Timmyb's scores

[Timmyb]

Late posting, but Tuesday scores--

221/246/203 = 670. 4 opens on the night, and only one was a split. Missed 2 10's, and chopped a 6-10. Had a 6 pack to start game 2, but just couldn't keep the run on. Worst part was we lost 5 points last night, after still managing to be tied for 1st going in. One guy on the other team went from a 140 in game 2 to a 248 in game 3. Good Lord.....

Average stays 217.

[J Anderson]

Both teams got 2 points (each won a game). Nothing awarded for not bowling. Secretary is mum....
Nothing for total pins?

[Timmyb]

Nothing for total pins?

We got the point for total.

[Timmyb]

A good night was had.

235/300/235=770. Phaze was a monster. Ran well in the first game, but whiffed a 10-pin in the 6th frame ended that. 2nd game, yeah. Was on 4 to start the 3rd, then 10/spare. I knew I needed the rest to hit 800. Nope. 9th frame, another 10-pin. Dumbassed the 10th by chopping the 8 off a 4-8 leave. I'll still take it. 2nd 300 this year, and my 4th overall. Average up to 219.

[boatman37]

Very nice!. I threw 9 in a row last night but 7 pinned in the first frame so no pressure of a 300 then...lol

[Timmyb]

Tuesdays scores--

225/233/255 = 713. Decent night throwing the ball. Only blemishes were 2 missed 10 pins, which irritates me no end. Best part is we took 1st place for the second half, putting us in a roll off next week. Technically league is done. Finished the year with 20,224 pins (second year in a row with over 20K), and a 219.82 average, with 2 300's and I think 7 or 8 series over 700. I'm going to wallow in this for a while. I'm 56 for a few more months, and I'm not sure my body keeps up the pace. I'll go as long as I can.

[boatman37]

Tuesdays scores--

225/233/255 = 713. Decent night throwing the ball. Only blemishes were 2 missed 10 pins, which irritates me no end. Best part is we took 1st place for the second half, putting us in a roll off next week. Technically league is done. Finished the year with 20,224 pins (second year in a row with over 20K), and a 219.82 average, with 2 300's and I think 7 or 8 series over 700. I'm going to wallow in this for a while. I'm 56 for a few more months, and I'm not sure my body keeps up the pace. I'll go as long as I can.

Nice. good idea. Think I'll post a recap on my thread

[Timmyb]

What a horrible way to end the season.

165/235/203=603. We had the rolloff to determine league championship. They put us on 9/10. 3 minutes into practice, 9 broke down, not to be heard from again. They moved us to 15/16. What we found there was nothing short of a horror movie. Threw first ball on 16, shot seemed good. Moved to 15, and fired the same line. Ball went through the 6-10. Took forever to figure out how to get the ball to the pocket, and that cost us the first game. 15 more pins on my score, and we'd have won the ship. I guess if you're going to have a rolloff, you couldn't have had a more evenly matched pair of teams. 2 pins was the difference in total at the end of the night.

Hope everyone has a great summer. I'll keep posting if I hit any of the summer Tuesday Tourneys.

[Timmyb]

This is what you get when you eff around shooting all summer, and don't bowl.

182/164/21 = 561. Weekly Wednesday sport shot tourney at South Shore bowl, today on the 39' Don Carter pattern. It's a score-able pattern, if you can hit your spot, which I only did sporadically. Considering I was out of gas by about mid-second game, you can see how this went. You only get what you put in. But, no injuries, just sore as hell. Shooting state sporting clay tournament next weekend, and then I'll get down to some real practice before league starts. Getting a new ball this year. I'll let you know what I decide when I decide it.

[Aslan]

Hey...ya got over 550...only shooting a 21 in one of the games! ;)

That's good bowlin!

[Timmyb]

Hey...ya got over 550...only shooting a 21 in one of the games! ;)

That's good bowlin!

Missed the 5.....:p

[Timmyb]

Week 1 of league. Loads of mistakes, and the regret of bowling once this summer. Still, not terrible.

201/241/213 = 655. The Summit is as advertised--a complete animal. Learned pretty quick that if you get this thing in, you'll pay. Also found out there's pretty much not a way to throw it out too far, at least not the way the lanes played tonight. Had I gotten any amount of practice in this summer, I think tonight could've been stellar, but 5 opens killed that (3 splits, a whiffed 10, and a chopped 6-10). Had one guy on the opposing team tell me if that's how that ball works, he's buying one soon. I'll take a 218 average to start.

[Timmyb]

Week 2. Big lesson this week.

156/259/225 = 640. Knowing full well the north end of the house dries out faster, and hooks more, I didn't heed this knowledge. First game turned into a nightmare. Summit started behaving badly about the 5th frame, an I didn't pick up on the move. One split in the 3rd frame, and then closed the 8th, 9th, and 10th with the same 3-6-something split. Cannot remember the last time I had 4 opens in one game. My teammate, as I was picking up a different ball, said "hey dumbass, move left". 4 boards to the left, and ran 6 to start game 2. No more opens the rest of the night. Lesson learned....Average 215.

[Aslan]

250 game is ALWAYS a good night!!

[Timmyb]

250 game is ALWAYS a good night!!

That first game was straight up inexperience with this ball. Good learning lesson.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday score. Another coulda, woulda, shoulda night.

258/213/190 = 661. 9 strikes in the first game, with 7 in a row to finish, and clean. Second game started with 2, and then came the 3-10 (whiffed the 3). got the wheel put back on, but struggled with a case of the tugs the rest of the game. Had the same start in game 3, but this time left a 3-6 (again, whiffed 3). Right about the 5th, the shot just melted. Still had a shot at a 7, but a well-placed 4-6 spilt in the 8th killed that. This house, it's really hard to tell when that meltdown is coming, but it always happens. Gotta get better at making that quick move, and sniffing out when I think it's there. Average 217.

[Aslan]

Gotta get better at making that quick move, and sniffing out when I think it's there. Average 217.

Based on your scores (sans "figuring it out"), I'd say once you "figure it out", you're probably ready to start entering some PBA events (or at least start bowling scratch/challenge patterns/etc..). Figuring out adjustments based on ball movement through the pin deck...thats the last big piece to the puzzle. I mean, you'll still have a lot to learn about varying your physical game and ball mechanics...but still. Might as well see how you house shot game compares to the next level. It looks like you got the skill for it.

[Timmyb]

Based on your scores (sans "figuring it out"), I'd say once you "figure it out", you're probably ready to start entering some PBA events (or at least start bowling scratch/challenge patterns/etc..). Figuring out adjustments based on ball movement through the pin deck...thats the last big piece to the puzzle. I mean, you'll still have a lot to learn about varying your physical game and ball mechanics...but still. Might as well see how you house shot game compares to the next level. It looks like you got the skill for it.

I've been hitting the local sport shot tourneys around town here during the summer. It's fun to see if I can go on some of the pro shots like Cheetah or Shark. Some I do well on, some not so much. I have no interest in hitting PBA tournaments. If I'm going to **** my money away, I'd rather do that shooting sporting clays. As far as my physical game, it is what it is. I'm 57. I've had both shoulders rebuilt, and am probably looking at one knee and one hip somewhere down the road. Here's how I look at it--I'm a once a week bowler who never practices. I've shot 4 300 games, and got my 800 2 years ago. I average 215+ (at least until last night). I think I'm doing pretty good at this without over-thinking it.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday scores. A night to (not) remember--

186/191/182 = 559. No issues with the new ball. I could not hit the broad side of a barn with the doors closed. Couple that with one of those old age "sleeping" injuries (still can't turn my head to the left), and I was just not my usual self. Missed the pocket 4 times last night on straight-up pulled shots that totally went left of the head pin. If you're going to have an off night, might as well do it well. Worst night I can remember in a very long time. Average slumps to 209.

[boomer]

I've been hitting the local sport shot tourneys around town here during the summer. It's fun to see if I can go on some of the pro shots like Cheetah or Shark. Some I do well on, some not so much. I have no interest in hitting PBA tournaments. If I'm going to **** my money away, I'd rather do that shooting sporting clays. As far as my physical game, it is what it is. I'm 57. I've had both shoulders rebuilt, and am probably looking at one knee and one hip somewhere down the road. Here's how I look at it--I'm a once a week bowler who never practices. I've shot 4 300 games, and got my 800 2 years ago. I average 215+ (at least until last night). I think I'm doing pretty good at this without over-thinking it.

sporting clays? Ugh - those things go wonky directions, don't they? I prefer my over-and-under trap. Skeet, maybe. :) My father-in-law was out there every week, and then again to the indoor range, up until he passed. We laughingly say that he shot so he could reload.

I hear ya - got one knee (slide knee, left) replaced and looking at the right knee in the next couple of years depending on how cortisone will do me. :/

[Aslan]

Tuesday scores. A night to (not) remember--

186/191/182 = 559. No issues with the new ball. I could not hit the broad side of a barn with the doors closed. Couple that with one of those old age "sleeping" injuries (still can't turn my head to the left), and I was just not my usual self. Missed the pocket 4 times last night on straight-up pulled shots that totally went left of the head pin. If you're going to have an off night, might as well do it well. Worst night I can remember in a very long time. Average slumps to 209.

And the Aslan jinx prevails!!! I try to encourage you to take your game to the next level and you respond by bowling worse than me! ANd that's sayin something!

Hey man, everyone has a bad night from time to time. The good news is...your terrible night is above average for most people. And yes, I do realize that is no consolation.

[Timmyb]

And yes, I do realize that is no consolation.


None at all, sir! I had started the season okay, but man, that was brutal.

[Timmyb]

Another crap night.

174/211/189 = 574. 1st ball out of my hand left a 6-7-10. And then the single pins started. Left every pin in the back row. 16 single pin counts, and 11 of them were 10-pins. Missed the first and the last of them. Only threw 3 balls all night that weren't in the pocket, and one of those crossed for a strike. The Summit is going in for a polish this week. It's just too temperamental, and has no cushion at all. I moved all over God's green earth tonight to try to get that damn 10 pin to drop. Would've been a much different night had they. My average is ow in the "I suck" range, 205. Goddammit, I'm better than this.

[Aslan]

This is going to sound akward, but I wish I was in Timmyb's "I suck range".

[Timmyb]

This is going to sound akward, but I wish I was in Timmyb's "I suck range".

:cool:

[Timmyb]

Okay, got a little bit back tonight, but still have some issues--

164/258/213 = 635. 1st game was a nightmare. Started with 2 splits, ended with 2 splits. I'm just not coming out of this new ball cleanly, and this is about to get discussed with my PSO. smashed another split top start game 2, and then went to the old turd in the bag. Spare, spare, and 9 straight to close game 2. Decent 3rd game, but whiffed a 10-pin to kill that one. I just can't seem to throw this new ball the same from shot to shot, and I don't know why. The minute I switch, I'm on. Sounds mental to me right now, but still going to talk to my guy to try to go forward. Average bumps back to 206. Gotta do better than this....

