The "I've been out of bowling for years, and I'm back!" thread

[Eddy]

I figured this might be a good thread for those of us just getting back into it after a long layoff. We can post anything that concerns us like equipment choices, physical concerns, the mental game, or just to post how we're doing lately. Post your history of how you got into bowling, how you did along the way before you quit, why you quit, why you came back, etc. Basically anything. There is no minimum number of years you need to qualify for this thread. Heck, really there's no requirements at all. Just thought it would be nice for us people getting back into bowling to have a thread of our own.

Anyone want to start? I will post my own story soon.

[boatman37]

Well ok!

Sat out about 16 years (2002 until 2018)

I started out around 1980 in 5th grade in the school leagues. I had an 8lb Columbia Yellow Dot. Bowled all through school until graduation. 7th or 8th grade I won a trophy for highest game and series in my league (212/476). Bowled up until about 2002 (did sit out a couple of years in that span). Had a 193 average when I quit. I tore tendons in my elbow at work in 2002 and had surgery in 2003. In my teen/adult years I used a Brunswick Black Beauty until I bought a Brunswick Cobalt Rhino around 1990. I kept the Black Beauty for really dry lanes or for spares. Thinking I would have to give up bowling for good I threw everything in the dumpster when we cleaned the basement out. Went to a few birthday bowling parties and threw a few games then went to cosmic bowling with a friend and started thinking maybe I could do this again. About 6 weeks ago I called my friend (who I had always bowled with) and mentioned it to him. The next Tuesday went to the center and met the team with the intentions of being a sub for this year. Told them I would be back the following week to hang out. The following Monday my friend texted and said the one guy on the team had carpal tunnel surgery and wasn't going to bowl that week so I filled in. I have a big thumb so finding a ball that fits is pretty tough. Ended up using a teammates right handed ball (I'm a lefty). Rolled a 510 that night. Pretty happy with that considering the circumstances. The following Monday got a text from the team captain saying the one guy texted him and said he quit and asked if I wanted to be full-time. Heck yeah! The following week got a Storm Sync off a fellow lefty and rolled a 244 my first game with it. It didn't fit me well. The span was too close and the holes too big. Had to squeeze it to hold on. My forearm was sore for days after bowling. Used it again week 3 and rolled a 476 and struggled. Week 4 used a right Hammer Spike and rolled a 433...ughhhh. At the end of the night went in the pro shop and bought a new Hammer Black Widow Gold. Picked it up last night and rolled a 509. Not good but at least the ball was consistent for me.

Definitely glad I got back into it but still need work. My form is pretty bad. I never had great form to begin with. I was in a car accident when I was 4 and can't use my right arm so always had balance issues at the line so I had my own style that worked for me. I never had a slide but not sure it ever affected my game. Now I am about 30lbs heavier than I was when I quit and I don't think I am getting low enough on my release. I'm sure I can work through this but my biggest issue now is spares. Very inconsistent and having 3 or 4 opens each game. Spares used to be my strong point. A bad night was 2 or 3 opens in a series. I was definitely better with that this past week so I'm getting there. Knees are sore for a few days after each night so definitely have to work on my approach. I'm 49 now but never had knee issues until this. Right now I just feel kind of awkward at the line. Seems like I am throwing harder than I used to. Been throwing anywhere from 16.5 to 18 MPH, depending on ball. I try to slow down my approach but it messes with my timing and feels even more whacky. I need to go bowl for a few hours on an off night but my concerns with that are that I don't want to be too sore for league night then. I bowl on Tuesdays and the following Monday I'm still a little sore. Hoping the new ball helps with some of the shoulder and elbow soreness. Then I will just have to worry about the knees.

Oh, I got into bowling because my dad bowled alot. His uncle owned a bowling alley when he was a kid and he bowled all the time. He had about a 200 average in the 60's. When I was a baby he worked at the local bowling alley as a mechanic. He then worked in a steel mill and they had a league so I would go sit and watch him. As soon as I could join a league I did. He quit bowling around the mid 80's when the mill shut down.

[Phonetek]

And there it is! Thanks Eddie! I knew you'd make this post!

Well I think most already know my story from various threads as well as equipment and physical concerns. However, I can't really remember why I ever stopped bowling for 10yrs actually longer if I think about it. I went from being on multiple leagues, high stakes pot games every week and lots of tourneys and practice on a constant basis.

Things started to dwindle away slowly over a few years until I was down to one league, no practice, pot games or tourneys at all. Maybe I was burned out? Nah! I think it was more because my career was at it's peak, lots of overtime and my kids were all very young. Currently they are 16, 13 & 11 so we seemed to always have one in diapers all the time for years as they weren't spaced that far out. It was a lot to handle there for a while. So I really didn't think about bowling much if at all.

Then we moved a bunch of times and each move I got rid of more and more equipment because it was a PITA to move over 40 bowling balls each time. Hind sight I wish I didn't but I had no idea I'd be back into it today. I really thought my bowling days were behind me for good. Bottom line...Life happened and sometimes you can't avoid it. Out of the blue after this past Christmas we had friends in from out of state and bowling came up. We talked about it for a while and decided to go. Funny thing was, we went to go to a local house that I used to bowl at and they followed me. I must have drove around a half hour because I must have kept passing the lanes. As it turns out, the bowling alley is now a Salvation Army store. DOH! We almost gave up and went home. Luckily I remembered another one that was very close and it was open.

I was on the lanes in the second game and I turned to my wife and said "Boy THIS is exactly what I needed!" It was only for a good time, nobody else besides my wife was ever into bowling. It was more of putting on an exhibition for them because they were in awe that someone could actual have form and hook a ball. A new concept for my friends who really only went for the pizza and beer. I gotta say it was exhilarating to say the least.

