 07:00 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

Skipped a week due to hazardous winter driving conditions last week.

623 Series: 200-228-195

Game 1 I made 8 good shots and a few bad ones. Kept things clean until the 8th...and I can't complain about a 200-game.

Game 2 I started out with the front 5. Got the 6th shot a little outside and left a 2-7-8 split...which I couldn't convert. Ended with X, X, 9 /, 9 / 7...which was my high game in the league thus far.

Game 3 I needed a 217 to beat my high series in the league. Started off with X, X, 9 /, X, X. But, one of 2 bad shots that game left me with a washout in the 6th and my only open. Needed a double and to stay clean the rest of the way to get that 217...but went 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 / 7.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 78% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (2/5)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 207.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: N/A

Used the Aura Mystic all night instead of starting with the Grudge Hybrid. This house just seems to have an oil pattern that breaks down quickly. That means my standard progression was getting to the Fortera Exile (skid/flip ball meant for carry down) before there was any carry down....which makes it a worse option versus a better option. By starting with the Aura Mystic...moving a couple boards right with my target and a board in with my feet...I can get a pretty good line at the pocket. If I need to ball down, I'll try to ball down to the Rhino Gold until I experience carry down...THEN I can take out the Fortera Exile if needed.

Played the 1st place team and they haven't lost a point in two weeks...14-0 coming in. We managed to take 2...but they were still too much for us to handle...especially with one guy absent.

Amyers

01-27-2020, 09:53 AM

Aslan

01-31-2020, 11:30 PM

Congrats on a good night bud, it's good to see you rolling well

You may have spoken too soon....

...I was just thinking about you (Amyers) tonight...wondered where you disappeared to.

Thursday Men's League: THS

506 Series: 189-147-170

Like last week...did pretty well in Game 1...just made a couple bad shots that led to opens.

Also...like last week...Game 2 was a disappointment...which is an under-statement. Threw a turkey in the 10th just to salvage a 147. Five opens and 4 spares.

Once I kinda figured things out in the 10th with the Aura Mystic....I did okay in the first half of Game 3. 8 /, 7 2, X, X, X... But, decided to make a ball change given the last of the three strikes was weak...the ball exiting the deck almost over the 9-pin. Switching the Fortera Exile didn't work... 9 -, 9 /, X, 9 -, 7 2. Actually...not only the exact same score as Game 3...but similar failure with splits, missed single-pins, and opens in the 9th and 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.73 pins
Strikes: 39%
Spares: 45% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 38% (5/13)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 168.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 178.00.

Another night where I was hampered by splits. Also, oddly enough....I was 3 for 3 on 10-pins...missed a 3-pin, 4-pin, and 7-pin.

In the last 3 weeks: 529, 527, 521...now 506. Not trending in the right direction.

Aslan

02-01-2020, 12:11 AM

Friday Mixed League: THS

After last week's strong showing...I was hoping for a repeat effort. Last week we played the 1st place team...this week the 2nd place team.

570 Series: 166-158-246 (clean)

Game 1 I had problems with splits. A 2-4-10 in the 6th and a pocket 8-10 in the 8th.

Game 2 I tried to ball down to the Rhino Gold...thinking maybe the Aura Mystic was burning up...losing energy. Seemed like when I moved left...I'd hit light...but if I moved right...I'd go through the nose. So, I figured the Rhino Gold...on a similar line...maybe even a more aggressive line...would be the answer. Unfortunately...I think I was just too far right...almost at 1st arrow...and I couldn't ge the "up and in" shot to work. Another 2-4-10 split in the 1st frame and a 3-9-10 split in the 10th certainly didn't help things. I switched to the Fortera Exile in the 8th frame but had to adjust my line left.

Game 3 I was dialed in with the Fortera Exile: X, X, X, X, X, X, X to start. Unfortunately, I slipped on my approach in the 8th and guttered. I converted and then struck in the 9th. Still had a shot at a 270...would have been my highest sanctioned game...but I went through the nose and left a 6-pin. So, after the front 7 I finished with a - /, X, 9 / 6.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.59 pins
Strikes: 46%
Spares: 62% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (7/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 2-pin and 6-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 4-pin, 7-pin, and 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (3/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-10 split (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

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

My old coach used to say that I have the ability to be an upper 190s average bowler. I think her exact working was, "There's no reason you shouldn't be averaging in the mid to upper 190s." And, I can see what she meant. When I exhibit good form...timing...etc...; I can make very good shots. If I can couple that with a 75-89% single-pin spare shooting rate...the mid to upper 190s isn't that significant. I just gotta figure out how to do that.