[Timmyb]

Got a lot more back tonight.

266/204/258 = 728. Ran 9 to start the first game, and then buried the 10th shot, just to look at a pocket 7-10. Had this one hit flat, I'd take it, but this shot was smoked, driving right through the 8-9. Start game 2 by promptly tugging the ball, leaving a 3-10 (made). Third frame, tugged it again, this time the Greek church (no, not made). Struggled with carry for most of that game, but kept the rest clean. Third game, just got at it. Started with 5, and kept it clean after that. Best part was this is the first time I went stem to stern with the Summit. 3 boards left with my feet, and two right with my break, and that was all the moving for the night. Footwork felt the best so far this year. First 700 came a lot earlier this year than last. Only sucky part was we lost all 7. Average pops back to 212.

[boomer]

Bummer to lose the points - but great series!

[Aslan]

Got a lot more back tonight.

3 boards left with my feet, and two right with my break, and that was all the moving for the night.

That's interesting. My coaching taught me how to adjust depending on what you leave. And, I admit, it's one of the most valuable things I got out of coaching...along with spare conversion strategies.

The problem I've seen lately is;

1) BIGGEST PROBLEM...You can't really tell if a ball doesn't hook because of the pattern...carrydown...the ball losing too much energy...or you line being off. So, and I'll cover this with examples in my next score update...but sometimes you can make 1:1 1:2, or 2:3 (eyes:feet)...but it's always supposed to be in the direction of your miss. For example:

You leave a 4-9, single 4, single 9, or similar...thats a 1:1 left. If you leave a 2-6 or a single 6-pin...that's a 1:1 right.
You leave a 2-pin, 2-4-5-8 bucket, a 2-4-5 or 4-5-8 3/4 bucket...it's a 1:2 right. You go through the nose and leave a split...it's a 1:2 left.
And then you get the bigger misses (washouts, Brooklyn, etc...) and it's a 2:3 move...left or right.

However, there is a limit to how many times you can move, in one direction, before you're essentially standing over or outside your target...and your line becomes impossible . I've never learned when you need to move your feet one way, and your target a different way. I usually spend most of the night (you'll see the drastic results after I post my next results) moving...moving...moving...ball change....moving....moving...moving, ball change...etc.. until I get to the point where I'm uncomfortable right (playing first arrow) or uncomfortable left (inside 3rd arrow). Then I usually reset and will sometimes try to do what you did...move my target a little to the right...and get my feet a little left...thinking maybe it's the angle vs. the line.

But, congrats on the series. I keep hoping that I can get back to my prior physical form...so 'maybe' I'll finally throw a 700+. I've come very close a couple times...but not so much lately.

[Timmyb]

That's interesting. My coaching taught me how to adjust depending on what you leave.

This goes back to "I'm not a normal bowler", but I've always adjusted on the hit, not the leave. Second would be how the ball exits, but I rarely find myself looking at it, honestly. Take my pocket 7-10. It was a crushed high-flush hit, and I literally watched the ball click the 8 and 9 equally. Had it hit flat, then I'd have a move in mind. Light or through the nose, another and another. I had one shot I pulled a bit, but it held, and smashed high flush, leaving a stone 9. That's not normal. Sometimes, **** just happens. My creep left 3, right 2 was largely predicated on watching my teammate's leaves, and since we have roughly the same line, being proactive instead of reactive.

[J Anderson]

That's interesting. My coaching taught me how to adjust depending on what you leave. And, I admit, it's one of the most valuable things I got out of coaching...along with spare conversion strategies.

The problem I've seen lately is;

1) BIGGEST PROBLEM...You can't really tell if a ball doesn't hook because of the pattern...carrydown...the ball losing too much energy...or you line being off. So, and I'll cover this with examples in my next score update...but sometimes you can make 1:1 1:2, or 2:3 (eyes:feet)...but it's always supposed to be in the direction of your miss. For example:

You leave a 4-9, single 4, single 9, or similar...thats a 1:1 left. If you leave a 2-6 or a single 6-pin...that's a 1:1 right.
You leave a 2-pin, 2-4-5-8 bucket, a 2-4-5 or 4-5-8 3/4 bucket...it's a 1:2 right. You go through the nose and leave a split...it's a 1:2 left.
And then you get the bigger misses (washouts, Brooklyn, etc...) and it's a 2:3 move...left or right.

However, there is a limit to how many times you can move, in one direction, before you're essentially standing over or outside your target...and your line becomes impossible . I've never learned when you need to move your feet one way, and your target a different way. I usually spend most of the night (you'll see the drastic results after I post my next results) moving...moving...moving...ball change....moving....moving...moving, ball change...etc.. until I get to the point where I'm uncomfortable right (playing first arrow) or uncomfortable left (inside 3rd arrow). Then I usually reset and will sometimes try to do what you did...move my target a little to the right...and get my feet a little left...thinking maybe it's the angle vs. the line.

But, congrats on the series. I keep hoping that I can get back to my prior physical form...so 'maybe' I'll finally throw a 700+. I've come very close a couple times...but not so much lately.


This goes back to "I'm not a normal bowler", but I've always adjusted on the hit, not the leave. Second would be how the ball exits, but I rarely find myself looking at it, honestly. Take my pocket 7-10. It was a crushed high-flush hit, and I literally watched the ball click the 8 and 9 equally. Had it hit flat, then I'd have a move in mind. Light or through the nose, another and another. I had one shot I pulled a bit, but it held, and smashed high flush, leaving a stone 9. That's not normal. Sometimes, **** just happens. My creep left 3, right 2 was largely predicated on watching my teammate's leaves, and since we have roughly the same line, being proactive instead of reactive.

Ideally one should adjust based on observing the ball all the way from when it comes into view all the way until it goes into the pit. Unfortunately I tend to lose focus at the instant the ball hits the pins so I often resort to Aslan’s method of adjusting based on what’s left. However there are certain leaves that can have different causes. Usually a 4 pin means I need to move left or the next one is going to leave a 4-9 or even a 4-6-7-10. But sometimes it’s because I hit light and the headpin knocked the 2 pin straight back and then bounces off the sidewall into the 7 pin. If you haven’t seen where the break point was or where the ball hit you might easily make the wrong adjustment.

[boomer]

right - that high-flush back-row split is likely just a bad rack. Only adjust if you repeat it. (after crying . . . LOL)

miss-right, move-right - great rule of thumb, but it doesn't preclude observation. Both of you are right - entry and exit AND leave. hit high and leave 4 - touch right because you hit a touch high (right). You all know the drill. :) How we SEE that is up to us.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday scores. Decent night, lots of mistakes to fix.

225/239/206 = 670. Game one was the only clean game. No bad shots, just a few that didn't carry. 2nd game started with 4, and then there she was, another pocket 7-10. This one was actually a light hit, and I couldn't believe one of the pins flying around didn't catch them both. 3rd game turned a bit nightmarish to start. A slightly high ball in frame one left a 6-7, and then frame 3, guess what? My old buddy, the pocket 7-10. Got my bearings back, and had to go 5 out to get the 206. The night was good, but never got the impression my footwork was good. just felt a little awkward. Again, stem to stern with the Summit. Average ticks up 1 to 213.

[Aslan]

right - that high-flush back-row split is likely just a bad rack. Only adjust if you repeat it. (after crying . . . LOL)

miss-right, move-right - great rule of thumb, but it doesn't preclude observation. Both of you are right - entry and exit AND leave. hit high and leave 4 - touch right because you hit a touch high (right). You all know the drill. :) How we SEE that is up to us.

I was taught that a 7-pin leave (for a righty) is often the result of a bad rack...same thing for a 10-pin for lefties. As a righty, a flush hit that leaves a 10-pin, I'm likely to make a ball change (ball down). But, a single 7-pin on a flush hit...I don't do anything off that.....chalk it up to a bad rack. :mad:

[Timmyb]

Tuesday scores. First real steady, consistent night.

224/224/234 = 682. Only 2 opens the whole night. One whiffed 10-pin in frame 3, and a 4-6 split in frame 35 (richly deserved, I might add). Lanes 1&2 can be a nightmare, and tonight was no different. 6 board stretch between the two. 2 was awesome all night, 1 was in flames about the middle of game 2. Only bit me the one split. I'll take nights like this all the time. Average hairs under 215.

[boomer]

nice!

[Timmyb]

Milwaukee area USBC Senior doubles/singles tournament.

Doubles - 277/183/173 = 633

Singles - 168/243/212 = 623

Ran 9 in a row to start game 1. Thought we were going to have a great day. Wheels fell off for literally everyone on our pair after that. Lanes were just flat out weird. Started with the Summit, but switched to the Phaze at the end of 2. Just couldn't get a good kill shot going, and struggled through the first set. After the debacle that was game 4, I went back to the Summit, which worked. By the end of the singles set, I was standing right where I started game 1. Both of my series were the highest on our pair. Saw a couple of other good gamers out there, but no one in the house really did well. This is a day I'd like to have back.

[Timmyb]

Tuesdays scores. Maddening consistency.

212/246/223 = 681. Game 1 was a struggle. Missed one 10-pin, and really couldn't get a good whack at the pocket until late in the game. Chalking this up to a tired arm after throwing 6 on Sunday. Great game 2, clean. Started 3 with 5 straight, and then an opposing team throwing plastic all night bit me. Left a 2-8-10, and then a 4-6-10. Made two quick moves off of that, and salvaged the game. I like the consistency, but am frustrated knowing this could've easily been mid-7's. I will not, however, complain about a running 4-week average of 230 in league. Average ticks up to 216.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday's scores. Another good, but frustrating night.

268/183/236 = 687. Started game 1 with a strike, and open, then 10 straight. Thought I was on it, but game 2 proved otherwise. Strike, 4-9, bunch of 10 pins, and then, of course, my nightly pocket 7-10. Game 3 was the only clean game, even picking up a 3-6-8 split. Two weeks in a row where I can't seem to put a complete night together. I'll take the results, but gotta fix this game 2 crap. Average at 217.

[Aslan]

Literally 10-20 pins per night away from averaging 700 a night. Thats DANG good!

[boomer]

take a step back and look at what's going on in game 2. Were the 10's ringing or flat? I noticed this past week that I had to move back about 3" because I was starting to leave ring-10s. That's my usual ticket, there, and it kept me in it.

For me (your mileage may/will vary) I have been trying to recognize what's going on earlier.

No matter what, though, great series!