My wife said it was the first time she seen me smile in months and even the kids noticed. My 16yr old came to me later and said "Dad, you're a great bowler. I was very proud watching you and blown away. I knew you know how to bowl but I never expected that. You GOTTA get back into it!" Now that coming from my oldest? WHOA! That was huge! Truth be told, I didn't even bowl great. I shot okay, I don't remember the exact scores but in 3 games I only had 2 opens. They were just under and just over 200. I did however pick up a 4-10 split and they were in shock. To all of them it might as well have been a 900 series. LOL

After we got home I thought about it and said "Well maybe I should sub on a league or something?" Then my 13yr old whom I've talked about it great length on here already asked me to teach him. I figured okay, I can do that and just have fun with him but I won't get into it hard core. We've went several times, he's progressing well. Suddenly, my approach is clicking, timing is spot on, my ball is rolling well despite the bad fit. I'm out there killing it with antiquated dead equipment and a bad hand.

I told my wife last night "Bowling is calling to me!" I think my best bowling is still ahead of me rather than already happened in the past. I want to coach, bowl everywhere and get into everything I can. I can't explain it. Heck, as I posted earlier today I'm going to be working in a bowling alley. LOL What's left? They say everything happens for a reason...I really don't get it to be honest. I will say that prior to this I was in a pretty serious deep depression. This is the first time I've had confidence in myself about anything in like 4 years no joke.

I feel like I can finally get my life on track because of the confidence and of course having a job. I kid you not, a few months ago I was so depressed I had anxiety attacks just leaving the house. I would be awake for 3 days and sleep for 2. It was that bad. (long story behind it, or should I say longer? Suffice it to say if I told it, it would make an onion cry.) I think the moral of the story here folks is IF YOU LOVE BOWLING....NEVER...NEVER GIVE IT UP! You will just end up creating a void in your life. If you do I hope you find something that suits you better.

It's a great game that you can always strive to get better at no matter how good you are. Nobody has ever "mastered it 100%" It's good for the mind, it's good for the body (exorcise) and good way to be out of the house in a social atmosphere. Trust me, I'm ready to go tell my therapist to go pound sand because I don't need her anymore! She sucks anyway. All that because of one night with friends out of the blue. How cool is that? Okay, so now that I've just made the War & Peace length post I'll leave it with this..... I love this game and I'm glad a part of it! Happy Bowling and thanks again Eddie for creating this thread! You should win a bowling ball!

[Eddy]

thanks again Eddie for creating this thread! You should win a bowling ball!

I can only hope. Thanks Boatman and Phonetek for starting off this thread and sharing your stories. I will bump this thread if it drifts near the bottom so others can easily see it and participate.

Anyway, here's my story:

It was around 1973/74 when I got interested in bowling, but I don't remember exactly why or how. But I do remember going to the local department store and getting a ball drilled by a store employee. Back then in wasn't uncommon for casual bowlers to get their ball "fitted" by a local yocal. Anyway, it fit my hand pretty well and I was off to the races. I joined a junior league and had a ton of fun. I was pretty good for my age (around 10) and bowled my first 200 soon after starting. I shudder to think how good I could have been if I had stuck with it throughout the years, because I really had a God given ability to pick up any sport and do well at it.

That lasted for about 2 years and then I discovered girls. Need I say more?

We have to fast forward to 1986 until I became interested in bowling again, and immediately fell in love with the sport. I bought a Columbia Yellow Dot and started on my adventure. The more I learned about bowling, the more I knew I needed better equipment and decided to go with Hammer for whatever reason that I can't remember. I got to the point that I loved bowling so much I bowled in league 6 nights a week. I wasn't great, but enjoyed it very much and averaged in the 180's. But then in '97 I suddenly lost interest, and really have no explanation as to why.

Life happened for the next 20 years, but I would occasionally think about getting back into it and do nothing about it. I think I actually posted here a few years back saying that I am going to try and get back into it, but it never happened.

Then last year while in the gym, it really hit me to get back into bowling but I still did nothing about it. Then I got a text from a co-worker that wasn't a bowler, but asked me if I bowl because he wanted to try it. I said "yes, I used to bowl a lot". That was it. I knew from that moment on that I was going to get back into it and enjoy every moment. Since August of last year, I've spent around $1,800 on equipment, including a ball spinner, 7 balls, and every accessory one could need. As you can see, once I made up my mind about bowling, I was going to go all out. If I could go back in time, I would ease up on the spending a bit, but I'm not the kind of person to have regrets or worry about it. Needless to say, I can't use equipment as an excuse lol.

After 2 months back in Sept. while on vacation I went out to do some open bowling and continue to work on my game. My last game of a 5 game set was a 299! I thought I was on my way to great things for the '17/'18 season. Not! I can't believe how hard it has been for me to at least get close to where I was in '97. (was ave. 190's) It has been a major struggle mentally and physically for me to average 175 so far this year. I guess I expected too much too soon, and got a little down on myself that I can't keep up with other bowlers and help my team more.

But I'm not gonna give up and I'll be patient. I do throw the occasional 220-250 game, so I know I can do it, but I have too many bad games for my liking. That's about it for now, thanks again to Phonetek and Boatman for kicking things off. Don't be afraid to post updates here to keep the thread alive. Maybe we can inspire other bowlers to keep trying and have fun.

[boatman37]

Geeezzzz Eddy. Sounds like my results this year. My first week I did better than I thought I would then the first game my 2nd week was a 244 so I figured I was back. Since then I struggle to break 170. And my average was about 193 when I quit 16 years ago.

Anyway, bought a new Hammer Black Widow Gold and used it this past Tuesday. Did a little better but still only manage a 183 high. I went practicing yesterday and rolled a 211/538 but my spares were much better.

[Eddy]

I have to keep reminding myself to not get pissed off at myself and give it more time. It's probably gonna take me a full year before I feel I am at least most of the way back. We'll see, bowling can be a fickle mistress at times. :rolleyes:

[Phonetek]

Just keep practicing and it will come together. Unfortunately it seems bowling isn't one of those things you can continue right where you left off. I never even liked summer break

[EMyers]

Last bowled in 2014, last game was a 230 that would've been better if my thumb plug didn't break in the 7th. Getting back into it after recovering from some pretty major ankle surgery, heading to the pro shop to get a quote on some new gear and shoes.