Las week I bowled very, very well on Friday night...one frame per game away from a clean series and I bowled my highest score to that date. Now, I've topped that high game a week later...almost striking the front 9...something I don't think I've accomplished yet in my career.

I need to keep this momentum going on Fridays...no more 147 games. And I need to do better on Thursdays.

boatman37

02-01-2020, 10:51 AM

Good ending to the night! I have the same issue. I 'should' be a 200-210 bowler if I could just make my single pin spares. I'm only at about a 55% spare lately. Averaging about 6 or 7 opens a night lately. Thats an easy 50 pins per night better even if I still leave a couple of opens. Thats 15-18 pins higher average per game. Spares can be a killer

Amyers

02-03-2020, 11:26 AM

You may have spoken too soon....

...I was just thinking about you (Amyers) tonight...wondered where you disappeared to.

I've been suffering from kidney failure and some other medical issues Unfortunately here lately so I'm off bowling for now planning on starting back this summer hopefully I'll be fully back for fall league next year. I still pop on here every now and the then to check on everyone. I miss it but at least I'm alive.

Timmyb

02-05-2020, 03:51 PM

I've been suffering from kidney failure and some other medical issues Unfortunately here lately so I'm off bowling for now planning on starting back this summer hopefully I'll be fully back for fall league next year. I still pop on here every now and the then to check on everyone. I miss it but at least I'm alive.

My girlfriend is going through the same thing right now. Just got on a transplant list. The last year has literally been hell....

Stormed1

02-05-2020, 09:49 PM

It's no fun! I've been on dialysis for close to seven years. I was going through the process to get on the transplant list when i had to have my amputation , so the list went on hold. I will probably start the process again this fall. I still pop in to the two leagues I bowledevery so often to keep in touch with friends

Aslan

02-07-2020, 02:40 PM

I've been suffering from kidney failure and some other medical issues Unfortunately here lately so I'm off bowling for now planning on starting back this summer
Well, that's a bummer man. :(. Get better soon.

Good ending to the night! I have the same issue. I 'should' be a 200-210 bowler if I could just make my single pin spares. I'm only at about a 55% spare lately. Averaging about 6 or 7 opens a night lately. Thats an easy 50 pins per night better even if I still leave a couple of opens. Thats 15-18 pins higher average per game. Spares can be a killer
Yeah, I'm averaging about 1-3 opens per game...about 6 opens per night.

Thursday Men's League: THS

575 Series: 159-183-233

Was having trouble early...missing right....inconsistent release...just wasn't feeling it.

Tried to settle things down in Game 2...only had one open in the 7th on a single 4-pin...but strikes were few and far between.

Game 3 I started off with a 4-7-9 split...but then just started striking. Was using the Mystic on the left lane and Exile on the right lane....rattled off 6-in-a-row before one of my best shots left a ringing 7-pin in the 8th. Put too much hand in the next shot and left a 3-6...that I chopped. Struck out for a 233...3rd highest score of the season in this league. Took my only point of the night...took high game...and won a $1 sidebet.

* You'll want to read the portion below for a gross/interesting part to this story...

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.00 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 53% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, nor 6-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 3-6 and 8-10 baby split (2x each)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

Average over 3 games: 191.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 203.00.

Now, the real issue I had in Game 3 was a stomach issue. Lets just say I had to make two trips to the bathroom and it wasn't for a quick 'tinkle'. Very difficult to bowl when going to the bathroom constantly...you gotta try not to get your bowling hand/thumb wet while still washing your hands afterwards...you got toilet paper sticking to your thumb tape...not to mention you gotta go back out there while your teammates and the other team are sitting there waiting 'impatiently' for you to return.

It felt good to win high game in the 3rd game...because the pro on our team was giving me a bunch of 'poo' early on...teasing me about how I like to point out that I'm one of the top bowlers in individual points standings...and then when I mentioned I got my my high game of season the previous Friday, he joked, "Was it a 204?" So...games like my 3rd game are really valuable to remind me that I'm capable of beating those kind of guys.

Now...can it translate into a strong Friday performance??

Aslan

02-08-2020, 08:40 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

Coming off a season high 246 the last game of last Friday and coming off the 3rd game 233 the previous night in my Thursday league...I thought I might try to put more than one good game together and start getting some 600 series for the first time in quite awhile.

526 Series: 209-193-124

Game 1 was my best game. Made a few bad shots where I missed right...but some carried and those that left single-pins I converted. Out of 11 first ball shots, only 1 time did I knock over less than 9 pins....a 1-2-10 washout in the 5th that ruined my bid for a clean game.