[Timmyb]

take a step back and look at what's going on in game 2. Were the 10's ringing or flat? I noticed this past week that I had to move back about 3" because I was starting to leave ring-10s. That's my usual ticket, there, and it kept me in it.

For me (your mileage may/will vary) I have been trying to recognize what's going on earlier.

No matter what, though, great series!

For the most part, smoked pocket hits. Couple f the 6 pins approached the speed of sound, and the ringing was heard in South Milwaukee. The 7-10 was a flat hit, though. I made no move from game 2 to 3, so the jury might be out a while on this one....

[Timmyb]

And the beat(ing) goes on--

236/216/257 = 709. Two opens on the night. A 6-7-10 split (richly deserved, but almost made) in game 1, and a whiffed 10 pin in game 3. Outside of that, just kept clicking all night. Had a run of 8 in game 3. Ever since I went to the "fast" 4K on the Summit, this thing has been golden, I'm going to take a little credit on this one, because if you miss with this ball, you'll pay for it. Just seems like I've settled into some kind of zone. Hopefully that's not the kiss of death, but I'm never going to look down on a 6 week run like this. Average up to 218.

[Timmyb]

Rough night.

182/202/256 = 640. Ball? Nope. House? Nope. All me? Hell yes. Could not get my timing straight the first 1.5 games. Felt like I was on someone else's legs, and it showed. All opens (4) were well-earned splits. I wasted was was really a great shot out there by just not hitting it. Finally got my act together in 3rd game, but damage done. Next time I should get more sleep. Average stays 218.

[Timmyb]

Must be something in the air this week. Here's summore un-stellar scores to report.

189/209/215 = 613. Never really got comfortable with my footwork, and my stumbling around wasn't what I needed to throw a consistent shot. Coupled with a lot of shifting around because EVERYONE on the other team bowled with plastic, and a good night was just not in view. Last game could have been much better, with every shot hitting, but 10's and ring 8's will hold you back. Average drops one to 217.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday scores. I believe 3 weeks straight qualifies as a slump, right?

210/197/195 = 602. Just a hot mess. Never got any kind of consistency going in my shot. Even running 5 in game 2 was destroyed by a pocket 7-10, and 2 missed 10 pins. 7 opens on the night. Crappy thing is that there's been a good shot out there all three weeks, and I just cannot hit it with any regularity. Average slinks down to 215.

[Aslan]

Seems like every bowler, every season, goes through a 3-6 week slump at some point. Good to get it out of the way before the end of the season and there's standings implications.

[boomer]

Seems like every bowler, every season, goes through a 3-6 week slump at some point. Good to get it out of the way before the end of the season and there's standings implications.

Something like that . . . always feels longer

[Timmyb]

Good to get it out of the way before the end of the season and there's standings implications.

Plenty of implications. We started the night in 3rd, 4 points out of 1st. Ended the night in 5th. Next week is season split position round....

[Timmyb]

There were signs of life at Yee Old Classic Lanes last night. Still gotta lot of work to do.

204/211/247 = 662. Started the night after having prepped the ball with Tru-Cut polish, and found out pretty quickly there will be a learning curve (no pun intended). My "work" comes in the form of 4 opens on the night. 3 missed 10 pins, and a chopped 3-6-10 (got the 10 on that one). Pretty sure I've missed at least a dozen 10 pins over this 4 week nightmare I've been in, but I think I've finally located the hitch in my game--my brain. Average stays at 216.

Now, about the Tru-Cut. This was a whim buy based on recommendations from a couple other folks. I will attest that it works as advertised. The ball got down a little further tonight than I has seen in a while. Remember though, it is now definitely polished, and not the "fast 4K" I had been running. Ball held nice when i kept inside, but if i crept it out too much and hit the dry boards, it was hell-bent on the head pin. Remember that if you're going to try this product.

[Timmyb]

Much better.

237/237/222 = 696. There was never a point tonight where I didn't feel like I had total control of my game. 29 clean, the only open being a freak pocket 7-9 split in the 27th frame. Good strike strings, no missed single pin spares, and not a single shot that didn't hit the pocket well. Lane conditions were no different than they've been over the past 2 months, so maybe I got my mojo back tonight. Average ticks back up to 217.

[J Anderson]

Much better.

237/237/222 = 696. There was never a point tonight where I didn't feel like I had total control of my game. 29 clean, the only open being a freak pocket 7-9 split in the 27th frame. Good strike strings, no missed single pin spares, and not a single shot that didn't hit the pocket well. Lane conditions were no different than they've been over the past 2 months, so maybe I got my mojo back tonight. Average ticks back up to 217.

Nice bowling. That would have been one heck of a triplicate series

[Timmyb]

Nice bowling. That would have been one heck of a triplicate series

Thanks. That's one thing I've never done is throw a triplicate. Would've loved it last night.....

[Timmyb]

Ick. Just ick....

198/165/235 = 598. Pile some sketchy lane conditions on top of the worst head cold ever, and you get this. 1st game wasn't terrible. Had a Dutch 200 going until the 9th, when I decided to whiff a 10 pin. Game 2 was a nightmare. 2 missed 10's, a 4-6-7, and a 3-10 just annihilated this game, all on lane 10, which was a lake all night. Started the 3rd with a ball switch to the IQ (just on 10). Wish I'd have done that sooner. First time in I think 10 weeks I didn't at least hit a 600. The head cold thing wasn't great for my balance/timing, either. No excuses, I sucked. Average back to 216.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday's score, a little late.....

195/211/236 = 642. Not a great night, but think I may have found the root of my recent issues. Game 1 was mauled by a richly deserved pocket 7-10 (flat-handed it, and it hit so square I just knew it was going to happen). Had serious control issues the rest of the game. Game 2 saw another 2nd frame split (6-7-10), and then the light bulb went off when I was in the next frame, and realized my backswing was super short. Now, I don't have a ton in the first place, but this was noticeable. I made a conscious effort the rest of the night to make sure I was generating more swing, and lo and behold, started hitting my spots. That did not prevent another 6-7-10 from appearing in the second frame of 3 (what's with that frame?), but the rest of that game was way better control-wise then I've had in a while. Really looking forward to next week now to see if I can make this work. Average stays 216.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday's scores. Last week's "find" may be bearing fruit.

225/224/238 = 687. This would've been a pretty decent 7, if not for a 3-10 in game 1 (light hit), and a 6-7-10 (there's those numbers again) in game 2. Game 3 was clean. With the exception of a couple of tugged shots, my location seemed to be very steady all night, as long as I made sure my backswing stayed up. Also nice to not miss ANY non-split spares, including knocking down a 1-2-4-10 wash. What I need to see next is a repeat of this next week so I know I'm doing the right thing. Average ticks up one to 217.

[Timmyb]

Any of this sound familiar?

226/224/235 = 685. Never in my entire bowling career have I ever had back to back weeks so close in scores. Never really got in any trouble. Had good command, and the only blemish in the 29 clean was in frame 28, missing another damn 10 pin. The lanes played like the Classic of old, when you used to have to transition right during the course of the night. Thankfully I recognized that, and never lost sight of the pocket. Unfortunately, lost 5 of 7 to the other team. We need to get better on wins or we'll be out of range soon. Average still 217.

[Aslan]

Any of this sound familiar?

In the end of November, I bowled a back-to-back 638.

210-193-235

213-202 (clean)-223

But, even though the scores were similar; the first week I struck a lot but couldn't pick up a spare. The next week I couldn't strike as much, but had a rare, great night at picking up spares.

[boomer]

:) - fun!

[Timmyb]

Tuesdays scores, a little late. Broken record.....

236/211/225 = 672. Games 1 and 3 clean. Game 2 is the worst game in about a month. Started with another 6-7-10 split, ran a few strikes, and then totally tanked the 10th, Leaving the 4 off of a 2-4-5. Ended up losing that game by 6 pins, so that really irritated me. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with my production lately, but it still seems something dumb happens every game to take what looks to be headed for glory down to just average. I'm desperately trying not to try too hard, but I think I may be bogged in that mindset. I really need to figure out how to just go and bowl. Average stays at 217.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday's debacle. This was a night I need to put in the rear view mirror, and fast.

206/165/179 = 550. Never at any point during the night did I feel like I had any control over anything. Not footwork, not swing, not release. Couple that with 6 splits and 2 missed 10 pins, and you get this kind of mess. Even switching to the trusty IQ (my mental crutch) yielded nothing. That ball was off-the-charts jumpy at the turn, but the Summit, which should be the monster of the two, wouldn't react. Of the 6 splits, 4 were through the nose, the other 2 light hits that left the 2 or 4 pin variety split. If you're gonna have a bad night, go and have it, and get it out of your system. Average took a big hit, down to 216. It's hard to move 1.5 pins 23 weeks into the season, but I pulled that off.

[Aslan]

Never at any point during the night did I feel like I had any control over anything. Not footwork, not swing, not release. Couple that with 6 splits and 2 missed 10 pins, and you get this kind of mess. Even switching to the trusty IQ (my mental crutch) yielded nothing.

Been there. Some nights you can't find the line, you go through every ball you have, and you 'know' you're also contributing to the disaster by not making good shots. My "mental crutch" is my Pyramid Force Pearl. There's times it just feels like I can't miss with that ball. Then, on nights like you're describing, it's nearly as useless as the rest of the balls in my bag.

[Timmyb]

Didn't even want to post this week.

171/189/200 = 560. 6 opens (5 splits, one whiffed 10). All of the splits were of the light hit, 2 or 4 (or both) pin variety. Thought I was finally getting something going in the 3rd, to rip a pocket 7-10 in the 5th frame. After that, the lanes melted, and that was the end of it. Honestly, couldn't find my *** with both hands. Average slinks back to 215. Not the direction I wanted to be heading at this time of year.

[J Anderson]

Didn't even want to post this week.

That’s how I feel almost every week!

[Timmyb]

I feel like 3 weeks in a row constitutes a trend....

212/185/166 = 563. Same as week before, just in reverse. 6 opens again, 4 of them splits, including a pocket 7-10 (because what's a week without one of those), a pair of big 4's, and a 3-10. Missed a 10 pin, and chopped a 3-6-10. I can find no level of consistency right now. There is literally a beautiful shot out there, and when I hit it, it's magical. For whatever reason right now, I'm just off my game. I either tug it a little, or I put it out in the dry crap, either way resulting in going through the nose. My moments of greatness are only resulting in 3 or 4 in a row, and putting an un-makeable split on either end of that is just killing me. I cannot remember the last time I had 3 mid-500 series in a row. My answer to this? I'm going to sub on Monday's the rest of the season for one of my teammate's other leagues. Let's see if I can pile misery on top of mediocrity. Average drops to 214. That's a pin per week over this "trend"....