[Phonetek]

Welcome back to bowling! I think when you get some new stuff and get back out there you'll really enjoy it. I see that's also your first post on here too, let me be the first to welcome you to bowlingboards.com. There is a wealth of valuable information on here. Feel free to ask whatever questions you want, lots of smart bowlers and coaches on here.

[EMyers]

Welcome back to bowling! I think when you get some new stuff and get back out there you'll really enjoy it. I see that's also your first post on here too, let me be the first to welcome you to bowlingboards.com. There is a wealth of valuable information on here. Feel free to ask whatever questions you want, lots of smart bowlers and coaches on here.

Thanks for the welcome! Huge fan of the forum already and found quite a bit of info. I'll post around for sure while I wait for league to start up in April.

[bdpeters]

I don't know if it really counts as a long time layoff since I have never before been into it heavily or competed too much. I bowled a bit in a league in the mid 80's. I did however spend alot of time at the lanes as a kid and teen from the mid 70s to the mid 80s. some fond memories I still have was the sights, sounds and smells watching my parents league bowl. I remember the smell and the cigarette smoke and the old score overhead projectors. I loved to watch the ball cleaning machine in action. a little later on my dad tended bar a bit at the ritz classic in salt lake city plus we would stop in when he had his yard care company and he would park me on a lane or give me a pocket full of quarters for the video games (Tempest and centepede) while the cafe folks would make me a nice big burger and a plate of curly fries. then bowl a couple of lines. played a few games here and there since then but have only recently become more interested in playing more and improving my game a bit and possibly join a league and tourneys.

[fordman1]

Glad you are back BUT
You forgot to bring the million of others who quit back with you.

[Eddy]

Last bowled in 2014, last game was a 230 that would've been better if my thumb plug didn't break in the 7th. Getting back into it after recovering from some pretty major ankle surgery, heading to the pro shop to get a quote on some new gear and shoes.

Welcome back! This is an incredible forum to be a member of.

[Eddy]

Ugh. Ever have one of those nights that you felt you were throwing good, but just couldn't score? Yeah, a big part of my 540 was missing easy spares. By throwing good I meant hitting the pocket. I did that many times, but left a bunch of 10 pins, 4 pins, 4-7 combo. you get the idea. But at least I was getting the ball "out" to give myself a chance. You see, I pull the ball a lot and go high or crossover way too much. So to stay on the right side of the head pin most of the time was a step in the right direction.

Also, I've moved more left on the approach which mentally forces me to "get the ball out there" better. I really do throw a beautiful looking ball, I just want more consistent results. I plan on practicing more, period. I'm tired of averaging 175 when I know I'm capable of much more.

[boatman37]

Ugh. Ever have one of those nights that you felt you were throwing good, but just couldn't score? Yeah, a big part of my 540 was missing easy spares. By throwing good I meant hitting the pocket. I did that many times, but left a bunch of 10 pins, 4 pins, 4-7 combo. you get the idea. But at least I was getting the ball "out" to give myself a chance. You see, I pull the ball a lot and go high or crossover way too much. So to stay on the right side of the head pin most of the time was a step in the right direction.

Also, I've moved more left on the approach which mentally forces me to "get the ball out there" better. I really do throw a beautiful looking ball, I just want more consistent results. I plan on practicing more, period. I'm tired of averaging 175 when I know I'm capable of much more.

Sounds alot like me. Pulling my shots alot. I seem to better if I take a more inside line (normally throw first arrow but been more consistent throwing 2nd arrow). And yep, I miss more spares than I convert. I used to be Mr. Automatic with my spares.

[Eddy]

Sounds alot like me. Pulling my shots alot. I seem to better if I take a more inside line (normally throw first arrow but been more consistent throwing 2nd arrow). And yep, I miss more spares than I convert. I used to be Mr. Automatic with my spares.

That's why I started this thread, for replies like yours. To realize I'm not alone on the journey back. I was never "automatic" on spares, but was pretty good. But just hitting the pocket consistently made me somewhat happy. I know I'll get there, and be able to compete with the older "seniors", it just seems to take longer than I like. I guess we have to be more patient as older people and let life happen at whatever pace.

[Outerlimits]

Ill try not to be long winded....but this might take a while.
Wife and I bowled continuously for 14 years from 82-96. In the same league, on Sat. night. That was our night out, me for the competition, her for the social aspect, although she took it very seriously. We bowled in MD, wood lanes, urethane balls just came out then, still kept score manually. I averaged between 181-186. Threw one 299, and one 300...yep got the rings to prove it. We quit bowling in 1996 just got burned out, between local tournaments, Pot Games, Subbing for other teams, just got tired of it, which was weird....because I really loved the game.
Fast forward 20 years, now I'm 64 years old, wife and I have retired moved to SWFL and have plenty of time on our hands. Havent thrown a ball in 20 years.....at all!! Local house 10 minutes away from us that I drive by daily. Glanced casually at it from time to time, noticed the parking lot is always packed. Didn't matter what time of the day it was. One day I stopped in to see what was going on...holy cow the house is full. One league middle of the day, 32 lane house, 32 teams in the league. I was blown away, last time we bowled, we struggled to get 16 teams in a league, things must be a lot different now. I picked up a league sheet off one of the tables, I had to do a double take.....I looked at the bowlers, and the balls they threw, and their was no way the averages matched up. High average 223 men, 196 woman, game scratch 289 high, set 740 scratch. Yes I must have been away a very very long time. These were SENIOR'S!!! Went home and told my wife, their is no way I am even competitive with my game, I was considering getting back into it, but its a little intimidating. As always she is the voice of reason.....you were good then, if you go back you will be good again, everyone didn't get that much better, that or all the best bowlers in the world moved to SW Fl.
Hung around the pro shop, talked to the owner, started asking questions, he just laughed and said you have been away a long time. Synthetic lanes, Reactive balls, THS oil patterns, he gave a crash course in modern bowling. I had him recommend a couple of balls, and bought the rest of my equipment from him for taking time to explain what was going on and how I should approach my game after being out of it for 20 years.
All I'll say is its been a learning experience. Ended last falls league with a 191, average, the highest of my life, my wife wanted to bowl again so we bowled last summer, just to make sure she would like it again. I averaged 203 and had the first 11 for a 289 game. She struggled with the modern conditions as she plays down the middle of the lanes, right in the heaviest oil, but we are working on her game too! Currently I am at 193 in one league and 201 in the other. Even when I had shot a 300 and 299 I never shot a 700 set, I have shot a 700, and 716, one with a 278 this fall.
I am not posting this to brag. I am the same bowler I was when I quit in 1996 with a 181 average.....or even a little less, after battles with Cancer, Diabeties, and a Heart issue, my confidence isn't as strong as it used to be, I have lost some ball speed, Father time waits for none of us, he just marches on.
With the modern game and lane conditions, new reactive equipment, not to mention, new coaching techniques to help improve your weak areas or work around them. Its possible to improve to levels once thought unattainable. If you would have told me in 1996 that in 20 years I would start bowling again and my average would be over 200, I would have been rolling on the floor laughing.
Maybe its just the houses in SWFL that are set up to score like this.....I don't know, don't bowl any tournaments or bowl out of the state. Havent tried a sport condition either, I know they are tougher than the THS If you are thinking about getting back into it, don't be intimidated like I was do it.
Had a Coach once tell me that Bowling was a Lifetime Sport, never understood what he meant, now I do.

