Boatmans 2023-2024 scores

[boatman37]

Fall/Winter league starts next Tuesday 9/5. New team, new bowlers. Bowling with 2 of my boys and a couple of buddies

[Aslan]

Well, that sounds like fun.

[boatman37]

Well there are 6 of us. 1 just started bowling in May, 1 started last winter league, 1 hasn't bowled for about 2 years, 1 hasn't bowled for about 3 years and 1 missed the last 2 months of last winters league due to a knee injury...lol. Should be an adventure

[J Anderson]

Well there are 6 of us. 1 just started bowling in May, 1 started last winter league, 1 hasn't bowled for about 2 years, 1 hasn't bowled for about 3 years and 1 missed the last 2 months of last winters league due to a knee injury...lol. Should be an adventure

I would say your teams chances look good with with two newbies and two returning after long breaks. Thats four of your bowlers whose averages should be going up as the season goes on

[boatman37]

I would say your teams chances look good with with two newbies and two returning after long breaks. Thats four of your bowlers whose averages should be going up as the season goes on

Thats my hope but the first month or so may be painful...lol

[boatman37]

Struggled tonight. Think I needed a different ball but didn't have it with me. We bowled against a lefty no thumb 1 hander that was throwing a t-zone all night. Used my Zen Soul and struggled. Tried the Helios 2 frames in the middle of game 2 but split both shots so went back to the ZS.
Had an all new team consisting of me (197 avg), my son (132 avg), step-son (130 avg), a girl my step-son is friends with (149 avg) and a teammate from last year (195 avg). Series were, in order mentioned above, 583, 377, 475, 327, and 586. On a positive note I was 100% on single pin spares, including 2/2 on 7 pins. Just couldn't strike.

Game 1: 185 (5 strikes, 5 spares, 1 open)

Game 2: 165 (3 strikes, 4 spares, 3 opens-3 splits)

Game 3: 233 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 1 open)

Series: 583

Average: 194.33

Running average: 194.33

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.15

Strikes: 48% (16/33)

Spares: 68% (11/16)

Single pin spares: 100% (10/10)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/GhHcfmMx/2023-09-05.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Not 'bad' though. 100% on single-pins. The score a bit lowered by the open in the 10th. A strong 233 game to finish. Sounds like you just struggled to find that line/ball combination until late. It happens.

Looking at the stats, and comparing them to my average night, I think the biggest difference is that first ball average. Over 9 is what I used to be able to acheive when I was averaging in the upper 180s to mid-190s. Indicitive of you generally hitting the pocket every time. As my form is 'still returning', I'm still making some horrible shots that miss the pocket (or headpin) completely...lowering that first-ball average into the 8.5 range. It doesn't 'sound' like a big difference (9.1 vs 8.5), but in reality (in terms of scoring); it's a killer.

[boatman37]

Not 'bad' though. 100% on single-pins. The score a bit lowered by the open in the 10th. A strong 233 game to finish. Sounds like you just struggled to find that line/ball combination until late. It happens.

Looking at the stats, and comparing them to my average night, I think the biggest difference is that first ball average. Over 9 is what I used to be able to acheive when I was averaging in the upper 180s to mid-190s. Indicitive of you generally hitting the pocket every time. As my form is 'still returning', I'm still making some horrible shots that miss the pocket (or headpin) completely...lowering that first-ball average into the 8.5 range. It doesn't 'sound' like a big difference (9.1 vs 8.5), but in reality (in terms of scoring); it's a killer.

Yeah I pay attention to that first ball average. It tells me whether I'm leaving makeable spares. Under 9.00 and I know I had a rough night

[boatman37]

Another rough night. Lanes were jacked. Looked up and down and saw splits everywhere on all pairs. Started with the Zen Soul and tried the Helios to blend it out. Tried throwing from the 5 board to the 15 board and couldn't find anything. Was clean in game 1 until the 10th. Only threw 10 strikes all night. 3 in the first game and only 1 in the second game. Opponents have 3 200+ average bowlers and those 3 were 551, 605 and 615. Those last 2 have 215 averages. On the bright side we went 5-2.