[Aslan]

Even though your "rut" is my "pretty good"...

...it's probably just that once per season "rut". I think I have at least one 3-week period per season where I was doing things well...improving...and then "blamo"!..3 weeks of poo. :confused:

[Timmyb]

Even though your "rut" is my "pretty good"...

...it's probably just that once per season "rut". I think I have at least one 3-week period per season where I was doing things well...improving...and then "blamo"!..3 weeks of poo. :confused:


This whole season has been a gut-wrenching roller coaster. Had a 6 week period I averaged 230's, followed by a 3 week slump, followed by 4 weeks in the high 220's, and now we're here. I'm thinking subliminally that I'm checked out of this season already, especially considering we're already shooting sporting clay tournaments here. Kind of just want to right the ship before I take some well-deserved time off.....

[Timmyb]

Monday subbing. Appears a change of scenery can be good for the soul.

224/236/226 = 686. Never really felt uncomfortable last night, unlike the past three weeks at my home center. Still did some dumb ****, with 3 opens (8-10, 4-6, and a whiffed 10 pin), but kept everything in front of me, and got good carry. Haven't bowled league in this house in 8 years. They've kept this place up well. Now hoping this carries through tonight.

[Timmyb]

Tuesday scores. Signs of life.

228/176/258 = 662. 2nd game destroyed what could have been a pretty decent night. Started by missing a 3 pin, and chopping the better part of a 3-6-9. Did not throw a single strike on the left lane that game, and only 2 on the other. I was frankly distracted by other goings on nearby, and that shouldn't happen. A 10 and a 7 pin shut off what could have easily been 300 #5. Pretty much destroyed the pocket all of that game. For the first time in forever, no missed 10 pins on the night. Average stays at 214.

[Timmyb]

All is right in the world. Well, close.....

218/289/232 = 739. Decent string in the first game gave way to a couple of tugs, but stayed clean. Game 2, a flat 10 on the 11th ball stopped 300 #5 from showing up. It was my payback for shot #9 that went through the nose and bulldozed everything over. Game 3 had the only open of the night, started 9/spare, and ran 6, until I left a 3-6-7 that I tugged through the nose, but damn near made. Other than a couple blips, never felt anything less than on it. Good swing, good release, and good placement and adjustments. No complaints. Average ticks up to 215.

[Timmyb]

Trust me, I didn't want to post these scores. I'm using this as a warning.

Monday score(subbing)--

136/185/196 = 517. Found out when I got there that they were switching around the pattern this week to try to emulate the nationals shot, as a bunch from this league are headed out there soon. This would have been a handy piece of information to have before I packed my ****, and came with all the wrong equipment. Game 1 was a nightmare. 5 opens along in this game. Was incapable of throwing the same shot twice. Had me all kinds of confused, because I was boiling the rack in practice. Finally got my head in the right place part way through 2, but by then the pushdown was killing any kind of finish I could get out of 2 pieces of polished equipment. I can warn any of you headed to nationals that if this is really the shot out there, it's soup, and pretty long.

[Timmyb]

A tale of 2 nights--

226/244/225 = 695. Before you beat me up with the "guy can only hit a house shot", they did the same thing here tonight that the house on Monday did with the pattern, difference here being A)-I recognized it, and B)-Possibly a little less oil, but just as long. I plunked myself right where I ended on Monday, and only had to drift left a board near the end of game 3. My other important feat tonight was this was my second only 30-clean! I've been dancing with that all year, but finally got there tonight. My right hand is killing me today, though. All kinds of tore up. Average back to 216.

[Timmyb]

Doing Monday and Tuesday all in one--

Monday--191/226/180 = 597. Same pattern (Nationals), better results. Still used the same equipment, just set up better this time. Still couldn't get right due to a cut on my right ring finger that I did the week before, Was hoping it'd heal by now, but not so much.

Tuesday--202/192/189 = 583. Lanes were just kind of odd. the ball that should've hooked, didn't. The "ball down" ball, couldn't keep it off the nose. Not sure what kind of sorcery our mechanic laid out, but it wasn't fun. And that cut? Yeah, that was emphatically there all damn night. Just totally uncomfortable the entire night. Traveling next week, so it'll have a chance to heal up now. Average slips back to 215.

[J Anderson]

Us old guys are supposed to be thick skinned, but sometimes it seem like we cut twice as easy and take twice as long to heal as we used to��

[Timmyb]

Us old guys are supposed to be thick skinned, but sometimes it seem like we cut twice as easy and take twice as long to heal as we used to��

Worst part is, this was the fingernail cutting into the side of the finger, not even near the end, while I was bowling 2 weeks ago. And I was taped up! Never had that happen before. Growing old is not for wussies....

[Aslan]

Us old guys are supposed to be thick skinned, but sometimes it seem like we cut twice as easy and take twice as long to heal as we used to��

When I was in Anaheim Hills, we had a really old guy on our team. I remember when I was first bowling and using a wrist positioner...both he and I were reaching for our bowling balls and the metal of my wrist positioner made contact with his forearm. He was bleeding quite a bit and it took a long time to stop. If it had brushed up against anyone else, it probably would have barely left a mark. But once we get "up there", the skin just isn't as tough.

[J Anderson]

He might have been on a prescription blood thinner. Aspirin and I believe other over the counter NSAIDs reduce the ability of blood to clot.

[Aslan]

He might have been on a prescription blood thinner. Aspirin and I believe other over the counter NSAIDs reduce the ability of blood to clot.

Thats a very good point.

Once we get "up there", the list of drugs we're taking is absurd.

I should have prefaced that statement with, "Iceman, avert your eyes" (inside joke, Iceman was a big proponent of health 'powders' and other items versus being under the foot of prescription drugs. Hopefully ole Iceman is still out there rolling...

[Timmyb]

Once we get "up there", the list of drugs we're taking is absurd.

Seven pills every night (8 once allergy season kicks), and 3 every morning. There are days I just don't want to take them....

[Timmyb]

A week off did me no good.

182/170/237 = 589. As of this point, I'm thinking I'm just having some really bad mechanical issues. Last night was tug city. I put the ball through the nose or crossed over so many times I flat out lost count. Finally figured out in the last game that I wasn't really doing well at hanging on to the ball, and started blowing in the thumb hole. Physical or mental, the trick worked, and at least that game was clean. One more serious week of this league left, and it's off to sporting clays for the summer. Average slides back to 214.

[Aslan]

Seven pills every night (8 once allergy season kicks), and 3 every morning. There are days I just don't want to take them....

I was up to 10....now I'm at 9....not counting the ibuprofen and other headache medicine...which I probably take 1-10 pills per day on top of the 9 other meds I'm taking.

[Timmyb]

Position week. Good a place as any to pull this one off.

300/194/215 = 709. Waited till the last week of league to get one, and then followed it with a turd (XX split, XX split, XX split....). Gathered it back up for game 3, but still had 1 open in there. Phaze III all night. I've about given up on the Summit, and from what I've heard, this thing has about the same life span as the dreaded Helios that died a quick death. Controlled night, except for those 3 splits. 300 #5 was a win. Finished with a 215 average, and 20K pins for the 3rd season in a row. I've had better seasons, but I'll still take it. Sweeper next week, and then it's off-time for sporting clays!

[Aslan]

Nice!
300
Well done!

[boatman37]

very nice!

[boomer]

"XX split, XX split, XX split"

That's an interesting one - you'd think you'd lose one lane and go X split X split or something.

Nice job on the 300 - it always seems that the game after is a let-down but VERY nice at picking back up for the third!

Good job!

[Timmyb]

At last, it's over! Sweeper week--

193/244/235 = 672. Oh, but for a first game. 3 opens (chopped 6-10, and 2 4-6-10's) Killed this game dead. had to finish this game with 5 just to get that. 2 and 3 were clean games. No money won tonight. Got my $50 for last weeks 300, so that's good. I am off to shoot sporting clays for a while now. If I manage to get out to practice or hit one of the sport shot tourneys around town, I'll report in. All of you have a great summer!

[Aslan]

All of you have a great summer!

You as well. And wear that hearing protection!

I was a dummy in my youth, lived in the country, and did a lot of shooting in our back 5 acres. We had skeet throwers, a 100-yard shooting range....well, I shot most of that time without hearing protection and now my ears ring all the time (tinnitus).

[Timmyb]

You as well. And wear that hearing protection!

Never go without. Both barrels are ported, so a lot more noise comes back at you than a regular shotgun. Found that out the hard way....

[Timmyb]

Saturday open bowling--

One of my teammates and myself stopped at out new house, Lucky Lanes, to go throw a couple, considering neither of us had since league ended. They were nice enough to throw down their house shot on a pair for us. We're told this place hooks a little more than what we're used to, and it delivered as advertised.

237/150/191 = 578. First game, no idea where to start, and I chose wrong a pair of splits to start). Got my bearings, and ran of bunch to close that one out. Game 2 was just playing around. 10 pins, 7 pins, other balls. Nothing serious. Grabbed the Phaze again for game 3, and started trying to locate the transition. That, I was just flat out gassed by then. We'll have to get used to moving left, instead of right like Classic made us do, and there is no dry board on the outside. You let one drift in this house, and you're cleaning out the grey board. We'll see what this place is like when there's 6 guys on a pair, but I think I'm going to like it.

[Timmyb]

First week. New league, new house, one practice set the entire summer.

231/196/223 = 650. My arm is Jello right now. One open each game (whiffed 7, 4-5-7 split, 4-9 split). Made every 10 pin, and those were plentiful tonight (7). I'm getting old, fat and sweaty. cannot wait until it cools off. Let's start the year with a 216 average.

[Aslan]

First week. New league, new house, one practice set the entire summer.

231/196/223 = 650. My arm is Jello right now. One open each game (whiffed 7, 4-5-7 split, 4-9 split). Made every 10 pin, and those were plentiful tonight (7). I'm getting old, fat and sweaty. cannot wait until it cools off. Let's start the year with a 216 average.


Must be my doppelgänger.

- Started league with a 216 average (check).
- Is fat and sweaty and can't wait for cooler temperatures (check).
- Leaves too many 10-pins (check).

The only difference is:

1) I won't come as close to maintaining that 216 average as you will.

2) My arm isn't jello...mainly because I never take a season off. I just can't. I lose my game too fast if I step away for a few weeks. It took me a full year to finally get my timing pretty decent.

Nice start! Good, consistent scoring near that 200 mark. And, 7 for 7 on 10-pins! Heck...I'd take that any day.

[Timmyb]

2) My arm isn't jello...mainly because I never take a season off.

Was tough to even get out this summer with the amount of shooting I did. 3200 rounds so far this year, and there's a few more events to go.

