How many games a week do you bowl?

[Phonetek]

I'm asking in total...tournaments, league and practice. How many are you doing each week? Do you plan on increasing or decreasing? Currently I'm at about only 18-22 absolute max. I have to pace myself though. At most 6-7 at once at this time. That's it for my current stamina. I TRY not to bowl again the next day but more times than not someone in my family insists. I'm usually too sore or at least stiff and I typically don't do very well.

If I take a day off in between outings I'm usually okay and can shoot another 6-7. The exception is if I'm just gonna do drills then I can do it the next day. I'm still better off with that day in between of rest. My mind is sharper as well as less physical fatigue. I'd like to be able to double that number over the next couple months. It's up from January where I couldn't barely do 5 in a week without hurting for 3-4 days after. So it can be done.

[boatman37]

generally 3 games. gonna try to go practice this friday and will probably get at least 3 in then

[jamoke]

League - 6
Practice - 0-5

So somewhere between six and eleven, depending on the week. Hope to start tourneys next season.

[yetigreg]

I usually bowl around 18 games a week, but now I'll be going back to work " Landscape Forman " so will only be able to do 6 a week. Been bowling for about 2 months and have bowled 5 games over 200. Hope I can continue to improve with only 1 day a week to bowl, oh and maybe the occasional rain day.

[bdpeters]

lately I have been lucky to get in 3. however I hope to change that soon, if I can get my stamina up and my body lets me. I plan to hopefully join a short summer league.

[Amyers]

Well I always have 9 games of league. I usually get in 3-5 games of practice. Usually about once a month or so I add a tournament that will be an additional 6-9 games

[MRomeroMGCER300]

At the moment with work and family responsibilities, my practice and bowling is limited to 3 games a week. I wish i could do more, but during league play I use that as my practice time to work on anything individually on the 1st game and by the 2nd/3rd game, I am trying to put it all together to build consistency. During the summer time I will practice on Saturday's when my son is bowling, that is generally 5/6 games.

[Phonetek]

At the moment with work and family responsibilities, my practice and bowling is limited to 3 games a week. I wish i could do more, but during league play I use that as my practice time to work on anything individually on the 1st game and by the 2nd/3rd game, I am trying to put it all together to build consistency. During the summer time I will practice on Saturday's when my son is bowling, that is generally 5/6 games.

Yep, that's exactly what happened to me years ago when I quit. Life happens and the things you used to enjoy fall to the wayside to be a good responsible dad and or husband. Try to stick with it if at all possible. I'm sure it was probably the right choice for me to walk away to a point but now I wish I didn't. I went cold turkey though. Maybe then my thinking was all or nothing I don't remember. A few practice games here and there may not have been enough for me. At least you have your son who is a bowler, mine were too little back then. If nothing else, that should keep you going.

[chip82901]

I used to bowl entirely too often and burned myself out. From 2009-2012 I was averaging over 36 games a week (3 monday, 3 tues, 3 wed, 3 thurs, 6 fri, 6 sun just for leagues, plus tourneys/practice). It was honestly too much and caused more wear on my body than anything. Any more, I'm 6-12 games a week for league, depending on if I sub or bowl our drop in league on fridays. Tournament season definitely increases the number a bit, but it's usually not too terrible.

[mc_runner]

3, in my one league. Which is pretty low... I used to do around 10, but having a kid has put a pause on that for a bit. Next year hopefully getting back into practice, another league and some of the tournaments.

[SRB57]

I typically bowl 6 games practice and 3 games league play. After a 12 year layoff then 2 hip replacements I feel I and where I was when I quit back in 2001-02 season. I have my average up to 206 and still rising this late in the season. Steve

[Timmyb]

In my yute, it was likely 30-45 games a week. I'm paying the price for that now. I bowl one league now, and the odd 9-pin charity tap.

[Phonetek]

In my yute, it was likely 30-45 games a week. I'm paying the price for that now. I bowl one league now, and the odd 9-pin charity tap.

Did you say "Yute"? What's a Yute?

[boatman37]

You know...Joe Pesce in My Cousin Vinny. These yutes here:cool:

[Phonetek]

You know...Joe Pesce in My Cousin Vinny. These yutes here:cool:

LOL I know bud. If this was FB I'd have had the meme posted in seconds, too much to go through in forums.

