mc_runner's scores

[mc_runner]

It's 2014, fall leagues are halfway over and I just got a new ball. Let's see what happens.

Tonight: 167-187-211

Leading off... this whole year I've been in a slump. Timing's been off, release has been bad, no follow through, etc. I've mostly maintained average, only down 3 pins, solely because my spares HAVEN'T been off (?)

The first 2 games was same old - nearly every strike ball was 3-4 boards left of target and I wasn't on balance at all.

On the 5th frame of the third game (with a 62) I realized I wasn't following through at all. With my ONLY change making sure I followed through, I proceeded to nearly punch out, save for a ringing 10 on my fill shot in the 10th. Although the series wasn't anything special, I was thrilled with the finish. Guess we'll see where this "revelation" takes me next week ;)

[striker12]

i had the same problem at the start of the season timing off and release and my feet being to fast some times but it takes some time to get it all under control but my avg is down at 153 only because my spare shots i had a 14lb spare ball throwing 15lb strike balls can not hit the dame 10 pin.

i can hit any other pin on the right side because i stand far left and i throw a hook ball at them but i throw a weaker ball to do it because of my high rev rate but any pins on the left side of the lane i just hook at those other then the 7 pin i throw a straight ball at it to get use to it.

[Geneo2u]

10 pins suck, i think they should take them out of the rack, there are times when i will get on a streak and not miss any for a couple weeks, then something changes, i don't know what.

[mc_runner]

The worst thing about the 10 pin is when you have a great-looking shot that leaves a 10, and then you rush the spare or just plain miss. 20+ pin loss right there.

Ironically striker, this year's been a struggle for me hooking at the 4-7 pins. I've been having some issues of missing just enough to hook it right in front of one or both... except I'm even less consistent throwing a straight ball at it (more practice!).

[striker12]

yeah the way i hook my ball over is i throw straight up 10 board slow down my feet witch will make me throw the ball slower and i use my brawler or freeze witch is pin down and normally dose the job but if the lanes are more oiled i will do my normal type of shot to go up the 10 board but then move my target left 3 boards if i go anymore i will throw the ball in the gutter.

and i play on a modified THS witch is a normal THS but can be longer or shorter with more and less units of oil its different every week

[mc_runner]

Bad series this week... 144/191/180, 515 series. I was throwing great in practice, then had a long wait before game 1 started. When it did everything just felt "off". A few splits and a couple missed spares did it in. Recovered OK on games 2 and 3 after moving way inside. Still need to work on consistent follow through and make sure timing is right.

[Aslan]

It's nice to see people throwing in the 160-180 range. I don't feel so "left out" like I do when I read; "I had a total off night tonight..shot a 211-287-191...middle game was okay but the rest were embarrassing."

It's like, "FU dude!!! If my LOW game is a 191...I'd wet myself!! If I ever bowl over 250 I'm gonna want my picture in the paper!"

[mc_runner]

Really starting to hate winter. Since Dec 10th, I've only gotten to bowl ONCE in my Tuesday league (3 snow-outs, plus holidays. Also had my Thursday league cancelled once due to snow). And tonight we're supposed to get another "surprise" snowstorm... the forecast was saying nothing until yesterday, now 6-10 inches of snow starting around noon today. grrrr

[mc_runner]

Another pretty crappy night, 177,198,163 for a 538.

I'm coming off a combination stomach bug/cold (one happened, then the other) as well as the aforementioned snow cancellation. Didn't wan't to leave the balls in my car in 10 degree weather so I ran home before bowling and picked them up and arrived late to practice.

Today I had the opposite problem I had earlier in the season - I was hitting my mark on my strike perfectly, but rushing/thinking/not picking up my spares well. I missed two of four 9 pins (which should be easy), was only 1 for 2 on 10s, chopped a bucket, etc. I feel that I really focused on my strike balls and it paid off... but when you throw 7 strikes in a game and don't hit 200 it's a little bit frustrating - better than my teammate who hit 8 for a 188, though (8 strikes ,4 opens with 3 of them splits).

Need to get into a groove and just relax and trust my body to do what it does. I know the slump I'm in right now is totally mental! I also feel like I"m about to break out at any moment.

[mc_runner]

178-191-180, 549 series.

Same old. I have the same problem as the last couple weeks - strike balls feel great, spare balls are all over the place. Was only 5/10 on single pin conversions tonight - unacceptable. Earlier in the season my single pins were at 90%, which is where they should be. I know it's a mental thing because I'm dead on in all my spare practice balls, and am just 50/50 in converting when it actually counts (and I know after the shot what happened).

Baby steps in breaking out of this slump.

[Aslan]

NOO!!

Don't break out of the slump! These scores make me feel like my scores are normal!

And like me...at least you're consistent. Your spare shooting can't be "that" bad if you're that consistent. I guess it depends on your strike % as well. But usually if I'm REALLY struggling with spares, my games will be all over the place...128-188-151-137-213, etc... But when I'm converting say 65% of my spares... 168-188-189-181-178-211-159. But I'm consistently around 30-40% in strike rate. If someone consistently strikes more in the 65% range...they could still consistently miss spares and their scores would be consistent.

[mc_runner]

No worries Aslan, I think this thing runs pretty deep. Fix one thing, something else happens!

204, 169, 174 for a 547 series.

Not sure if they changed the pattern or laid down some variation of a sport pattern, but in practice and the first game there was no movement at all on the ball! Inside, outside, not much difference. Broke out my solid ball (vivid) for most of game one, then again on game 3. I was having some problems hitting my mark/following through again but spares tonight were better. A few beers probably didn't help the mental/timing issues for game 2/3. I checked Pinpal, for last night I threw 38% strikes but only missed 4 spares total on the night including splits.

[mc_runner]

Tonight was brutal. Was on the end lanes and couldn't figure them out all night. Add in some chops, missed marks, continued timing issues and what feels like a changed oil pattern and this happened. Lowest series of the year:

168/152/178 - 498. Over the past 2 months the average has creeped down from a 185 to a 180.

[mc_runner]

Oh, and i'm on the same end pair of lanes on Thursday, so I guess I better figure something out!

[mc_runner]

Does anyone know how to import Pinpal data to the computer for sharing?

So the scores don't reflect it, but I felt muuuuch better tonight. 171/191/189. A few poorly timed chops and splits did me in but in general I was hitting my mark on multiple releases and getting pocket shots. My spares were mostly on as well. I was watching the ball go through the mark and following through and it felt NATURAL... timing was back. If this continues I'll break out. I really needed this kind of night.

[mc_runner]

169,205,191/565

Game 1 was a mess. Started out split/split/open and never really recovered. Was a tiny bit off of my mark and wasn't getting my revs just right. Thursday, when I was locked in it was coming off my hand better and I could watch it hit the mark, go down the lane and start to break - didn't have that tonight.

Game 2 started off the same way. Split, 10 pin whiff, strike, split, 10 pin whiff for a 55 through 5. I changed my line and started throwing harder and hit the last 6 for the 205.

Game 3 I kept the line but had a couple of hiccups - I missed a 5 pin for a spare, where my strike ball came in high (dropped the ball) and then after a turkey got a nasty 4-10 split in the 9th.

Takeaway - was able to adjust pretty well, but had a pretty major split problem (5 of them on the night, none picked up). Missed those 2 10pins by a hair each, not super concerned as I adjusted a bit and hit 3 of them in game 3. First night over average in my Tuesday league in quite awhile. I'm still struggling with any type of breakout game/series though - I can't seem to rise above that 220/600 threshold which last year I was hitting with no problem. Hopefully, it'll come. Definitely some glimmers of hope the past 2 times. Thursday is going to be cancelled since we are forecast for a foot of snow that day, but I'll get out for open bowl this weekend if I have time.

[mc_runner]

Trying to edit but having issues - meant to add that I had 50% strikes on the night which generally should be about where I am - the splits kept the scores down a bit. 8/17 on spares (as I look now it shows I had 6 splits on the night, not 5). Single pins need to get better as I missed 3 of those - two 10 pins and that one dropped 5 pin.

[mc_runner]

Open bowl:

243,159,153, 555 series

Game 1 - Felt really good, went spare, 6 in a row, spare spare strike spare for a clean game

Game 2 - All the shoveling I've been doing (including before bowling today) started taking it's toll and I lost my release due to wrist/arm fatigue. Still felt good but zero consitency

Game 3 - Experimented with a few new things including some 2-handed bowling. Just had some fun with it and worked on my spares.

[mc_runner]

Eh... 190, 173, 193 for a 556

Game 1 I had two 4-6-7 splits to ruin what was a solid game, other than that my shot was working pretty well, aside from a few 7 pins left on my left-hand lane.

Game 2 my adjustment to get the 7 pins on the left lane began leaving 10 pins, so I was chasing my reaction all night. Add a flubbed strike ball in there, and one missed 10 pin and it turned into a sub par below average game

Game 3 started a bit shaky but I recovered well at the end. Had a pocket 7-10 in the middle and chopped a 3-6-10 in the 7th, but was clean otherwise.

Not a bad night but fairly solid. Looking forward to spring where I can actually bowl most of my leagues (half time in tues, full time thurs) without threat of snow.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday men's league. Was expecting to have tonight off but one of our guys cancelled last minute. More importantly, this starts the 3rd... third of our season scoring and we finished dead last in the 2nd third, but started out winning tonight!

179/177/203, 559

Game 1, COULD NOT strike. I had 2 strikes total and 5 single-pin leaves (along with 2 splits, one of which was a pocket 7-10). Covered all spares but the splits.

Game 2 wasn't a whole lot better. Chopped a 3/6/10 in the 3rd, and missed a 4 pin (ugh) in the 5th. Recovered with a turkey in 7/8/9, but then left a bucket in the 10th and only covered 3 (ugh).

Game 3 was clean, and almost a dutch 200 actually. One lane kept leaving me 9 counts and the other I was striking on, but covered all spares.

Stats didn't look so great tonight, but pleased with the spare shooting:

37% strikes (after going 50% even the past 3 weeks straight, a bit of a letdown)
90% single pin (9/10)
60% multiple pin (6/10 including 2 splits). 75% non split.

[mc_runner]

182/156/218, 556 series

Same issues as Tuesday. Kept leaving 9 counts in the first frame in game 1. They weren't all the same pin either, so I was all over the place adjusting. Picked up all but 1 spare, on a whiffed 10 pin that I should have taken my time on and made.

Game 2 was messy, I was trying to move around a little more and started playing more inside - which was great, except I threw strike/big 4/strike/strike/2-4-10 with it and decided it wasn't worth it.

All came together in game 3 once again. Split in the first then clean with mostly strikes after. I need to find that groove earlier in the night - in this league I'm usually alone playing the right side (lot of straight bowlers) so it should work once I find it.

[mc_runner]

Man am I lost right now. I figured I was getting a ton of 9-counts early in the night with the byte, so I pulled out the taboo with the intention of starting out with it and switching to the byte when I lost the reaction...

Game 1: 213. Taboo felt great, save for a pocket 7-10 in the 8th
Game 2: 162. Started strike/spare/strike with the taboo, then bowled another pocket 7-10 and decided to switch - bad idea. Couldn't get the same reaction with the byte and left a lot of light hits.
Game 3: 222. switched back to the taboo and was on a tear until I pulled my 10th frame shot and finished with a 6-7 split. 250+ game turned to a 222, oh well

597 series. Guess I'll stick with my old ball for now? This has been my best series in awhile, and felt natural on the release. The byte felt good too, just different.

[mc_runner]

I was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tonight.

Game 1 it took awhile to find my mark and get my timing down, I have had a very stressful start to the week. Hit most spares, did have 1 chop. Didn't get a strike until frame 8:
178

Game 2: found the mark! went with the Taboo and had a clean game. Picked up a 2-4-8-10 split, other than that nothing noteworthy, was hitting my mark, following through, ball was doing what it needed to:
222

Game 3: lanes were BURNT UP. Had no idea what the hell I was doing with adjustments - both balls, left, right, fast, slow - could not find anything that worked. I threw 5 splits including 4 in a row from frames 5-8. Ended up with a 138. In retrospect I know exactly the adjustment I should have made - a board right, and flatten out the wrist with my fast shot. I'm not sure what stopped me from seeing that in the game, but whatever:
138

All in all I ended up with a 538 which is just a few pins under average. Considering how the last game went, I'll call that a salvaged 538.

Been forgetting to add my stats, so here it is:
Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 65% (13/20)
Single pin: 85% (6/7)
multipin (minus splits): 5/7
splits: 33% (2/6)

[mc_runner]

Eh, another not-great night.

186/183/201, 570 series

Game 1 and 2 were almost the same, throwing mostly good shots, not getting carry, making spares and trying to adjust. Game 3, halfway through I remembered my "move a board right and flatten out the wrist" approach and... surprise surprise, it worked! Just need to not forget that!

Stats:

Strikes 30% (10/33) - Abysmal
Spares 85% (18/21) - GOOD
Single pin - 87% (7/8) - Good, but should be 8/8
Multipin, no split - 11/12
split 0% (0/1)

[mc_runner]

Broke out of my slump, big time tonight!!

Game 1, 182
Game 2, 277
Game 3, 234
Series: 693

Game 1 I started with my Taboo. Everything felt pretty good, but I was a little off on one lane. I got a 10 pin that I whiffed (7-10 split but late 7 fall), then a 10 pin, then a 7-10 split... made an adjustment and closed out decently

Game 2 I switched balls to the byte. I led off the front 9 - which I've never done - only gotten TO the 9th frame before. Tonight I got to frame 10. I felt OK leading off in the 10th, but in my backswing I knew my timing was off and left it a bit light, for a 2-5-7 split. I covered then struck in the 12th for a 277 (1 off my personal best)

Game 3 stayed with the byte, but picked up the speed a tick. Had ONE miss in the third frame - and chopped my spare. Other than that I was all strikes with 1 other spare to the 10th.

Stats:
Strikes: 69% (23/33)
Spares: 66% (6/9)
single pin: 66% (2/3) missed 10 pin once
multipin, no split: 75% (3/4)
splits: 50% (1/2)
Opens 9% (3)

[Mike White]

Broke out of my slump, big time tonight!!

Game 1, 182
Game 2, 277
Game 3, 234
Series: 693

Game 1 I started with my Taboo. Everything felt pretty good, but I was a little off on one lane. I got a 10 pin that I whiffed (7-10 split but late 7 fall), then a 10 pin, then a 7-10 split... made an adjustment and closed out decently


Ya think if you had used a slightly more aggressive ball, you wouldn't have come in behind the pocket and left those 10 pins, or hit like a marshmallow leaving the 7-10 split? My main question is how did you avoid the 4-6-7-10?



Game 2 I switched balls to the byte. I led off the front 9 - which I've never done - only gotten TO the 9th frame before. Tonight I got to frame 10. I felt OK leading off in the 10th, but in my backswing I knew my timing was off and left it a bit light, for a 2-5-7 split. I covered then struck in the 12th for a 277 (1 off my personal best)

Game 3 stayed with the byte, but picked up the speed a tick. Had ONE miss in the third frame - and chopped my spare. Other than that I was all strikes with 1 other spare to the 10th.

Stats:
Strikes: 69% (23/33)
Spares: 66% (6/9)
single pin: 66% (2/3) missed 10 pin once
multipin, no split: 75% (3/4)
splits: 50% (1/2)
Opens 9% (3)

[mc_runner]

Ya think if you had used a slightly more aggressive ball, you wouldn't have come in behind the pocket and left those 10 pins, or hit like a marshmallow leaving the 7-10 split? My main question is how did you avoid the 4-6-7-10?

Judging from the last 2 games I think starting with the Byte would have been a better idea. Game 1 I was a little light into the pocket with one of my 10 pins and the 7-10 split, so I made an adjustment right a board and seemed to fix the angle issue.

[Mike White]

Judging from the last 2 games I think starting with the Byte would have been a better idea. Game 1 I was a little light into the pocket with one of my 10 pins and the 7-10 split, so I made an adjustment right a board and seemed to fix the angle issue.

My comment was made in Jest.

Browse thru this thread here (http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/16088-Finally-I-ve-seen-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel)

You'll see I had a game very similar to your 182, and I was informed of all the bad decisions I must have made.

The difference appears to be, I left a big four split, and you didn't.

[mc_runner]

Ah! makes a lot more sense now. The 4-6-7-10 part was really confusing out of context :)

[mc_runner]

225,191,213 for a 629 series

Despite Tuesday's success, I started with the taboo game 1 and had a clean game. Felt a tad off all night, but was able to close frames pretty well. game 2 I switched to the byte to see what it would do, but couldn't match the reaction up quite right so I changed back to the taboo and flattened out my release in game 3. Overall a pretty solid night and frankly, what I feel like I "should" be bowling on any given night. Nothing really bad (couple splits on slight misses) but otherwise where I should be.

Stats:

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
Single pin: 100% (6/6) :)
multipin, no split: 71% (5/7)
splits: 0% (0/2)

[mc_runner]

I decided to do a tournament today, a local USBC handicap.

It was on a "modified house shot" which just seemed like a bit longer pattern and a little more on the outside. Using the byte I was able to play my normal line... it was a 3 game tournament and the highest scores win.

Game 1 - 211
A few jitters, left 2 open frames of my first 5 but recovered with a 5 bagger and a x9/ in the 10th

Game 2 - 247
Clean game! line held well, and iI cleaned up the couple of misses I had with spares

Game 3 - 214
Another clean game, towards the end I started thinking 700 and threw a couple of not-great shots (not terrible, but a little off the line).

675 series - coming in I was/am carrying a 185 book average, so I went for a 780 handicap (100% of 220). There were a few scratch bowlers in the tournament, one even shot a 300, but I think I actually have an excellent shot at winning the entire thing. I'll find out I'm assuming via mail or in a league how I did.

Stats:
strikes: 55% (19/34)
Spares: 85% (11/13)
single pin: 88% (8/9)
Multiple: 75% (3/4)
Splits: N/A (0/0)

[mc_runner]

First game was 214, not 211. stupid typo... and edit post is messing with me again. Just want the math right!

[mc_runner]

So I went and got wings with one of my teammates before bowling tonight. While he bowled great, it made me feel really sluggish and off. Also, I left my phone in the car so I couldn't use pinpal tonight. It was not a good night - I was a board left on EVERYTHING.

I don't remember the exact scores, but I ended up with a 505 series - quite the letdown after the nice 600s I had been bowling. Off this Thursday as my fiancee is getting surgery, but hopefully back next week with a better attitude and set :P

[mc_runner]

Better night tonight:

212/222/167, 601 series

Felt pretty good the first 2 games, lost it in the third ending with 4 opens in my last 5 frames - both strikes and spares were off. Just lost my concentration a bit.

Stats:
Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares 58% (10/17)
Single pin: 83% (5/6) - whiffed on a 10 pin in game 2
multi pin, no split: 4/7
splits: 25% (1/4)

[mc_runner]

Ehhh. Felt really good going in but my shots and scores didn't reflect it:

202/172/192, 566

First game started out well with a double, then lost it a bit and got a ton of spares before chopping in the 8th. Doubled in the 10th and thought I had fixed it.
Game 2 was a mess, 3 of my first 5 were splits (got 1 of them, a 5-10) and then switched balls to the byte. Ended "ok" but still wasn't quite on.
Game 3 I nearly got a dutch 200, but switched my spare/strike lane in the middle of the game and ended up with a clean 192. Lots of 9 counts. It wasn't that I was getting bad reactions, save for 1 4-pin leave and a ringing 10, but most of my missed shots were a hair off. Not a terrible night overall, but could have been a LOT better.

Stats:
strikes: 32% (11/34)
Spares: 85% (18/21)
single pin: 100% (12/12)
multipin, no split: 8/9
splits: 33% (1/3)

[Mudpuppy]

Are you going to use that new ball on the Virtual Bowling Tour?

[mc_runner]

Want to.. but it's just not gonna happen this summer. I definitely want in for the next round though.

[Mudpuppy]

Want to.. but it's just not gonna happen this summer. I definitely want in for the next round though.

Now is a better time. 1st round people will be immortalized.

[mc_runner]

Up and down night tonight.

245/159/190 for a 594.

First game was going really well but I lost my reaction at the end of the game and was playing catchup to the lanes the second game. Third game I just started throwing it hard and it sort of worked - would have been a 210 or so if I hadn't missed on a 4 pin (doh).

stats:
Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 70% (12/17)
Single pin: 81% (9/11)
Multiple pin, no split: 67% (2/3)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

[circlecity]

So I went and got wings with one of my teammates before bowling tonight. While he bowled great, it made me feel really sluggish and off.
I made the mistake of eating a big bowling alley meal before bowling last month. ugh... By the second game my body was working on that food and my energy just left the building. So I feel your pain!!