[Timmyb]

Not my best night--

237/177/201 = 615. 1st game was fine, and clean. Then my mechanics started to slide. 2 opens in game 2 killed me. Game 3 coulda/woulda but for a Greek church to finish the game. Part of my issue with mechanics may be that my elbow was not doing well. I've also left 15 10 pins in 2 weeks now. Fortunately (knock on wood) I've picked up every one of them. Average slides to 210.

[Timmyb]

Starting to seem like wash/rinse/repeat--

183/246/225 = 654. Getting killed by one game every week so far. This week was the 1st. Just couldn't get in a groove. For the second time this year, looked at a 4-5-7 split. If you hit the pocket light in this house, you won't get a reward. Also left a 5-7 (made it), and a 5-10. The only other whiff on the night was a missed 10 pin, my first this year. Considering I've now seen 21 of them in the first 3 weeks, I guess I'll take it. I did finally leave a ringing 10-pin. All the rest have been weak. I'm beginning to pick up the transition in this house, but it was tough this week when 2 guys from each team pre-bowled, so there was only 2 of us bowling. My mind has been set all my life to move left, but that's just now how it works in Milwaukee anymore. Average back up to 213.

[J Anderson]

I made the 4-5-7 last Thursday and again tonight. It seems like 8 out of ten times if I take care of the 4-5 teh 4 pint wil just lay in the gutter. 10% of the ime it will fly around the 7. To make it twice in a row may be the highlight of the year for me.

[Timmyb]

I made the 4-5-7 last Thursday and again tonight. It seems like 8 out of ten times if I take care of the 4-5 teh 4 pint wil just lay in the gutter. 10% of the ime it will fly around the 7. To make it twice in a row may be the highlight of the year for me.

Exactly what I did, put the 4 slowly in the ditch....

[boatman37]

you are right...eerily familiar

[Timmyb]

Late posting. Unfortunately watching my beloved Brewers lose. Hoping for better tonight.

Monday--205/236/201 = 642. Started game 1 with 2 consecutive opens (4 pin, 2-10). Made a pretty quick decision to switch to the Summit. Not much of a decision, as that was the other ball in the bag. Hoped for the best. Clean game 2. Drop 2 more in game 3 (4-6-10, 6-7-10). 1st time this year with all 200 games, but 3rd worst series out of 4 weeks. Opens kill, folks. Brighter news--only 3 10 pins this week, and made all. 23/24 for the year (going to track this one). Average stays 213.

[Timmyb]

Better night, but still with the mistakes....

234/211/229 = 674. Clean until frame 16, and then a solid tug left me a 4-9. Kept my head on, and went into 3 with a solid start, until another tug left me with a Big Four. Both shots were a footwork/timing thing that keeps biting me in the *** from time to time. 5 10-pins tonight (missed one). So far 27/29 on those this year. That I am very happy with. Average ticks up 2 to 215.

[boatman37]

Nice night. I'm still tugging one every once in awhile. And great job with the 10 pins. I'm 18/23 on 7 pins this year (78%). Much better than last year so I'm happy about that.

[Aslan]

Nice night. I'm still tugging one every once in awhile. And great job with the 10 pins. I'm 18/23 on 7 pins this year (78%). Much better than last year so I'm happy about that.

Agreed!

[Timmyb]

This will go down as the night that might cause us to walk away from this house after 6 weeks.

196/191/146 = 533. One open in game 1, 2 in game 2, and 4 in game 3. Let's look past that, to the 36 10 pins left by both teams (11 of them mine, made 8). 24 of the 36 were my team, and the other dozen by the 2 guys on their team, with one guy blind. At one point in time, I had thrown 4 straight. Lane 16 was the biggest culprit, with almost all of them. The owner's response? "What do you want me to do about it"? Literally everyone with earshot was on his *** immediately, so I think the message got heard. I've never walked from a league in my life, but I've also never watched anything like this take place. When 5 guys can't figure out the adjustment, there's a problem. Average sucks back to 209. cannot remember the last time I dropped 6 pins in one week.

[Timmyb]

I didn't think it could get worse. I was way wrong.

187/184/161 = 532. 7 opens on the night. 5 10-pins in the first game (7 on the night, 6 made). Missed 2 7-pins, a bucket, and a host of splits. I'm at the point that I'm admitting coming to this house was a mistake. When you ask people there, all you hear is "well, that's just how Lucky Lanes is". Seriously? I'm no pro, but I pride myself on being able to see and make the changes needed, and I cannot figure this ****hole out. In 7 weeks of bowling, I've left 47 10-pins. Yep, I'm counting. At this point, I'm will to walk away and leave 7 weeks of money behind. Average is now at 204.

[Timmyb]

Don't call it a comeback. At least not yet....

192/207/248 = 647. One open on the night (10-pin) in the first game. Only 5 10-pins on the night, the least I've thrown all year, I think. A disturbing amount of 4-pins (6) though. Games 2 and 3 tell the tale of staying clean, and finally getting some hits in the 3rd game. Was this the result of a crapload of maintenance on my benchmark ball during the week? Dunno, but you can't argue results. Hoping we figured out a few things. We did play a little dirty trick, with my teammate throwing his UC3 the first game. Both he and I knew the adjustment for what that ball will do to a pair, and they did not. Let's see if anyone figures that out. Average sneaks back to 213.

[Aslan]

As a righty, what really irritates me are 7-pins.

I mean, sure, 10-pins and failing to get carrry can be horribly frustrating...but at least I 'kinda' know what I need to do to fix things. When I leave a 7-pin, its probably just an unlucky spot or something like that.

At least you're halfway decent at converting them. There's nights where I knock down 100% and then a week later I'll be at 25%. :confused:

[Timmyb]

As a righty, what really irritates me are 7-pins.

I mean, sure, 10-pins and failing to get carrry can be horribly frustrating...but at least I 'kinda' know what I need to do to fix things. When I leave a 7-pin, its probably just an unlucky spot or something like that.

At least you're halfway decent at converting them.

Considering I've left 52 10 pins in the 7 weeks of league so far this year, I better get good at them. Made 44 of them so far...

[Timmyb]

City of Milwaukee senior singles/doubles tournament.

Doubles--178/224/234 = 636. Threw 2 different balls in practice (Phaze III/IQ Nano), and made a bad decision on the starter (Phaze). got out of that in the 3rd, but damage done. Ran with the Nano the rest of the day. Was super pissed that I missed 2 10-pins, and also saw my first pocket 7-10 in the 1st game. My partner did not do well, without hitting a 6.

Singles--259/220/257 = 736. Missed one damn 10 pin as my only open in game 2. Otherwise just kept hitting my spot. I talked myself out of switching balls in game 3, and that was smart, as I went off for 8 in a row in the 3rd game. I got into both handicap and scratch for singles, so we'll see how well this score hold up. Either way, pretty happy with this score.

[Aslan]

Nice!

If that score doesn't hold up...I wanna know what ringer bowled that tournament.

[Timmyb]

Monday's scoring. Lather, rinse, repeat.

288/214/224 = 726. Ran 10 to start game 1, and then there came the 10 pin (whiffed). Started the next game by missing a 7 pin, and then dropped a 5-7 split off of a shot that should have never left one. Missed another 10 pin in game 3 (3 of 5 on the night). Rather not have had 4 misses on the night, but still happy with the score. Average now 210. Yeah, I added something wrong last week, but really don't feel like chasing it.

[Timmyb]

Nice!

If that score doesn't hold up...I wanna know what ringer bowled that tournament.

Would like to see that, but this was the first week of the tourney. Leading by 30-ish in handicap, and 60-ish in scratch.

[Timmyb]

Another typical week at Lucky Lanes, where we play "what did they put down this week"....

169/211/161 = 541. Another 8 10-pins (missed 4, dammit), bring the 10 week long season total to 60. Also looked at 6 4-pins as well. The general consensus across the league this week was "WTF". It wears on you when you hit shot after shot, with little reward. One guy 2 pairs over left 14 10-pins. The staff has taken to hiding in the back, only coming out to the counter if they need to fix something. I'm hearing the grumbling is taking place in all the other leagues as well. These people just bought the place 2 years ago. Not how you want to run a bowling alley. Average drops back to 207.

[J Anderson]

At the clinic I attended a week and a half ago one of the other attendees was showing a print out of the oil pattern his local center puts down for one of his leagues to all of the pros. the reaction of all 6 of them, from Packy Hanrahan to Kris Prather was 'WTF is the owner of the lanes trying to do?' I think they all suggested an area where to play it, but thought it was insane to use for a non sport league.

[Timmyb]

I think they all suggested an area where to play it, but thought it was insane to use for a non sport league.

If they are changing the shot every week, and treating this like a sport league, that would be news to all of us. We thought we signed up for a Monday 3-man scratch. Even the league secretary, who's been an absolute apologist for the house, has been bitching. Monday's shot felt more like they just pushed around the shot from the previous league. I had a lot of smears that were super hard to clean off, almost gummy, but not black.

[Timmyb]

Another crap night at The House of Crap.

183/188/193 = 564. 4 opens on the night (2-5 chop, 7 pin, 4-5-7, and a 6-7-10). Last game was clean. 8 strikes the entire night, with only 2 in that last game. Constantly hitting the pocket, with little to no reward, really wears on you. But hey, only 22 weeks of league left.....Average drops again to 205. But, only 2 10 pins this week.....

[boatman37]

Same. rough night here

[Timmyb]

Monday night on the worst pair at Lucky, 15 & 16. Better night. Not great, but better.

207/180/228 = 615. Let's start with only 7 10-pins tonight (made all). Last time on this pair it was 11. Games 1 & 3 were clean. Game 2 got marred by a 4-9 (not deserved), and a Big 4 (richly deserved). Longest string on the night was 4. Again, it wears on you when you keep hitting your marks, with little to no reward. Even the secretary on the other team, who's been the biggest supporter of the house so far, is saying he's not likely to come back next year. Apparently him and the manager had words after last week's ****show. He's not giving an inch, saying he likes the shot, and it's staying. We'll see how that works when you're not filling the league. Average stays 205.

[boatman37]

sounds similar to my night. 7 pin mania

[Timmyb]

A lot to unload here, so let's start with the disappointing parts. Final scores were finally posted for the Milwaukee area seniors singles/doubles tournament. I took 2nd place in both the scratch and handicap singles divisions, 50-59. Got beat in scratch 740-736. That one I'll take, once I looked at the guy's stats on bowl.com, and realized he's nearly a legend. The harder one to swallow is the handicap division. Guy comes in the last week of the tournament, shoots a 672 (roughly 130 pins over his lifetime average). Couple that with 137 pins of handicap, and beats me 809-776 (I had 40 total handicap). I get that it's handicap, but sometimes you just wanna call bull****....