[fordman1]

How old are you?

[Outerlimits]

65 in April. Old as dirt!!!

[Phonetek]

65 in April. Old as dirt!!!

Nah 65 is the new 30

[boatman37]

Well figured I would update my progress. In practice tonight I focused on 7's and 10's, didn't worry about my strikes. First frame would have been a perfect 7 pin conversion...ugh. Something felt weird when I was standing there but wasn't sure. Picked up 5 on the first ball then 4 on the 2nd ball. Next frame felt weird too. Looked down and realized I was standing 5 boards too far to the left....ugh. Dummy! Moved to where I should have been and BOOM! Pocket strike! Next frame...uhmmmm, dropped in the gutter half way down the lane. Next ball got 9 of 'em. 2 opens now. Then threw 5 strikes in a row, all in the pocket. Ended up with a 213. Next game I started hitting a little high so started moving in a little but just couldn't get strikes. Rolled a 174. Started the 3rd game the same way but decided to move back to where I started the night and threw a little further out closer to the first arrow. Ended with a 177. Still not great but much better than I have been. I slowed my approach and ball speed and noticed I rarely lost my balance and hopped on my release. I hit my mark much more consistently but the biggest change was that I started converting spares. I had 6 opens (2 splits, the two from my first game I mentioned, and 2 7 pins). Pretty confident if I can start covering my 7s and get a little better at making my adjustments I will be consistently rolling 600's.

It was a weird night. My teammate left 6 10 pins in a row and all were good pocket hits. It happened quite a bit tonight for both teams but he started the 2nd game with 6 of them in a row. I also saw 3 people hit the gate with their ball (not on or lanes). And there were a ton of splits on our lanes. In the 2nd game I counter 8 (4 for each team) at about the 8th frame and the 3rd game I counted 10 around the 8th frame. Lots on 4, 6, 7, 10's and 4, 6, 7 and 4, 6, 10's. We also had 4 or 5 gutter balls tonight (yep, I had done). And these were on the first ball, not on spare attempts.

All in all it was a good night. Our team won 7 points (2 pts per game and 1 point for total pins). The first place team was bowling beside us and I heard they got beat pretty bad tonight. Which sucks for us cause we bowl them next week and they aren't likely to have 2 bad weeks in a row...lol

So next week my goal is to convert all of my 7's. The strikes will come. My goal is to have my average over 200 by the end of this year. Currently it is 167. Long way to go but I only have 21 games in so it can move pretty quick still. It went up 3 pins tonight with a 564 so a couple mid 600's should get it close to 180. It will be a stretch but that is my goal.

[Eddy]

The strikes will come.

Are you going cross alley at the 10? I assume you're a leftie. For 7 pins I've adopted a new technique where I stand left foot on 40, I'm a righty, so it's basically where I line up for 10 pins. Then shoot over 5th arrow with a little hook from my urethane. Pretty much direct. You see, there is usually a puddle of oil in the middle and can screw with you if you go cross alley. Some people can, but I have a problem with it.

Btw, I shot a 597 tonight and missed a bunch of single spares. Could have been close to a 700 if I could have converted a few. Feast or famine lol. I guess I know what I need to work on.

[BlueTrane2028]

I may have outlined this before, but here goes.

I started at about 7 with an 8lb Brunswick Laser, bowled in Saturday junior leagues every week, later was on the high school team and dabbled in a few tournaments.

I don't recall what my average was but I was over 200 more often than not, never got a 300 but came close. I had to quit due to a bad case of rotator cuff tendinitis on both sides. Never got surgery for it, the insurance didn't want to pay, but they did put me into therapy... which they also bailed me out of. I was advised to never bowl again. I was 17.

I had college to worry about soon enough, later settled into the whole 9-5 job scene, got married, etc.

Eventually, at 33 I got to thinking, your shoulder doesn't feel nearly as bad, maybe you should try bowling again.

I dropped from 16lb to 14lb, got an Ebonite Cyclone and joined a no-tap summer league. I was AWFUL but improved slightly weekly. After that, I joined a fall mixed league, was a productive enough teammate to contribute to our team winning the league. I took the next summer off from league play but still bowled regularly, rejoined the fall league (which is still going on). Average is presently a 165 but the trends are up. Returned to the 600s a couple weeks back, felt darn good. I also decided to finally get some stronger gear, will get to see how well my Motiv Jackal Ghost will do on the heavy oil the house lays down tomorrow.

Oh, and that shoulder that "should never bowl again?"