[TCJ]

In the winter I bowl three games for league. For eight weeks I bowl three games a week with some school kids during their club. Sometimes I practice after or before league. My practice sessions go anywhere from 3 to 9 games, but I don't practice that often. Considering I take the summer off, I would estimate that I bowl about 3 games a week if I were to spread them out over the course of a year.

[MRomeroMGCER300]

Yep, that's exactly what happened to me years ago when I quit. Life happens and the things you used to enjoy fall to the wayside to be a good responsible dad and or husband. Try to stick with it if at all possible. I'm sure it was probably the right choice for me to walk away to a point but now I wish I didn't. I went cold turkey though. Maybe then my thinking was all or nothing I don't remember. A few practice games here and there may not have been enough for me. At least you have your son who is a bowler, mine were too little back then. If nothing else, that should keep you going.


Thank you! Yes, it is very difficult to balance life in general along with work and your personal interests. It is manageable and that is why I enjoy having my 1 night with 3-games. haha. But my son, he is 7, and he is about to complete his first year of actual bowling. He has grown a lot over the year with bowling and recently went from a high game of 113 to 165 (Proud Dad moment). His average is still about an 85, so that game was very exciting. :)

But I too just got back from a 4-year layoff with bowling this season. I as well went cold turkey to focus on family, work, and school. It certainly was not easy like you said, but this is my first year back since 2012/2013 season and could not be happier with the results given the amount of practice I have put in. I just try to use my time when bowling effectively.

Glad to see that you are back and hope the bowling gods are treating you well on the lanes. :)

-Mike

[J Anderson]

Three league games Wednesdays, 3 more league games Thursdays. Practice has been really rare since they almost doubled what they were charging me to practice. Bowled 6 games in the local association tournament, and another 6 in a youth/adult tournament.

[SAbowler]

2 leagues at 3 games each and occasionally, I sub in another league. so 6-9 games a week. Unfortunately, I don't practice anywhere near as much as I need to.

[Albundy]

When I was a teenager I bowled 20 to 30 games in a day sometimes when it was free or all you can bowl teennight...now I can't bowl more than 6.. I usually bowl 3. But when I m alone I don't take a break. I do 3 in under an hour

[Phonetek]

We have the "All you can bowl" specials open to close $7 on Wed and Friday $10 - 9:30pm - 1am. Then $1 a game on Sunday morning. Some people take advantage but not as many as you would think.

[Dice]

We've been doing the all-you-can bowl Sunday special from 1 to 3 for the last 6 weeks straight. Can usually get in anywhere from 4 to 6 games, depending on who all comes. The only downside is that we often end up in lanes with multiple small kids running wild next to us.

We've also been bowling at least a couple of games during the week or on Saturdays. But bowling often without a league discount get really expensive.

[Phonetek]

We've been doing the all-you-can bowl Sunday special from 1 to 3 for the last 6 weeks straight. Can usually get in anywhere from 4 to 6 games, depending on who all comes. The only downside is that we often end up in lanes with multiple small kids running wild next to us.

We've also been bowling at least a couple of games during the week or on Saturdays. But bowling often without a league discount get really expensive.

Yeah kids running around is just a fact of open bowling these days. Think of it as an advantage, you learn to block out distraction with them around. That way when you do get into league and someone walks up at the same time on the lane next to you will be used to it. Easier said than done though.

Yes it can get expensive, especially if you don't have your own shoes. It's almost an immediate $10 before you throw a ball. If either of you don't have them, that's a good first step to bring the price down some.

[Dice]

Yeah kids running around is just a fact of open bowling these days. Think of it as an advantage, you learn to block out distraction with them around. That way when you do get into league and someone walks up at the same time on the lane next to you will be used to it. Easier said than done though.

Yes it can get expensive, especially if you don't have your own shoes. It's almost an immediate $10 before you throw a ball. If either of you don't have them, that's a good first step to bring the price down some.

These kids are tiny and end up over in our lane trying to pick up balls and dance. It's annoying but humorous at the same time. I blame the parents who aren't even around or just don't care.

My son has shoes and I'll probably pick some up soon. We he goes by himself, the ladies at the alley are trying to get him to join the Saturday youth league. They give him the league discount and he pays 25% of what we'd normally pay.

[Phonetek]

These kids are tiny and end up over in our lane trying to pick up balls and dance. It's annoying but humorous at the same time. I blame the parents who aren't even around or just don't care.

My son has shoes and I'll probably pick some up soon. We he goes by himself, the ladies at the alley are trying to get him to join the Saturday youth league. They give him the league discount and he pays 25% of what we'd normally pay.