Monday's league scores--

226/205/266 = 697. Strikes make the difference. I had the same amount of opens (2) as last week, but shot 82 higher in series. Whiffed one 10-pin, and left a well-deserved 6-7-10, which may have been my only bad shot of the night. Still leaving waaaaaay too many 10-pin leaves (7 on the night). Most of us are starting to feel that the side walls are dead in this place, especially when we watch high flush hits that would normally obliterate a 10-pin just fall off. It's obviously not something they're going to fix mid-season, and that's possibly going to cost them some teams to other houses with better maintenance programs. That's their loss. Average ticks up to 207.

[Aslan]

Still leaving waaaaaay too many 10-pin leaves (7 on the night).

Jeezus H. Kriste!!
If I left that many 10-pins...with my abysmal spare shooting...I'd be lucky to break 500.

And its frustrating. Because the difference between a 520 series and 720 series can sometimes just be a matter of that 10-pin falling over or not.

Not to mention you hit the pocket flush...leave a 10-pin...then some numbskull with a 148 average goes through nose and they all fall down. :mad:

[Timmyb]

Jeezus H. Kriste!!
If I left that many 10-pins...with my abysmal spare shooting...I'd be lucky to break 500.

I'm 64/77 on 10 pins so far this year. Would like that to be better.

[boatman37]

I'm 44/60 (73%). Would like to get closer to 85% but it's still an improvement over last year. But yeah, way more than I usually leave. Thats after 42 games so about 1.5/game. Last year I'm pretty sure I only averaged like 2 a night

[Aslan]

FINALLY!!

A competition I can beat you two at!

59/96 = 61% over 93 games.

To make matters worse, my next most common leave is the 7-pin and I'm 19/36 (52%). Next most common is a single 4-pin, which I'm 48% (12/25).

To round out the top 4 (most common leaves) is the single 9-pin which I'm actually 21/22 (95%) at.

Its been so bad, I'm considering having my spare ball drilled for a VISE insert. I think a lot of my inconsistency is that the feel is so much different from the thumb slug to the standard thumb hole that it feels like its hanging up on my thumb...which causes me to pull my hand away rather than follow-through properly. I just hate to have to keep switching the slug back and forth.

[Timmyb]

59/96 = 61% over 93 games.



77 10-pins over 39 games is atrocious. This house is famous for this, and they don't care.

[Timmyb]

Another stellar night on 15-16 at Lucky Lanes.

192/206/163 = 561. 7 opens on the night (3 10-pins, 2 4-7-10's, a 6-7-10, and a 4-9). Not a single 10 pin was deserved. It's hard to see yourself rocking the pocket like that all night, and leaving 8 10-pins. Another one that will not fall here is a 4 pin. Slightly high, and that thing will stand like a stone. It's always a blast coming in and having no idea what your lane condition will be, and tonight was no different. Last night was stupid wet/dry. You would think the chorus of boos going around there every night (yep, found out folks are bitching on the other leagues as well) would be enough to get them to pay attention, but nope. Crickets. I reiterate--done with this house. Cannot wait till this league is done. Average right back to 205.

[Timmyb]

The roller coaster continues.

202/214/233 = 649. Considering the start I had to game 1, I didn't figure on this night being even mediocre. 3 out of the first 4 frames were opens. Nothing felt right. Finally went to the "f**k it" move, and jumped 4 boards left, and kept the ball inside. Ran 5 off of that move, and saved the game. I had experimented with my burned-up, but now heavily-polished Helios in practice, and when It looked like the Phaze was going long, it was time. The shape that thing gave me was really nice, and totally unexpected. Unfortunately, one more open in game 2 marred it, but game 3 was clean. I think I've been missing what these horror-show lanes have needed. Still too damn many 10-pins, but it looks like we could be on to something. We'll see next week. Average ticks up one to 206.

[Aslan]

Yeah. I feel ya.

Its getting to the point now where I might have to either try to make huge changes to my game to get a more high rev release and move inside...OR...I may have to completely change my arsenal progression and load up with really weak equipment...because it just seems like the bowling balls are trending towards more and more powerful while the typical THS is trending in the opposite direction...towards a condition that has heavier volumes in the center to help a bowler that my pull a shot...but completely bare bones dry on the outside so you have 5-10 boards of miss room and can still hit the pocket.

And the combination of those two factors...makes it nearly impossible for an average bowler to use a high end bowling ball...because they'll be depleted by the time they hit the pocket...and you leave 10-pins. But moving inside, with the volume so high, the ball alone isn't going to come back...you need that really high rev rate and lower speed or an elite level rev rate if you have speed.

I've pretty much had to stop using the Zen Master Solid and am now starting with the Brunswick Mindset with a Royal Compound finish and have relied a lot more on the Brunswick Endeavor (higher RG, lower diff., lower $$)...because it goes long enough where it isn't void of energy by the time it hits the pocket.

[Timmyb]

because it just seems like the bowling balls are trending towards more and more powerful while the typical THS is trending in the opposite direction...towards a condition that has heavier volumes in the center to help a bowler that my pull a shot...but completely bare bones dry on the outside so you have 5-10 boards of miss room and can still hit the pocket.

100%. I was able to stay consistent with where I was placing the Helios on the inside oil. One wrong move, and the ball got out to far, and it was going through the nose. For whatever reason (my hunch is dumbassery), the outside 4-6 boards by us are now a desert, with a lake in the middle....

[boatman37]

I have never had much luck with my Helios. Granted it's a short pin, like 1.5" pin to PAP. We did it as an experiment but probably the wrong ball to try it on. My buddy bowled a 900 with his in a tournament a few years ago. He threw it all 3 games.

[Timmyb]

Okay night, but not a great night.

203/212/237 = 652. 4 opens on the night (game 3 clean). Three of the four opens were Greek Churches, and I damn near picked up all of them (4 count every time). The other was a blown 7 pin. Upside of tonight was the lowest 10-pin total of the year, at only 2. The Helios is continuing to surprise me, but man, this shot out there, if you miss outside, you are going through the nose, ala the 3 churches. Felt more in control of my shot than I have in some time. Average clicks up one more to 207.

[Timmyb]

Better night.

235/192/287 = 714. This would've been a stellar night if not for game 2. Only 2 opens on the night were the seasons 1st pocket 7-10, and 3 frames later a pocket 4-6? I have never seen that in my life. Lanes were what I would call manageable. Not sure if mouth-breather behind the counter was talked to or not, but the shot over the past 3 weeks has been at least consistent. I am not looking that gift horse in the mouth. Another team made it perfectly clear to management that they're not returning next year. If everyone goes through with what they've been talking about, this league will be dead anyway. Average scoots up to 209.

[Timmyb]

One. Damn. Frame....

227/239/232 = 698. 29 clean frames. By that I mean I went 29 frames, and in frame 30 I tugged it, and left a 4-9. I really hate crap like that. Lanes were very active, so went back to the Phaze, which got me a little further down the lane before the hard left turn. Managed to stay in my zone all night, and with no one playing near my line, 2 boards was all I had to move all night. Another 4 10-pins left, which brings my 54-game total to 102, which is insane. Average now 210.

[boatman37]

nice night. just 2 more pins though...lol

[Timmyb]

Baffling night....

147/249/211 = 607. What a horror show the first game was. 5 opens (2 splits, 3 multi-pin chops). I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with the doors closed. Finally got my bearings back about the end of that game, and the only misstep after that was a richly deserved big 4 in the 7th of game 3. I'm not sure what possessed me in that first game, but I don't ever want to revisit that. Average stays 210.

[Aslan]

Ouch.

When you're averaging 168 (back in the day) and you throw a 125-150 game you're all like, "Dang...I wish I'd have bowled a little better." But once you averaging up in the 200s...a score that low feels like a gut punch. But...it happens all the time...you're not alone!

I've been struggling with the 3rd game. I used to have great 3rd games because I'd bring out my Fortera Exile or Pyramid Force...and just slam the pocket. Lately, with the Outer Limits Pearl...just haven't found that "magic" yet.

[Timmyb]

Ouch.

When you're averaging 168 (back in the day) and you throw a 125-150 game you're all like, "Dang...I wish I'd have bowled a little better." But once you averaging up in the 200s...a score that low feels like a gut punch. But...it happens all the time...you're not alone!

I've been struggling with the 3rd game. I used to have great 3rd games because I'd bring out my Fortera Exile or Pyramid Force...and just slam the pocket. Lately, with the Outer Limits Pearl...just haven't found that "magic" yet.

I'm not sure what gave that first game. Just could not make a shot until the 9th, and then it was like flipping a switch.

[Timmyb]

A good night, but could've been a crapload better.

279/236/192 = 707. Exact opposite of last week in game 1. Could do no wrong. One 10-pin, and it's still ringing in my ears. Game 2 got me my first open, another whiffed 7-pin. Game 3 started good, and then I just plain started making mistakes. Another blown 7-pin, a few poorly thrown balls that hit, but didn't deserve to strike, and then 2 tugged balls in the 10th destroyed this game. What looked to be a mid-7's kind of night was barely a 7. I'm really not sure if I got tired, or just lazy. I did take all my points, and was 6 for 6 on 10-pins. Knock on wood, have not missed one in 4 weeks. Average creeps up one to 211.

[Aslan]

Nice series!!

Even the 3rd game was good...its just tough because you're probably doing the math in your head after Game 2 and thinking, "Okay, I got 515 coming in...probably can't hit an 800+...but a 222 would give me a high series for 24/25...thats doable."

Of course, thats usually when I leave something like a 4-9 split and chop it. Then the math starts to go out the window fast.

[Timmyb]

Nice series!!

Even the 3rd game was good...

Worst part is I started 3 with 3 strikes. If you don't think my head was already going "800"...

[Timmyb]

Another baffling night.

196/246/202 = 644. Another 29 clean night. Difference in games 1 & 2 is the difference in strikes. 3 in game one (still clean), and 7 in game 2. Game 3 went right back to 9 counts, with the exception of the 4-7-10 (deserved) in the 5th frame. Truth be told, I don't feel like I was throwing good shots last night. Everything felt off, but just couldn't get it right. Plus, got destroyed by my opponent, losing all my points. Upside? Made all 8 ten pins, so I'm now clean for 5 weeks, making 103/120 so far this year. I also did not miss a 7 pin (4) last night. Those mystify me, because they were all crushed hits. Definitely need to work on my comfort level, because it sure wasn't there last night. Average still 211.