It will never be 100%, but it hasn't been negatively impacted by my return. I should have done this sooner.

[boatman37]

Are you going cross alley at the 10? I assume you're a leftie. For 7 pins I've adopted a new technique where I stand left foot on 40, I'm a righty, so it's basically where I line up for 10 pins. Then shoot over 5th arrow with a little hook from my urethane. Pretty much direct. You see, there is usually a puddle of oil in the middle and can screw with you if you go cross alley. Some people can, but I have a problem with it.

Btw, I shot a 597 tonight and missed a bunch of single spares. Could have been close to a 700 if I could have converted a few. Feast or famine lol. I guess I know what I need to work on.

Yes, cross alley. It's how I have done it ever since I started throwing a hook around the early 80's. Another lefty on my team throws more straight at it but I am not comfortable with that. I used to use my Brunswick Cobalt Rhino or Black Beauty to get the 7 but my Hammer Black Widow Gold has way too much backend to get the 7 so I have been using an old Hammer Spike that was drilled for a righty. Still trying to find my mark there but last night I had my left foot on the last dot to the right and threw across the middle arrow but wasn't quite getting there so think I may need to throw a little further left of the center arrow. I need to get back out on a practice day but won't have time for that for a couple more weeks so will do what I can on league nights. I used to never miss those 7's but after 15 years off and all the changes in balls and lanes (I never bowled on synthetic until a few weeks ago) it might take some figuring out.

For the 10 I move about 6 boards to the left and throw over my same mark (7 board usually). If I am throwing too far left for that then I stand in my normal spot and throw 5 boards to the right of my original mark. Haven't had any trouble with 10's. So yes, cross alley for both. I improved huge from last week so pretty confident that I am getting it back now. I think in the next week or 2 I will be rolling 600's again.

[dmet225]

I first started bowling in about 1976 in junior high. My parents had bowled as far back as I can remember. I bowled a lot. In high school, I started working at the back of the house, and we'd (with a PBA hall of famer) use all opportunities to bowl. Even when I moved away to college, I worked at a bowling alley. I once bowled in a tournament and ended up beating both Del Ballard and Norm Duke. I bowled leagues up until 1998, at which time I put the gear in the garage after my son turned the age where his athletic endeavors took up all my time. Up until that time, I had bowled a 300 with a Blue Hammer, a high series of 772 and a high average of 2107.

Fast forward to 2013, and he was off to college. I needed something to do to fill my time, so I went back to bowling. Six months into my first league back, and 21 years after my first 300, I bowled my 2nd 300 with a Storm Byte. Since then, I am now in 2 leagues, have bowled 2 more 300's with a 298 and a 299 just 3 weeks ago. My high average since coming back has been 217.

[DubyaP]

well I definitely fit the criteria for this thread ..been back at it for almost a month after a 20 year layoff ..surprised how many of the nuisances are like riding a bike ..I'm much better suited to progress now a days vs the late teens/early twenties version of myself ..so we'll see how far the ability goes ..I've been able to get out mainly Sundays lately getting in 6-9 games and having fun not caring about score and getting my spare game down (been doing well w/ triaxe) and learning to have a few different lines to get to the pocket ..the line I've been most consistent w/ and seems to suit the conditions I've been in so far is left foot on 25 board and my spot is the tenth board arrow ..today though I was having an issue with missing to the right on both my strike and spare ball ..for instance shooting a seven pin left foot on 15 board and hitting 3rd arrow, as I watched the ball roll over the target quite a few times I was missing right ..do I need to square my shoulders to my target? towards the end I was trying this and it seemed to help

[Eddy]

Shot 706 tonight in our work tournament! Haven't even shot a 600 yet this year LOL! 245-223-238. I was locked onto the pocket like a starving pit bull locks onto a piece of meat. Sure, it wasn't sanctioned, but I'm still real happy about it. Only opens I had were 2 ten pins and no splits. I needed a strike on the first ball in the 10th of the final game to lock in the 700 and came through clutch. It's actually my first 700 ever. I may have finally turned the corner after 20 years off. Celebrating with a glass of wine woohoo!

[Phonetek]

Shot 706 tonight in our work tournament! Haven't even shot a 600 yet this year LOL! 245-223-238. I was locked onto the pocket like a starving pit bull locks onto a piece of meat. Sure, it wasn't sanctioned, but I'm still real happy about it. Only opens I had were 2 ten pins and no splits. I needed a strike on the first ball in the 10th of the final game to lock in the 700 and came through clutch. It's actually my first 700 ever. I may have finally turned the corner after 20 years off. Celebrating with a glass of wine woohoo!

Nice shooting! See and you were concerned about doing well again. I think you proved you still got some great stuff left in you.

[Eddy]

Nice shooting! See and you were concerned about doing well again. I think you proved you still got some great stuff left in you.
Thanks. It was like getting the monkey off my back in a way. But I'm not going to let it go to my head. I'm going to keep working hard and stay humble.

well I definitely fit the criteria for this thread ..been back at it for almost a month after a 20 year layoff ..surprised how many of the nuisances are like riding a bike ..I'm much better suited to progress now a days vs the late teens/early twenties version of myself ..so we'll see how far the ability goes ..I've been able to get out mainly Sundays lately getting in 6-9 games and having fun not caring about score and getting my spare game down (been doing well w/ triaxe) and learning to have a few different lines to get to the pocket ..the line I've been most consistent w/ and seems to suit the conditions I've been in so far is left foot on 25 board and my spot is the tenth board arrow ..today though I was having an issue with missing to the right on both my strike and spare ball ..for instance shooting a seven pin left foot on 15 board and hitting 3rd arrow, as I watched the ball roll over the target quite a few times I was missing right ..do I need to square my shoulders to my target? towards the end I was trying this and it seemed to help
Welcome back! You seem determined and should fair well if you work at it. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Phonetek]

I haven't updated in quite a while. I bowl quite often now that I work at a bowling center. I'm not on a league or anything at this point just practicing. I usually bowl a regular game first then do drills for a few games then regular games again. The other day right out of the gate I shot a 246 just loosing up. Would have been better if I didn't open in the first frame then got the next 9 in a row. I've mentioned in other posts that the shot we have out there is very easy. It's 44' christmas tree THS pattern cleaned and oiled daily. I usually try to throw both before and after I oil, honestly it's not all that different either way since there is rarely any crankers and very few reactive balls hitting the lanes.