Game 2 I almost had my first ever Dutch 200: X, 9 /, X, 8 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 / through 8 frames. But, in the 9th I left a pocket 7-10 instead of striking. I finally doubled in the 10th to salvage a 193.

Game 3...the wheels came off. A terrible shot in the 2nd frame led to an open. Then, a 4-6-7 split. Then a pulled shot led to another open in the 4th frame. A 4-7-10 split in the 6th was followed by a 9 /, X before I missed my first two single pins in the 9th and 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.91 pins
Strikes: 45%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 80% (8/10)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (3x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 3-pin, 5-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 14% (1/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 175.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 182.67.

Was dealing with a sore ring finger on my bowling hand due to me biting the nail and causing some cuticle damage around the nail. Two weeks ago I did it to the middle finger on the bowling hand...now it was the ring finger. Could barely get the finger in the ball on any of my strike balls.

Really disappointing. After two games that were 1 frame (each) away from being clean....with perfect single-pin spare shooting...to end the night in the low 500s...below my average in the league...not be able to sweep all 7 points...just a miserable way to finish what was otherwise a decent night of bowling. :mad: :(

Aslan

02-14-2020, 01:21 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

604 Series: 161-242 (clean)-201

Was having trouble early...the Grudge Hybrid just didn't seem like the right choice early on. I should have made a ball change after the first or second frame...but thought I could work around it. Made a bad first shot in the 5th and guttered followed by a 4-7-10 split in the 6th. Made the ball change in the 8th...but left a 2-4-10...then missed a single 10-pin in the 9th before doubling in the 10th to end up with a disappointing 161.

Still had to make a couple minor adjustments in the first couple frames of Game 2...but then settled in and ran off a 4-bagger before I started to lose my line again. After a couple spares, I decided another ball change was in order and put together a turkey before pulling the final shot and getting an 8-count on the final ball.

Game 3 I just made a few bad shots...one of which resulted in a 3-10 baby split that I couldn't convert. Other than that it was a clean endeavor.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.77 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 60% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 3-6 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 201.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 205.00.

I'm happy that I managed my first 600+ series since early January. And, other than a struggle with the Grudge Hybrid in Game 1, I was good shots....halfway decent carry...overall a good night.

Timmyb

02-14-2020, 03:39 AM

Looks like my Tuesday. Nice night!

Amyers

02-14-2020, 09:34 AM

Congrats on 600+ series those are nice

Aslan

02-15-2020, 02:35 PM

Friday Mixed League: THS

Put together a couple good games last Friday and had a 600 Series the night before...so I was hopeful this would be a continuation of the marginal success.

552 Series: 177-202-173

Only opens in Game 1 were a 3-10 baby split and a 1-2-10 washout. But, I couldn't run any strikes together and was struggling with two lanes that were playing quite a bit differently.

Game 2 was more of the same. A missed 3-9-10 split in the 4th and a missed 10-pin in the 6th...but I was able to run 4 strikes together to finish strong and salvage a 200+ game.

Game 3 was the same story as Games 1 and 2. Opened in the 1st frame on a 10-pin, opened again in the 3rd on the Big 4, and again in the 7th on a 6-7 split. I was only able to salvage a 170+ game because when I did strike it seemed to come in pairs.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.94 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 50% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/5)

Average over 3 games: 184.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 191.67.

I again felt like I was making good shots and am getting my timing and form back. Kinda stinks it took my nearly the entire season...but that's what happens when you don't have coaching and have to fight your way through the struggles yourself.

This center is a bit tougher than the Thursday center. The approaches are stickier...so I have to wear a #10 sole...which results in some balance issues. The center seems to but down a wider pattern...but a very low volume pattern that transitions quickly. Usually by Game 3, you can't really just adjust off your last shot...you almost need to adjust assuming your last adjustment isn't enough.

We bowled the blind this week and bowled well enough to get all of our points...so we 'should' be out of the cellar finally.

Aslan

02-21-2020, 02:20 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

505 Series: 177-159-169

Couldn't run any strikes together in Game 1.

Game 2 I guttered twice on the first ball only to spare the frame. But again...couldn't seem to carry.

Game 3 was more of the same...with an extra split mixed in.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.21 pins
Strikes: 33%
Spares: 60% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leaves: Full Rack and 6-10 (2x each)

Splits: 20% (1/5)

Average over 3 games: 168.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 177.00.

Lost all individual for one of the few times this season. Just didn't have any carry. I was hitting the pocket...making adjustments...changing balls...doing everything I could think of to try and right the ship...nothing was working. Kinda hard to score well in bowling when you only are able to double twice the entire night.