[Aslan]

Truth be told, I don't feel like I was throwing good shots last night. Everything felt off, but just couldn't get it right.
Yeah. I hate that feeling when ya look at the score and the stats and they look 'okay'...but you didn't feel "right". Some nights I'll feel great, like I'm throwing good shots, but I throw a lot of spares. Then I'll go out there and have a big game...running strikes together...but I know that some of them were brooklyn or light hits that I got lucky on.

[Timmyb]

Another night to forget....

212/205/160 = 577. Lane conditions landed perfectly between the 2 balls I brought with. Couldn't control the Helios, couldn't get out of the Phaze. Not sure why I was hanging up, which normally never happens. Missed my first 10 pins in 5 weeks in the game 1 (5 of them on the night, made the rest). I stuck with the Helios for as long as I could muscle it, but that ran out near the end of game 2. After that, the Phaze was just stuck to my hand. 4 opens in game 3. Didn't help that it was near 40 outside when we got there, and hot as hell inside. Oh, and the team we bowled against shot at least 60 pins over series every game. Whatever. Average drops to 210.

[Aslan]

Yup. I had a similar night (again).

[Timmyb]

Better week that could have been better.

236/203/257 = 696. 28 clean. Only opens were in game 2 (missed 10-pin, and the big 4 for like the umpteenth time). Recognition that the Helios was not going to work was immediate, and the Phaze was on deck. Line stayed good, with only about a 2 board push through the night. Better was our team took almost every point, with the other 2 guys only dropping 1 game apiece. Dominant night for all of us. Wish every week went like this. Average creeps back up to 211.

[Aslan]

I wish I had a similar night to that one. Almost a 700! Good job.

[boatman37]

very nice!

[Timmyb]

I would really like to bowl well 2 weeks in a row....

237/204/174 = 615. All that needs to be said here is 15/16 at Lucky Lanes. Was doing well until the end of the 2nd game, and finally the barrage of 10-pins got me. Missed one in the 9th frame, and then the wheels came off. Started game 3 strike, split, split, strike, split. Finally realized the the move to the left should have been 6 boards, and not the 2 I was trying to make work. Moved over, and just sent it right, and that crushed the pocket. Too late to save the night, though. 10 10-pins on the night, and I'd guess somewhere close to 40 between all 6 guys. This puts me at 140 10-pins left standing this year, basically a 6 per week average. My average stays 211.

[Aslan]

You might want to try my new strategy of using weaker equipment.

I'm not sure its solving the problem or not...I'm not consistent enough and I just started. But, if you're hitting the pocket flush...and leaving 10-pins...you either need a stronger ball inside, a weaker ball outside, a reduction in surface, or more speed.

I'm always reluctant to mess with speed because that messes with timing and then you're screwed.
Hard to invest in a stronger ball on the hopes that it'll help...especially as your arsenal is fairly strong as it is.
And, given your arsenal consists of all balls with essentially the same RG...you'd have to buy another ball to get something weaker.

Your best bet would be to take as much surface off the Helios, Phaze III, and IQ Tour Nano. Hard to predict the order because the balls don't have much separation. I'd probably try:

Helios w/4000 surface.
Ball down to the Tour Nano (polished) when the Helios stops carrying.
Finish with the Phaze III (polished) when the Tour Nano stops carrying...although you might have to add a little angle at that point.

IF (and I'm just guessing based on all the 10-pins)...you're bowling on dry lanes (lower oil volume)...I can't see the Summit working at all...not with a 325 rev rate and 15-16mph.

Its one of thing's I've been working on lately...the bowling ball companies have made stronger and stronger equipment with lower and lower RGs...because the pros are throwing 21mph with a 450rpm rev rate. Casual bowlers are getting ahold of this equipment and trying to throw it up second arrrow with a 12-15mph shot and 200-300rpm rev rate.

When they start hitting light...they assume the ball needs MORE surface. But, the more surface they add...the problem just gets worse...because the ball doesn't have any energy left when it hits the pocket. You (we) don't have the speed to make it work and we don't have the 400rpm+ rev rate to move further inside.

The "key" is...figuring out what shot is consistently working. For me, I kept seeing old guys throwing old, beat up equipment...probably a 3000 surface...right up the 11-board...and X, X, X, X...right up until the lanes started to transition. Then its 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, 9 /, X, 9 /. The guys throwing 300s are the guys with 17-19mph speeds and cranker rev rates (350-400rpms). The old guys ain't gonna throw faster or with increased revs...wo how do they compete? They just need a ball that isn't going to react as much with the lanes...a polished ball, a high RG ball, etc...

Thats the theory I'm working on anyways. Work in progress. But, food for thought.

[Timmyb]

You might want to try my new strategy of using weaker equipment.

I'm not sure its solving the problem or not...I'm not consistent enough and I just started. But, if you're hitting the pocket flush...and leaving 10-pins...you either need a stronger ball inside, a weaker ball outside, a reduction in surface, or more speed.

Entry angle isn't the issue at this house. I've literally kept the same angle, banged out 4-6 strikes, and bam, a ten pin. 10 pins are an issue for everyone in this house. Old men (that's me), kids, down-and-ins, crankers, everyone. This house has a reputation for it. Consider this--one of the places I used to bowl has upwards of 2 dozen 300 games bowled in league this year, which is representative of most of the rest of Milwaukee. Lucky Lanes? 4...

[/QUOTE]I'd probably try:

Helios w/4000 surface.
Ball down to the Tour Nano (polished) when the Helios stops carrying.
Finish with the Phaze III (polished) when the Tour Nano stops carrying...although you might have to add a little angle at that point.
[/QUOTE]

Phaze is a pearl to begin with, which has been re-polished with TruCut. The Helios and IQ are both hit with a fast 4000, and then with the TruCut. Only 3 balls come with me, and one is my spare ball. I'm just not the guy that brings a pro shop with me.

[Aslan]

Entry angle isn't the issue at this house. I've literally kept the same angle, banged out 4-6 strikes, and bam, a ten pin. 10 pins are an issue for everyone in this house. Old men (that's me), kids, down-and-ins, crankers, everyone. This house has a reputation for it. Consider this--one of the places I used to bowl has upwards of 2 dozen 300 games bowled in league this year, which is representative of most of the rest of Milwaukee. Lucky Lanes? 4...


Believe me....I totally understand the frustration. However;

1) Bowling is governed by the laws of physics. So, the exact same ball hitting the exact same spot, with all pins in the exact same spot, and the ball and lane surface exactly the same...will give you the exact same result.

2) Every house has issues with 10-pins.

3) Usually differences between houses are the result of either oil pattern differences and/or pin weight.

Now, that doesn't mean it isn't the house. There's so many variants that the house controls....how they operate their oil machine, whether the clean the lanes or just apply oil over top the previous pattern, what viscosity of oil they use, the environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, etc...), lane surface material, lane age, how many times the lanes have been resurfaced, pin weight, pin age, pin placement, etc...

There's some nights where I SWEAR the pinsetter just isn't placing the pins in the proper spots. Especially if I'm constantly leaving a 7-pin.

And your point about 300 games...totally valid. When I used to bowl in Anaheim Hills and Fullerton...the alley in Anaheim Hills I averaged in the high 160s. At the AMC house in Fullerton....it was the only place (back then) that I averaged over 190. Its also where I shot my only 300 game (in practice). The pins just fell easier, the carry was way better, and the pattern seemed to be designed to make the bowler strike.

So, I'm not blaming your arsenal selection...I get it. Some houses are tougher than others. I'm just trying to share what I've noticed and what I'm trying to do about it. Is using weaker equipment going to work? Who knows? So far...I'm maybe 60/40 that it won't fix the problem. But the "logic" is sound.

The biggest problem...and I've yet to see a real solution for this...is that a 10-pin usually means one of two things (weak hit because the ball lost energy or incorrect angle). And, there is virtually no way to tell which one of those is the problem. You're 100% correct that it is unlikely to be the "angle" if you're striking 3-4 times prior. Its more likely to be the energy left in the ball. So, the ball is hitting at the same angle, but its not driving through the pins between the 8-pin and 9-pin...it's probably hitting the pocket and deflecting towards the 9-pin.

Thats why watching the ball go through the pins and out the back is so important...yet so many times we forget to do it...because we got the strike. Then, after 4-5 strikes in a row....suddenly you leave a 10-pin, 2-pin, 8-pin...and you're like, "What the HECK!? That angle has been working!" It's more pronounced in leagues with older, strokers who play the 1/2 arrows. They hit that pocket almost every time. Amazing repeatability that makes me jealous. And they start to leave 10-pins...frame after frame after frame. Why? Because they don't have an arsenal set up to allow them to ball down and keep throwing that shot and they refuse to move left.

Now, those older guys still outbowl me...but thats because they make 15 out of 17 of their 10-pins and I make 3 out of 7 of mine. :mad:

My best advice is...the next time you bowl...do THIS: Every strike shot/first ball, write down the result and where the ball exited the pin deck. It will likely look something like this:
1. Strike, center
2. Strike, center
3. n/a - missed right
4. Strike, 9-pin
5. Strike, 9-pin
6. Left 10-pin, 9-pin
7. Left 10-pin, 9-pin
8. Strike, 9-pin
9. Strike, center
10. Strike, 8-pin
11. 4-9 split, 8-pin
12. -----

If that second piece of data is "center", and you aren't striking, something is wrong. If that second piece of data is a lot of "8-pin"...you'll probably be moving left soon. If that second piece of data is "9-pin"...you'll probably be leaving a poo ton of 10-pins.

Is this a "perfect experiment"? No. Because there are other variables...primarily lane breakdown and ball speed...and since you're not a robot (I think)...your speed will likely vary. So you may want to note that too.

Just friendly advice. Its unsolicited advice, which I try not to give...but it doesn't cost anything and its an easy exercise. You're gonna be bowling anyway. And I'm sure you can find a pen and a piece of paper.

[Timmyb]

Dude, if I put as much thought into this as you, my head would explode. I'm a "grip and rip" (as much as I can even do that anymore) kind of guy. I do, however, watch the ball go through the deck religiously. That's what mystifies me about this place. I've seen a ball go through on an absolutely murderous route, only to leave a 10, or sometimes a 7. The mechanics are all there. I've rattled 10 in a row, only to have that stopped by a 10 pin. No one in this place is ever going to come up to you and tell you that this house is their "high average" house. One of the reps from the MAUSBC warned me about going there, and I unfortunately ignored him....

[Timmyb]

Monday's scores--

192/224/226 = 642. Same ball, same line, better results. Only left 3 10-pins this week (all made). Its was the 4 opens (whiffed 7, 4-9, 4-9, and a chopped 3-6-10) that killed the night, 2 in the first 3 frames. As long as I kept my backswing up where it belongs, i stay on line. It was the number of shots that I chopped my backswing that didn't go well. No mistakes, and I'd have probably been 700. Average stays 211.