Mostly plastic and a smattering of urethane. So bottom line I have whatever line I want to play mostly to myself. They carry at the place is nuts, sometimes I think pins start falling before the ball reaches them. I can't really gauge myself here it wouldn't be fair.
I mainly focus on my approach, release, spare shooting and trying to get some muscle memory again so I can bowl a lot more games without being incapacitated the next day with a tube of icy hot and a bottle of ibuprofen. My son bowled 26 games yesterday alone while I worked, if that was me I'd have been carried out on a stretcher.

[Eddy]

I haven't updated in quite a while. I bowl quite often now that I work at a bowling center. I'm not on a league or anything at this point just practicing. I usually bowl a regular game first then do drills for a few games then regular games again. The other day right out of the gate I shot a 246 just loosing up. Would have been better if I didn't open in the first frame then got the next 9 in a row. I've mentioned in other posts that the shot we have out there is very easy. It's 44' christmas tree THS pattern cleaned and oiled daily. I usually try to throw both before and after I oil, honestly it's not all that different either way since there is rarely any crankers and very few reactive balls hitting the lanes.

Mostly plastic and a smattering of urethane. So bottom line I have whatever line I want to play mostly to myself. They carry at the place is nuts, sometimes I think pins start falling before the ball reaches them. I can't really gauge myself here it wouldn't be fair.
I mainly focus on my approach, release, spare shooting and trying to get some muscle memory again so I can bowl a lot more games without being incapacitated the next day with a tube of icy hot and a bottle of ibuprofen. My son bowled 26 games yesterday alone while I worked, if that was me I'd have been carried out on a stretcher.

Don't downplay doing well on an "easy" THS pattern. You still have to be on point to score well. There are many people that don't do well on easy patterns. That's funny about the tub of ice and ibuprofen thing. But it's actually kind of true and necessary for us older folk. I wouldn't be bowling right now without the ant-inflammatory known as Ibuprofen and Alleve. (Naproxen Sodium) Those drugs have allowed my inflamed joints to heal good enough to enjoy bowling once again. Without a single doubt, I would not be bowling without them.

[Phonetek]

Don't downplay doing well on an "easy" THS pattern. You still have to be on point to score well. There are many people that don't do well on easy patterns. That's funny about the tub of ice and ibuprofen thing. But it's actually kind of true and necessary for us older folk. I wouldn't be bowling right now without the ant-inflammatory known as Ibuprofen and Alleve. (Naproxen Sodium) Those drugs have allowed my inflamed joints to heal good enough to enjoy bowling once again. Without a single doubt, I would not be bowling without them.

I try to deal without taking pills but I'll be honest, my legs were sore for days from all that bowling. A lot of muscles I haven't been using like that the stretching at the foul line and such. Plus working again for the first time in quite a while and being on my feet for that long takes a little getting used to. I was off Saturday and applied Icy hot to my legs 4 times throughout the day. I didn't care for walking around smelling like Pepto Bismol but between that and a few Advil I woke up pain free Sunday so it was worth it. If it gets really bad my wife has some muscle relaxers and norco but I hate that stuff. I don't know how she takes that stuff everyday. Once I get used to all this new activity I'll be fine.

As far as the THS at this place I didn't mean to downplay it and I don't want to make it sound like I'm some great bowler either because I'm not nor am I a pro trust me. I say it's easy because I can literally miss by 5 boards and still blast the pocket. If I miss right it comes back, if I miss left it slides more and bam! If I REALLY pull it I'll go brooklyn and still carry it LOL That to me is crazy ridiculous. There is no punishment for missing and missing badly. I know I throw hard and have a lot of revs but jeeze even noze diving the headpin I can count on one hand how many bad breaks I got.

I'm going to have to try bowling at another house and see if I have the same luck. It can only be one of 3 things for how I'm doing. Luck, the house I'm bowling at or I'm better than I think I am. I'd be willing to bet it's the first 2 more than the 3rd. It certainly isn't my equipment because that's 20 yrs old and older. LOL

[JasonNJ]

I try to deal without taking pills but I'll be honest, my legs were sore for days from all that bowling. A lot of muscles I haven't been using like that the stretching at the foul line and such. Plus working again for the first time in quite a while and being on my feet for that long takes a little getting used to. I was off Saturday and applied Icy hot to my legs 4 times throughout the day. I didn't care for walking around smelling like Pepto Bismol but between that and a few Advil I woke up pain free Sunday so it was worth it. If it gets really bad my wife has some muscle relaxers and norco but I hate that stuff. I don't know how she takes that stuff everyday. Once I get used to all this new activity I'll be fine.

As far as the THS at this place I didn't mean to downplay it and I don't want to make it sound like I'm some great bowler either because I'm not nor am I a pro trust me. I say it's easy because I can literally miss by 5 boards and still blast the pocket. If I miss right it comes back, if I miss left it slides more and bam! If I REALLY pull it I'll go brooklyn and still carry it LOL That to me is crazy ridiculous. There is no punishment for missing and missing badly. I know I throw hard and have a lot of revs but jeeze even noze diving the headpin I can count on one hand how many bad breaks I got.

I'm going to have to try bowling at another house and see if I have the same luck. It can only be one of 3 things for how I'm doing. Luck, the house I'm bowling at or I'm better than I think I am. I'd be willing to bet it's the first 2 more than the 3rd. It certainly isn't my equipment because that's 20 yrs old and older. LOL

I never really bowled a lot when I was younger but I picked it up about 4 or 5 years ago and I remember my glutes, hamstrings, back and quads killing me for days. Thankfully, once you bowl regularly those muscles for the most part will stop complaining.