Aslan

02-28-2020, 01:23 AM

Friday Mixed League: THS

533 Series: 142-169-222

Terribly bad shooting in Game 1. Two strikes, three spares, and four open frames on multi-pin leaves.

Game 2 was even worse. One strike in the first 8 frames...not one frame in two games where I left a single-pin...but I struck out in the 9th and 10th to keep from a complete embarassment.

Game 3 I was clean all except a 1-2-4-10 washout in the 4th. Also, finally saw a few single-pins to shoot at.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.68 pins
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 50% picked up

Single Pin spares: 100% (3/3)
Most common single-pin leave: 4-pin, 6-pin, and 9-pin (1x each)

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (6/15)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-7-10 split (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 177.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: n/a.

Too many bad shots early.

Aslan

02-28-2020, 10:30 AM

Thursday Men's League: THS

567 Series: 191-166-210

Opened in the 4th, 5th, and 6th on a 4-7-9 split, single 4-pin, and Big 4 split. But, struck 6 times on 12 shots to salvage a respectable score.

Game 2 I switched to the Fortera Exile but it was more of the same. Struck 6 times on 10 shots. But, I opened in the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 10th on a 9-10 split, 2-4-10 split, and on two single 10-pins. All I needed was one less open and I'd have beaten my opponent that game and swept him for the night. I beat him by around 20 pins scratch, but he edged me out by a couple pins with his handicap advantage.

Game 3 I switched to the Rhino Gold. Only one open in the 4th on a 3-6 leave. Unfortunately, that open was the only non-strike between the 2nd and 7th frames; interrupting a potential 6-bagger.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 42% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 37% (3/8)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 3-6 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 189.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 199.33.

Saw 2 guys shoot 300s...one of which shot a 300-296-215 for an 811. Being in a league like that...where 300s are a weekly event....I think ya lose focus on spares. As soon as you leave a spare, you think, "Well, screw it...game over."

Not happy with my spare shooting...it really hurt my scores and cost me a sweep of an inferior opponent...but at least I was carrying better on the majority of my shots. An over-average night is an over-average night.

boatman37

02-28-2020, 02:06 PM

Timmyb

02-28-2020, 09:31 PM

Yeah we have alt of 300's in our league too. The PSO has 3 this year I think. One night him and another guy on his team both had 300's in the same game but that was last season. Looking at our standings/stats page we have 5 different guys roll 300's this season and like I said, the one has 3. Maybe one of these days I can get my name on there...lol

We have one 300 in our league this year. No 800's. There's been a few at the house, just not in our league.

boatman37

02-29-2020, 09:08 AM

We have one 300 in our league this year. No 800's. There's been a few at the house, just not in our league.

Our PSO had an 823 in our league. I think that's the night he had a 300, 289 and 234ish. But his average is 233 so not a stretch for him to roll a 300. He may have had multiple 800's this year but the stats only show the highest from each bowler. The next highest are 792 and 772.

Aslan

02-29-2020, 03:46 PM

We have one 300 in our league this year. No 800's. There's been a few at the house, just not in our league.

It's a different experience. I've been in leagues in "easier houses" where I averaged 10 pins higher than I was averaging elsewhere...and there were 8-11 300-games...maybe a few 800 series in a season. But this league is a little different in that the house doesn't seem 'easier' than other houses I bowl at...its just a league where all of the highest average bowlers in this area...all bowl. So, you have PBA pros, PBA Regional players, PBA50 bowlers, State Hall of Famers, sponsored players, and young bowlers that were star players in high school or were bowlers on college teams. Just on my team...which is middle of the pack to bottom of the standings...we have a state USBC hall of famer and our anchor is a former college player that is sponsored by DV8. I'm one of the very few players in the entire league that has never thrown a 300 in their career. Some guys have thrown so many they've lost count.

Friday Mixed League: THS

570 Series: 208-206-156

The conditions were so bad, our best bowler almost left after two warm-up shots. Apparently the oil machine had broken down 7 times during the oiling of the lanes prior to league bowling.

So, on the left lane it was clear the the oil machine hadn't cleaned the backend. You could SEE the ball as it failed to make the turn at the breakpoint. Imagine seeing a ball, a pulled shot, and it gets to that point where you're 99% sure it's going to dive through the nose....and it keeps sliding and leaves a 5-7.

On the right lane, it was also QUITE CLEAR that the oil machine had failed to put down a pattern. I threw my normal shot and missed left of the headpin. I usually start standing left toe between 19 and 20 and throwing up the 10-board. I may have to make a slight adjustment off that starting point...but on this lane I had to start with my left toe between 25 and 26....aiming at 14. So, a 4 and 6 move left to start the match on that right lane.