[mc_runner]

Man, it's terrible when it happens. You know what you want to do but your body just does not want to cooperate.

169/217/188 tonight for a 574 series.

Poor spare shooting did me in - not much else to say about that. Missed a few easy ones in games 1 and 3.

Stats:
Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 77% (14/18)
Single Pin: 100% (8/8) Had that going for me at least
Multipin non split: (5/8) this was the problem - all of these were easy/makeable
splits: 50% (1/2)

[mc_runner]

Last night was pretty bad. 168/170/165 for a 503.

Nothing was working right, wasn't getting good ball reactions/read on the lane from anything. Made adjustments all night that didn't help and finally halfway through the third game, frame... 6? 7? I decided to just throw the all-modern release I'm workshopping on this summer. That was actually the most effective shot I had all night and I "salvaged" a 165 out of the game.

Stats reflected the poor showing:
Strikes 29% (9/31)
Single pin spare: 75% (6/8) - missed a 10 pin and a 2 pin
multiple pin no split: 70% (7/10) - way too many there, 10 leaves is a ton
splits: 0% (0/3) - including what looked like a flush hit that left a 7-10, both pins wobbling.

I kind of realized that my strike % in general is low, usually in the 30s to around 40. I'm working on the modern release to hopefully get that up to 50%+. I'm thinking average shouldn't really dip all that much when I'm transitioning since my normal % of strikes is so low to begin with.

[mc_runner]

Interesting night last night. On my second shot of practice I tweaked/pulled something in my lower back - I wasn't even sure I was gonna be able to bowl. 29 years old and falling apart at the seams. I couldn't really get as low on my throws as I normally do and I lost about 100 revs on my shot as well... so I threw pretty straight and in at around 200-250ish revs all night. When I missed I missed big, really right or really left (enough to barely tap the head pin and leave myself splits, or a 1-2-10, etc).

All in all though the adjustment worked pretty well and I went slightly over average! No complaints about how it turned out at all:
224/178/176 for a 578 series

Stats:
Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Single pin spares: 66% (2/3) - didn't leave many of these
Multiple pin, non split: 4/7
Splits: 0% (0/5)

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's League:
167/190/182, 539 series.

Weird lanes. Tons of splits for everyone. I avoided a lot of the splits, but missed some spares I should have made. In game 2, the right lane and left lanes were doing very different things (see SilverFear's post, we are on the same team)... when I figured out one lane, the other would go away and so on. Everything just felt and reacted strange - we weren't the only ones saying that.


Thursday Mixed league:
169/159/145, 478 series

Well game 1 I couldn't strike until frame 9 and 10, and all night I kept leaving 6 pins and missing them to the right (perfect 10 pin shot). Midway through game 2 I simply decided "eff it" and threw my new release I"m working on. Every shot was different than the one before it, definitely a work in progress. I'll need to grab some video soon and post up for review. Tonight didn't matter anyway, just a formality as the season's already been locked up. I'm in a slight battle for 3rd in average but really who cares... might as well try out the new shot, the more practice the better. Still having issues coming up the side of the ball.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Night Men's...

We are in the running for first this period so I'm not messing around with my shot at all. Felt really good tonight, a couple of ill-timed splits but besides that in the end of game 1/beginning of game 2 I stayed ahead of the lanes and adjusted quite well. And picked up all my spares, besides a couple of splits!

193/198/225, 616 series

Stats:

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares 80% (12/15)
Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
Multiple Pin, no split: 100% (8/8)
Splits 0% (0/3) - included 1 pocket 7-10 as the lanes started breaking down

[mc_runner]

Thursday Mixed. Last week of bowling that counted towards scores...

224/221/175, 620 series

I was locked in the first 2 games, piling together strikes and hitting spares. They both featured a very ill-timed split, a nice 4-6-7 in the 10th frame in game 1 (after 5 in a row), and in the 8th in game 2 (after a double). Game 3 I didn't have quite the same consistency and at the end worked on my other game a bit.

Stats:
Strikes: 50% (16/32)
Single Pin Spares: 85% (6/7) - missed a 6 in game 3
Multiple pin, no split: 100% (5/5)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

[mc_runner]

It's funny, when I remember to tell myself to stay behind the ball a little bit as I did on Tuesday and Thursday, good things happen and 600s come no problem. When I get "off" a bit and throw more around the ball, that seems to be the x factor to lower scores... and it took until now to realize that. Kind of annoying that it took all year to see it.

[mc_runner]

Last night was awful, couldn't find a line or reaction. Ball changes, target changes, etc... nothing worked. My 2 best looking shots of the night left a 7-9 split and a 6-7 split. Our whole team struggled, our highest handicap series was 50 below average.

167/166/135, 468 series (lowest in a long time)

Stats:
Strikes: 35% (11/31)
Single pin spares: 67% (2/3)
Multiple pin, no split: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 16% (1/6)

Ugh. Not a good time to do it as we were battling for first place. We somehow got the first 2 games, very luckily, and put up a huge stinker in the 3rd and lost series.

[mc_runner]

Bowled notap last night which is kind of annoying but was a good way to get acquainted with the modern release. Figured out what I was doing wrong and shot a "legit" 232 the last game (all strikes and 8 pin spares)! Cocking the wrist isn't gonna happen for me, but cupping/uncupping on release and staying behind the ball seems to be the way to go!

[mc_runner]

Last week of fall league - rose into 2nd, best finish so far!

193/183/217, 593 series

Went with my modern release. When it was on, I strung strikes together, but then I would lose it and struggle a bit. I also have to get used to adjustments all over again as the oil changes - hopefully, summer will iron all that out.

Stats:
Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Single Pin Spares: 83% (5/6)
Multiple pin, no split: 75% (6/8)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

[mc_runner]

First day of summer league:

Started with the Vivid (why not?) and still had issues controlling it. I just have never gotten the hang of that ball. 5 frames in switched to the byte and used that the rest of the way. Still struggling with consistency in the modern release (which I fully expect to happen all summer) but the good news is that even with that, I'm bowling around or even slightly above average:

161/208/186, 555 series

Stats:
Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Single Pin Spares: 83% (5/6) - whiffed on a 10 pin that I knew I threw poorly
multiple pin, no split: 80% (8/10) - chopped a 3/9 in the first game, and totally shanked a 6/10 into the gutter while not particularly zoned in
Splits: 0% (0/2)

All in all fairly happy. Struggled the first game, 2nd and 3rd were much better. Starting out with a 186 average is fine - I'd like to hit 200 next year and feel like it'll be possible once the consistency is there!

[mc_runner]

Last night was meh. Didn't feel super great and struggled with spares more than usual. Also, 6 splits. yuck.
171,181,184/536

Strikes: 38% (13/34)
Spares: 57% (11/19)
Single pin: 71% (5/7) - missed a 2 pin and 8 pin. Updating my release has had some unforeseen challenges with picking up middle-rack single pins, I don't really feel comfortalbe shooting the new or old style at it. It'll come
multiple pin, no split: 83% (5/6)
Splits: 16% (1/6)

[mc_runner]

188, 201, 173 / 562

Strikes: 43% (14/32)
Spares: 58% (10/17)
Single Pin: 66% (2/3)
Multiple Pin, no split: 8/11
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Getting closer - I'm finally at a rev rate and roll I'm happy with and starting to feel more comfortable with the shot. Still a bit off on the consistency though - I can string together a bunch of strikes but then I lose it for a bit and throw a few opens - example, game 1 started off spare/split/open, then threw a 5 bagger, then ended chop/split for a 188.

[mc_runner]

199, 176, 194 - 569 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
Multiple Pin no split: 7/9
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Struggled with strike consistency a bit again. I felt a little bit off last night and my release didn't feel right (and I was down some revs). Had a clean game in game 1, and couldn't spare for the life of me in game 2... had 6 strikes and 4 opens (including a missed 10 pin, and 4 pin). Eh. Got it back a bit in game 3... still waiting for it to feel natural so I don't have to think about what I'm doing.

[mc_runner]

147, 199, 202 - 548 series

It was hazy, hot and humid all day. Game 1 I could NOT find a line that worked. Vivid wasn't feeling quite right and reacting the way I needed it to, and the byte was just way too flippy (blame the humidity for that). Game 2 I moved inside and the vivid started working much better, game 3 I stayed with that line and would have had a significantly higher score if I hadn't left the big 4 in the 9th frame.

Stats:
Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 61% (11/18)
- Single pin spares: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple pin, no split: 63% (5/8)
- Splits: 20% (1/5)

Too many open multiple pin, and too many splits. 4 splits in game 1, and I chopped a 2-4-8, a 3-6, and a 3-6-10. The pieces are slowly coming together, as I am getting better carry. I have to remember to stay down on my release in game 1 especially, which has been a sticking point so far this season. Once I stay down the shots follow.

[mc_runner]

Last night was a disaster. 170/186/165, 521 series.

Strikes: 38% (12/31)
Spares: 52% (10/19)
Single Pin: 71% (5/7) - missed a 4 pin (no excuse) and a 10 pin.
Multiple pin, no split: 40% (4/10)
Splits: 50% (1/2) - hey, made a 2-4-10 split

I wasn't comfortable with my shots all night, something was off. When I stayed low I had no follow through and yanked the ball, when I followed through I didn't stay low and lofted it. Revs were down, and worst of all are those multiple pin stats. I had FIVE chops on the night. By the end of the third game I just laughed when I missed the final shot on the 10th frame, wanted to get out of there. Without the chops the week turns out "ok". Oh, I also had a gutter/spare to lead the last game off.

This was the final attempt at going out for crappy but delicious food before bowling, I figured to give it one more try and see if it still affected me (it did). Back to practice this week.

[mc_runner]

So an interesting night overall. I bowled my season low and high back to back.

Another hot/humid day, approach was sticky and I pivoted poorly on my second practice ball and pulled a muscle in my hip. I wasn't sure I'd be able to bowl at all but figured I'd give it a shot.

136/231/203, 570 series

Strikes: 40% (13/32)
Spares: 63% (12/19)
Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
Multiple Pin, no split: 7/9
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Game 1 was kind of rough. I had to start out a lot more upright than I would have liked due to the hip, and missed several spares, only struck twice. I was right and left without a consistent release/ball reaction. Got a few splits and chopped a 3/6/10.
Game 2 I found a working line, finally, with the byte (!). Clean except for a greek church in the 5th and got a 5 bagger in 6-10 (spare in the fill frame).
Game 3 That line went away, switched to the vivid and played more inside. Went well minus one chop in frame 4.

[mc_runner]

Tonight was really bad, worst night in awhile. To be honest I expected more nights like this as I transition to the new swing, but I didn't think they'd be this late in the process. I was off with timing, speed, delivery, everything tonight. I wasn't making spares either.

149/191/143, 483 series.

A lot to work on, and it mostly comes back to timing, staying low/balanced and posting shots.

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 52% (10/19)
Single Pin: 60% (3/5) no excuses for a missed 10 pin and 7 pin
Multiple pin, no split: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

I got 2 gutter balls, one I covered for a spare and the other was on the last shot of the last game (fill frame). Not so good!

[Aslan]

A lot to work on, and it mostly comes back to timing, staying low/balanced and posting shots.

Yup…me too.

[mc_runner]

Time to hit the alley for some practice this weekend. The weeks I haven't had a chance to practice are the ones where everything's been a mighty struggle!

[mc_runner]

Another poor showing! I'm off on my spares and it's killing my games. Outside of the 5 splits I got, everything I left was makeable. Guess being off for a week and not getting to practice (bachelor party woo) really spells trouble for working on my shots.

On the plus side, I felt much more comfortable on my first ball and had my timing down a LOT better - I was working on my crossover steps and not drifting right on the approach. I felt it was paying immediate dividends as I no longer have to compensate for starting way left. Obviously still have work to do (and really really need to get to practice this week sometime - it's been a challenge with my wedding coming up in less than a month, though), need to get that consistent approach/release down. Also have to rework some of my adjustments as the lanes transition now.

146/158/191, 495 series

Strikes: 37% (12/32). Not so great, want to be >40%
Spares: 44% (8/18). just pathetic
- single pin: 71% (5/7) - missed 2 10pins. This summer they've been more of a struggle than in the past, I found I have to start a board further right in the humidity and always forget to do so my first attempt or 2 on the night.
- multipin, no split: 50% (3/6). All easily makeable
- splits: 0% (0/5). Including a nice 4/6 in the 10th in the last game when a mark would have won the game for us... and given me a 200 game/500 series. ugh.

[mc_runner]

Better last night. Brand new pins led to a bunch of lower scores across the board but I can't really complain. I covered most of my single pins... did have 3 chops (all on the right side) but hey. The last game was a big confidence booster as I rolled all 9 counts and a 6 in a row from frames 5-10. The one negative on the night was an "I don't know what happened" gutter ball on my fill frame in game 2 (which naturally 3 pins would have won the game for us).

170/181/234, 585 series

Stats:
Strikes: 41% ( 14/34)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin, no split: 5/9
- Splits 0% (0/1)

I will FINALLY get to practice this Friday, these 1-a-week sessions haven't been enough to get confident in my new shot.

[mc_runner]

Didn't have a great night. I used the Vivid in game 1 and pulled out the Brunswick LT-48 to try it out in league play for the last 2. It held it's line really well but I think I may need to slow my shot just a little to take advantage of it's strengths.

182/181/168, 531 series.

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 65% (13/20)
- Single pin: 66% (4/6)
- Multiple pin, no split: 9/11
- splits: 0% (0/3)

I knew it was going to be a rough night when my second shot in the first game looked beautiful going into the pocket and left a 7-10, then on my next ball after an adjustment right I nearly did it again (late 7 fall).

[mc_runner]

Had a pretty lousy last night in summer league but we won all 4 points and finished in second, so there is that!

Game 1 I started outside with the LT-48 (I wanted to see what it would do on the fresh) and it... wasn't very good for my shot. I played the full game with it, made adjustments here and there, and just couldn't find a working line (single pin leaves, a few where I slightly missed my mark by like a half board and paid for it, etc). I finished up the last frame with the byte, and started a couple frames in game 2 with it before I decided to stop messing around and just throw my A game with the Vivid. Game 2 and 3 after that went a lot better outside of a couple splits and a nice gutter-spare.

159/185/189, 531

Stats:
Strikes 35% (12/34)
Spares: 63% (12/19)
Single Pin: 100% (5/5) yay
Mulitple pin, no split: 67% (6/9). No easy chops at least on this one. Washout, bucket+7 where the 5 moved to the 8 pin spot, etc
Splits: 20% (1/5). made a 5-10

I still need to work a little on cutting down the splits. The good news is the more I bowl the more automatic this style feels - I've finally been able to stop thinking about it every step on some shots. On to fall leagues after a fun/payout week next week, and wedding next weekend!

[mc_runner]

Last week of summer league, fun night and wasn't taking it too serious. Knocked the polish off the byte and that helped the reaction a lot. Still got a bunch of splits, I really need to work on that as it appears to be my #1 problem at the moment. I didn't throw the ball badly but got a couple of bad breaks and bad splits. Was debating whether or not to post but I kept track so hey.

170/173/202, 545 series

Strikes: 45% (14/31)
Spares: 52% (9/17)
Single Pin: 83% (5/6). Missed a 10, just misthrew it
Multiple pin, no split: 33% (2/6)
Splits: 40% (2/5) - picked up a 4-7-9 and a 3-10

Bummer that I won not a single one of the 25+ raffles or prizes. makes up for last year.

[mc_runner]

I'll be updating this by week to cut down on the posts a little. First week of fall leagues was kind of rough, had some time off and didn't feel entirely comfortable either night.

TUES MEN'S LEAGUE - Team "The Bowl Movements"

179,166,180 - 525 series (175.00 avg)
Strikes: 35% (12/34)
Spares: 55% (11/20)
- Single Pin: 71% (5/7)
- Multiple Pin: 46% (6/13)
- Splits: 0% (0/4)

It was one of the hottest/most humid days of the year. 90s and 80% humidity and it was even grosser inside with all the people. Approaches were incredibly sticky and the oil dried out really quickly. Game 1 and 2 I struggled to find a line and even pick up spares, and I couldn't keep either ball right of the headpin regardless of line. Game 3 I pulled out the LT-48 and found a little more consistency - definitely should have played that earlier. All in all I'm not too upset though - my 525 was one of the higher scores across the league (league average is a 190... not the best night for anyone).


THURS MIXED - Team "Livin' on a Spare"

155/165/192 - 512 series (170.67 average)
Strikes: 28% (9/32)
Spares: 66% (14/21)
- Single pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple pin: 50% (6/12)
- Splits: 14% (1/7)

Not so happy with this one. I was a hair left on all my shots and paid for it with SEVEN splits. I moved all over the first game, all over the second and found nothing... then abandoned my inside game after splitting in frame 1, game 3 and threw hard and fast up the second arrow with my byte. That seemed to fix all my problems, lol. Game 3 was much better, I did leave several single pin spares but picked all but the first 10pin up. I would like my single pins to be at 90% this season overall so I'll hopefully be on the way at least in the mixed league. Gonna keep the shot that worked in mind too - I was the only one hooking the ball so carry down may actually have been a bit of an issue, and I'll play different lines on Tues/Thurs.

Glad that I didn't kill either one of my "all series above 500" goal on the first night in either, although it was close. Hope to rebound next week.

[mc_runner]

TUES NIGHT MEN'S

201, 166, 210 - 577 series (183.7 working avg)
Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple pin: 60% (6/10)
- Splits 0% (0/2)

Found my line much better this week. I read the lanes well, but made a bad ball change in game 2 and left a couple of splits. Went back with a lateral adjustment at the end of game 2, kept it for game 3 and was clean. Much better and more comfortable feeling!


THURS NIGHT MIXED:

179, 144, 181 - 504 series (169.3 avg)
Strikes: 34% (11/32)
Spares: 50% (10/20)
- Single Pin: 80% (4/5)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (6/15)
- Splits: 0% (0/5)

My line from Tuesday did not work AT ALL last night. I was dumb and tried "forcing" it with minor adjustments for most of the first 2 games. After an abysmal start to game 2 (51 in the 5th) I moved inside and found a much more consistent line, although I left a big split in the 10th after 2 strikes. I did miss a 10 pin in game 3 when I stuck on the approach (was a problem again last night... very humid day. Had the S8's on and still had issues a few times). Squeaked out another 500, but it's a far cry from the 190+ I should be throwing. Oh well, if there's a time to do poorly it's at the start of the season I suppose.

I really need to work on adapting to the lanes. Both weeks on Thursday I've started game 1 great and faded around frame 6... I need to stay ahead of that and adjust if I am not getting the reaction I need - and abandon the line/make a bigger move inside or outside if the angle isn't working at all.

[mc_runner]

Posting now as my wife is having surgery Thurs, and I am at a conference next Tues so won't be bowling until next Thurs night

TUES NIGHT MEN'S

214, 211, 182 - 607 series (189.89 league avg)

Strikes: 50% (16/32)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
Single Pin: 100% (3/3)
Multiple pin: 55% (8/12)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Good night tonight! Was on my mark all 3 games, had to make a big move inside in game 3 after a couple of splits to start then settled down. Only opens on the night were splits. After last Tuesday (excluding the mixed league anomaly which was due to sticky approaches and humidity) I am finally getting the hang of my shot and picking up the consistency. Strikes are coming, carry is good. Played the vivid all night... average is now up to 190 which is my goal... keep working at the single pin spares and cutting down on the splits, and good things will happen!

[mc_runner]

Surgery went well, back from business trip (exhausted... flew in and went straight to bowling)

THURS MIXED

192, 191, 201 - 584 series (177.78 league avg)

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
Single Pin: 57% (4/7)
Multiple: 72% (8/11)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

I didn't bowl as well as the scores indicate. I started the night by covering a 4-7-10 split, but I struggled with carrydown (yes, it happened! 2 people rolling house balls all over the place tonight. And I mean all over - gutter, 10 pins, dead center... every shot was different for them. But hey a new bowler is a new bowler!). I managed to miss 3 of my 5 ten pins on the night. Midway through the second game, I switched balls to the byte as I was getting no carry at all with the vivid, all of a sudden I started leaving weak 10s and a pocket 7-10, and then a washout after an adjustment. Played out the rest with the byte. Would have been a much higher set if I had picked up my 10 pins.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

176, 180, 218 - 574 series (190.25 league avg)

Strikes: 41% (14/34)
Spares: 78% (15/19)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Struggled a little with carry the first 2 games but found a great line in the third. Ended with a clean game, and got all my 10 pins after making an adjustment in how I'm throwing them! Overall ended up average for the night, pretty happy with where I'm at in this league. Will try to hold my average in the 190s the rest of the way.