I agree about the kids, I see it every day at the house I work at. I'm waiting for one to get popped in the face by a back swing from either the air headed parents or an unaware bowler on an adjacent lane. It's only a matter of time, it WILL happen. I'm also waiting for a kid to swing one of those long ramps we have in someone else's lane in front of a bowler and see a Wiley coyote wipe out. Again, just a matter of time. It better not be me! LOL

[bdpeters]

If i could bowl during the week instead of work I could get in more lines and avoid all the kids. went to eat one day during the work week and the place was pretty much empty.

[Phonetek]

If i could bowl during the week instead of work I could get in more lines and avoid all the kids. went to eat one day during the work week and the place was pretty much empty.

Yes, working days is mind numbingly boring. We usually only have a couple lanes going if that until the afternoon Monday - Wed. That's when I just kick into cleaning mode. I plug my phone into the sound system, crank up Pandora. Lots of dust bunnies waiting to be caught in all kinds of places. The other day I cleaned all the overhead bowling lane screens. Given the level of grime on them I'm guessing that hasn't been done in eons if ever. I can't just stand at the counter all day doing nothing or stuff my face like the young employees do. I'd love to go behind the lanes and do something but I can't leave the counter unattended. I have to keep moving even if I have to find something gross to clean, I EARN my paycheck. LOL

[boatman37]

I work 4 10 hour days and off every Friday so when I don't have anything on the honey-do list I try to get down there around lunch time. Went about 6 weeks ago and only about 15-20 people in there (40 lane center). The owner is in our league so knows who I am. It's supposed to be $3 a game before 4:00 but he charged me 2.50. Maybe cause I was in the league? Dunno. Didn't ask...lol

[Phonetek]

I work 4 10 hour days and off every Friday so when I don't have anything on the honey-do list I try to get down there around lunch time. Went about 6 weeks ago and only about 15-20 people in there (40 lane center). The owner is in our league so knows who I am. It's supposed to be $3 a game before 4:00 but he charged me 2.50. Maybe cause I was in the league? Dunno. Didn't ask...lol

If you don't ask you don't receive LOL You may just be known as a regular but not a league bowler, there is a difference. I know it's $2 and free shoes (if needed) for league bowlers but if they don't tell us they are on a league there they pay whatever the price is at the time. I doubt any of us there know every person on a league. Say something next time man, it's one of your league perks, use it!

[boatman37]

If you don't ask you don't receive LOL You may just be known as a regular but not a league bowler, there is a difference. I know it's $2 and free shoes (if needed) for league bowlers but if they don't tell us they are on a league there they pay whatever the price is at the time. I doubt any of us there know every person on a league. Say something next time man, it's one of your league perks, use it!

Oh I mentioned it. Also told him I was there to practice with the new ball I just got from HIS pro shop...lol. He isn't the PSO but he owns the place so....

[bdpeters]

OHH I feel as sick day coming on, as soon as I get my new ball drilled. Sorry off subject. looks like I will have to get my bowling in when I can. saturdays are usually out of the question. it is usually hard to get a lane plus it costs more. sundays are better usually though. my local lanes run a youth special during the summer. 1 free game plus shoes. there are lots of big families with lots of kids here in utah so it is not uncommon then to see 1 family with two lanes.

[Phonetek]

Oh I mentioned it. Also told him I was there to practice with the new ball I just got from HIS pro shop...lol. He isn't the PSO but he owns the place so....

Okay good, I'd hate to see you pay more than you were supposed to. I just had a senior that didn't think to ask for a senior discount. It's one of those questions I don't like asking because it can easily offend people if they aren't 55+ but I did and ended up knocking his bill from $27 down to $12. He was VERY happy and wished he bowled more. He even tossed 5 bucks in the tip jar because of it and I didn't even serve him a drink. LOL I love happy customers!