Now...this wasn't the end of the world for MY game. Granted, for our two elderly bowlers with extremely low speeds...this was bad news. It was also bad news for the 3 bowlers on the other team that were high rev thumbless bowlers.

Game 1 I started off strong with a 4-bagger. Struggled with carry the rest of the way, but made my spares...except for a 4-6-7 split in the 7th. I switched to the Fortera Exile on the second strike shot in the 10th....probably should have made the change earlier.

Game 2 I struck on 4 out of the first 5 shots, but then made a few bad shots. Missed on a single 10-pin in the 9th, but doubled in the 10th after switching to the Rhino Gold.

By Game 3 I was just in too far to have an effective shot. That means a loss of carry...only struck twice...opened 3 times...including a 2-10 in the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.76 pins
Strikes: 36%
Spares: 73% picked up

Single Pin spares: 85% (6/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (4x)

Multiple Pin spares: 66% (8/12)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 25% (1/4)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 194.00.

The left lane was a challenge. On a spent pattern with oil at the breakpoint (carry down), you have some ability to pull shots without disastrous consequences...but a miss right...even a board...was through the nose.

The right lane was far worse. When you're used to playing the track and maybe finishing on the 12-14 board area by the end of the night...but suddenly you're at the end of the night and you're targeting left of center and standing up against the ball return...thats definitely "C-Game" territory. Our team fell back into last place...lost 5 out of 7 points. So, that's great.

RobLV1

02-29-2020, 04:32 PM

Aslan

03-06-2020, 05:55 PM

"The conditions were so bad, our best bowler almost left after two warm-up shots. Apparently the oil machine had broken down 7 times during the oiling of the lanes prior to league bowling."

That's really sad! Were the conditions different for him than for everyone else? I don't think so! The idea is to win the points, not feed your inflated house-shot league average.

Speaking to the choir. But...you know how bowlers are. And it wasn't just our best bowler...the top bowler on the other team shot nearly 650 and spent the whole night complaining about the conditions. He thinks he should strike on every shot...and when he doesn't...its the lanes and the center.

I mean, I CAN see their point in that you at least expect a center to oil their lanes before league play. Now, in a perfect world that would be a lower level USBC colored pattern...not some easy THS cr*p....but that's a different argument. But it should be something and consistent. To just not oil at all or oil with a machine that isn't working....thats just poor ownership. This'll likely be my last league at that center for multiple reasons.

And, as you will probably agree, bowlers don't want to learn how to adjust. They don't want to learn about ball technology. So, when lanes are different...and their typical shot or ball won't work...they lose their minds. I may not 'like' to play inside...but if thats what I have to do...thats what I have to do. If I 'see' something in my shot...I know when to make a change and WHY to make a change. Now, that doesn't help me much on easy THS conditions where I'm outgunned by thumbless bowlers just revving it up and hitting their angles...but when conditions become unfamiliar...I can hold my own (usually).

Thursday Men's League: THS
(not the same center as being discussed above)

502 Series: 161-139-202

I don't know. My line seemed a little off in practice...thought I fixed it...then started diving through the nose. Only had a few opens...but only struck twice.

Game 2 was miserable...one of the worst games in recent memory. Opened as many times as I marked....actually opened one MORE time than I marked. Switched to the Fortera Exile in the 9th and doubled.

Game 3 things felt better. I opened in the 1st frame, but was then clean through 9 until I opened in the 10th. Both opens were on washouts.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.03 pins
Strikes: 31%
Spares: 47% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 40% (6/15)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 1-2-3, 1-2-3-10, and 3-6-10 (2x each)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 167.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 174.33.

Games in the 110-149 range just really suck the will to bowl right out of you. This season has caused me to question a great deal about whether or not I might just need to take my below average ability and park it in 1-2 "fun" leagues with like-skilled doofuses.

Our anchor (sponsored by DV8) said it looked like I was really, really rushing the foul line...getting there in some cases before the ball got to the top of my backswing...then having to jerk it down. So, at least that gave me some insight in time to slow things down for Game 3.

boatman37

03-06-2020, 08:05 PM

I have a teammate that leaves a bunch of 10 pins. He makes the comment 'what do you expect, it's <insert name of center here>'. I told him there is a reason he leaves 10's and he needs to figure out why and figure out how to fix it. His response was he isn't that scientific to figure it out. He has been bowling in leagues for about 35-40 years. He will change balls and move in and out but with no reason why. He just changes it to change it.