THURS NIGHT MIXED

184,171,136 - 491 series (174.25 league avg)

Strikes: 28% (9/32)
Spares: 65% (15/23)
- Single pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple pin: 46% (6/13)
Splits: 0% (0/6)

Oooh boy this was a rough one. I was on the end set of lanes on a rainy, damp day and couldn't find a line to save my life. In game 1 I left 4 10pins and changed balls in game 2 - it didn't go well. I pulled out the LT-48 a few frames in to game 3 since I couldn't keep anything to the right, and promptly threw a 3-4-6-7-9-10 split (yep, a 4 count split) and then on the next ball a flush pocket 7-10 (second of the night). When I left yet another 10 in the last frame I was so frustrated I just threw it without setting properly and whiffed for my lone single pin miss of the night - at the time I didn't realize it also cost the 500 series. I really have to get better about concentrating and plowing through when struggling with the lanes. Have to pick up my performance in this league, really been struggling in general in this one.

[mc_runner]

Posting now, out tomorrow for a rehearsal dinner for yet another wedding I'm in (BB.com member Silverfear actually... not sure if hes on here anymore)

TUES MEN'S

183,186,170 - 539 series (188.19 league avg)

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 58% (10/17)
- Single Pin: 62% (5/8)
- Multiple Pin: 55% (5/9)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

I bowled a lot better than the scores indicate. I was carrying well and was right on my mark all night. I had some REALLY badly timed splits and opens though... game 1 I was clean and working on a double in the 8th when my line dried up a little on the right lane, and I chopped a 3-6-10 (grrr). Struck in frame 9 then left a 4-6-7 in the 10th to really blow a good game. I knew my line was going away and moved up a couple inches to try to compensate - I didn't want to switch balls on the last frame, game was on the line. In retrospect I was a couple frames too late on the right lane.

Game 2 was pretty much the same except my split came in the 9th frame after a strike, yet again blowing an easy 200 and my clean game. 9/9 to end it in the 10th.

Game 3 I was throwing well (6 strikes in it) but completely lost my shot on the 10 pin. I left 3 10s, and whiffed all of them. I was simply putting the ball down wayyyy left of where I wanted to and I'm not sure why considering that everythign else I threw was right on target. I had to get XX8 for the 170 in the 10th. Had I tweaked just a couple of minor things a frame earlier in both game 1 and 2, and covered my 10s, this night would have easily been about 100 pins higher. Live and learn.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

246, 199, 171 - 616 series (191.00 league avg)

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 64% (9/14)
- Single pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple pin: 50% (3/6)
Splits: 0/2

Felt really good, hammered the pocket all night. I probably missed 2 or 3 shots all night. Was a little behind on lane transition in game 2/3, threw away a couple of easy 210+ games (esp. game 2). Struggled a little on my 10s again... when I get a bit of money I really need a plastic ball with my updated release. Threw palm up and it worked, but isn't comfortable anymore. Overall happy with the night but it should've been higher. Gotta get out of my own head.

THURS MIXED

152, 156, 203 - 511 (173.47 league avg)

Strikes: 38% (13/34)
Spares: 52% (11/21)
- Single pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (6/15)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

...And my thursday struggles continue. I was great in practice then awful in the game. No strikes in game 1 until frame 8. Oil was weird too (theme, which I really should try to adjust ot coming in I guess since it's been consistent) and I had to throw my dry lane, way inside ball - when I did, I finished XX9/X for a 152. Game 2 I started with a double, then chopped a 4-8. I had a TON of chops tonight, at least 1 per game. I think I had 3 in game 2... anyway, after I finally got my head out of you know where and threw the right ball, I finished game 2 with XXX and finally threw a good game in 3. I did chop a 6-10 in the 9th to ruin a better game, though.

On a related note, I think a LOT of my Thursday problems stem from leaving work a little early, while everything is going on, driving 40 min to the alley and immediately bowling. I'm still revved up from work/driving in traffic and it takes me until game 3 to relax... this year, my average is 20+ pins higher in the third game than in game 1. I do have a workaround for that though. Going to work from a different office next week and see if a more relaxed time/commute helps. Keep working at it, I'll get this to 190 - had a lot of bad luck so far this year and I'll get everything right sooner or later.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

191, 198, 169 - 558 series (190.29 league avg)

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple pin: 50% (4/8)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Threw strike ball pretty well, but struggled with my marks on spares. I just didn't really feel relaxed and pulled a few, chopped a few, and most aggravatingly pulled 2 10pins for misses (I did pick up 4 of them though). I was posting my shots on strike ball but not spares and it showed, and can say another week another couple good games blown by dumb errors :P Working on it!

THURS MIXED

205, 237, 197 - 639 series (180.06 league avg)

Strikes: 51%
Spares: 87% (14/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (11/11)
- Multiple pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Fiiiiinally. I actually didn't feel as comfortable as my scores indicate, I just had great carry. And I DID post my spare shots, and every one was dead-on. Only opens were my first frame in game 1, which was a 3-4-7-10 (picked up the 3-10) and a 1-2-10 in game 3 (knocked out the 2 only). I needed this night to get back into the swing of things for this league! I finally seem to have found a line in general that works.

[mc_runner]

I'm gonna post up my Tuesday night scores tonight for posterity... first 700 series ever! And it was sanctioned (woohoo)

TUES NIGHT MEN'S

235, 255, 214 - 704 series (195.83 league avg)

Strikes: 65% (23/35)
Spares: 90% (10/11)
- Single pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits N/A (0/0)


WELL! 7 years after my first 699 (which honestly was mostly luck) I did it and hit one of my goals for 2014-15!! I found a line and it pretty much held the whole night, with minor adjusting. Every game was with the Vivid tonight. Game 1 I whiffed a 10 pin that I tugged just a little, but had the strike ball working great. Clean series outside of that. Game 2 I started with the front 6 before tugging for a 3-6-10 that I covered. Then had a ringing 10, covered, and XX9/ for the 255. Game 3 was a little nerve wracking... the 700 was definitely in the back of my head. I needed a double in the 10th to get it. 10th frame, first ball buried the pocket. 11th came in a tad high and had a late 4-9 trip! Not without luck there and definitely a little drama as they went down. 12th was a perfect ball but left a ringing 10. Awesome night tonight, the last few weeks I've really noticed the adjustments to my game taking hold. Let's hope this carries over to Thurs!

[MICHAEL]

nice JOB!! Nothing quite like the feel of a 700 plus,,, can't imagine how that 800 must feel,,, go for it!

[fortheloveofbowling]

Congratulations!! I remember how great it felt to get my first one. I hope you have many more!!

[Amyers]

I'm gonna post up my Tuesday night scores tonight for posterity... first 700 series ever! And it was sanctioned (woohoo)

TUES NIGHT MEN'S

235, 255, 214 - 704 series (195.83 league avg)

Strikes: 65% (23/35)
Spares: 90% (10/11)
- Single pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits N/A (0/0)


WELL! 7 years after my first 699 (which honestly was mostly luck) I did it and hit one of my goals for 2014-15!! I found a line and it pretty much held the whole night, with minor adjusting. Every game was with the Vivid tonight. Game 1 I whiffed a 10 pin that I tugged just a little, but had the strike ball working great. Clean series outside of that. Game 2 I started with the front 6 before tugging for a 3-6-10 that I covered. Then had a ringing 10, covered, and XX9/ for the 255. Game 3 was a little nerve wracking... the 700 was definitely in the back of my head. I needed a double in the 10th to get it. 10th frame, first ball buried the pocket. 11th came in a tad high and had a late 4-9 trip! Not without luck there and definitely a little drama as they went down. 12th was a perfect ball but left a ringing 10. Awesome night tonight, the last few weeks I've really noticed the adjustments to my game taking hold. Let's hope this carries over to Thurs!

Congrats I haven't got one of these yet and it is on my list of the next few things I want to accomplish

[mc_runner]

Thanks! I really think that this site's helped immensely with my game and understanding reaction better. I've learned and incorporated a ton in the last several months so thank you all for that ; ) That 700 was a monkey on the back for a long time.

[mc_runner]

THURS MIXED:

182, 197, 209 - 588 (182.33 league avg)

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 68% (11/16)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 20% (1/5)

This was a more average meh kinda night. Timing was a little off and I struggled with hitting my mark at times (and paid for it with splits). Other than the splits, not too bad. Good strike % when I did throw it well, most spares were covered - though I did ditch my first attempt at a 10 on the night... after 2 strikes. Bleh.

[fortheloveofbowling]

Still a good night and over your average. Anytime you can take positives from your night that is good for your mental game. Keep working out there!

[mc_runner]

Yep! Taking the positives and rolling with them :)

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

156, 226, 164 - 546 series (194.30 league avg)

Strikes: 40% (13/32)
Spares: 61% (11/18)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 37% (3/8)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Eh, struggled to find a line in game 1, found it in game 2, then was too stubborn to make the (big) adjustment needed in game 3. Had issues with spares a good bit - although I left several tough ones not counted as splits (1-2-4-10, 1-2-7, 1-2-7-8-10) and also chopped a 3-6-10. It was clear to me right when I finished what I should have done for game 3 - just a matter of realizing and doing it in the game!

THURS NIGHT MIXED:

198, 166, 156 - 520 series (181.21 avg)

Strikes: 35% (11/31)
Spares: 57% (11/19)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 46% (6/13)
Splits: 0% (0/7)

Really scuffled through this whole night. Was super late and got no warmup and no read on the lanes. Splits everywhere. Last game was actually going fairly well until I managed a X.X.6s2.9- to end the game. Lanes felt much heavier than normal and my line was a struggle all night... of the 7 splits, 3 of them were 2-4-8-10s from coming in light. Have a couple items I know I need to work on (staying low in release when struggling, to post/find line is the main one, and then watching the ball through the rack to get a jump on adjustments). Hoping for a bounce back week next week!

[mc_runner]

Another very so-so week. I'm getting killed on my 10 pins, but can't afford a ball at the moment with everything LIFE going on.

TUES MENS:
166, 193, 211 - 570 series (193.87 avg)

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 52% (9/17)
- Single Pin: 69% (9/13)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Good carry, lousy spare shooting. strike % is great in this league, my 10 pin % is woeful in general. I'm whiffing them all which I know I wouldn't do with a plastic ball... so that's next on my list of things to get. I think I left the 9th frame open in every game, haha.

THURS MIXED:
173, 182, 178 - 533 series (180.81 avg)

Strikes: 31% (10/32)
Spares: 72% (16/22)
- Single Pin: 73% (11/15)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 100% (1/1)

Bad 10 pin shooting continued on thursday - and I left a LOT of them. I was on the end lanes and just could not carry... 31% strikes is the lowest I've had in quite awhile. I had flat 10s, ringing 10s, made an adjustment and got more ringing 10s, then another flat 10, etc. I'm on this same pair on Tuesday.

[mc_runner]

TUES MENS:
213, 189, 168 - 570 series (193.52 avg)

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 68% (13/19)
- Single Pin: 100% (12/12)
- Multiple Pin: 14% (1/7)
Splits: 0% (0/5)

Started off with a clean game then it unraveled pretty quickly. On the end lanes, had issues with carry for both teams, and I left 3 pocket 7-10s along with 8 single 10pin leaves (but picked them all up!). Looking forward to moving out of that set of lanes for awhile.

THURS MIXED
208, 147, 201 - 556 series (181.27 avg)

Strikes: 48% (15/31)
Spares: 43% (7/16)
- Single Pin: 42% (3/7)
- Multiple Pin: 44% (4/9)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Eh, I arrived really late and was dealing with a work issue in between bowling frames. I somehow had a really great first game going until I left a 2-8-10 in the 10th frame going on 2 strikes... blew a really good game there but at least still got the 200. Not really sure what happened in game 2, I lost my line and with no spare practice time I shanked quite a few of my spare attempts (was 1 for 4 on the night for 10s). Ended up switching balls and still would have had a decent game had I not guttered on my spare attempt in the 10th frame (again, on 2 strikes). Game 3 I recovered nicely. Carry was good and my series would have been a lot better had I nailed spares, oh well. I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out considering the circumstances.

[mc_runner]

TUES MENS

173, 203, 165 - 541 series (192.42 league avg).

Strikes: 34% (11/32)
Spares: 61% (13/21)
- Single Pin: 76% (10/13)
- Multiple Pin: 37% (3/8)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Ugh what a mess this was. Something was off on my timing/release, I was down a lot of revs and pulling the ball left on every shot including spares. Posting worked sometimes, but I fell off right a few times as well. My lack of revs helped the ball stay relatively "OK" and I picked up more strikes/spares than I had any right to.

I will be getting to the alley this weekend sometime for some practice to work on my release and timing - I'm hoping it was a one-off thing. One of my teammates said it looked like I was coming around the ball, but I think the problem stemmed somewhere before that (i.e. symptom not cause) since I was having trouble posting, balancing and hitting marks.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

187, 217, 181 - 585 series (192.65 league avg)

Strikes: 52% (18/34)
Spares: 64% (9/14)
- Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Feast or famine. I'm getting really good at turning what should be great games into so-so ones. First one, for instance... X,X, pocket 7-10, X,X, pulled and left a big 4, X, 9/ (almost another pocket 7-10, 10 went late), 9/, X7/. 187 with 6 strikes and 2 poorly timed unmakeable splits.
Game 2, started with a 4 bagger then covered a 10 pin and followed it up with another nice big 4. Ugh... had to double to even hit 200 from there. On the plus side, the series went above average.

THURS MIXED:

177, 183, 214 - 574 series (182.16 league avg)

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (11/11)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (2/6)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Same general thing here - much higher games turned into so-so games. A few really poorly timed splits will do that... Game 1 started very solid then I lost my shot/timing randomly and left some really tough leaves for 3 straight frames before finding it again. Last game I had a possible 250+ turn into a 214 when I left another pocket 7-10 in the 9th frame after a double. Had I closed the way I ended up closing in the 10th, I would have had a 256. Meh.

Definitely some positives out of this though - hit ALL single pins in both leagues, and am 12/12 on my tens recently! And the shots are there - carry was there and has been pretty good this season (strike % is way up over last yr). Still working on putting together complete games, when I do it'll be awesome!

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

205, 180, 227 - 612 (193.43 avg)

Strikes: 46% (15/32)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Good night, had some issues with carry in the second game. I think I had 6 ten pins alone that game, with 3 strikes and a naaasty split in the 10th (went through the nose for a 3-6-7-10). Third game started out pretty bad for the first 4 frames too, but I made a ball change and strung a 6-pack together for a nice finish/series. Been throwing the ball really well, only missed pocket on 2 hits all night.

THURS MIXED

205, 192, 172 - 569 series (182.80 avg)

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 78% (15/19)
- Single Pin: 83% (10/12)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

I didn't throw quite as well here, but the first 2 games were still solid. I missed a couple of 10 pins tonight, breaking my streak of 20 in a row made :P . Third game I got into a lousy mental state for a few frames (mostly my own fault) and was mad at something outside of bowling... I ended the game OK though. Few weeks in a row hitting at or near the 190 and my average is slowly creeping up in the league - still struggling a little with the lane transitions though, especially compared to Tuesday.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

223, 194, 184 - 601 series (193.89 avg)

Strikes: 45% (16/35)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 58% (7/12)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Luckiest/worst 600 series I've ever had. Still not sure how I even managed to get that high! I left a ton of nasty leaves and didn't really feel right, but strung together strikes where I needed to and picked up all my single pin spares. Finished strong all 3 games.

THURS MIXED

186, 184, 166 - 536 series (182.49 avg)

Strikes: 41% (14/34)
Spares: 63% (12/19)
- Single Pin: 63% (7/11)
- Multiple Pin: 62% (5/8)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

I actually felt very similar to Tuesday on this (meaning a little off in my timing and release) but didn't get the luck I did on Tuesday. I couldn't string together strikes and I missed 4 10-pins on the night... both of which started to get to me. I'm beginning to feel a little bit frustrated with my results in this league. I was thinking about what the differences are and what I have to work on for the second half. Some of the variables seem to be:

1. More carry down - many people bowling with plastic all over the lane, one of my teammates also hammers his ball straight at 20+ mph with no spin. Fix - I know I need a new ball which will help with some of the oil in games 2+3, also need to prepare for the transition mentally
2. More casual atmosphere - totally on me. Mixed handicap league that no one really takes super seriously, and I'm finding it difficult to concentrate both on strikes and spares. Need to get in a better mental place to score better!
3. Faster pace - again, on me. Same as above.

Couple weeks off in the league now, while the 190 isn't out of the question yet I definitely need to pick up the pace here as we're halfway through the season.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

218, 183, 168 - 569 series (193.62 avg)

Strikes: 46% (15/32)
Spares: 64% (11/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
- Multiple Pin: 53% (7/13)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Was on the end pair tonight... game 1 there was only about 2-3 boards difference between the 2 lanes, but by game 3 the end lane was probably 10 boards more hook than the right. Struggled with that lane and couldn't hit hte pocket by game 3! And had issues picking up spares on that lane for the same reason (yeah yeah I'm going to buy a plastic ball as soon as I get the time to go up to my pro shop. hopefully this weekend). Game 1 went well, and I picked up TWO 1-2-4-6-10 washouts on the night for the positives.

[mc_runner]

TUES MEN'S

191, 223, 184 - 598 series (193.96 avg)

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (2/6)
Splits: 20% (1/5)

Not too bad, overall. Game 1 I was leaving a ton of flat 10s and adjusted, and promptly threw 2 splits in frames 8 and 9. Wasn't getting a good read with the vivid and went to the byte for game 2, which turned out much better (and clean). Game 3 I started out strike, split, split, strike, split (I threw the vivid for a couple shots to see what it would do on the transition, still wasn't getting a great read with it obviously) and then make a couple line tweaks with the byte and closed out pretty strong for the 184. Not a bad week, only opens were the splits - basically just need to cut down on those. This year with my higher rev shot has been getting a lot more carry and strikes, but more splits as well.

[mc_runner]

Went on Sunday for practice and ended up with a 610 on tough, burnt-up carry-down conditions so I was excited to bowl this week:

TUES MEN'S

182, 173, 172 - 527 series (192.94 avg)


Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 65% (13/20)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

I'm not sure what happened, really. Game 1 had little to no carry, and it went downhill from there. Struggled with my mark and timing, couldn't find the right adjustments and basically just stunk up the lanes. I missed a 4 pin - the second non-10 pin miss this entire season.

THURS MIXED:

214, 167, 183 - 564 series (182.88 avg)

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 75% (15/20)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (9/12)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Went better than the scores indicate. I baked my ball and resurfaced because it had lost its bite and it did make a lot of difference. I loved the move into the pocket. I had zero warm up time and that's always kind of tough on a 10 degree day, so it took some time to acclimate - but threw a clean game. Then game 2 I didn't adjust quite right and threw up a few bad shots and 2 bad splits; game 3 was clean up until a pocket 7-10 in the 9th that I threw a bit outside my mark.

Addendum for the Thursday scores - I finally got myself a white dot for spares. I picked it up and was hoping to get there early enough to at least throw it once or twice to see what kind of line I'd need to use for 6,9,10 pins... but that didn't happen. So I had to guess, and I guessed poorly the first time I threw it, lol. However from there itw as pretty smooth and I ended up going 3/5 on tens. I can already tell this will be a great addition - even though I've been decent on 10s recently (esp. on Tuesday) this will certainly bring consistency across the board and take out any doubt of lane conditions.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

204, 205, 223 - 632 series (193.92 avg)

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 93% (14/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 80% (4/5)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Was clean in games 1 and 2, and was clean until the 8th frame in game 3 when I threw a lousy ball :P Would have been nice to get another clean 30 but hey! As the scores indicate, I was clean but really struggled on the left lane in games 1 and 2 - was close to dutch 200s each game, actually. Kept coming in a tad high and leaving 4's, and would adjust and come in without drive and leave soft 10s. It was rinse and repeat until game 3 when I figured it out and really started throwing both lanes well. Pretty happy overall with how the night went though! Timing was on, cleaned up spares, made a nasty 3-6-7-9-10 split.

Thurs Mixed:

144, 207, 201 - 552 series (182.96 avg)

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 56% (9/16)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (3/9)
Splits: 0% (0/6)

Well, I'm not really sure what happened here. Game 1 I thought I was throwing well but the ball was not finishing right at all. Each adjustment seemed to result in splits. I got a little frustrated and missed a 10 in there, too. I was looking at an 87 in the 7th frame, before I just refocused mentally and ended decently.

Game 2 I felt the lanes adapting to my original throw a little more and ended up starting with 4 in a row, then promptly threw a pocket 7-10 split (I knew I left it a little outside, it hit really flat). Strike in the 6th, next time up on that lane I slowed down just a tad because I didn't want to throw light again... through the nose for a big 4. Ugh. Another strike, spare, strike strike 9 to end... 8 strikes for a 207. Bleh. Game 3 was good except for a bad split in the 8th frame.