As for the 5 board miss room, that is all THS. Nothing more frustrating during league night when me and my teammates are pounding the pocket and leaving ringing 10s, and the other team is missing 5 boards consistently each shot and carrying light shakers and Brooklyns.

[Phonetek]

I never really bowled a lot when I was younger but I picked it up about 4 or 5 years ago and I remember my glutes, hamstrings, back and quads killing me for days. Thankfully, once you bowl regularly those muscles for the most part will stop complaining.

As for the 5 board miss room, that is all THS. Nothing more frustrating during league night when me and my teammates are pounding the pocket and leaving ringing 10s, and the other team is missing 5 boards consistently each shot and carrying light shakers and Brooklyns.

It's always been a personal pet peeve of mine carrying brooklyn. Yeah I know it's still an "X" on the monitor, it just bugs me. I know I'm better than that to miss that poorly. I do however love tripping the 4 pin and having a messenger fly across the lane to take out a 10 pin. I don't care if anyone else gets brooklyns, luck is part of the game. It sucks to lose to it but it all evens out in the end because sooner or later we all get lucky.

[boatman37]

awesome Eddy. Gives me hope. I have never shot a 700. i think my best is a 676 or something. best since i came back 7 weeks ago is a 564 so still quite a ways to go.

and i hate brooklyns too. glad they count as a strike but frustrating when i get them because i know i screwed up. and yep, lots of ibuprofen here too. 2 weeks ago i forgot to take it before i left and by the 2nd game i was sore. no problems last week but i did slow everything down so it was either that or my body is just getting used to it again.

[boatman37]

Well I didn't get the same results you did tonight. Only rolled a 502 and struggled for that. My thumb is a little swollen and the ball kept sticking so that was causing alot of high hits and brooklyns and my 7 pin ball has an even smaller thumb hole so really struggled with that. Ordered a new ball tonight for my 4, 7, and 8's. Not sure what I'm getting. Told the PSO to surprise me.

Using my PinPal app in 2 weeks of tracking it I have only converted 1/4 7 pins, 3/4 8 pins, 1/2 10 pins, and all the rest of my other single pin leaves.

Both teams struggled on our lanes tonight. We bowled on of the top teams. Their combined average is 208.6. Ours is 184.8. We took all 3 games (game 1 by 5 pins). The only had 2 600's (649, 604) and we had 1 (606). I struggled to hit my mark all night with the thumb issue. Found out after we were done that the lanes we were on (39 and 40, the last 2) are the hardest to bowl on.

Not too frustrated even though I sucked. At the end of the night I bowled my average (167). I should be closer to 200-210 but with my 15 year absence I should probably be closer to 180. Can't complain too much considering the first 2 weeks I used a right handed ball then the next 3 weeks used a ball with way too big of holes. The last 3 weeks I had my new ball but using a spare ball that's drilled for a righty. Tonight with my thumb issues and everyone struggling I am happy to have bowled my average. Hopefully with the new spare ball I have less opens at the end of the night (had 11 opens tonight, 11 strikes, and 10 spares)

[JasonNJ]

Well I didn't get the same results you did tonight. Only rolled a 502 and struggled for that. My thumb is a little swollen and the ball kept sticking so that was causing alot of high hits and brooklyns and my 7 pin ball has an even smaller thumb hole so really struggled with that. Ordered a new ball tonight for my 4, 7, and 8's. Not sure what I'm getting. Told the PSO to surprise me.

Using my PinPal app in 2 weeks of tracking it I have only converted 1/4 7 pins, 3/4 8 pins, 1/2 10 pins, and all the rest of my other single pin leaves.

Both teams struggled on our lanes tonight. We bowled on of the top teams. Their combined average is 208.6. Ours is 184.8. We took all 3 games (game 1 by 5 pins). The only had 2 600's (649, 604) and we had 1 (606). I struggled to hit my mark all night with the thumb issue. Found out after we were done that the lanes we were on (39 and 40, the last 2) are the hardest to bowl on.

Not too frustrated even though I sucked. At the end of the night I bowled my average (167). I should be closer to 200-210 but with my 15 year absence I should probably be closer to 180. Can't complain too much considering the first 2 weeks I used a right handed ball then the next 3 weeks used a ball with way too big of holes. The last 3 weeks I had my new ball but using a spare ball that's drilled for a righty. Tonight with my thumb issues and everyone struggling I am happy to have bowled my average. Hopefully with the new spare ball I have less opens at the end of the night (had 11 opens tonight, 11 strikes, and 10 spares)

Get some hada tape for your thumb. I know it sound counter intuitive to wear protective tape on your thumb when it's swollen but it actually helps. The fast release kind reduces friction on your thumb so it comes out clean.

[Jeeper_12]

I've been out of bowling for several years, mainly just for fun bowling, noting serious. Well a few months ago I decided to get back into it. I was still using my Red Hammer Faball from '99 and new i needed an upgrade. Picked up a Hammer Diesel and loving it! Next step is a new spare ball cause the Red Hammer is not cutting it anymore plus I'd like to retire it.

[Phonetek]

I've been out of bowling for several years, mainly just for fun bowling, noting serious. Well a few months ago I decided to get back into it. I was still using my Red Hammer Faball from '99 and new i needed an upgrade. Picked up a Hammer Diesel and loving it! Next step is a new spare ball cause the Red Hammer is not cutting it anymore plus I'd like to retire it.

I loved my Red Hammer Faball, I remember saving up money all summer from cutting neighbors grass when I was a kid to be able to get that ball. I only made 5 bucks a lawn but back then that was a lot. I used that ball to death. Unfortunately I left it behind in one of our moves. I wish I never did that, along with my two pearl hammers (one red, one blue). I had some great equipment back in the day, some I barely used and it's all gone. On the upside, if I had it and the other stuff I wouldn't use it anyway. They were all 16lb balls and I'm going down to 15.