[boatman37]

Just bowled 7 games. First one I only practiced 7 pins with my new Black Rhino Pearl. Real happy with it. I think my score was a 65 or something...lol. 2nd and 3rd were just trying different lines and different approaches. Last 4 games I went for scores with my goal being no opens. I have been having a bad issue with yanking the ball across my body. Been struggling with it for weeks. I start my approach with the ball by my hip slightly in from of my leg. What I found the 2nd to last game was if I started with the ball up by my chest I was much more consistent. I used to bowl this way but a few years before I quit I went to the lower start to try to slow my speed. The last 2 games I hit my mark about 95% of the time (as opposed to about 50% before). I did struggle with my speed though. My speed is normally around 16.7 according to our sensors. With this new stance I was anywhere from 16.2 to 17.2. Very inconsistent speed. Most of my hits were slightly light and left a bunch of 7's but if I moved left at all I hit high and got splits. Had 5 splits in 4 games but scores were decent (187, 191, 174, 201). The 174 didn't make much sense. Had 4 strikes and 4 spares with 2 opens. Not bad shooting for only a 174. My opens were in the 2nd and 7th and spared in the 10th. And I followed my spares with a strike, 9, and 9 so not like I had low counts after my spares. Dunno. Oh well.
I also tried rotating my wrist outward on my backswing to get more revs but that wasn't working so gave up on that. I did try different lines for my strike ball. I normally stand with my left foot just to the left of center and throw just inside the 2nd arrow (left handed). I stood way right and threw over the middle arrow and hit the pocket and also threw 3rd arrow from left and hit the pocket so those are options if things aren't working outside.

Find out Tuesday night if my new approach helps. If I can get my speed to be consistent I think I will be good to go.

Any thoughts? Any ideas for speed control?

Oh, and that off balance hop on my release...when I start with the ball higher I am much more balanced and smooth which leads me to believe I was trying to overpower the ball on release?

[Phonetek]

Find out Tuesday night if my new approach helps. If I can get my speed to be consistent I think I will be good to go.

Any thoughts? Any ideas for speed control?

Oh, and that off balance hop on my release...when I start with the ball higher I am much more balanced and smooth which leads me to believe I was trying to overpower the ball on release?

Since I myself seem to be muscling it I can't really say. All I know is what I was taught about the ball speed is to let the ball swing like a pendulum on a clock on it's own and let your foot speed control the ball. Bringing it up higher makes it swing faster. I guess being told how and executing are two different things.

Logically if you are trying to muscle it you can get that hop. I know when I fire it purposely at a 7-10 I am far from balanced. Hopefully you have found a fix.

[boatman37]

Since I myself seem to be muscling it I can't really say. All I know is what I was taught about the ball speed is to let the ball swing like a pendulum on a clock on it's own and let your foot speed control the ball. Bringing it up higher makes it swing faster. I guess being told how and executing are two different things.

Logically if you are trying to muscle it you can get that hop. I know when I fire it purposely at a 7-10 I am far from balanced. Hopefully you have found a fix.

Well I was thinking about it and well.....now that I'm 49 and not 29, I probably need to muscle it more to get the same speed I had back then. I know I went with the lower ball placement to slow my speed about 20 years ago. Now my timing feels weird and I noticed when I do pull the ball my speed is higher. Like clockwork. My normal speed is about 16.7. Every time I pull the ball my speed is over 17.2. Today with the ball higher I was just letting the ball drop and let momentum takes its course. I may have still been muscling it a little which may be why my speed varied so much.

Another thing I was paying attention to...Somebody posted a video here the other day and in that video they talked about timing and how most pros have their arm parallel with the floor when their slide foot hits the floor. Hard to tell being by myself and no way to record a side view but seemed like I was pretty close to that. Before I don't think my arm ever came up high enough to be parallel. Actually just looked at my video from before and it wasn't getting that high (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iG8ZPK8g8k). Who knows, it might not have been today either but felt like it. All I know is it felt more natural with the ball up near my chest.

Our team is in 4th place in our division (we have 51 wins with 2 teams ahead of us with 52 wins. First place has 64 wins so won't catch them). With me having the lowest average on the team and bowling about 30 pins lower than I think I am capable of I feel I can have the biggest impact on winning games the rest of the season so I need to get my head out of my butt and figure this out.

Open to suggestions anyone!!! lol

Here is a link to our league standings if anyone is interested. We are Sims Bar (I am Danny). http://simslanes.com/Portals/0/League%20Standings/BEAVERFALLSCITY.PDF?ver=2018-03-14-103628-300&timestamp=1521231621410

[boatman37]

Crap....just realized I hijacked this thread. Sorry OP....lol. Will start my own

[Phonetek]

Crap....just realized I hijacked this thread. Sorry OP....lol. Will start my own

LOL I'm the OP and I don't care, hijack away. God knows I do it enough.

[Jeeper_12]

Currently in no leagues, that'll change this summer, but I typically practice anywhere between 4-9 games a week. I tend to bowl 2 or 3 games each time depending on how much time I have.