Cut down those splits. That will be my goal next week. Good news is that 5 of my last 6 games were over 200... but that 144 came out of nowhere.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

190, 197, 222 - 609 series (194.33 league avg)

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 66% (10/15)
- Single Pin: 75% (3/4)
- Multiple Pin: 63% (7/11)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Everything went pretty well. Game 1 I chopped a couple of spares, and in game 3 I made a big move inside as my line was burnt up, rung off 5 in a row. I'm having a few issues with my plastic ball, but I figured I'd have some growing pains while I adjust my targets.

Thurs Mixed:

232, 189, 236 - 657 series (185.21 avg)

Strikes: 60% (20/33)
Spares: 58% (7/12)
- Single Pin: 66% (4/6)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (3/6)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

I'm quite happy with the scores but my spares were killing me! I chopped 2 more easy spares (3-6-10, and the 4-7), and missed 2 10 pins. Pick those up and this would have been a 700 :P Great carry and everything on my strike ball felt really great and was all timed up.

Baking and de-oiling the ball has done wonders for my game; outside of 1 or 2 bad games I've been consistently hitting the averages I want to be at! I was thinking about buying a new ball but the Vivid still has some life in it yet - I have barely even picked up the byte (or any other ball) over the last few weeks because the reaction and line has been so good and consistent.

[vdubtx]

Nice shooting this week. Well above your average.
Keep it up mc_runner!

[mc_runner]

Thanks vdub!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's: Cancelled due to snowstorm

Thurs Mixed:

229, 256, 192 - 677 series (187.59 avg)

Strikes: 60% (21/35)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 25% (1/4)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Another solid night... first game started with a double, then a solid 4 pin, then a 10 pin, then a... uh... 4-6-7-9 split (greek church minus the 10). Another 10, then 5 in a row with an 8 in the fill.

Game 2 I noticed the reaction wasn't so great with my vivid the first couple frames (left a light split that I thought I threw perfectly, then another light hit that struck, and made an adjustment and left a 2 pin light again) so I pulled out the byte and went 8 in a row, but again shanked the fill frame a bit. Oh well :)

Game 3 the byte started leaving 10 pins... 4 in a row, actually despite my adjustments. I did miss one of them (edit - I meant to mention it was because I hooked my plastic ball around it... had been throwing slow to get the feel for mark and such, but that was too slow apparently. haha). So I went back to the vivid and started striking again but left a 4-9 on a barely high shot in the 9th frame. Other than that... I was happy with how I shot, happy with how I read the lanes and left with a really positive vibe. That 190 goal is getting closer!

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens:

206, 178, 184 - 568 (194.09 avg)

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 73% (14/19)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

Eh, not much to say here except that I didn't keep up with or handle the transition well in games 2-3. Our team did start off the new part of the season with a sweep though, which is good because we finished last in the previous part.

Thurs Mixed:

195, 167, 214 - 576 series (187.83 avg)

Strikes: 41% (14/34)
Spares: 73% (14/19)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 55% (5/9)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

This was a struggle from the get go, I had something really wrong in my release and was definitely coming around the ball. First game was worse than the score indicated, I actually punched out for the 195. I couldn't find a line that worked and ended up pulling my old Taboo out of the locker for game 3 and it was like magic, suddenly my release was fine and I felt good. Pleased to salvage the night somewhat, but my wrist hurts today. I was definitely forcing the ball in games 1-2 and not letting the ball(s) work - which also led to a lot of weak 10s.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

216, 171, 191 - 578 series (194.03 avg)

Strikes: 50% (16/32)
Spares: 56% (9/16)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 37% (3/8)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Thurs Mixed:

192, 177, 202 - 571 series (187.96 avg)


Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 44% (8/18)
- Single Pin: 63% (7/11)
- Multiple Pin: 14% (1/7)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

I put these together because both leagues can be summed up with the same thing... I forgot how to make spares. Strike ball was fine and carrying OK on both leagues. On Tuesday I missed a 9 and a 10, and had THREE chops. Thursday I just didn't make any spares, single pin or multiple pin. Totally mental since I was throwing just fine in practice at them. Was 1 for 5 on 10s for the night. Need to get there and practice my line and throw a bit to get the confidence back.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

212, 191, 205 - 608 series (194.46 league avg)

Strikes: 43% (14/32)
Spares: 83% (15/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (12/12)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (3/6)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Can't complain about this night. Only had 3 opens the whole night, 2 of which were splits and the third was a chop on the last frame in the last game. I dropped a bowling ball on my finger in game 2 and wasn't sure I'd be able to finish (biggest issue was the swelling... I couldn't fit my ring finger in the hole except on an old ball). Decided to play it out and game 3 ended up quite good. Was interesting going after spares with the same ball, really flattened the hand out and it worked!

Thurs Mixed:

209, 200, 181 - 590 series (188.40 league avg)

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 84% (16/19)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 81% (9/11)
Splits: 60% (3/5)

Very interesting night. Finger was still swollen (made a game-day decision to try bowling on it), which complicated some of my shots. I couldn't fit it in the byte too well and game 2 had perfect conditions for that ball. Missed 1 spare when the finger was too swollen to put in my spare ball and yanked it left - played my strike ball as my spare ball the rest of the way (and missed no more spares either).

Not great carry but really happy about some of those split conversions. a 6-7-10, 3-6-7-10, a 4-5, and while not a split, a 1-2-4-6-10 washout. A little luck and just happening to put the ball in just the right place :) Obviously the trick is just not leaving them in the first place.

[vdubtx]

Nice and consistent mc. Keep at it, the strikes will come with more regularity. Spare percentage is looking good this week.

[mc_runner]

Thanks! Was really happy with the spares considering how I ended up having to pick them up. Strikes would have been higher had I been able to throw the balls I wanted to/should have been throwing for the conditions. THis season's combined strike % is running about 6 percentage points higher than last year's which I'm pretty excited about!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

157, 161, 194 - 512 series (193.42 league avg):

Strikes: 34% (11/32)
Spares: 65% (13/20)
- Single Pin: 91% (11/12) - missed a 4 pin on the 2nd frame of game 1
- Multiple Pin: 25% (2/8)
Splits: 0% (0/5)

Well, you can't out-bowl a bad ball reaction no matter how hard you try. Was very stubborn about trying in games 1 & 2. Almost every shot was right on target but had no drive and left weak 10s or worse would skid out and leave a 2-10 split (had 4 of them). I am still dealing with my finger swelling and it doesn't fit well in the byte, but I managed to use it for game 3 and did a little bit better - hit my average at least and pulled out the 500.

Thurs Mixed:

192, 203, 165 - 560 series (188.32 league avg)

Strikes: 34% (11/32)
Spares: 75% (15/20)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

After a couple of frames realizing that my vivid still has no reaction and is finally dead (I've de-oiled, it lasted a month and performance really went off a cliff over the last 2 weeks), I didn't make the same mistake as Tues and used the byte. Game 1 we won by 2 pins, game 2 we would have won but I split in the 10th. My ball was getting hung up on my finger every so often which screwed up my release - a particular problem in game 3.

Single pin spares on both nights were great! Solved my plastic ball-ten pin issues for sure. I learned not to over-throw or think too much and just project at my mark with some speed. Has been working like magic. 7/7 on Tuesday and 6/6 on Thursday.

I have 2 weeks off for a vacation/honeymoon now, and when I come back I'll be getting a ball to replace the vivid. Looking at the IQ tour nano - nice solid with a familiar cover, and I want something symmetric. Plus everyone who's got one seems to really like it.

[mc_runner]

So I didn't bowl for 2.5 weeks, and bought an iQ Nano to replace the vivid.

Tues Men's:
222, 204, 157 - 583 series (193.45 league avg)

Strikes: 40% (13/32)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (6/12)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

This ball HOOKS. I didn't throw it at all until the first game (exception a few practice balls before league). I found a pretty inside line, throwing to 15 at the arrows with a breakpoint at board 6. When it hit pocket, it struck every time. Game 2 my line was drying up and I didn't quite have the adjustments down on the ball, so I switched to the byte for game 3. The low game was simply due ot my timing being off and throwing everything left of my mark. I actually started game 3 really well, then won the 50/50 raffle for $185 and tanked 4 of the last 5 frames from there. heh.

Thurs Mixed:

279, 216, 183 - 678 series (190.03 avg)

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 72% (8/11)
- Single Pin: 66% (4/6)
- Multiple Pin: 80% (4/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Second full game OOB, I throw a 279. I think I like this ball :) Tweaked my starting spot a little more and really found a great line for it (13 board). Left a solid 9 in the 7th frame and that was it! Game 2 was still solid but I had a couple of mis-throws. Game 3 was going just fine, ignoring the fact I missed a 10 pin in the third frame, until I threw a pocket 7-10 in the 9th frame then shanked another 10 pin in the 10th. Make the 2 10s I missed and its a 700+, or just not throw that pocket 7-10. Oh well.

The nano is going to be a great ball for me.

[vdubtx]

Nice shooting mc. Have seen a few guys throwing this ball. Looks good.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

170, 195, 219 - 584 series (193.51 league avg)

Strikes: 51% (18/35)
Spares: 70% (12/17)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Back to earth for this one. I was all over the place in games 1 and 2, couldn't hit my mark if my life depended on it. Wasn't relaxed, etc. I changed to the byte in frame 8 in game 2 and punched out frames 9-12. Game 3 I was off on one lane and not the other. Finally just forced myself to slow down, and also flattened my release a little. Ended with 5 in a row :P Was just very inconsistent and got what I'd say an artificially high strike % out of it thanks to the 2 strikeouts. Not terrible all around though, could have been much worse.

Thurs Mixed:

212, 191, 225 - 628 series (190.87 avg)

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 87% (14/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Clean series minus the 2 splits. Was feeling MUCH better on my release today and only missed a few shots all night. I made sure to stay low, balanced, and followed through (something to think about and remember to do every time). There's a good bit of carry down in this league due to all the plastic balls people use and the IQ nano cuts right through it.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's

185, 188, 178 - 551 series (193 league avg)

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 71% (15/21)
- Single Pin: 84% (11/13)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (4/8)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Game 1 I forgot how to spare (started off 4 in a row and went downhill from there). 2nd game I forgot how to strike - I had a clean game, all spares until 10th when I finally got an X. Third game was a mixed bag of a couple strikes, some spares, and a couple splits. Bleh all around. I was hitting my mark almost every frame but had some issues with keeping my speed constant, and obviously some carry issues. More on that...

Thurs Mixed:

164, 192, 199 - 555 series (190 league avg)

Strikes: 33% (11/33)
Spares: 85% (18/21)
- Single Pin: 84% (11/13)
- Multiple Pin: 87% (7/8)
Splits: 0% (0/0)

Much the same. I couldn't figure out the carry situation and left a ton of single pins. Game 1 in back to back frames I whiffed at a 10, then dumped it in the gutter. Games 2 and 3 were clean but just featured a lack of strikes. I'm fairly sure that the alley put out their summer pattern this week as the lanes have played a little differently and I haven't been the only one with carry issues. Adjust and get that strike % back up next week :cool:

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

194, 187, 183 - 564 series (192 league avg)

Strikes: 53% (17/32)
Spares: 60% (9/13)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (2/6)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

I seem to have hit a little bit of a slump. I haven't been putting games together well - I'm either striking and not sparing (or getting splits) or sparing and not striking. Every game here had 5+ strikes and nothing over 200, just couldn't string anything together. The one or 2 times I did, I proceeded to throw a split the following frame. I also missed a 4 pin single pin spare here, just my 3rd non-ten-pin miss this season in both leagues combined. Bleh.

Thurs Mixed:

194, 211, 189 - 594 series (190.92 league avg)

Strikes: 48% (16/33)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Pretty similar story here. Didn't miss much at all but had trouble stringing anything together. Also had 2 pocket 7-10s (one with the nano, one with the byte that really screwed up game 3). The good news? We swept and are closer to finishing the half in first!

The good news with these so-so, blah kind of games is that the floor has been quite high. Nothing below about 180, but it's a little bit frustrating to be close and just not getting the breaks at all.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's

276, 167, 178 - 621 series (193 avg)

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 66% (10/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Started the first game off with the front 9, then messed up my timing in the 10th and finished 8/8. I just lost all my concentration in game 2 and 3 and couldn't get my timing back. One of these times I'll get there. We buttoned up last place this week (again) by getting swept.

Thurs Mixed:

212, 233, 238 - 683 series

Strikes: 67% (23/34)
Spares: 72% (8/11)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Shot really well last night! Got pretty nice carry most of the night, but my timing and release were spot on all 3 games. Both splits were game 1 (had no warm up time) and after a few frames settled in and threw great the rest of the way. Next week is position night for 2nd half winner, we will win and advance to the roll off if we can win 1 game.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

199, 165, 196 - 560 series (193 avg)

Strikes: 53% (17/32)
Spares: 60% (9/15)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6) - missed a 9!
- Multiple Pin: 44% (4/9)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Mostly threw well, had a couple of really bad splits, which prevented stringing together more than 2 and kept the scores from being any higher. This was the last week... at least I ended the season on a strike in the fill.

Thurs Mixed:

200, 191, 279 - 670 series (193 avg)

Strikes: 66% (22/33)
Spares: 70% (7/10)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/2)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

First 2 games I didn't feel comfortable but was still getting decent carry, game 1 would have been much higher but I split in the 8th frame after a double. Game 2 I started with a strike/pocket 7-10 split, then scuffled the rest of the game for a 191. Something just "clicked" with my timing at the end fo game 2, and I decided not to switch balls... game 3 every shot smashed the pocket, I left a ringing 10 in frame 4 and cleared everything else! 2nd 279 and 3rd 275+ game in the last few weeks. We locked up first for the second half in this league and will be bowling for league championship next week... think I'm peaking at just the right time in this league!

[mc_runner]

Final night of Thursday Mixed:

277, 203, 225 - 705 series (!) 194.96 final league average

Strikes: 65% (21/32)
Spares: 80% (8/10)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (1/2)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

This was league roll off night, we won! Unfortunately this league isn't sanctioned so the 700 doesn't "count" but hey I'll take it, was a great night of bowling with everything working. Game 1 started off spare/spare, then 9 in a row, then an 8 on the fill frame. My 2 open frames were both in the 10th frame... a pocket 7-10 to finish game 2, and a 10 pin dump at the end of game 3. Everything felt good at the line, and it is really nice to win the championship this year.

The past few months when the scores have really been going up has been due to 2 simple changes in my release - staying behind the ball through my shot and projecting out onto the lane. Amazing when you're not trying to force the ball.

[Amyers]

Congrats MC nice series

[mc_runner]

Thanks Amyers... felt really good to end the year on that :)

[Amyers]

Thanks Amyers... felt really good to end the year on that :)

I bet my finally games this season is tonight I hope I can perform even close to that

[fortheloveofbowling]

Final night of Thursday Mixed:

277, 203, 225 - 705 series (!) 194.96 final league average

Strikes: 65% (21/32)
Spares: 80% (8/10)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (1/2)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

This was league roll off night, we won! Unfortunately this league isn't sanctioned so the 700 doesn't "count" but hey I'll take it, was a great night of bowling with everything working. Game 1 started off spare/spare, then 9 in a row, then an 8 on the fill frame. My 2 open frames were both in the 10th frame... a pocket 7-10 to finish game 2, and a 10 pin dump at the end of game 3. Everything felt good at the line, and it is really nice to win the championship this year.

The past few months when the scores have really been going up has been due to 2 simple changes in my release - staying behind the ball through my shot and projecting out onto the lane. Amazing when you're not trying to force the ball.

Very nice bowling.

[mc_runner]

First night of summer league:

217, 169, 181 - 567

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 63% (12/19)
- Single Pin: 60% (6/10)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 0% (0/0)

Started out summer league very mehhh. First game I had everything working, the next 2 were struggles as my timing was a little bit off and some old bad habits worked their way into the games. No real excuses for my poor spare shooting, either. I guess a couple weeks off will require a week or 2 to get back into the swing of things.

[mc_runner]

2nd week of summer:

186, 209, 202 - 597 series

Strikes: 45% (14/31)
Spares: 81% (13/16)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

I was kind of messing around a bit last night, throwing a different ball each game. First game I used the IQ nano, and consistently hit marks on one lane and consistently threw inside of mark on the other. As a result I had a dutch 200 going until the 10th frame, when I chopped a 3-6-10. Oh well. Game 2 was with the LT-48, I started off with 4 in a row, then had 5 spares in a row, then threw a split in the 10th. Oh well. Game 3 I used the byte and was pretty decent with that outside of a missed 4-pin spare in the 7th.

Timing and release was off again last night. Was fine in the 2 practices I did over the week but I slept literally 0 on Monday night and it showed in my game yesterday. Each game was a battle... The first 2 weeks I haven't really been taking too super seriously (obviously still trying to score, but not really using the ball that paired up right, etc) - thinking I'll try with best equipment, lane reading, etc and work to get the average as high as possible :)

[mc_runner]

Summer league:

167, 236, 234 - 637 series

Strikes: 57% (19/33)
Spares: 53% (7/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 14% (1/7)
Splits: 14% (1/7)

We were on the end pair - normally not used for this league, but our normal assignments were broken. Game 1 I couldn't figure anything out. On the end lane I split 4x in a row, trying a few different lines and adjustments clearly did not work. I finally threw in the towel and switched balls, and salvaged a 167 (which I was thrilled with, I had 5 splits overall that game).

Game 2 I stuck with the LT-48 on both lanes, really started to find my groove in the second half of the game. Game 3 started out with 5 in a row, 9/, 9/, XX then left a 3-10 split in the 10th which I failed to convert. D'oh.

Really happy with how the scores ended up considering how much of a struggle game 1 was looking. Average is now at 200, gotta try keeping it there now :)

[vdubtx]

Way to overcome the bad 1st game and pull it out of your heiny for a hard fought 600 series. :cool:

[mc_runner]

Thanks! After game 1, in which all scores for both teams were well below average it was looking like one of those nights that's going to be a struggle to reach 500. Sometimes a lane just seems to leave a lot of splits, luckily the case here was just figuring out how to match to the conditions!

[mc_runner]

181, 223, 227 - 631 series

Strikes: 55% (19/34)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Kind of similar to last week, started with a couple of splits in the first few frames but was able to adjust halfway through game 1 and finish it well. Game 2 and 3 moved more inside with the Nano and stuck with it since it was hitting pretty well. Another solid week!

[mc_runner]

224, 225, 255 - 704 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 81% (9/11)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Great week in league this time around... Practiced Monday and felt really comfortable tonight. Missed my mark on 4 frames all night - one left a 4-9 split (high), one left a 7-10 (light pocket) and 2 were high brooklyn strikes. Tied my sanctioned high series, and am now carrying a 209 average - not sure if it'll hold that high, but I think over 200 is very much attainable in summer and upcoming fall leagues. All the work is paying off :)

[vdubtx]

Great week MC. Congrats on your series. Keep at it, and nights like that will come more often to you. :cool:

[NewToBowling]

That's good bowling. High consistent scores. My problem has always been consistency.

I prefer your scores to a 280, 150, 180

[mc_runner]

Thanks vdub - they're starting to come more and more now... it's kind of exciting to be honest.

NtB... thanks! I really love the consistent nights too. Means you're really on to adjustments and spares, but I've certainly had those all-over-the-place kind of nights too. Catch fire for one game then can't hit the pocket if your life depended on it the other two!

[mc_runner]

151, 185, 244 - 580 series

Strikes: 48% (15/31)
Spares: 53% (8/15)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (3/9)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Struggled last night. I wasn't too far off but my ball reaction was just not there, especially in game 1. Game 2 was better but I ended with split-split in the 9th and 10th. Finally got it together in game 3 with the byte and strung together a good game. Summer league is half over already next week - playing for the first half "champion" next week (rematch against last night's team).

[Aslan]

A 244 with > 80% single-pin spare shooting...still a good night and good way to end things!

[mc_runner]

Thanks Aslan - definitely like closing out a week with a nice game :)

[mc_runner]

189, 160, 223 - 572 series

Strikes: 46% (15/32)
Spares: 62% (10/16)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

This was a tough night, everyone struggled. The shot was playing flat, almost like a sport pattern - no miss room right (it wouldn't come back) but due to the track if you missed a bit inside you were going through the nose for a split. I didn't throw my spares particularly well, either. I missed 2 10 pins (both times I got into my backswing early, which caused my timing to be off and I missed right on the release), and chopped a 2-4-5. The guy on the other team with a 210 avg. shot a 460 on the night, so it could have definitely been worse. Game 3 I just shot hard and down and in with the pearl ball and it mostly worked.

Average has leveled off to a 204, I am thinking this is probably about right for where I'm at right now!

