GrumpyCatFace
08-15-2018, 10:58 PM
I just started bowling regularly last October, on a whim. A friend of mine had recently gone through a divorce, and was looking for something to do. He signed up for a league, and I joined him. I threw a house ball at around 100mph, and held a 107 average through the end of Winter League.
After a month or so, I wanted to get a little more serious, so I purchased a Pyramid Path Rising, and started learning to throw a hook. There were some ups and downs, but I started to get the hang of it a few months ago.
Coming into summer, I purchased my second ball, a Storm Hyroad (I love this ball), and got it freshly fitted. Whether from the fit or the ball, my average jumped to 130. I was onto something. I just couldn't seem to make the release consistent, though.
I tried suitcase, cup/release, cocked to the side, all kinds of things. Some gave an amazing reaction, but I couldn't repeat consistently. My average is around 132 now, but I'm improving quickly.
Then tonight, it all clicked.
First game, a 157. Not bad at all, for me. My highest ever was a 210, but it was a total fluke.
Second game... 246. Holy. Crap.
I had discovered my form. If I could only repeat it. Reading a Ron Clifton article earlier today, I realized the importance of good timing. As we started the 2nd game, I simply stood a little straighter in my stance, pushed the ball away a bit higher, and focused on the target with a quiet eye. For my release, I just turned my wrist a TINY bit at the bottom of the swing.
Strike after strike, after strike. I hit brooklyn, I hit low, everything went my way. Pins were FLYING around the pit.
Ok, that couldn't happen again. I'm simply not that good. But here goes... 239.
I bowled a 642. Mind blown.
People that have known me throughout the summer league were silent, watching. I didn't realize it at the time, but they were all standing clear when I shot. I had the center to myself. It was like nothing I've ever experienced.
I know that a lot of you guys are still looking for your shot. And I was about ready to give up hope, but it is out there. Just relax, and trust yourself and gravity to take care of it. Tiny adjustments can have AMAZING results.
After a month or so, I wanted to get a little more serious, so I purchased a Pyramid Path Rising, and started learning to throw a hook. There were some ups and downs, but I started to get the hang of it a few months ago.
Coming into summer, I purchased my second ball, a Storm Hyroad (I love this ball), and got it freshly fitted. Whether from the fit or the ball, my average jumped to 130. I was onto something. I just couldn't seem to make the release consistent, though.
I tried suitcase, cup/release, cocked to the side, all kinds of things. Some gave an amazing reaction, but I couldn't repeat consistently. My average is around 132 now, but I'm improving quickly.
Then tonight, it all clicked.
First game, a 157. Not bad at all, for me. My highest ever was a 210, but it was a total fluke.
Second game... 246. Holy. Crap.
I had discovered my form. If I could only repeat it. Reading a Ron Clifton article earlier today, I realized the importance of good timing. As we started the 2nd game, I simply stood a little straighter in my stance, pushed the ball away a bit higher, and focused on the target with a quiet eye. For my release, I just turned my wrist a TINY bit at the bottom of the swing.
Strike after strike, after strike. I hit brooklyn, I hit low, everything went my way. Pins were FLYING around the pit.
Ok, that couldn't happen again. I'm simply not that good. But here goes... 239.
I bowled a 642. Mind blown.
People that have known me throughout the summer league were silent, watching. I didn't realize it at the time, but they were all standing clear when I shot. I had the center to myself. It was like nothing I've ever experienced.
I know that a lot of you guys are still looking for your shot. And I was about ready to give up hope, but it is out there. Just relax, and trust yourself and gravity to take care of it. Tiny adjustments can have AMAZING results.