On another note, I entered a tournament last year and had never bowled on a sport pattern. Get there and they announced it was a 47' Scorpion. I guess about 10 guys got up and left. Apparently that tournament had always used THS but people complained that scores were too high. BTW-I made the cut and cashed out...lol. Got lucky and rolled a 219 in the one set and that got me in. My league average was 173 and I averaged 157 for the tourney.

Aslan

03-07-2020, 11:44 AM

Get there and they announced it was a 47' Scorpion. I guess about 10 guys got up and left. Apparently that tournament had always used THS but people complained that scores were too high.

That's about right. Bowlers have very fragile egos. And the higher the scoring gets on a THS with modern equipment...the higher the expectations. And centers know it. I've heard Hall of Fame proprietors, on TV, talking about how they "...try to keep the house patterns as easy as possible because people in leagues just want to have fun and not work too hard. They just want to drink beer and eat chicken wings and bowl high scores."

There was a house in Fullerton, CA...and AMF house...I average about 15 pins higher there than the other two centers I bowled at. It was just an easier shot. Everybody had higher averages there and probably 8-9 people had 300-games. That was where I shot my only 300 (in practice). There's a center here that I bowled at over the summer...average 195...15 pins or more than I average in leagues elsewhere in the area. It's an easier shot.

Friday Mixed League: THS

585 Series: 212 (clean)-193-180

Game 1 was X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, X, 5 /, X, X, 9 / X.
I was around the pocket on all but 4 shots. Only one frame where I got < 9 pins on the first shot...and I picked up all my spares.

Easy to see what went wrong in Game 2: X, X, 9 -, 5 /, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, X, 9 -.
Switched to the Rhino Gold about midway through. There's just no excuse for missed single-pins. Missed a 7-pin in the 3rd and missed a 10-pin in the 10th. Could have gotten around 210 is I just made my spares.

Then it was just a struggle as I watched a 600 series slowly slip away. Switched to the Exile to battle, what appeared to be, some carry down at the breakpoint. Only opened 3 times...a pocket 7-10, another missed 10-pin, and a bad shot that left a 1-2-4-8 I couldn't convert. Had to strike out in the 9th and 10 to even get my average.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06 pins
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 70% picked up

Single Pin spares: 72% (8/11)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin and 10-pin (3x each)

Multiple Pin spares: 66% (4/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 195.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 204.33.

After all the complaints about the lanes not being oiled last week, the center put more oil down than usual...or at least widened/lengthened the pattern. On the right lane, I was almost throwing straight at the pocket. I probably could have used my Grudge Hybrid, but I left it in the car.

Wasn't a terrible night...but the team lost all 7 points...which is getting old.

boatman37

03-07-2020, 02:26 PM

Aslan

03-13-2020, 12:47 AM

I only bowl in the Tuesday night league but filled in on the Friday league a few months back. I was horrible. Couldn't get anything to work. Talked to one of the top guys at the end of the night and he said they have a little shorter pattern on Tuesday nights to help the older guys.

I've heard similar about the difference between Thursday and Friday nights at my Thursday house. It's hard to tell what is true or just B.S. when it comes to bowlers though.

Thursday Men's League: THS

625 Series: 160-245 (clean)-220

I got to practice a bit late...so took 3-4 frames just to get my line. Wasn't making good shots in Game 1. X, 7 1, 8 /, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, 9 -, 9 -, X 8 1. Back-to-Back missed corner pins really hurt me in the 8th and 9th.

Game 2 things came together. I was making better shots. X, X, 8 /, X, X, X, X, 8 /, X, X 9 /.

Game 3 was very similar....just had to deal with a little transition. X, X, X, 8 -, X, 8 1, X, X, X, X 9 -.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.33 pins
Strikes: 57%
Spares: 50% picked up

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

Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leaves: 6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 208.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 216.00.

Last week I'm questioning whether I should just bowl in fun leagues and accept that I am a sucky bowler...this week I'm taking 3 out of 4 points, winning one card game, and winning two high game pots. Granted, our anchor wasn't there...but we replaced him with a 200+ average sub...so there was still competition. Beat my high score in this league/this season with a 245 (previously had two games of 242) and my high series with a 625 (previous high was a 616). Wasn't able to match my high scores from last season in this league where I scored a couple 246 games and had a 678 series...but I guess there's a few more weeks left...so who knows?

Timmyb

03-13-2020, 03:16 AM

Nice night!

Aslan

03-13-2020, 11:45 PM

Nice night!