[Amyers]

Great comeback from the 160 MC

[mc_runner]

Thanks. When all else fails, throwing hard and fast seems to work for me!

[mc_runner]

179, 190, 215 - 584 series

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 90% (19/21)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 81% (9/11)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Last night was a struggle. The strikes were not there for me, but I did manage to pick up my spares (with the exception of a 3-6-10 that I lined up wrong and dumped into the gutter). Spares salvaged the night! As it's been in this league, my shot got more comfortable as the night wore on and I ended with the pearl. Since I've seen the same thing 3 weeks in a row, I think I'll be starting with a different approach next week and maybe going to the pearl earlier.

[mc_runner]

210, 237, 220 - 667 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 84% (11/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

The different approach (beginning with a weaker ball, the LT-48, and adjusting from there) worked like a charm. Timing and spare shooting was good, and the strikes were there this week. Still don't have 100% muscle memory with staying behind the ball and staying low (knee bend) on release, but that's what I've been working on in practice. Hopefully it becomes fully automatic soon. Average is right where I want it for where I'm at right now in the game.

[mc_runner]

170, 172, 212 - 554 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 55% (10/18)
- Single Pin: 62% (5/8)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

The wheels fell off last night. I didn't get in for practice during the week, and I was on-call for work due to a critical thing going on. Started stubbornly with the wrong ball (even though the lanes were telling me otherwise) and didn't fare better from there. It would have still turned out to be a fine/average week if I had made spares - 3 missed single pins (ugh) and THREE chopped 3-6 leaves. I was coming around the ball and felt off-balance on release. I fixed it for game 3, with the help of a couple of beverages.

[mc_runner]

167, 192, 180 - 539 series

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 70% (14/20)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Didn't get in for practice again last week and it showed. This week I have a few days open and will be able to get in a few times, hopefully that will help right the ship. First game timing was off somewhere, everything was coming off right of target - led to a few chopped spares as well. Game 2 I had a clean game up to the 10th where I chopped a 6/10 to stay under 200. Game 3 I managed to convert a 4-9 split, which was nice... but left so many 10 pins regardless of my adjustments that I kinda figured it just wasn't my night. Looking forward to working on my timing/release in practice and getting back out for next week.

[mc_runner]

201, 214, 175 - 590 series

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Had pretty good carry first couple games, but made a bad ball switch in game 3 and paid for it. I should have moved and stuck with the ball I was using (although I would have been at the "left-edge" of my comfort zone). Would have been a much better game 1 had I made 2 easy spares, both on doubles - a 4-7, and a single 9 pin.

Next week is the last week for this league, I'm clinging to a 200 average right now and hope to keep it up!

[mc_runner]

Finished up the league tonight...

213, 184, 194 - 591

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 84% (16/19)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Needed a 578 to clinch a 200 avg and squeaked it out. First game went OK, ball was acting kind of weird off the pattern but I found it at the end and closed with a 5 bagger. Second game was 9 counts everywhere instead of strikes... 2 stone 8s, a couple of flush 7s, etc. Oddly, no 10 pins. I was clean outside of a foul/9 count (first time in probably 3 years, about 10 things went wrong in my timing AND I slid forward an extra inch, wiping out a brooklyn strike). Third game the lanes were playing completely different, and I ended up playing very different lines by the 4th frame. Wasn't perfect, but enough to get the job done and covered spares. Really happy that I ended up with the 200! Been a goal of mine for years, and with my work over the last year of staying low and behind the ball, following through etc it has finally happened. Hopefully I can keep it in the fall! Thank you to everyone here that has really helped me with my knowledge of the game and moving forward in every aspect!

[NYMIKE]

Awesome job, congrats!

[Mike White]

Finished up the league tonight...

213, 184, 194 - 591

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 84% (16/19)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Needed a 578 to clinch a 200 avg and squeaked it out. First game went OK, ball was acting kind of weird off the pattern but I found it at the end and closed with a 5 bagger. Second game was 9 counts everywhere instead of strikes... 2 stone 8s, a couple of flush 7s, etc. Oddly, no 10 pins. I was clean outside of a foul/9 count (first time in probably 3 years, about 10 things went wrong in my timing AND I slid forward an extra inch, wiping out a brooklyn strike). Third game the lanes were playing completely different, and I ended up playing very different lines by the 4th frame. Wasn't perfect, but enough to get the job done and covered spares. Really happy that I ended up with the 200! Been a goal of mine for years, and with my work over the last year of staying low and behind the ball, following through etc it has finally happened. Hopefully I can keep it in the fall! Thank you to everyone here that has really helped me with my knowledge of the game and moving forward in every aspect!


I remember the feeling the first time I finished a league with 200.

The bowling center had gone 6 years without anyone averaging 200, and I had been in the high 190's the whole season but had not crossed the 200 mark at any point.

On the last week I had to shoot something like 630+

In the last game, I had a double in the 8th / 9th, I got the 1st strike in the 10th, then left the bucket (2-4-5-8).

At that point, I stopped and did the math. If I pick up the spare, I would average exactly 200.00

That was probably the most nervous shot I make all season, but I made it.

[Aslan]

awesome job, congrats!

agreed

[mc_runner]

Thanks all!

[vdubtx]

Congrats on the 200 average MC. Great way to get it on the last night. :cool:

[mc_runner]

First night of Fall Men's league...

161, 157, 224 - 542

Strikes: 34% (11/32)
Spares: 63% (12/19)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 54% (6/11)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

Not the best start. Took a bit of time off and did a short vacation, came back and wow could not find a line or consistent release through the first 2 games. After game 2 our lanes broke and we had to move... and I went back to my first ball (the IQ nano) and found the line just fine. I would have had a 257 had I struck out in the 10th, instead I left a wrap 10 and proceeded to whiff the spare. Time to get in for some practice this week before next week - although, if there's a week to do badly, this is the one to pick.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

203, 216, 206 - 625 series

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 88% (15/17)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 85% (6/7)
Splits: NA% (0/0)

Much better on this one. I was one chopped 2-4-5-7 (left the 7 on what looked like a perfect spare shot) away from a clean 30 (the missed single pin was a fill shot 10 pin to end game 2, I got distracted on it but went anyway. Something I need to work on, but I digress). Found the oil line and made adjustments throughout... just a good night with solid consistent scores.

Then on Thursday...

Mixed League, first night:

168, 182, 195 - 545 series

Strikes: 35% (12/34)
Spares: 71% (15/21)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 54% (6/11)
Splits: 20% (1/5)

Blech. I felt good and the ball was hitting my mark(s) but I was just leaving 10 pins and single pins everywhere. I picked all of them up save for 1 where I got distracted (d'oh). I will say that practicing my 10 pins over the weekend was great, they felt way more controlled and easy to make both nights. In general though, this night was a challenge as I couldn't find a good line or entry angle. Finally, in the third game, I made a change in my stance and it was like a light bulb went off. Unfortunately, this occurred in the 9th frame... but I managed to close with a 4 bagger so that salvaged the game/score a little bit. Must remember to stay low...

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

193, 200, 198 - 591 series

Strikes: 48% (17/35)
Spares: 77% (14/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Night didn't go as well as the strike/single pin stats indicate, which the scores kind of hint at. Scuffled to find a line every game, finally did at the end each time. Ended with 4 in a row game 1, xx9/x game 2, and 5 in a row game 3. The games were pretty bad before that... I haven't adjusted to the fall pattern yet in either league and am chasing the oil/transition with some, but limited success.

edit: Forgot to add this league, oops

Thursday mixed:

180, 181, 207 - 568 series

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 57% (11/19)
- Single Pin: 71% (5/7)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (6/12)
Splits: 16% (1/6)

Pretty rough all around. Didn't get to warm up and didn't find a good shot all night (6 splits!). I missed two single 3 pins in a row! Went right around each time. Recovered OK for the third game and finally threw a 200. I need to get better about making big moves if I notice my shots aren't working.

[Aslan]

solid work the last two outings!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

176, 189, 229 - 594 series

Strikes: 43% (14/32)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 58% (7/12)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Night wasn't going all that well, but I figured out what I've been doing "wrong" for the last month in the third game, finally... the ball started moving in so much better and cleaner. In general, I need to work on leaving less splits, there have been a bunch recently. Other than that I'm excited for where my game is going.

Thurs Mixed:

201, 211, 202 - 614 series

Strikes: 52% (18/34)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Employing what I figured out Tuesday, everything was solid and felt good in each game. Chased transition just a little but for the most part everything was solid. I did whiff on a 4 pin, though. 4 200s in a row now, gotta try keeping that streak going! Can't get in for practice this week (who'd have thought, shopping/buying a house takes a lot of time) but hopefully next week

[vdubtx]

Keep working at it MC. There are a lot of those "A Ha!" moments that can come from developing your game. :cool:

[mc_runner]

Thanks. It's amazing to me that you can be "on" for awhile, then without even realizing it just slowly lose your touch and get into a slump without even knowing you're doing anything different.

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens:

173, 232, 178 - 583 series

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 70% (12/17)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

Thurs Mixed:

183, 179, 187 - 549 series

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 73% (14/19)
- Single Pin: 83% (10/12)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: NA% (0/0)

Putting these together this week because pretty much the same thing happened on each. I didn't go in to practice for a bit and apparently have forgotten how to bowl. Mind felt elsewhere both nights and something is very badly off in my timing as I have a case of the tugs (last night every strike ball all 3 games was approx. 3 boards left of target despite my attempts to fix) and fell off to the right after release about 5x. Missed a couple single pins I should not have... however I did end on Tuesday with a 6-7 split pickup, always feels good to snag those. Getting in for several games of practice (timing + 10 pin) on Sunday to hopefully fix my issues.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

175, 160, 185 - 520 series

Strikes: 33% (11/33)
Spares: 66% (14/21)
- Single Pin: 72% (8/11)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Thursday Mixed:

166, 193, 203 - 562 series

Strikes: 37% (12/32)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Dealing with the same issues in both leagues. Still dealing with the tugs! Everything is going left. I also seem to have lost a bunch of revs AND side rotation So, when I do go over my mark, its not coming back enough. Add in the fact my benchmark ball needs a refinish, and I'm overthinking everything a'la Aslan style when up there (due to the above issues) and my game is a mess right now, for the last 2 weeks.

I'll basically be trying to get in to practice this weekend and get my timing/release back. I need to work on timing, posting, and hitting my mark. The rev/release issues should hopefully fix themselves. I don't plan on leaving practice until I feel comfortable (or, coming back the next day).

[mc_runner]

Just a quick update, no real scores but I think I figured out what was going on. Took 4 full games of trying a few different things, but it seems I was starting my pushaway too late. Somehow I was way overcompensating through the rest of my swing and pulling it and pushing the ball out all at once.... leading to loss of revs and every shot at minimum 3 boards left. I started the pushaway a little bit earlier on game 5 (full game) and it seemed everything came back that was supposed to. Let's hold and see how that goes in league tomorrow!

[vdubtx]

Push away can certainly lead to some timing issues which is what you describe. With first step in a 4 step approach to begin with and with 2nd step in a 5 step approach.

I always go back to a Chris Barnes video that describes this perfectly.


https://youtu.be/OoyRbBHXQOA

[mc_runner]

Barnes has such perfect timing... a case study in form. Always nice to see what it's supposed to look like - fun (or not so fun) to compare it to your own timing sometimes, lol. Thanks for the refresher vdub :cool:

Tuesday Men's:

200, 168, 188 - 556 series

Strikes: 33% (11/33)
Spares: 70% (14/20)
- Single Pin: 69% (9/13)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Much better, the timing and revs were mostly back. A few shots were still off, but it was definitely an improvement. Low scores were mainly due to 2 things - not keeping with the adjustments as the lanes transitioned, and also I missed several spares that I really shouldn't have. My all-picked-up single pin avg on the night would have been a 200.0, right where it should have been. Need to get the strikes up some though.

Thursday Mixed:

203, 173, 201 - 577 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 58% (7/12)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Improvements continued. A couple of poorly timed splits, but definitely had the timing back. Felt wayyyyy better by game 3 and was really getting a nice release and movement on the ball. Felt good to pull a few 200s this week, feeling like (and hoping) this mini slump in the beginning of fall here is over.

[Mike White]

Barnes has such perfect timing... a case study in form. Always nice to see what it's supposed to look like - fun (or not so fun) to compare it to your own timing sometimes, lol. Thanks for the refresher vdub :cool:


Actually he starts the ball about 1/4 step late.

The ball should be at the bottom of the swing as the CG is directly above the foot.

His CG has already passed his right foot as the ball reaches the bottom of the swing.

[mc_runner]

Mixed bag this week.

Tues Men's:

259, 204, 176 - 639 series

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 93% (15/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 88% (8/9)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Started off strong, left 10 pins in frame 2 and frame 8, strikes rest of game 1. Felt great to see everything going down instead of struggling to reach 200. Game 2 I was still on line but didn't string as much together, and at the end of the game I popped something in my knee. It threw my strike ball way off game 3 as I was falling off my timing while dealing with a painful knee. Even so, I made it to frame 9 in game 3 clean before I lost the clean series (couldn't pick up the second 3-10 split of the game).

Thursday Mixed:

165, 182, 207 - 554 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 53% (7/13)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Eh, my swing and timing was way way off in game 1. I wasn't relaxed or zoned into bowling at all. Game 3 I switched it up, made a ball change, and got my timing back to finish pretty solid. I was a lumberjack all night, I had 4 chops. Other than that spare shooting was ok... I made all my single pins even without feeling comfortable.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's -

215, 178, 182 - 575 series

Strikes: 30% (10/33)
Spares: 90% (19/21)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 81% (9/11)
Splits: NA (0/0)

I couldn't strike after game 1 - had a tough time finding a line. I was just a little bit off on my release too which didn't help, and got no carry help this week. Spares were solid though - only opens were 2 chops (3-6-10, and a 6-10).

Thurs Mixed:

181, 183, 210 - 574 series

Strikes: 42% (15/35)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 61% (8/13)
Splits: 16% (1/6)

Would have been a great night if not for the SIX splits. Good news is I was right on my mark all night (first time it's been the whole night this year). I finally figured out the other reason I was pulling everything, it hit me like a ton of bricks out of the blue... while I wasn't even bowling or thinking about it. The further I shifted back my right shoulder the worse I would pull it (and the more I pushed it back, trying to force the release right). Squared up more and boom, fixed like magic. A few other things I'll have to do to get the timing and release back since a couple other nasty things went in there too. But anyway, back to the night - I picked up a 6-7-10 which felt good, and dealt with super-fast changing lanes. House balls + spraying them all over the place (one woman regularly went right gutter/left gutter on her 2 shots) meant an awful lot of changing lines.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

223, 222, 182 - 627 series

Strikes: 51% (18/35)
Spares: 80% (12/15)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (6/8)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Pretty good night, was throwing the ball well. In game 1, I covered a 6-7-10 split which was nice. End of game 3 didn't go so well, i opened in the 8th and 9th to kind of sink my game. The lane had become really burnt up by then and I was struggling to adjust my shot... had been doing really well staying with/ahead right up until that point. Overall a good night even though we lost 2 of the 3 games and total.

Thurs Mixed:

171, 159, 212 - 542 series

Strikes: 50% (16/32)
Spares: 43% (7/16)
- Single Pin: 57% (4/7)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (3/9)
Splits: 25% (2/8)

This was NOT a good night. The stats show 8 splits but I had 9 in reality because they don't count fill frames. This was pretty much strikes or splits. Multiple lines, multiple balls, changing speed... didn't matter. If I was the slightest bit outside or adjusted a board too much I would leave a light split (5-7, 4-5-7, etc) and a half board inside would get paid off in a big split. I even had 2 brooklyn hits leave right side splits (coincidentally, my only 2 real misses on ball 1 all night). Top it off with my spare game falling apart, and it wasn't a very good night even though I ended with 50% strike percentage. truthfully I think I just matched up wrong, which is something I still need to work on.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

189, 179, 190 - 558 series

Strikes: 38% (12/31)
Spares: 66% (12/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (3/9)
Splits: 0% (0/5)

Eh, I felt I was throwing the ball well and was just behind on the lanes. They were changing really quickly and I was frequently a frame behind where I should have been. Lots of 4s this night. Finished each game pretty poorly as well, all in all not the best night especially when I knew I was throwing and releasing well.

Thurs Mixed:

177, 197, 231 - 605 series

Strikes: 48% (16/33)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 63% (7/11)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Again, throwing the ball really well (a plus considering how I started the year) but struggled just a bit in game 1 to get the right line. Both games 1 and 2 should have been higher but I chopped a 4/7 in game 1, 9th frame (grr) and was 1 frame behind an adjustment that I *knew* I should have made in game 2 and got paid off with a 4-7-9 split. Game 3 was a lot better, and it felt good to finish on a high note.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

223, 168, 166 - 557 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 52% (9/17)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (3/9)
Splits: 0% (0/5)

Thursday Mixed:

169, 205, 196 - 570 series

Strikes: 45% (16/35)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (8/12)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

This week was my season at a glance, both leagues. I'm starting off on a good line on Tuesdays, then when the lanes start to dry I am struggling big time on the transition. I don't currently have a ball that can handle the transition. Game 2 on Tuesday I was all over the pocket (or at least in the general area) and just getting no carry. Missing a few single pins (none 10 pins however) never helps things either - on both nights. THursdays I'm finding a great line in practice, then I'm just... not executing or something when the game starts. I've been starting super slow almost every week in that league before finding where I should be in games 2-3. It's getting frustrating, particularly because I've solved the aiming issues I was having, the ball is going where I want it to. I am hanging around mid 190s average for Tues and right at 190 for Thurs, not terrible but not where I want to be. I've been solidly grinding out series that aren't terrible but end up right around that average - no big scores at all, either games or series.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

190, 190, 180 - 560 series

Strikes: 27% (9/33)
Spares: 87% (21/24)
- Single Pin: 92% (12/13)
- Multiple Pin: 81% (9/11)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

Man, I couldn't carry ANYTHING. Single pins all over the place. I wasn't missing but just didn't have the right shot/angle into the pocket all night. I had a chance for a triplicate had I struck out in the last game, but in fashion of the night I left a wrap 10. Game 1 was clean, game 2 was clean minus a missed 4-pin. All the spares managed to keep the scores respectable enough.

Thurs Mixed:

172, 202, 239 - 613 series

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 71% (10/14)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (3/6)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Game 1 started rough, with a weak 10, pocket 8-10, wrap 10, strike, pocket 7-10 (and yes, I was making adjustments as I went) but then settled in from there. The right lane was playing drier than the left lane, when I figured it out I had miss room (for the first time in I don't remember how long) and it was just a matter of keeping up with transitions. Game 3 was 8 strikes and three 9/. Felt really good to finally find some room where I didn't have to split boards to carry a strike... on a THS it just doesn't seem right. And when that happens I know its my shot/angle because other people aren't struggling with it, but meh. It'll get there, all about matching up right.

[mc_runner]

Just Tuesday this week.

Tues Men's...

206, 172, 148 - 526 series

Strikes: 29% (9/31)
Spares: 66% (14/21)
- Single Pin: 83% (10/12)
- Multiple Pin: 44% (4/9)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

Game 1 was OK, aside from a missed 10 in frame 2, totally my fault, got distracted and didn't hold up. Wheels fell off in game 2 and especially in game 3 when it once again transitioned/dried out. By the end of game 3 I was seriously considering throwing my plastic as I ended split-split-strike-split. I did pick up a 6-7 but eh. This is a weekly thing, I don't have a ball that can handle the lanes as they evolve - thinking I'll be getting an original hyroad or something that will hopefully help a bit, that I can move around the lanes on and not burn up the reaction 2/3 way down.

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens:

154, 203, 172 - 529 series


Strikes: 24% (8/33)
Spares: 73% (17/23)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 62% (10/16)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

This was a mess of a week. Took a week off, no practice or anything to try to clear my head... bad idea. I decided in game 1 to really come up the back of the ball but I was doing something wrong - my teammate even said he noticed that I wasn't staying under the ball at all. The end result was that I had almost no axis tilt and very little hook. I tried adjusting a few times but by the middle of the game I tried getting back to my normal release. Ended slightly better (I had a 51 after 5) but it was not a good game at all. Game 2 was better, game 3 the strikes went away again and I missed a 1-2-8 in the 10th to ruin any shot at a respectable game/score. Bleh. Way too few strikes, too many multiple pin leaves, too much overthinking on adjustments.