I'll give you next week's scores right now. 201/201/201 = 603, Yep, 5-stand banquet next week, and just didn't feel like throwing 6 games last night. See you in 2 weeks.

[Aslan]

Dude, if I put as much thought into this as you, my head would explode.

Knowledge is my only advantage. I've only been bowling (outside of an occasional trip to bowling alley to roll a 90 with a house ball) for a little over 10 years. I can't out-rev the crankers, much less the 2-handers. My accuracy is nowhere near a Norm Duke or WRW. My only advantages are information and knowledge. I've been informed (coached) by some of the best. Coaching alone seemed to raise my average 20 pins. Then there's the 'knowledge' side. Understanding the physics and ball dynamics gives me another 10 pins.

[Timmyb]

Knowledge is my only advantage.

Been bowling 50 years now. As I've said, I bring 3 with me, one is a spare, and rarely does the other leave the bag. If my shot doesn't look right, I usually make a move. I also bowl spots, and look for a break point, so arrows are never in play. I bowl once a week (have for years), rarely practice, and still hold between 210 and 220. I consider myself blessed that I get away with that kind of ****, but it works. It's only silly if it doesn't....

[Aslan]

I also bowl spots, and look for a break point, so arrows are never in play.

I've debated whether its better to bowl the arrows or the break point. There's advantages/disadvantages to each.

Essentially, the arrows are easier to hit. So, if your shot is fairly repeatable, you should have the exact same line every shot (plus/minus lane conditions changing). Thus, you can easily see how the lanes are changing.

The "break point" is the ultimate goal...so the advantage to aiming for that "spot" is you'll probably strike if you hit it...regardless of lane conditions...and you're less likely to mess up your shot at the foul line (see below). The downside is, its harder to repeat a shot where the target is that far away.

I've been wrestling with that regarding corner-pin spares. If I aim for the 18-board at the arrows and have my left foot on board 35...that should pick up the 10-pin. However, if I'm off by even a little...it'll miss the 10-pin. Why? Same reason you can hit a target that is closer to you with a rifle/pistol/bow. You can't miss by as much if the target is further away. If its 5 ft in front of ya...you can just point and shoot.

It's less of a problem with firearms because the bullet leaves the barrel at such a high velocity that environmental factors have little effect on trajectory. But, with bowling balls (or paintballs), the "ball" is immediately and somewhat signifcantly affected as soon as it leaves your hand/barrel. Any small "miss" is going to be magnified downlane. A miss of 1-board is going to be something like a miss of 3 boards by the time it gets to the pin deck...considerably more if you use a strike ball for your spares.

On the flipside...you only need to be within 2-3 boards of the target pin to knock it over...so if you aim further downlane...you only need to hit a 2-3 board target versus needing to be very precise at hitting the arrow/18-board target.

This has mainly affected me trying to (and failing to) pick up 6-pins and 10-pins....where I have a tendency to square up at the line and pull my shot left. So, I've experimented with other strategies (aiming at the pin itself, aiming at the reflection of the pin, imaging the line and picking a spot midway along the line, etc...) to try and convert those spares. I hate to abandon the targeting of the arrows...when I know the solution is just not to square up, but if its not working...its not working. I could easily have a 190-200 average if I could pick up 85%-95% of my corner pins.

[Timmyb]

I've been wrestling with that regarding corner-pin spares. If I aim for the 18-board at the arrows and have my left foot on board 35...that should pick up the 10-pin. However, if I'm off by even a little...it'll miss the 10-pin. Why? Same reason you can hit a target that is closer to you with a rifle/pistol/bow. You can't miss by as much if the target is further away. If its 5 ft in front of ya...you can just point and shoot.

There's another way I deviate. I aim at nothing for a 10 pin. Pretty much stand at 40, look at the line, and fire. I've made 123 of 143 left this year. Yeah, ridiculously high number, but as I've said, I'm not alone in this house.

I shoot with a shotgun. Just gotta be close....

[Aslan]

There's another way I deviate. I aim at nothing for a 10 pin. Pretty much stand at 40, look at the line, and fire. I've made 123 of 143 left this year. Yeah, ridiculously high number, but as I've said, I'm not alone in this house.

I shoot with a shotgun. Just gotta be close....

I'm trying a similar approach....primarily for corner pins. Rather than aim at a spot at the arrows that I can likely hit...but if I'm off by just a little I'll miss the pin...OR...aim at the corner pin which is incredibly hard to hit when it is 60ft away...I'm trying to look at the spot at the arrows, draw a line (visually) from there to the pin, and pick a spot along that line to aim at. It gives me a more realistic target, but hopefully will keep me from squaring up and missing.

Last night it had mixed results. I was 4 for 4 on corner pairs (4-7 & 6-10) but only 2 for 4 on corner pins. 75% isn't terrible...but it isn't good either.

[Timmyb]

Apparently a week off is not what the doctor ordered.

205/175/248 = 628. Only the last game was clean. Just couldn't get any strings going, and the only opens (3) on the night were well deserved splits. Could've been 4, but I picked up a 5-7. Started 3 with 5 straight. Everything hurts today....

Average still 211.

[Aslan]

600+ is 600+

Take it and run.

[Timmyb]

600+ is 600+

Take it and run.

You know me by now. Good enough is never good enough.....

[J Anderson]

You know me by now. Good enough is never good enough.....

Especially when it’s five pins under for the series

[Timmyb]

Another cooda, wooda, shooda night....

235/224/187 = 646. 4 opens on the night (Greek church, 4-6-10, chopped 6-10, and whiffed a 7) just kills things dead. Stem to stern with the Helios this time, which was on kill as long as I hit my marks. Unfortunately, with the exception of a stone 8, every mistake was operator error. Did make all my 10's again (4), which puts me about 87% on the year. Gotta get rid of the mistakes. Average yep, still 211.

[Timmyb]

Good night, but sure didn't look like it was going that way to start.

213/267/213 = 693. Frame 1, chopped 3 off a bucket. Frame 3, missed a 7 pin. Managed to get the wheels back on by closing that game with 5 straight. Game 2 was just on it. Game 3 was a bit more of a struggle, with strikes just not coming easy. And then I blew up the 10th by chopping a 6-10. Really nice night marred by terrible spare shooting at shots I just shouldn't be missing. On a high note, left only 1 10-pin the entire night. I'm starting to see a trend with chopping 6-10's, and I don't like it. This is 3 times in as many weeks. Need to clean it up. Average finally scoots up 1 to 212.

[Aslan]

Really nice night marred by terrible spare shooting at shots I just shouldn't be missing.

Also the title of my autobiography.

[Timmyb]

Also the title of my autobiography.

;) ;)

[Timmyb]

Ah, the legendary 15/16 at Lucky....

231/207/212 = 650. I've had worse nights on this pair, but a half-way decent night does not endear them to me. After only leaving a 10 pin once in each of the last two weeks, left 6 tonight (missed 2). I hate this pair. Only other open was a monster of a 4-6-7-9 in game one. I hate this pair. Could not make sense of the leaves. One shot destroys everything, then hit the identical shot 2 frames later, and a weak 10. I hate this pair. 3 more weeks of league left, and I can't wait to move on the sporting clays. Average still 212.

Did I mention I hate this pair?

[Aslan]

Didn't do half bad given your apparent dislike for the pair.

[Timmyb]

Didn't do half bad given your apparent dislike for the pair.

Not even a dislike. Utter hatred. I am not alone in this feeling, either. Don't get me wrong, I've popped a 700 on it. Once.....

[Timmyb]

Lanes 15/16, again. These bas*ards keep coming up with new tricks.

180/172/201 = 553. I left almost as many 10-pins (8) as I had strikes (10). I hit the pocket 29 out of 30 frames, and the only one that didn't was a strike. High series for either team was a 577. I had 3 pocket splits in the first game alone (7-10, 7-10, and 8-10). One of my teammates had 4 in the second game, and also left 11 10-pins. Didn't keep track, but pretty sure there were 12-15 pocket splits between the 2 teams. I'm not sure what takes place from week to week there, but I wouldn't use "consistency" to describe it. Hilarious part was the league secretary asked us during the 3rd game if we were coming back next year. Both teams said probably not. As it stands, they look to be losing 5 of the 8 teams. Pretty sure that's not an effective way to run a business. Average slides right back to 211.

[Aslan]

I had 3 pocket splits in the first game alone (7-10, 7-10, and 8-10). One of my teammates had 4 in the second game, and also left 11 10-pins.

Damm. Thats brutal. :(

[Timmyb]

Not exactly how I wanted to finish the season.

156/234/223 = 613. First game was a nightmare. Started with a strike, which ended up being the only one of the game. Chopped a 2-5, and completely missed a 10 and a 6-10. Completely missed on where I should've started. Pulled it together for the next 2, but damage done.

Really not happy with this season. High game of 288, high series of 736 are not what I expect of myself. Finished the season with a total of 19635, first time in 3 or 4 seasons I missed the 20K mark. Season average of 211 is also 4 or 5 off the mark. Say what I will about the new house, end of the day it's on me to do better. The season total of 169 10 pins is insane, though. Left 6 last night. Made 144 of them, which can also be better. Sweeper next week. Shooting season is already underway, so I've got that, which is good.

[Timmyb]

Sweeper week.

204/205/225 = 634. 3 opens on the night (10, 4-10, and a 4-5). Another 5 10-pins left to bring the season total to 174 (148 made). Yeah, fine, I made my average. Woo hoo. Only good thing about last night was I got into blind doubles, and my partner shot 777, so we pocketed $75 each. Season done, time to go shooting. I'm going to put every effort into dropping my arsenal down to 14 lbs. by the start of next year. 51 years in this sport is taking its toll. Time to lighten the load...

[Aslan]

Only 3 opens...thats great.

[Timmyb]

Only 3 opens...thats great.

Thanks! Got the second of my 14 lb. arsenal now. Phaze AI, and an Attention Star. I want to back those with a Phaze II, and possibly a Sniper for a spare ball. Next year should be interesting!

[J Anderson]

Next year should be interesting!

Sounds like that ancient Chinese curse, ‘May you live in interesting times’😉

[Timmyb]

Sounds like that ancient Chinese curse, ‘May you live in interesting times’😉

Right up there with "famous last words"....

[Timmyb]

The move to 14 lb. is pretty much complete. The new arsenal is as follows--

Storm Phaze AI, Storm Phaze II, RotoGrip Attention Star, and a Storm Mix for spares. Really wanted the Silver Sniper, but it got discontinued before I had the chance. The Mix is still urethane, so it'll go on a dry, or one of those f**k it shots....