A follow-up 600+ series would have been nice...but not in the cards I guess. :(

Friday Mixed League: THS

573 Series: 195-190-188

Game 1 I ran into a couple problems with washouts, but otherwise did fine. Game 2 I missed a 10-pin in the 6th and got dealt a split in the 9th. Game 3 was a couple missed single-pins...a 9-pin in the 3rd and a 4-pin in the 10th.

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

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 9-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 44% (4/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 191.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.67.

Not a terrible night...just really upset about the poor single-pin spare shooting. AND...we bowled a team that pretty much DEFINED sandbagging. The highest average was about 173...and they had 3 different guys bowl 220-250 games. They pretty much beat two handicap team game season highs and probably the handicap team series...probably too 5 of 7 points in the process. We beat them scratch every game...bowled above our averages...but what are ya gonna do when your opponents are averaging in the 150s-160s and rolling 246 games?

boatman37

03-14-2020, 01:04 AM

A follow-up 600+ series would have been nice...but not in the cards I guess. :(

Friday Mixed League: THS

573 Series: 195-190-188

Game 1 I ran into a couple problems with washouts, but otherwise did fine. Game 2 I missed a 10-pin in the 6th and got dealt a split in the 9th. Game 3 was a couple missed single-pins...a 9-pin in the 3rd and a 4-pin in the 10th.

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

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leave: 9-pin (2x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 5-pin, 7-pin, nor 8-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 44% (4/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 191.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.67.

Not a terrible night...just really upset about the poor single-pin spare shooting. AND...we bowled a team that pretty much DEFINED sandbagging. The highest average was about 173...and they had 3 different guys bowl 220-250 games. They pretty much beat two handicap team game season highs and probably the handicap team series...probably too 5 of 7 points in the process. We beat them scratch every game...bowled above our averages...but what are ya gonna do when your opponents are averaging in the 150s-160s and rolling 246 games?

Sounds like our season talking about the sandbaggers. We usually bowl close to our average as a team but when we do have the really good game and beat our average by 100 the other team beats theirs by 200...lol

Aslan

08-27-2020, 01:05 AM

Wasn't gonna bowl this season.

1. Finances are tight.
2. Looking for a new job (due to #1), which gives me a 65% chance I might have to leave the area.

But, I already missed the summer season due to Covid-19 closing down the centers around here...and last time I missed half a summer season, then a Fall and Summer season...my average dropped from 195 to 175. And, it's never recovered. I've struggled to get back into the 180s ever since.

My team has decided to abandon their spot in the premiere league on Thursday night for a good Men's league on Tuesdays. It's not as high level competition and not the 40-point format with the head-to-head scoring...not as many PBA level bowlers...but if I didn't go with them I'd have been the only one staying and would have had to find a new team.

I'll post the first night's stats here momentarily.

Aslan

08-27-2020, 03:04 AM

Tuesday Men's League: THS

First Week

I've bowled a sum total of ONCE since fall leagues ended abruptly in March due to Covid-19...so I figured this wasn't gonna be pretty.

570 Series: 194-207-169

Game 1 I was clean except for a horrible shot when I tried to switch balls in the 5th frame.

Switched to the Rhino Gold for Game 2 and managed to run some strikes together. But, also had a couple opens to keep the scoring down.

The wheels fell off in Game 3. I switched to the Fortera Exile and went X, X, 7 /, 9 /, X...but then went 9 -, 9 -, 9 / 8 to finish.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.65 pins
Strikes: 44%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 57% (4/7)
Most common single-pin leaves: 3-pin and 6-pin (2x each)
Also left a single 7-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 70% (7/10)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5 (4x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 190.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 200.33.

I guess I didn't embarrass myself too badly. This IS an easier house. Don Breeden shot a 300...but this is his home turf so I imagine this won't be his last 300 game at this center, this year. I definitely felt rusty.

J Anderson

08-27-2020, 08:09 AM

Aslan

09-02-2020, 12:09 AM

Definitely not bad after that long a lay off. Don’t know what you’ve been doing to try to stay in shape for bowling, but if you’re like me your intensions were better than your actions, so that third game might be written off to fatigue.

Glad you’re back!

Good luck with finding a new/better job.

You spoke too soon...but thanks.

Tuesday Men's League: THS

Second Week

418 Series: 142-161-115

The left lane was awful. I couldn't stay in the pocket to save my life and was punished with splits in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th frames. Add in a chopped 6-10 in the 7th and a missed single 7-pin in the 8th...and Game 1 was a bust.

Again tried to switch to the Rhino Gold in Game 2, but again had problem with single-pins that killed me score.