Thurs Mixed:

202, 188, 203 - 593 series


Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 71% (5/7)
- Multiple Pin: 80% (8/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

This was a lot better. I felt more on balance and in control. Still, I was a little bit off on my release every few shots when I would come up the back too much and lose the rotation... but by the third game I mostly figured out the fix for it (starting my pushaway a tiny bit sooner... again). I messed up a couple of key single pin conversions that kept my games lower than they should have been - whiffed a stone 8 spare attempt after a turkey and then dumped an attempt at a 6 pin in the 10th in game 2. Good news is my shot felt a lot more comfortable and I was getting better carry. Maintaining 190+ in both leagues still so if I can work through my slumping issue with a strong spare game, it should be much better when I get everything back right.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

212, 233, 171 - 616 series

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 81% (13/16)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (6/8)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

First two games were good save for a missed 10 pin - and I was up there thinking as I threw it that it had been awhile since I missed one. D'oh. Still struggled with the lanes once they dried out, however that should be less of an issue next week. Picked up a ball that should combat some of the issues I've been having with game 3 in this league.

Thurs Mixed:

206, 210, 220 - 636 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 80% (12/15)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: NA% (0/0)

Good night all around. Carry game 1 wasn't great but I adjusted and finished strong. Kept up with it the next two games and had a good week! Seems like I've mostly gotten my rhythm back after a few months of struggles.

[vdubtx]

Nice shooting this week MC.

Over thinking the 10 pin always gets me too. When I think of the last time I missed one, sure enough it'll be the next one that I do. D'oh!!

[mc_runner]

Thanks vdub. Thinking that way about the spare is like kryptonite... lol

[Tony]

Nice games this past week, only 2 splits in 6 games that's great !

[Blomer]

I wish I could only get two split in six games. I subbed in a league the first game, 5 splits in the first. Nice shooting.

[mc_runner]

Thank you both :) I've definitely been there, Blomer. Few weeks back I had 9 splits in my series.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

231, 190, 167 - 588 series

Strikes: 48% (16/33)
Spares: 62% (10/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (4/10)
Splits: 0% (0/4)

Started off really well, minus a 5-10 split in the fourth when I released really badly. Game 2 I lost my line/release and it continued throuhg game 3. Both would have been fine had I made my spares instead of chopping a few makeable ones.

Thurs Mixed:

258, 183, 183 - 624 series

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Game 1 was all strikes plus two 9 pin counts. In all honesty, I was getting a few lucky breaks/carry (late 4-9 trip, messenger are two that I can recall). Game 2 I lost the corners and the lucky breaks, same with game 3. Was on the end pair so I ended up doing a lot better on one lane than the other - and it's hard to put together a good game when you're only striking on one lane. We actually lost the last 2 games to the blind team (my teammate did really bad). Next week I'll be using the hy-road I ordered and drilled up, pretty excited about the different motion and look it will give me on the lanes when I start going over/under or struggling with my lines.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

237, 199, 174 - 610 series

Strikes: 45% (16/35)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (6/8)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

This was a good day that went sour in game 3. Game 1 was clean, and I ended with 6 in a row. Game 2 I started with an open when my concentration was lost on a 2-pin. Half way through as I was losing my line I went to the new hy-road and ended up pulling out a pretty decent game. Game 3 I whiffed a 7 pin when my thumb got hung up in the ball, and didn't adjust properly to the lanes. Didn't throw the ball that well, got another beer because I was frustrated and that didn't help with balance/targeting either. I was definitely my own worst enemy there. Still got a 600 out of it, but left feeling unhappy with my performance (could have been much better).

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

233, 216, 137 - 588 series

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 58% (10/17)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 37% (3/8)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Well game 1 was clean and went well. Game 2 also went well, although I missed 2 single pins in a row (made a very minor adjustment after that and had no problem). Game 3 was a disaster. I was over/under drastically - I would come in light and leave a 2-4-5 (no comment on chopping them thereafter), make a 1 board adjustment right and come in straight through the nose for a split next frame. This happened with 2 different balls. I was dealing with a bunch of carry down as the other team had a couple people cranking house balls down there, a bit different than the burn we normally see in game 3. I was lost out there trying to make minor tweaks instead of a big change.

Edit... on a side note, guy a few lanes down went 289-300-267. Had the front 8 in game 3, left a ringing 10 in the 9th. Would have been a house record had he closed it out, and I believe the second highest series in the state (behind an 896 from last year). Crazy stuff... 230 avg guy but he was just throwing ridiculous shots last night.

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens:

237, 244, 182 - 663 series

Strikes: 57% (19/33)
Spares: 85% (12/14)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 85% (6/7)
Splits: 50% (1/2)

Pretty nice night here, even on the end pair. Kept up with the lanes and made my shots. could have been a bigger game 3 had I not whiffed a 3-pin (!) and then threw a 4-6 split in the 9th off a double. Otherwise happy all around with this night.

Thurs Mixed:

248, 246, 221 - 715 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 90% (10/11)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/1)
Splits: NA (0/0)

THIS was a great night all around. Mildly annoyed that I missed a 2-4 in game 3 because I wasn't paying attention and lined up wrong, but I was in the zone besides that. Got carry, made my spares and adjusted well. Really happy with this week - 4th 700 (all in last year) and a slight improvement on my previous high :cool:

[vdubtx]

Nice shooting mc. That's a good week right there.

[mc_runner]

Thanks vdub!

A little hectic this past week (in the middle of moving, finally), jumping on when I have a sec to upload scores.

Tues Mens:
184, 206, 199 - 589 series

Strikes: 33% (11/33)
Spares: 90% (19/21)
- Single Pin: 100% (14/14)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0 %(0/2)

No carry for anyone on our set of lanes this week. I tried adjusting, changing lines and balls but it didn't seem to matter. Had an OK first game until a light pocket 7-10 in the 9th frame. Game 2 I used the hyroad and was clean, still not stringing anything however. Game 3 was much the same, I started with a split and just made a lot of spares after that. I was either leaving 10s, or when I adjusted for them I would leave 4s. Just one of those weeks, shots were right where I wanted them but couldn't find the right line. Spares helped me just hit average though - can't complain too much about 14/14 on single pins :)

Thurs Mixed:

232, 195, 206 - 633 series

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 64% (9/14)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (2/6)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Carry was back. I started out cold since I arrived late, and the first 3 shots were... iffy at best. I settled in from there and ended up with a good game 1. Game 2 wasn't that bad, left a couple of splits as the lanes transitioned (I would say I was one frame behind on the moves this game), game 3 was good but I did miss a 10 pin on my final shot - I definitely rushed it as we were finishing late and there was a league behind us already moving all their stuff onto the lanes (which I hate, but side bar). It didn't affect the outcome of the game at all but still annoying to miss!

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens -

212, 168, 172 - 552 series

Strikes: 35% (12/34)
Spares: 70% (14/20)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 25% (1/4)

I had been moving stuff all day and my wrists/arms were just done by the time league rolled around. Add to that we were on the end pair, and by game 2 I was totally lost in the transition. Between the loss of revs when I couldn't keep my wrist cocked and 2 lanes behaving really differently, the night went south. We did manage to win all points (the other team struggled even worse on the pair) so not all was lost. On to next week!

Thurs Mixed:

232, 205, 207 - 644 series

Strikes: 54% (18/32)
Spares: 64% (9/14)
- Single Pin: 71% (5/7)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Felt good, hit my marks, kept up with the lanes. Annoyed that I missed 2 ten pins, when I have some time it's about time to practice them again. Average is really close to 200 here now, not as close on Tuesday. Need a few big nights there.

[mc_runner]

Definitely a mixed bag this week.

Tues Men's:

186, 181, 171 - 538 series

Strikes: 40% (13/32)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 55% (5/9)
Splits: 33% (1/3)

Well, I simply could not strike on the right lane all night. Left lane I was totally fine, but when you don't have any doubles it is hard to put together a good series. I couldn't find the right angle/line on the lane, tried a couple different lines with a couple different balls. I need to figure something out here, I'm struggling more than I should be in the league lately. I think it all comes back to reading lanes and making adjustments correctly.

Thurs Mixed:

267, 245, 205 - 717 series

Strikes: 68% (22/32)
Spares: 80% (8/10)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

I actually struggled in practice here but when the game started it was like a switch flipped. Game 2 I went XX/XXXXXX81 which annoyed me... coulda been a 279 or at least in the 250s had I not chopped, then I would have at least had a fighting chance at an unsanctioned 800 :) I've been on a tear in this league lately, our team is 30 and 2 through 4 weeks so far and I'm throwing really well here. I need to port that over to Tuesday!

[mc_runner]

Tues Mens:

236, 208, 220 - 664 series

Strikes: 60% (20/33)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Put together a good night here, and finally got a 200+ in game 3. Been awhile. Strike ball was working, stayed ahead of transition and was in the pocket all night - except for the 3 shots I pulled, each of which left a 4-6-7 split! Bowled game 1 with the HyRoad, games 2-3 with the IQ Nano for the smoother reaction.

Thurs Mixed:

222, 176, 208 - 606 series

Strikes: 57% (20/35)
Spares: 50% (7/14)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 12% (1/8)
Splits: 0% (0/6)

Aside from the massive number of splits here, not a bad night. Made average by a few pins, made spares and carried when I found the pocket. However if I went light or high at all, it was split city. I lost my release and timing in game 2 and beginning of 3 a bit but refocused myself and made sure to follow through/post my shot and the timing fixed itself. IQ nano for all 3 games - I tried the HyRoad for 2 shots and split in both. My thumb was getting hung up in it.

[mc_runner]

Really good week this week.

Tues Men's -
201, 229, 223 - 653 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 62% (5/8)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Had a few hiccups in game 1 but recovered nicely for the 200. Game 2 was going well then our lanes broke down and we got moved wayyyyy over to the other end of the house against the wall. We decided not to practice because we were so far behind in time already, so it took a shot or 2 to get the feel for the line. After that I ended with 5 in a row, and kept it up in game 3 until I threw a big split in the 8th. Happy with this night, still chasing that 200 average here.

Thurs Mixed:

226, 243, 276 - 745 series (new personal best)

Strikes: 77% (28/36)
Spares: 71% (5/7)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/2)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

I came in late and cold so no warm up. After a few frames I found my line and it stayed all night. Game 2 ended with 5 in a row, and I opened game 3 with the front 8 for a Varipapa 300, haha. 9th frame game 3 I pulled a smidge and left a 9 pin. This was a monster night, ball was hitting in the pocket perfectly on almost every single throw. Outside of the first 3 frames in game 1, the only misses I had off pocket the entire night was a 4-9 split in game 2 and that 9th frame in game 3. IQ nano all 3 games.

[bowl1820]

Really good week this week.

Tues Men's -
201, 229, 223 - 653 series


Thurs Mixed:

226, 243, 276 - 745 series (new personal best)




A couple of great sets there! congrats.

[Blacksox1]

Congrats on the 745, a new personal best WTG!

[fortheloveofbowling]

Congrats on the new personal best.

[mc_runner]

Thank you :) Seem to be in a good groove right now, hope to keep it up!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

199, 254, 178 - 631 series

Strikes: 41% (14/34)
Spares: 88% (15/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 77% (7/9)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Started game 1 with a split, only one of the night - settled in from there. I was a little bit off with my timing early but made a move in frame 5 that seemed to fix the issues (thanks BB for that). Game 2 I mainly kept up with the oil, threw I think 9 strikes in the game but by the end I was at the very inside of my comfort zone... game 3 I couldn't keep anything right. I pulled out the old pearl and even that was coming in hard, while playing an inside line. Lots of high rev guys on the pair tonight, I ended up running into their (burned) lines when I played inside and couldn't push the ball down the lane far enough on the outside to get it to break in the right spot. Bleh.

Thurs Mixed:

234, 225, 213 - 672 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 72% (8/11)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Pretty solid here. A couple of issues, a washout and a split in game 1, a missed single pin in game 2 and a few release issues in game 3 but in all of them in between I was able to string strikes and get a solid week!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's -

191, 198, 161 - 550 series

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 80% (16/20)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 0% (0/3)

Eh. my timing was off just enough to mess with a lot of shots, and I started with what I now think was the wrong ball for the lanes. I was covering spares, but "just barely" in a few cases. The second game was clean, but almost a dutch 200 - I wasn't adjusting right on one of the lanes. Basically my timing was off a little, I was letting myself get distracted, and I was playing catch up on adjustments from the get go. Just not a great week in general.

Thurs mixed:

210, 200, 182 - 592 series

Strikes: 48% (17/35)
Spares: 70% (12/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 54% (6/11)
Splits: 40% (2/5)

This week wasn't great either, to be honest. I came in late and cold, started off with 2 strikes followed by 2 splits. Then adjusted and settled in from there. Games 1 and 2 I struggled to hit 200 and get a great reaction out of the nano, so I switched to the hy road for game 3. When it hit pocket it was hitting really well, but I didn't have much miss room with it and ended up with a couple of splits to grind out a lousy 182. Eh. My timing felt off again. I won't be able to get into practice this week at all, so hopefully I'll be able to post and follow KISS on tuesday to get it back.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

212, 183, 205 - 600 series

Strikes: 52% (18/34)
Spares: 66% (10/15)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 55% (5/9)
Splits: 50% (2/4)

Not too bad here, I had a little trouble with the lane transitioning but was able to get back on track for game 3. Really the only annoying thing was when I lined up wrong and missed a 10 pin - totally my own fault, and when I threw a big 4 split cause I got distracted by someone loudly swearing on the approach 2 lanes over (after a turkey, and before another 2). I think I just need to focus and read the lanes a little bit better in this league, average here is at 195 right now...

Thursday Mixed:

210, 279, 248 - 737 series

Strikes: 72% (24/33)
Spares: 88% (8/9)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (3/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Well, the only open on the night was a 3-10 split in frame 2 of game 1. Other than that one shot, every ball was in the pocket. In game 2 I started off with the front 9, but left a ringing 10 in the 10th. The good news is that this time I wasn't nervous at all getting up there and put a good throw on the ball. I guess with all the opportunities the novelty of making it to the 10th has worn off a bit, lol. Now the trick is to get to the 11th. Hopefully, it won't take as many tries to get through that one. Game 3 was good - 3 10 pins that I covered, rest strikes. Line held up really nicely last night! 205 average in this league. Never been so far apart in avg in the leagues before (same house). I figure it'll right itself out somehow, but I'm hoping tuesday goes up rather than Thursday going down.

[mc_runner]

More of the same this week.
Tues Men's:

160, 217, 192 - 569 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 77% (14/18)
- Single Pin: 92% (12/13)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)

My timing was way off in game 1, missed a couple easy spares as well. I got it back for game 2 but then had to chase the lanes in game 3. We were on the end pair, on the very end one I couldn't keep anything right of the head pin. Even swinging from way inside it was reading too early by the end of the night - was tempted to throw plastic the last couple of frames. Glad to move off of those next week. However, outside of that first game (which was entirely on me not executing well) I am not unhappy with the set given the difficult conditions.

Thurs Mixed:
186, 245, 236 - 667 series

Strikes: 57% (20/35)
Spares: 84% (11/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Again a little shaky game 1 (I think I need to make practice a priority this weekend) but after that I settled in just fine. Last 2 games were clean and I pounded the pocket. Again Tuesday a bit of a struggle, big series on Thursday. 195/206 averages respectively.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

223, 194, 216 - 633 series

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 93% (14/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 83% (5/6)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.15

I was 29/30 clean frames... the open was a 3-6-7-10 where I slid the 3 in front of the 7 in the foundation frame in game 2. Pretty happy with how I read the lane this series, I kept up with transition!

Thurs Mixed: 216, 226, 221 - 663 series

Strikes: 65% (23/35)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (3/6)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.34

Actually struggled a little more than the numbers indicate here. I popped something in my wrist and it hurt a lot on my normal backswing/release, I had to not cock my wrist as much. It took a few frames to get used to it, and every so often it would still hurt when I hit the wrong spot. When that happened I missed right and had less revs in general, meaning it would hit super light or washout. Game 1 I had 8 strikes and 3 opens, no spares - all but one makeable. Game 2 and 3 were better and I was able to find a decent line, and ended up above average. Slightly concerned about the wrist situation, I still feel it today.

[mc_runner]

Good week this week, both leagues finally

Tues Mens -
232, 246, 213 - 691 series

Strikes: 60% (21/35)
Spares: 90% (10/11)
- Single Pin: 83% (5/6)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (5/5)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.31

Found a good line in practice and read the lanes well again. I was 29 clean again, this time I missed a 6 pin in game 3 that both blew the clean series and a 700... grrr. Other than that one misstep, really happy with the week. Unfortunately our team isn't doing so well this year in general, but we are still having fun so that's what counts.

Thurs Mixed:
229, 219, 226 - 674 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 72% (8/11)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 50% (1/2)
First ball avg: 9.32

Almost every ball I got a clean release on struck, with exception of a few single pins in a row in game 2 before I made a small adjustment and a 10 here or there. Every few frames though, I'd have a timing issue or a release issue and throw it too far out with not enough revs to make it back or dump it in the middle, I had 3 washouts and a couple of through-the-nose splits. Kind of concerning, but I'd say probably 90% of my shots were OK so I'll chalk it up to just a few hiccups right now. Something to make sure not to repeat however. This league's going really well this year and I'm happy with the scores every week!

[mc_runner]

Kind of lousy week this week.

Tues Men's:
190, 212, 192 - 594 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.00

I basically just threw bad balls at bad times during the games. Didn't finish that well in any of them, and the lanes broke down quicker than I was adjusting - not by much, but by enough to throw the games slightly off. Just a so-so night, nothing really bad or good.

Thurs Mixed:
168, 214, 194 - 576 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 64% (11/17)
- Single Pin: 62% (5/8)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 40% (2/5)
First ball avg: 9.06

My IQ seemed to have lost it's "oomph" and wasn't driving well at all. To top that off, I forgot how to make 10 pins, i was 2/5 on them. Yuck. Just a bad night all around - in game 1 I threw 4 opens in a row and had a 71 in the 6th frame before I turned it around. Hopefully going to get in for some practice this weekend or sometime and get these issues fixed.

[Timmyb]

Kind of lousy week this week.

Tues Men's:
190, 212, 192 - 594 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (6/10)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.00

I basically just threw bad balls at bad times during the games. Didn't finish that well in any of them, and the lanes broke down quicker than I was adjusting - not by much, but by enough to throw the games slightly off. Just a so-so night, nothing really bad or good.

Thurs Mixed:
168, 214, 194 - 576 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 64% (11/17)
- Single Pin: 62% (5/8)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 40% (2/5)
First ball avg: 9.06

My IQ seemed to have lost it's "oomph" and wasn't driving well at all. To top that off, I forgot how to make 10 pins, i was 2/5 on them. Yuck. Just a bad night all around - in game 1 I threw 4 opens in a row and had a 71 in the 6th frame before I turned it around. Hopefully going to get in for some practice this weekend or sometime and get these issues fixed.


Pretty much the same as my Tuesday. Must be something going 'round.......

[mc_runner]

I figure that it is a little bit to do with the weather, it's warmer and more humid than most of the winter and the house usually changes patterns around the change of seasons. Top that off (reading a pattern that's reacting just slightly different and needing to adjust to it) with a few timing issues and you have a couple of bleh weeks. You'll get it back!

[mc_runner]

Better this week.

Tues Men's:

268, 196, 203 - 667 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 83% (10/12)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.41

First game I found my line that allowed for some miss room, and exploited it. XX9/9/ then sheet. Game 2 the lanes started transitioning, I lost my concentration after not holding up on a shot I should have, but still did OK. Switched over to the nano for game 3 (balling "down" to a strong solid ball from the hyroad? ha. Needs a resurface and/or is dead!) and ended up shooting OK. Nice night where we were able to sweep. 1 week left here, unfortunately it look like I will be coming up JUST short of a 200 average unless I can somehow get an 800 next week.

Thurs Mixed:

208, 195, 237 - 640 series

Strikes: 57% (19/33)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.36

Not really much to report here. Game 1 was clean, game 2 was clean except for a 4/7/10 split, then game 3 I switched over to the hyroad and strung together a bunch of strikes (minus a missed 10 pin that I had awful timing on). Everything felt good, the scores were solid!

[mc_runner]

Last night of Tues Men's:

215, 214, 208 - 637 series

Strikes: 61% (21/34)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (4/8)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.26

First game was with the haywire - straight OOB. I like the reaction but I was... 5 boards left with my feet and 3 left at the arrows vs. my normal starting spot and still throwing hard, for it to stay right! Once I got that line down I did pretty well with it. Game 2 was with the hyroad, and game 3 with the nano. Pretty much threw every ball I actively use in this one, each over 200 and nice reactions as the lanes transitioned. We ended up finishing this league at .500 exactly which given our standings a few weeks ago was about the best we could hope for. My final average in here was 198, kind of a bummer but ended on a high note after a somewhat rough start to the season. Looking at the stats it's completely clear where I need to improve: game 3. I like to think in the last month or so I found a solution to the quick transition that occurs.