[boatman37]

Well time for my weekly update. Went good tonight except game 2. 256, 159, 227 (642). First 2 games I was hitting the pocket consistently. 2nd game I just couldn't get strikes. 2nd game left the (6, 10) (7) (6, 7, 10) (2, 7) and didn't pick any of those up. 3rd game I kept hitting high but got lucky and got a few brooklyns but was able to cover all of my spares (clean game). Game 1 had a spare in the 1st then a strike, then an open then finished with 9 strikes in a row. Threw 5 in a row in the 3rd game.

Third game was clean. Picked up 8 pin in the 2nd frame, 5 pin 3rd frame, 2-4 in the 5th frame, and 7 pin in the 10th. My last ball of the 10th I left the 4. First clean game for me since coming back 9 weeks ago.

Teammate started game 2 with 9 strikes then threw a 7 to open the 10th. Ended with a 277.

[Eddy]

Been away from here for a while, but working 64-70 hours a week may have something to do with it, lol. Shot a 547 tonight with my "new" release. I've always had a wrist device of some sort in the past, or a heavily ace bandaged wrapped wrist, so my second week with an "au natural" wrist is actually going good. I kind of like the freedom I now have, being able to vary my release as I see fit. Granted, it was a total disaster the first night I went without. (460, ouch)

So considering it's only the second week, 547 is not bad. But I believe in my new approach and will continue to practice and work hard. Ultimately, I want to join the big money league next fall and kick butt. I think getting rid of the wrist device is the first step in the right direction.

[Phonetek]

Bold move to ditch a wrist device which you probably came dependent on over the years. Way to go. I hope you get re-acclimated doing it naturally. When big changes like that happen it's common to get worse before you get better so don't fret. I bet your wrist felt like jello at first. Good luck with your endeavor

[Eddy]

Bold move to ditch a wrist device which you probably came dependent on over the years. Way to go. I hope you get re-acclimated doing it naturally. When big changes like that happen it's common to get worse before you get better so don't fret. I bet your wrist felt like jello at first. Good luck with your endeavor

Actually my wrist wasn't jello at all. I do physical jobs and am in pretty good shape, so it's not a big deal as far as my wrist. It's just getting used to a different feeling. I do notice 10 pins are A LOT easier without a brace. I just have to be careful of over-relaxing, as I missed 2-3 10 pins because I didn't hold my wrist just right. Things I'm learning on the fly. I did slam the pocket enough to feel good about my decision.

[boatman37]

Horrible night. Couldn't hit my mark for anything. Had a 147, 151, and 167. Couldn't make spares either. My form was bad, my speed was way too high (most were close to 19 at the pins. Usually I'm closer to 16.7). Teammate told me at the end of the night it looked like I was running up to the line. I didn't notice it. Thought I was normal speed.

[Phonetek]

Horrible night. Couldn't hit my mark for anything. Had a 147, 151, and 167. Couldn't make spares either. My form was bad, my speed was way too high (most were close to 19 at the pins. Usually I'm closer to 16.7). Teammate told me at the end of the night it looked like I was running up to the line. I didn't notice it. Thought I was normal speed.

That's quite a jump in speed it could have been your feet causing it. Did you drink a 6 pack of Red Bull's before league or what? When I can bowl again I'm definitely gonna take my speed down a few pegs, 19-20 is just too much. With my knee being fragile my feet will definitely have to be slower anyway. Doc said the x-ray looked okay but 7 dislocations is bad. If I keep it up I'll be needing a replacement for sure. It's so hard to tell myself I'm 46 not 26, when I do my multiple personalities argue with my inner demons and nothing changes.

[Astropin]

My first post here. Just came back to bowling after a 15 year hiatus. Didn't touch a ball over that timeframe. Then my wife and I decided to go bowling one Saturday and I grabbed my 20 year old redrilled Storm Sensor II and threw a 629 series right out of the gate! (My old average was 180). I was hooked and my wife and I joined a Friday night couples league. Three weeks in I threw my first ever 700 series (right on the nose).

Then I decided I wasn't doing it right and started to change EVERYTHING...my average dropped to 175 (From 192). Truth is I was doing everything wrong. My ball never went above my waist...I rushed to the line from the back dots in four steps and heaved the ball at 16-18mph. So once I started messing with everything my game went to crap and I'm currently still there trying to figure it all out. Yes I was fairly consistent before...but I was doing it so wrong that even though I could hold a 190 or so average I knew I could never get above 200 throwing that way. I did buy new equipment....Storm Marvel Pearl, Motiv Forza GT and Storm Pitch Blue (my spare and "dry" ball). The Forza is my benchmark...but with such an inconsistent approach and release right now it doesn't matter too much what I throw.

I want to learn the new release...there are no coaches here (small town). I want to have a much higher backswing...I'm 51 but in good shape with no physical limitations...no physical reason I can't bring it higher....just force of habit. Oh, I also use a wrist brace (Storm C4) and I grip the damn ball WAY too hard....gave myself tendonitis in my forearm which I'm still working on.

So...I want to grip lighter (started using tape in my thumb hole), I what a higher backswing to maintain my speed but let gravity do most of the work instead of heaving it. I want to learn the modern release and ditch the brace and I want to get my average above 200. Wish me luck.

I'm a traditional "stroker" up the 2nd arrow bowler right now. I "lift" the ball at release as I bring my hand around the side of the ball. I often drop it early and I often miss my mark.....long way to go. I was thinking about making my own "Rev Trainer" like Eileen's has to work on the release?

Am I overthinking it? Should I just settle with my old waist high backswing and heave? Or am I making the right choice to revamp my entire game? I'm normally a quick study but with no coach and limited practice time not sure what to expect.

- Adam

[Phonetek]

Adam, if you have the means.....next time you go bowling have someone take a video of you. There are coaches on here and many knowledgeable bowlers that would be more than happy to help critique it for you.

[Phonetek]

Bump....Anyone new that just came back that would like to add anything? Probably unlikely since it's now summer but I figured I'd bump it to keep it from getting lost.