The wheels fell off in Game 3 (again). I was definitely in "C-Game" territory. And, the results clearly show what happens when I enter "C-Game" territory.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 7.94 pins
Strikes: 21%
Spares: 37% picked up

Single Pin spares: 44% (4/9)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (3x)
Never left a single 1-pin, 2-pin, nor 9-pin.

Multiple Pin spares: 33% (5/15)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 139.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 157.00.

Worst series since April 2015. Wow. What a tremendous night.

I don't have the game, nor the equipment, to stand 20 boards left of center and aim for the center arrow. I just don't have that game. I suppose I could develop it...over time....but I don't have it now. And tonight, there was no shot in the track. I had a shot up the 11-board in practice...but it disappeared quickly and 3rd arrow soon turned to center arrow...and it was just horrible.

boatman37

09-02-2020, 07:58 AM

Yeah I found myself quickly moving from the down and in 7 board to the 15 board within about 6 frames last night and I was the only lefty on the pair. We were on the end pair so that may have contributed but yeah it went away quick last night too

J Anderson

09-02-2020, 08:59 AM

You spoke too soon...but thanks

The wheels fell off in Game 3 (again). I was definitely in "C-Game" territory. And, the results clearly show what happens when I enter "C-Game" territory.

Worst series since April 2015. Wow. What a tremendous night.

I don't have the game, nor the equipment, to stand 20 boards left of center and aim for the center arrow. I just don't have that game. I suppose I could develop it...over time....but I don't have it now. And tonight, there was no shot in the track. I had a shot up the 11-board in practice...but it disappeared quickly and 3rd arrow soon turned to center arrow...and it was just horrible.

Just a thought for something you might want to try. My friend Ken, even though he does have the hand and the right equipment to stand left and hook the whole lane, will take a highly polished ball and move right when everyone else is playing left of 19.
Can’t remember which ball it is other than it’s a somewhat older reactive resin ball.

Aslan

09-03-2020, 09:14 AM

Just a thought for something you might want to try. My friend Ken, even though he does have the hand and the right equipment to stand left and hook the whole lane, will take a highly polished ball and move right when everyone else is playing left of 19.
Can’t remember which ball it is other than it’s a somewhat older reactive resin ball.

Don Breeden does that as well. It kinda flies in the face of modern bowling convention of always moving left to find oil. But, at the same time, with balls getting so aggressive...many bowlers are having the problem of just running out of room left...even bowlers that should never run out of room left. I should never...IN A MILLION YEARS...be left of 20...unless I'm bowling in some 6-12 round qualifier on burnt conditions or something crazy. These were "supposedly" fresh conditions...same as last week.

At a "normal" house, my progression is to go Grudge Hybrid, Mystic, Exile. At my old Friday house, I had to change it to Mystic, Rhino Gold, Exile. At this house, it's been similar, Grudge Hybrid, Mystic, Rhino Gold, Exile. Going back outside is a possibility; but it usually requires a weaker ball. Right now, that would mean un-retiring the 16lb 300A or the 14lb Blue Knight that is conventionally drilled for someone else's hand.

I think my first approach is going to be to try and open up my shot. Maybe if I can play a "little" deeper...early on...with the Grudge Hybrid...then I won't have to make a ball change so quick in the 1st game. That might save me from hitting so light, so early, and getting all out of whack. I've been trying to hug that oil line around the 11-board with the Grudge Hybrid...and that ball is just too strong. Even with my minimal rev rate...it wants to grab and go. That means as soon as the lanes even start to break down, I'm moving 1:2 inside...sometimes after practice is over. Then the line is too tight and I'm hitting weak.

If that doesn't work...I'm gonna have to start over. That means going to the center sometime during the week and seeing if they'll put down the Tuesday pattern (which they may not)...and then trying my equipment out at 1st arrow...seeing if I have anything that can stay right of the headpin. Maybe bring the 300A and Blue Knight just to see what they can do.

Or, maybe the center just screwed up the pair last week. It's happened. They missed a lane during oiling....they let someone bowl on a lane before we bowled on it...one pair plays notoriously worse for some weird reason having to do with how they built the building, etc... This center is notoriously easy. I averaged 195 here in my only league I bowled here and thats about 15 pins higher than I've been averaging elsewhere. Something Tuesday was "off". The left lane played 4-8 boards different than the right...and I wasn't the only one that was "off".

And I gotta fix the single-pins. I'm not sure how. I miss my coaching. Missy could have fixed my single-pin spare shooting issue two seasons ago. Instead, I just keep shooting them at 57%, then 100%, then 90%, then 57%, then 67%, etc and I can't seem to figure out why. That number should be at least a solid 85% by now. No excuse for that.