Thurs Mixed:

231, 203, 279 - 713 series

Strikes: 68% (24/35)
Spares: 80% (8/10)
- Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.31

All 3 games bowled with the haywire. Game 2 I moved right and tried to pick up the speed to see what would happen, I was too hit-or-miss however. Ball is too strong to play over the second arrow. Game 3 I moved back inside and started crushing the pocket. I threw a high 6-pin in the third frame where a sub bowler walked up on me about 2 feet away while I was starting my approach. I backed off and reset but was still pretty flustered on the shot. He apologized and I think just was oblivious... annoying but I can't really be mad because I'm quite certain it wasn't intentional. Anyway, every other shot that game was dead on flush pocket. Really liking the ball - and sitting at a 208 avg here.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday is done, so just Thurs this week... and I finally got my clean 30!

216, 222, 247 - 685 series

Strikes: 55% (19/34)
Spares: 100% (13/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (5/5)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.26

After going 29/30 several times this year I was able to close it out. Not my first one, but the first I've had in several years and it felt good! Ironically I didn't feel like I was throwing the ball that well for the most part, my speed and aim was a little off... probably due to not getting in for a full week. Still, a new ball is good at masking some of that stuff and recovering for you. I'm really liking the haywire. Championships here are next week, hoping to put up numbers like I have been!

[Blacksox1]

Congrats on the clean 30. The haywire could be the best symmetric solid ever. :cool:

[mc_runner]

Congrats on the clean 30. The haywire could be the best symmetric solid ever. :cool:

Thanks! Yeah I am really happy with it. Smooth, predictable and strong continuous motion through the pocket. Exactly the motion that a symmetric solid should have :)

[mc_runner]

Final night of Thursday Mixed -

300, 187, 216 - 703 series

Strikes: 70% (24/34)
Spares: 80% (8/10)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (2/2)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.62

Mentioned it in the other post but the first game was all HyRoad. The line was there and the ball was driving perfectly. Last frame was definitly nerve wracking and felt kind of surreal after it was done. but, there were still 2 games left - and in our format, first teams to win 2 wins. I had a let down game in game 2 where the lane transitioned and I didn't adjust right with it. Game 3 was all haywire - we lost game 2 and came down to the last frame in game 3. We pulled it out - a perfect ending!

Final average in this league came out to 209 with 6 700s on the year, and hit just about all my goals. Very happy with how this one turned out - just too bad it went off sanctioning a couple years back!

[vdubtx]

Congrats on the perfect end to a season. :cool:

[mc_runner]

Thanks vdub! Already looking forward to summer leagues... ending like that just makes you want to do it more

[mc_runner]

First week of summer league - only one this week, the other starts on Monday. Monday is a competitive doubles, this is a more casual (but sanctioned!) 4 person mixed.

225, 223, 204 - 652 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 83% (10/12)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (2/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.36

Opened the game (and league) with a pocket 7-10 split but settled after that. Haywire for games 1 and 2, hyroad for 3 after the lanes transitioned a bit. I was leaving tons of 10s, missed my first one and last one of the night. I think I left 10 of them overall. Usually I'll get more flat 10s, but I think every one tonight was a ringing one. Decent scores all three games, good way to kick off the short season!

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles:

204, 242, 200 - 646 series

Strikes: 54% (19/35)
Spares: 64% (9/14)
- Single Pin: 7% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.17

Well I started the night with a 4-7-10 split but adjusted after that and ended up with a good game. The lanes transitioned more quickly than I expected and the hyroad was great in game 2. Again game 3 was more transition and I used the nano after starting miserably with the hyroad (had a 63 through 5 after missing 2 10 pins in a row). Nearly punched out and still got the 200. We started off 7-2 on the night, good week 1!

Tuesday Mixed:

196, 220, 226 - 642 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 93% (14/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 87% (7/8)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.09

I chopped a 2-4-5 in frame 1 of game 1, but didn't even realize I was clean the whole rest of the way until I just updated my stats here. I had a few issues with stringing stuff together but ended up with a pretty solid night. Solved my 10 pin demons from Monday.

Off to a fast start in both leagues (215 avg. in each) and feeling like I should be able to maintain that. A couple years ago I would have never said that!

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles:

247, 222, 169 - 638 series

Strikes: 46% (15/32)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 81% (9/11)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.12

First two games were good - I was lined up, throwing well, etc. Then in game 3 for some reason instead of adjusting I tried changing balls and forcing my shots, which didn't go well. At all. By the very end I finally got my head right and threw a couple good balls but by then it was way too little too late. Live and learn I guess.

Tues Mixed:

226, 208, 190 - 624 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 100% (18/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (13/13)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (5/5)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.18

Clean 30! I didn't really get great carry regardless of adjustments tonight but I made my spares and grinded out a decent set. Bowling bacvk to back nights seems to have helped my spare conversions on the second one... reinforcing the need for practice.

[mc_runner]

Pre bowling for monday doubles:

233, 279, 215 - 727 series

Strikes: 76% (26/34)
Spares: 62% (5/8)
- Single Pin: 80% (4/5)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (1/3)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.56

This was interesting. The lanes were kind of oiled... one of them felt somewhat fresh, the other had had house balls thrown all over it (still in the rack when we got there) and had carry down all the way to the pins. I was playing 2 very different lines but both with the haywire. In practice I tried a shot with the hyroad for fun and it slid the entire way down the lane without moving. So, one of the lanes played like a long/flooded sport pattern - no recovery at all and you had to hit everything just right. By about frame 6 the haywire had carved out a nice little area in the oil that had good movement to the pocket, so I adjusted from there. Game 2 I actually had the front 8 and went high for a 6 pin in frame 9.

All things considered I was ecstatic with the scores. IN practice I thought I would be lucky to get a 570 out of it. My release and timing were spot on yesterday which helped a lot. I read the lanes correctly and adapted instead of trying to overpower them or get frustrated by the conditions. I will say if I hadn't had the haywire in the bag this would have been a very different outcome.

[mc_runner]

Monday doubles:

205, 160, 215 - 580 series

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 62% (5/8)
Splits: 50% (1/2)
First ball avg: 9.00

After being on vacation and off for a week and a half, I didn't really feel comfortable, and encountered over/under. All scores on our pair for both teams were below average... we managed to pull a split. I've been struggling a bit with transition this summer, this league and Tuesday were no exception. Also need to get in to practice 10 pins, I've been missing a few especially in this league.

Tuesday Mixed:

198, 151, 226 - 575 series

Strikes: 40% (13/32)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 90% (10/11)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 8.94

Bleh. lots of 10 pins (9 tonight including 4 in a row at one point) and my timing was off. I was full of chops in game 2. I'm a bit concerned that I might be on the brink of a slump as both Mon and Tuesday were struggles in areas that I haven't had problems recently but we'll see if practice can solve some of that.

[mc_runner]

Better this week, I definitely can feel timing's off though.

Mon Doubles:
200, 224, 201 - 625 series

Strikes: 55% (19/34)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.24

Not bad outside of 2 single pin misses. One I barely grazed a 10 pin and didn't knock it over, the other the ball completely slipped out of my hand and fell onto the lane awkwardly going for a 2 pin. Meh. Couldn't string much together on the end pair and grinded these scores out. Glad to get 3 200s and get off that pair next week : )

Tues Mixed:

222, 174, 237 - 633 series

Strikes: 51% (18/35)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 66% (6/9)
- Multiple Pin: 85% (6/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.20

Game 1 was pretty good, using the hyroad, I lost the reaction in the second game and tried to force my solids to work (they didn't). I also let myself get distracted on spares and missed a couple that I really should have made. No excuse for missing single pin spares. Game 3 wasn't looking much better until I switched back to the hyroad and forced myself to post shots. Ended on a 7-bagger and got a good game out of it!

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles:

232, 187, 164 - 583

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 72% (13/18)
- Single Pin: 70% (7/10)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (6/8)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.06

Timing was off, didn't do myself any favors by missing a few single pins. Just couldn't find any consistency after game 1 tonight. Been saying it for awhile now but really need to get in and practice, particularly 10 pins.

Tues Mixed:

194, 247, 236 - 677 series

Strikes: 60% (21/35)
Spares: 83% (10/12)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (3/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.23

This one was a good bit better. I found a rhythm and my timing was back. Average has leveled out at 211 in both leagues now.

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles:

214, 243, 159 - 616 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 76% (13/17)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.03

First two games were good, but on the third I ended up going over/under in a bad way. When I adjusted for the various flat 10s I was leaving, I went through the nose and left a split. Balled up and moved left, more weak 10s... probably should have just thrown a pearl. Noted for next week! On the plus side of things, game 1 and 2 were smooth, on target and comfortable after getting in some practice finally.

Tues Mixed:

237, 187, 203 - 627 series

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 94% (16/17)
- Single Pin: 92% (12/13)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (4/4)
Splits: 100% (1/1)
First ball avg: 9.32

Pretty solid, I arrived late and only got 2 balls of warm-up in which came back to bite me on my first 10 pin shot. Other than that, totally clean! A lot of single pins (all back row save a couple 4s) but such is life. I did the same thing as on Monday towards the end of game 2 - balled up and moved left but that didn't work again, however this time I learned my lesson and switched back early in game 3.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Mixed:

223, 215, 192 - 630 series

Strikes: 53% (17/32)
Spares: 80% (12/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 70% (7/10)
Splits: 0% (1/2)
First ball avg: 8.97

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. The Good - made all single pin spares. Had carry when I hit my mark, and for the most part adjusted well. The Bad - I didn't make it in for practice and chopped my first spare (a 1-2-4-8 that left the 8). Too many multiple pin spares left, and a big split in the 10th in the third game that ended up costing us the game. The Ugly - our second bowler fell backwards after a shot into the sitting area and cracked a bunch of ribs in the second game - had to be ambulanced out. Tough to focus after that, obviously. The good news is she should be OK but it wasn't a pretty sight.

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles -

201, 204, 256 - 661 series

Strikes: 64% (22/34)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.44

Was close tonight. I had a couple chops on things I shouldn't have chopped but other than that did really well. Found a good line in game 3 - started with front 6 but left a 7-10 in frame 7... I didn't see it but apparently I almost picked it up (would have been pretty mad if I had missed THAT!). We got a much-needed sweep here.

Tuesday Mixed:

179, 216, 199 - 594 series

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 77% (14/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (12/12)
- Multiple Pin: 33% (2/6)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.18

Well, not nearly as good here. I started with the wrong ball that wasn't really finding the pocket and forced myself to stay with it all game (? WHY?) Game 2 I actaully switched and had a line, although not a great one, where I was forced to play more down and in. Game 3 I was a single pin machine before striking out. Didn't adjust right or give myself a line for any miss room tonight, and didn't really try to move around to find any. Just some old bad habits that crept back in. First step is realizing it right? : )

[mc_runner]

Monday doubles:

208, 247, 169 - 624 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 81% (13/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (11/11)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.33

Really good first 2 games, had a nice line and made adjustments. Game 3 was starting well, actually with a X/XX but then I got a pocket 7-10 and started trying to overpower the lane, with awful results. One lane was acting odd all night with the pin action... not just me, almost every hit for both teams was just kind of odd. After the 7-10 (which btw looked like a flush hit going in) I think I split the other 2 times I was up there too for a lousy end to a good week. Can't complain too much we were bowling on the same conditions as the other team!

Tuesday Mixed:

216, 249, 258 - 723 series

Strikes: 69% (25/36)
Spares: 100% (11/11)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (1/1)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.61

This was one of the best/most consistent series of my life. Every single ball was pocket in all 3 games save for one that I let go way outside and left a bucket on... almost a no tap 900! Clean series, high strike % - just a really nice night all around.

On both nights actually my shoulder was bothering me which really forced me to slow down and make sure my timing was good. Oddly enough when I wasn't forcing my shot, good things happened (sarcasm). It was a good reminder to slow things down and just let the shot and release flow naturally.

Averages are 211 on Monday and 212 for Tuesday. Come a long way from the 185 average I had for 3 years before joining this site :cool:

[mc_runner]

Monday Doubles -

249, 212, 174 - 635 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 81% (13/16)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: 50% (1/2)
First ball avg: 9.27

I was admittedly getting kinda lucky the first 2 games, my shot wasn't quite on but I was getting carry. The third game I didn't change much but I started having frames reflecting how I was actually shooting. Lots of 9 counts. Still, would have been a decent game (was on a double going into 10th) if I hadn't left a 2-8-10 split. Ended up being exactly average on the night.

Tuesday Mixed:

250, 259, 194 - 703 series

Strikes: 65% (23/35)
Spares: 75% (9/12)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (2/3)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.51

I resurfaced the haywire by hand before the evening and it definitely paid off. Game 1 I went /X/X/ then struck out. Game 2 was all strikes except for 2 frames. Game 3 I knew I was on a great line and had a high series lined up and started overthrowing the ball, missed a couple shots here and there but still ended up with the 700. I don't think I've ever done back-to-backs in league so that was cool. Unfortunately on my mini-streak here my team has won one game total between the last 2 weeks.

[mc_runner]

Monday doubles - 215, 201, 188 - 604 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.18

Tues Mixed:

203, 247, 187 - 637 series

Strikes: 52% (18/34)
Spares: 86% (13/15)
- Single Pin: 92% (13/14)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/1)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.29

Both nights I felt I was making good shots - over where I wanted, looked like it was going in and through pins well, and I'd leave a single wiggling pin. Lots of wiggling 10 pins. Found out towards the end of last night that the pins had been replaced before Monday league. Not really bad nights (save the open in 10th the last game Monday) but carry was a bit of a struggle. Still pulled out a couple 600s which is always the goal :)

[mc_runner]

Mon Doubles:

226, 224, 223 - 673 series

Strikes: 57% (20/35)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 100% (11/11)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/3)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.34

A good night where I was around the pocket all night and was able to make successful adjustments as the lanes transitioned. Really pleased with how this one went. And, we actually won some points this week - too little too late but every position counts.

Tues Mixed:

212, 247, 184

Strikes: 57% (20/35)
Spares: 78% (11/14)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (3/4)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.11

This one was a weird night. Ironically my clean game was the 184. I was working on very little sleep and it showed in my physical game, every so often I really had issues with timing. I found a line towards the end of game 1 and closed with 4 in a row, and after I struggled through a couple frames in game 2 I ended up throwing a string of 9 in a row (8 to end game 2 and 1 to begin game 3). Then I threw 2 balls way outside, one came back for a bucket and the other went in the gutter (which I spared to keep my clean game, heh). All in all it ended up being a series that was average to the pin.

[Timmyb]

Mon Doubles:

226, 224, 223 - 673 series




Might want to work on your consistency....:D

[mc_runner]

haha right? Thanks always nice to have a set that's really solid and consistent over avg. It's easy to get 3 games 30 under, lol.

I didn't manage the consistency this week but came away with a good series. Tuesday is over for scoring - fun night tonight - so Monday doubles is all thats left until fall leagues:

246, 168, 238 - 652 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 76% (10/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.44

Game 1 I had a nice line but it broke down by the beginning of game 2. Went againt a spinner and a guy heaving a 20 mph straight shot and it screwed up the oil some, I couldn't get a clean line into the pocket regardless of adjustments and ball for a few frames. Threw a pocket 7-10, XX, then a pocket 7-10 again, switched to the hyroad, went 2-8, light 7, a 10 (that almost left a 7 as well) before closing out with a very MEH game. Game 3 I went back to the haywire a little left and found a line again.

[mc_runner]

Doubles:

171, 225, 206 - 602 series

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 83% (15/18)
- Single Pin: 87% (14/16)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (1/2)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.30

I just couldn't get anything going tonight. Took a bit to feel right in game one, then the rest of the night was just 10 pins everywhere... made ball, line, throw changes and they just didn't go away. I couldn't find the right angle into the pocket, save for one or two ringing 10s that looked flush I could tell mostly what the problem was as they were going through the pin deck. Of the single pins, 13 of them were 10s.

This league is just about over, there is a league wide eliminator tournament next week (with 40+ teams participating at $40/team, it should get some decent money in it). Hope to catch some fire!

[mc_runner]

Fall league time!

Tuesday Men's league:

257, 193, 206 - 656 series

Strikes: 60% (20/33)
Spares: 76% (10/13)
- Single Pin: 81% (9/11)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (1/2)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.45

Started off the league with front 6, then left a 6 pin. I left a 10 on teh next throw which I whiffed, then struck out. Not a bad way to start! Game 2 the lanes transitioned quickly and I was clean up until the 10th when I pulled it and left a big 4. Whoops. Game 3 was pretty solid with the exception of a missed 7 pin - that doesn't happen to often for me, I need to work on some spares I think. Either way, very pleased with how this one started out for me... can't really say the same for my teammates who all struggled mightily on the first week back.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men -

213, 255, 189 - 657 series

Strikes: 60% (20/33)
Spares: 61% (8/13)
- Single Pin: 66% (4/6)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.15

Pretty solid set, every so often I'd throw a poor shot due to a timing misstep but other than that everything was where I wanted it. Had a couple of issues with 10 pins, need to get in to practice (been saying that awhile now...). Lost my line in transition quickly towards the latter half of game 3. Other than that, picked up where I left off last week and another series I'm happy with.

Thursday Mixed:

200, 203, 175 - 578 series

Strikes: 60% (13/33)
Spares: 78% (15/19)
- Single Pin: 92% (13/14)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.15

Bowled better than the stats showed. Just single pins everywhere on shots that looked good. I'd adjust and leave another, etc.

Game 1 was clean except for a pocket 7-10
Game 2 was clean except for a pocket 7-10
Game 3... no pocket 7-10 but I did whiff a 10 and throw a 4-6-7 split on a shot I should have held up on. Just one of those nights where you need to grind it out. On the flip side, I was 9/10 on 10 pins so whatever was going on from the other night didn't seem to carry over too badly.

[mc_runner]

Pretty bad week all around.

Tues Men's:

183, 215, 181 - 579 series

Strikes: 57% (19/33)
Spares: 42% (6/14)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/6)
Splits: 0% (0/5)
First ball avg: 9.24

I was undone by splits, simple as that. I think half were light pocket and half were high. I didn't have much miss room, and add in a couple missed single pins and 1 other chop and you get a MEH week. On the plus side, the strike % was still good. I just couldn't string much together for any higher games.

Thursday Mixed:

176, 180, 157 - 513 series

Strikes: 24% (8/33)
Spares: 72% (18/25)
- Single Pin: 90% (10/11)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (8/14)
Splits: 0% (0/4)
First ball avg: 8.45

I actually felt OK and was throwing where I wanted. I simply didn't match up to the conditions well at all. I would be leaving single pins on all my pocket balls, move left, go light, change my mark, come in light and leave a pocket 7-10, etc. Was just lost and couldn't get anything going at all. I'll figure this league out. The weird thing I've noticed this year is that they changed the pattern over the summer which has produced a lot more hold in the competitive leagues before the lanes break down, but on Thursday with plastic balls spraying oil everywhere it's created odd carry down that I have yet to figure out.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

214, 194, 186 - 594 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 82% (14/17)
- Single Pin: 91% (11/12)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.18

I left a bunch of pins on the table here with a couple of missed spare conversions and a split in the 10th in game 3. Nothing too crazy good or bad other than that, I'm having a few issues with the line breaking down in game 3 but would have still had a good game if I hadn't pulled the first ball in the 10th frame and left a 3-7-9-10, whoops. haha.

Thursday Mixed:

247, 226, 225 - 698 series (CLEAN)

Strikes: 60% (21/35)
Spares: 100% (12/12)
- Single Pin: 100% (9/9)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.49

Broke out of my couple weeks of lousy series in pretty grand fashion. I had been having a few issues (up through tuesday) of coming around the ball so last night I really focused on staying behind the ball and coming through/following through. The motion was so much more consistent and better and I was able to read the lanes again (huzzah!). Left makeable spares and converted them all for a nice clean series which always feels good :)

[mc_runner]

Forgot to update this before I went away for the weekend...

Tuesday Mens:

221, 269, 185 - 675 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 86% (12/14)
- Single Pin: 81% (9/11)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.38

Dialed in games 1 and 2, line broke down in game 3 and I left a 700 on the table by missing 2 10 pins. Still need to work on adjusting to the transition, but very happy with the rest of the night here.

Thurs Mixed:

192, 204, 185 - 581 series

Strikes: 39% (13/33)
Spares: 77% (14/18)
- Single Pin: 100% (10/10)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (4/8)
Splits: 25% (1/4)
First ball avg: 9.03

I felt relaxed, felt I was releasing and throwing well, and... the pins just weren't going down. Just scuffled to try getting decent scores and closing spares. Game 1 I was on a double and threw 2 7-10s in a row. Ended game 3 with a split after making a small adjustment for the 10th frame. Just that kind of a night... we did sweep however so happy about that

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

211, 181, 225 - 617 series

Strikes: 36% (12/33)
Spares: 94% (18/19)
- Single Pin: 92% (13/14)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (5/5)
Splits: 100% (1/1)
First ball avg: 9.15

Not bad, left tons of 10s tonight... was one whiff away from a clean series. I was 10/11 on the night for them, balls were simply not moving through the rack quite right. I actually ended up resurfacing the haywire after this night because I noticed it just wasn't grabbing/turning quite right, which led to Thursday:

Thurs Mixed:

248, 225, 213 - 686 series

Strikes: 60% (21/35)
Spares: 91% (11/12)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.49

Ball was driving the way it is supposed to be again! I took a couple frames to find my right line but then I finished with 7 in a row game 1, game 2 I was a 10 pin away from a clean game and game 3 was clean (lost a bit of drive at the very end). 29 clean frames both Tues and Thurs, quite pleased with how this week went... best of all we won both nights.

[zacks]

Way to keep your composure with all those 9-counts. Nice 10-pin shooting.

[mc_runner]

Thanks... those 10 pins get pesky after awhile!

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

171, 164, 236 - 571 series

Strikes: 44% (15/34)
Spares: 64% (11/17)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 55% (5/9)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 8.88

First two games my timing, release, and reading of the lanes was all off. It wasn't good, and I didn't help things by trying to force changes to my game. So, I grabbed a beer and relaxed and game 3 went a lot better when I wasn't overthinking everything. Felt good to end on a decent note.

Thurs Mixed:

206, 201, 194 - 601 series

Strikes: 52% (18/34)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 60% (3/5)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.29

Not bad, everything felt good. The lanes were playing tight inside so I had to swing the ball a little more than I'm normally comfortable with. I got a couple nasty splits when I left the ball inside, other than that everything went OK. I just didn't really string anything together, ground it out. I had a couple issues with 10 pins (one I completely missed on an 8-10 split, and the next time up I dumped it in the gutter on a 10) so I actually moved my mark and line on them, which I've been planning to do anyway, and didn't miss another one. I think I'll stick with the line for now (basically going over 3rd arrow/15 board instead of totally cross lane, starting way left and going over middle arrow).

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

205, 220, 219 - 644 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 69% (9/13)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.35

I came in totally cold, no warm up as I was running late from a meeting. First 2 frames reflected that - open/open to start including a missed 4 pin (gah!). After that I settled in and loosened up. we only had 3 people vs their 5 tonight, and I needed to strike out in game 3 to win total by 1 point... did that and was pumped! Then the standings came out and it turned out we miscalculated a sub's handicap by 1, so we ended up losing total by 2. Bummer. I stayed with my new 10 pin line and covered them all.

Thurs Mixed:

203, 179, 234 - 616 series

Strikes: 57% (19/33)
Spares: 57% (8/14)
- Single Pin: 71% (5/7)
- Multiple Pin: 42% (3/7)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.24

Not bad, took me a long time to settle down after an annoying day of work and traffic. I missed a 9 pin in game 2 and also left my 10th frame open on a strike... not my best game. My release wasn't consistent with the haywire after game 2 and I switched to the hyroad for game 3. I started with a light 7-10 leave, then threw 4 in a row, left a 10 pin (missed it... threw off target, first miss with the new line) then threw another 4 in a row to hit a decent series on the night.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday mens:

180, 156, 192 - 528 series

Strikes: 33% (11/33)
Spares: 66% (14/21)
- Single Pin: 92% (13/14)
- Multiple Pin: 14% (1/7)
Splits: 0% (0/4)
First ball avg: 8.82

This was a lousy night all around. I never got comfortable on the lanes and was kind of forcing the ball all three games. Axis of rotation was off as a result and the ball was hitting with no drive at all (and it also affected my aim). Never got into a rhythm in any way. These kinds of nights happen from time to time... one positive was my single pin spares. I did miss a 7 pin but covered my 10 pins, 10/10 times. I didn't help our team much since my best game was still 15 pins under my average.

Thurs Mixed:

248, 217, 185 - 650 series

Strikes: 58% (20/34)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 25% (1/4)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.32

A lot better tonight. Slowed down and made sure to post and it was much more fluid/natural. Strung together strikes the first 2 games and in the third I had a couple of light hits leave bad splits. Adjusted a frame or 2 too late for that but by then it was the end of the game anyway. Really glad to put together a better night after the Tuesday debacle.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

257, 226, 213 - 696 series

Strikes: 61% (22/36)
Spares: 75% (9/12)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (2/3)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.47

Really good night here, mostly hy road due to how it was reacting/driving in practice. Game 3 I started leaving single pins (and missed two of them in a row... which killed the 700 right there) and balled up, moved inside, and started striking again. Sometimes it all comes together and you can see the adjustments when you need to make them, make the right moves, etc... those are fun nights.

Thursday Mixed:

213, 202, 195 - 610 series

Strikes: 50% (16/32)
Spares: 73% (11/15)
- Single Pin: 90% (9/10)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 8.94

Not bad really. Had a couple rough leaves and actually in game 2 threw a gutter off my leg but still recovered for a decent game. Game 3 I ended with a pocket 7-10 split which blew my chances at hitting average on the night. At least we won that game by 2, lol.

[mc_runner]

Just tuesday this week, was at a conference during the other one.

221, 158, 210 - 589 series

Strikes: 42% (14/33)
Spares: 70% (12/17)
- Single Pin: 75% (6/8)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (6/9)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 8.94

Started out well, in the first frame of game 2 I did somethign to my ring finger (it still hurts as I type this even now) and it really affected my game. It had me worried/focusing on that rather than the shots I was doing and that definitely reflected in the scores. Game 3 I moved left, slowed my shot down a bit and it was better. I am also still dealing with 10 pin problems, missing a couple and I really shouldn't be. I've been saying I need to get in and work on them, and it just keeps getting more and more apparent that I need a couple practice games on them. Hopefully Sunday, which will also be a good test on the finger.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

237, 189, 206 - 632 series

Strikes: 48% (17/35)
Spares: 81% (13/16)
- Single Pin: 100% (8/8)
- Multiple Pin: 62% (5/8)
Splits: 50% (1/2)
First ball avg: 9.09

Not too bad. I made it in for practice Monday to practice 10 pins and see how the finger was feeling (ok, but still painful. Doing a bit of self diagnosis, always dangerous, it sounds like a strained tendon flexor). The practice helped a lot, my timing was far better and I was able to cover all my makeable spares. Game 2 I ran into some transition troubles but closed out strong to salvage a decent score, and the team won on the night which is always goal 1.

Thurs Mixed:

235, 245, 225 - 705 series

Strikes: 63% (21/33)
Spares: 81% (9/11)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (3/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.48

First 700 of the year! Again felt really good with my release and targeting (practice makes such a difference even just getting in for a few extra games). Both my teammates had something come up and had to miss so I was on my own and managed to sweep - trio league, so only 1 person required for a team to get points. I found a good line with the haywire and only needed to make nominal adjustments throughout.

[zacks]

First 700 of the year!

Congrats on the 700.

[mc_runner]

Congrats on the 700.

Thanks!

Just Tuesday this week as Thanksgiving is already upon us.

228, 192, 212 - 632 series

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 82% (14/17)
- Single Pin: 100% (13/13)
- Multiple Pin: 25% (1/4)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.35

Started with a nice look but began leaving 10 pins. Made some small changes throughout game 1 and ended with a punchout to win the game. Game 2 was almost the opposite, I started with a turkey but lost my line and ended on a split. Gah! game 3 started similarly, I was spares (and a chopped 2/4/5) all the way to the eighth frame when I made another small change and punched out from there. Outside of that bad stretch at the end of game 2/beginning of 3, a solid night and was glad to cover my single pins. The finger is still sore but getting better, a relief.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

244, 186, 236 - 666 series

Strikes: 54% (18/33)
Spares: 92% (13/14)
- Single Pin: 90% (10/11)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (3/3)
Splits: NA% (0/0)
First ball avg: 9.45

29 clean again.. missed on a 10 pin but aside from that everything was good. I've had a few minor problems with transition in game 2, but the good news is that game 3 has been much better this year. Our team took 7 out of 9 points for the third week straight and moved into first place! Now to keep that up...

Thursday Mixed:

190, 210, 256 - 656 series

Strikes: 67% (23/34)
Spares: 60% (6/10)
- Single Pin: 100% (5/5)
- Multiple Pin: 20% (1/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.32

Well, this was an interesting night. I started with the Hy Road and had wildly inconsistent results for the first few frames. Changed to the Haywire in the middle of game 1 and smoothed out my shot. I was getting more revs on the ball than normal tonight (actually, a ton) and at times it led to some interesting leaves if I happened to scrub a little speed off. However, pocket shots were a strike almost every time. Game 2 started with a double, then a 4-6-7-9 split, then a strike, then a 4-6-7 split, then a few more strikes... ended with 9 that game and a 210, ha. By game 3 everything was going well and I opened front 6, then got distracted (my own fault, should have held up) and left an 8 count... covered it and ended the game strong.

On a more negative note, the finger is not getting better and in fact feels like it's getting worse. I'll need to take a few weeks off to let it heal at some point, but I'm hoping to get through to near the holidays for that.

[mc_runner]

Saturday Tournament

172, 190, 213 - 575 series.

Strikes: 41% (14/34)
Spares: 68% (13/19)
- Single Pin: 88% (8/9)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/4)
First ball avg: 8.97

Did a local tournament on a team yesterday. Naproxen before the bowling really helped with the finger so that wasn't an issue. What was an issue is that it was a longer, flat(ter) pattern at an unfamiliar house, and we were playing on the burn after doubles, on the end pair. Only got in a couple of practice shots and really struggled to get a line in game 1. My haywire was either rolling out or just not turning over and driving - I was playing pretty far inside, basically was trying to outbowl a bad ball reaction. I left a few splits and weak leaves before switching to the hy road for game 2 (I only brought 3 balls, one plastic. I should have grabbed my pearl but didn't really think I'd need it, lesson learned). I got a better line game 2 and by game 3 had a controllable reaction. Salvaged a decent game but I think I left a lot on the table by starting with the wrong ball, wrong line.

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

205, 201, 234 - 640 series

Strikes: 63% (21/33)
Spares: 66% (8/12)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/3)
First ball avg: 9.33

Not a terrible night, on the end pair again (different house obviously) and I had some trouble with carry as I frequently do on this pair. A lot of flush-looking hits that would leave a random pin or ringing 10. I was pretty dialed in but didn't have a huge series. The anchor on the other team was a new guy, pretty unfriendly and was attempting to play head games the whole night which kind of annoyed me. Will have to keep that in mind for next time we play them - ended up splitting points, and are now out of first by a single point.

Thurs Mixed:

180, 203, 195 - 578 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 68% (11/16)
- Single Pin: 70% (7/10)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: 33% (1/3)
First ball avg: 9.21

End pair AGAIN! Always seems to happen in bunches. Same deal as Tuesday with the lane behavior, except today I wasn't dialed in. Missed a couple spares I shouldn't have missed, missed my target a few times and always paid for it. Split points here as well. Glad to be off the end pair for the next few weeks at least.

[mc_runner]

This week was messy in both leagues...

Tues Mens -
204, 225, 182 - 611 series

Strikes: 43% (14/32)
Spares: 88% (15/17)
- Single Pin: 84% (11/13)
- Multiple Pin: 100% (4/4)
Splits: 100% (1/1)
First ball avg: 9.22

My release wasn't right, for whatever reason I was about 50+ revs less than normal. I moved around trying to find a line but ended up just getting no drive through the pins. Game 2 I had some light mixers, it wasn't really as good as the score indicates (even though I whiffed a 10 pin in the 10th frame). I felt like the lane was playing longer but that could have been a result of the release issues.

Thurs Mixed:

191, 194, 187 - 572 series

Strikes: 47% (16/34)
Spares: 64% (11/17)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multiple Pin: 50% (5/10)
Splits: 0% (0/5)
First ball avg: 8.97

As you can tell by the splits and number of multiple pins, it was a struggle. My release was fine but I couldn't generate anything consistent. If I was off by a board or 2 at my breakpoint I got paid off with a split - couple of 7-10s, a 4-5, etc. Which tells me the ball wasn't hooking/driving through. Again the lanes played longer... but I think the bigger issue is that my ball needs a resurface. I'm basically using the haywire and hyroad as my 2 league balls and the haywire has quite a few games on it. I've resurfaced by hand and extracted the oil a couple of times but it's definitely not reacting the way it "should" be

[mc_runner]

Tueday Men's:

213, 202, 223 - 638 series

Strikes: 55% (19/34)
Spares: 78% (11/13)
- Single Pin: 100% (7/7)
- Multiple Pin: 57% (4/7)
Splits: 0% (0/1)

Basically, had one open per game. Thew the ball pretty well, and scores were decent. Game 3 would have been better without the pocket 7-10 I had considering I had a turkey before and after it. Holding steady with my average here, a lot of consistent weeks in a row - no huge games/series, but no real low ones either.

Thursday Mixed:

181, 222, 194 - 597 series

Strikes: 50% (17/34)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 80% (8/10)
- Multiple Pin: 66% (4/6)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.05

We were in a roll off for first half champions and got swept, all we had to do was win one. We faced the same team last week and results were similar so we really blew it. It seems I don't bowl well against them in particular, I struggle to find a line that carries (perhaps due to a 2 hander who uses a plastic ball, throwing around the same line I do? who knows). I just seem to leave a lot of single pins on what seem to be solid shots. Simply put, I didn't do well and didn't cover spares well enough and ended up with a couple poor series back to back in this league - oh well!

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Mens:

180, 183, 210 - 573 series

Strikes: 35% (12/34)
Spares: 78% (15/19)
- Single Pin: 80% (12/15)
- Multiple Pin: 75% (3/4)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 8.97

I must have been doing something slightly wrong on this one as I missed the pocket only 3 times all night. One I dropped the ball on, one that was light as I was changing balls/lines for a 2-4-5 and another light hit that I just missed on. All 31 other shots were pocket and I just could. not. carry. on the left lane. I left 7 7pins - all on that lane, to go with a pocket 7-10. I dunno if something was off on the pin setter or what. It made it hard to string together anything, obviously. I also missed 3 single pins in game 1 before settling down (2! of them were 7s). Game 3 was clean at least. I was focusing so much on posting my shot that I feel like I wasn't getting out of the ball quite clean enough.

THurs Mixed:

224, 214, 213 - 651 series

Strikes: 59% (20/34)
Spares: 69% (9/13)
- Single Pin: 87% (7/8)
- Multiple Pin: 40% (2/5)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.35

A much needed better night. I was coming out of the ball nicely AND posting and the results spoke for themselves. I noticed that I hadn't been coming back straight in my backswing, instead I had seemed to be going a little bit off my body which had been leading to struggles the last couple weeks. A tiny tweak and everything was back to the way it should have been on release.

[mc_runner]

Tues Men's:

223, 176, 213 - 612 series

Strikes: 51% (17/33)
Spares: 75% (12/16)
- Single Pin: 77% (7/9)
- Multiple Pin: 71% (5/7)
Splits: 0% (0/2)
First ball avg: 9.21

Missed a couple of spares/single pins I shouldn't have and had a bit of an issue with my line and transition in game 2. I need to get back in for practice, the finger seems to have settled down enough to handle it again.

Thursday Mixed:

255, 259, 245 - 759 series (A new personal high!)

Strikes: 74% (26/35)
Spares: 85% (6/7)
- Single Pin: 100% (6/6)
- Multiple Pin: 0% (0/1)
Splits: 0% (0/1)
First ball avg: 9.69

Was crazy on. I missed on one ball where I got distracted (and should have held up) leaving a baby split that I didn't convert. Every other ball was pocket, I left a couple of 4's and a couple 10's and that was it - covered them all. The ball was coming off so well and smooth, everything was going exactly over my mark and carry was there. Really pumped about nights like this!

[NewToBowling]

Good night. Very consistent also

[mc_runner]

Thank you! It was one of those nights where everything just came together and felt great. The trick is repeating it, lol

[mc_runner]

I seem to have hit a bit of a hot streak here.

Tues Men's:

266, 227, 223 - 716 series

Strikes: 73% (25/34)
Spares: 77% (7/9)
- Single Pin: 100% (4/4)
- Multi Pin: 60% (3/5)
- Splits: 0% (0/2)
First Ball Average: 9.56

Game 1 I had a legitimate shot at a 300. I went front 8 and threw what I felt was a good ball, looked like a good ball and hit like a good ball to leave a pocket 7-10, then proceeded to strike out. I made a move a couple frames too late on one lane in game 2 (my only issues with transition tonight! Woo!) and then was on pace for a 260+ in game 3 when my thumb stuck and I got a 4/6/7 split in the 9th while working on a double. Very happy to get a 700+ here as I hadn't had one in this league this year yet, and I do have a bit of a hard time with the long timing and quick transitions for 5-person teams.

Thurs Mixed:

246, 216, 278 - 740 series

Strikes: 74% (26/35)
Spares: 87% (7/8)
- Single Pin: 85% (6/7)
- Multi Pin: 100% (1/1)
- Splits: NA% (0/0)
First Ball Average: 9.71

On fire again. Had a nice line with the Hy Road game 1, was a little over/under at the end of the game and switched to the haywire for game 2. Solid game but I dumped a 10 pin for my only open of the night. Game 3 I was dialed in, playing different lines on each lane actually. Had a ringing 10 in the 7th, and a 10 on the fill ball.

The only difference I can see is a very minor tweak I made in my delivery a couple weeks ago right before the 700s started. I'm also just on a hot streak - timing is just right every week, my accuracy is spot on, I'm seeing transition more clearly than I think I ever have, etc. It's a great feeling and although I figure I will have to come back down to earth at some point (the carry isn't gonna be 75% strike rate forever regardless), I'm gonna ride it as long as I can!

[sharkey53]

Nice scores! Gotta love back-to-back 700 series.

[mc_runner]

Nice scores! Gotta love back-to-back 700 series.

Thank you!

[mc_runner]

Tuesday Men's:

267, 267, 245 - 779 series

Strikes: 77% (27/35)
Spares: 85% (6/7)
- Single Pin: 80% (4/5)
- Multi Pin: 100% (2/2)
- Splits: NA% (0/0)
First Ball Average: 9.66

Another huge series. Everything was timing right and my adjustments were on point as well. Game 1 I started with a 4 pin and was strikes until 9th frame when I left a 10 pin. Game 2 was front 7, then a couple of ringing 10s that I adjusted for on my next shot and finished strong. Game 3 started with a flat 10 which I dumped in the gutter (doing myself no favors towards gettign an 800) then in the 7th "officially" lost the 800 with a ring 10. I would have been a lot closer, into the last frame - and then who knows what happens - had I covered that spare in frame 1. Still a new high series!

Thursday mixed:

177, 214, 165 - 556 series

Strikes: 45% (15/33)
Spares: 61% (11/18)
- Single Pin: 75% (7/12)
- Multi Pin: 33% (2/6)
- Splits: 0% (0/2)
First Ball Average: 8.88

Back to earth. Something was off in my game and I started forcing stuff which led to bad shots, bad carry, and bad spare throwing. I'm not a 250 average bowler (as the last few weeks have indicated) and this was a pretty stark reminder that things have a way of getting back to mean. 223 pins difference between the 2 days! I'll chalk it up to bad timing issues and see if they are gone next time out.

[Aslan]

Jesus dude.

I'm gonna add you to Vdubtx's list of people that need to step it up to the next level. Isn't a house shot getting boring?

But, wow...good bowling!!

[Timmyb]

Good Lord. I thought I might be the high guy this week. Nice series!

[mc_runner]

Jesus dude.

I'm gonna add you to Vdubtx's list of people that need to step it up to the next level. Isn't a house shot getting boring?

But, wow...good bowling!!

Thanks Aslan. One of my goals in the next couple of years is to get to Nationals and start doing a few scratch tournaments (NEBA if anyone is familiar). I can definitely say though that spare shooting needs to get better for that. As for getting boring - there's always room to improve up to a 900 :cool:



Good Lord. I thought I might be the high guy this week. Nice series!

Thank you! Keep up the good bowling on your end too.

[J Anderson]

Thanks Aslan. One of my goals in the next couple of years is to get to Nationals and start doing a few scratch tournaments (NEBA if anyone is familiar). I can definitely say though that spare shooting needs to get better for that. As for getting boring - there's always room to improve up to a 900 :cool:




Thank you! Keep up the good bowling on your end too.

So far I've done one NEBA tournament. Even though I didn't cash, I was happy not to embarras myself. I'm thinking of entering the one at Nutmeg Bowl and maybe the one in East Haven this year.

[baker]

Very nice set! Nationals is a blast and something everyone should experience. Start asking around about teams that might need bowlers. I ended up going last year because a team had a guy drop out and needed someone to fill in.