Game 1: 181 (3 strikes, 6 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Game 2: 146 (1 strike, 5 spares, 4 opens)

Game 3: 214 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 1 open)

Series: 541

Average: 180.33

Running average: 187.33

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.65

Strikes: 32% (10/31)

Spares: 70% (14/20)

Single pin spares: 77% (7/9)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/QtswVn30/2023-09-12.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

just looked at the scores from last night. only 18 of 58 bowlers hit their average last night. lanes were jacked

[Aslan]

just looked at the scores from last night. only 18 of 58 bowlers hit their average last night. lanes were jacked

I dunno. Seems like you bowled fine. Opens in the 10th are a %*@ch.

[boatman37]

I sucked. 10 strikes on the night. 1/2 of my average. 10th frame opens sucked too. I was like 60 pins below average...lol

[boatman37]

Think I might have figured something out. Tonight we bowled against a team that has a certified coach that I bowl in tournaments with. In summer league we bowl on High Street v2 but bowl on High Street v1 in winter league. What was working all summer hasn't been working in winter league. I had been targeting the same board (7-8 board) but in summer I was standing on about 18. Tonight I had moved in and was trying to target the 13 board. The 'coach' told me to try the 7-8 board. Told him I started there. He said move out and square up more. So stood on 14 and targeted 7-8 and that was money. Finished pretty good after that. I did pick my speed up a little to help compensate.
Won 2 of 3 and total pins to go 5-2

Game 1: 175 (6 strikes, 3 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 201 (5 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens)

Game 3: 214 (7 strikes, 3 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Series: 590

Average: 196.67

Running average: 190.44

Last years average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.06

Strikes: 52% (18/34)

Spares: 57% (8/14)

Single pin spares: 85% (6/7)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/BvfZcPPt/2023-09-19.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Don't even want to post this. Had my worst night since February 2021. Felt like my form was good and I was near the pocket all night. Left a ton of 7's and a couple of 8's. Lost now. Average is 20 pins loser than it was this summer.
Been near the pocket all year, just not striking. Have 150 games on this Zen Soul so hard to say.

Game 1: 190 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 171 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 153 (3 strikes, 3 spares, 4 opens-2 splits)

Series: 514

Average: 171.33

Running average: 185.66

Last years average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.94

Strikes: 41% (13/31)

Spares: 50% (9/18)

Single pin spares: 81% (9/11)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

https://i.postimg.cc/CLDSH4YV/2023-09-26.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

Keep plugging away.

How is the ball dropping off the deck? What's your 4 pin doing? Those are the things I try to look at when I start leaving 10's . . .

[boatman37]

Mainly ring 7's. Just seems I have to have perfect shot placement or I leave a pin here or there. I used to have a little miss room with that ball. Gonna try my Altered Reality next week. Completely different shape but it only has about 35 games on it. See if I have miss room with it. Only others I had with me last night were my short pin Helios which leaves 7's normally anyway...lol and my Brunswick Igniter, which may have been a better option.
Also wondering, found out we use High Street v2 in summer and High Street v1 in fall/winter. v1 has less volume. My ZS was perfect all through summer with 2000 on it. Thinking to try 3000 since there is a little less volume but my ball is at the center. Might have to stop down and grab it to hit it with a 3000 and see if that helps.

[boatman37]

A little better tonight. Accuracy was good, timing felt good. Was near the pocket all night. Re-surfaced the Zen Soul to 3000 but it was still over/under. Switched to the Altered Reality for games 2 and 3 and seemed to have more miss room. That ball only has about 35 games on it. Spare shooting was very good. Had quite a few strikes too but unfortunately that didn't translate to great scores. Had trouble stringing them together.
Step-son got his first ever 200 with a 218 and our team is now in 1st place out of 12 teams.

Thinking my Zen Soul may be dead? No miss room with it after 5 weeks. Altered Reality had much more miss room. Much easier to strike. ZS has about 150 games on it.

Game 1: 193 (5 strikes, 5 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Game 2: 237c (7 strikes, 4 spares, 0 opens)

Game 3: 184 (7 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Series: 614

Average: 204.67

Running average: 189.46

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.29

Strikes: 55% (19/34)

Spares: 80% (12/15)

Single pin spares: 87% (7/8)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/fW0V6sKY/2023-10-03.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

Nice clean game!

[Aslan]

Nice clean game!

Not far from a clean series!

[boatman37]

yeah take away the 2 splits and that 7 pin was my only miss. And it was a big miss. I was aiming for the 16-17 board and hit about the 23 board...lol. Didn't even watch to see how bad i missed it

[Aslan]

yeah take away the 2 splits and that 7 pin was my only miss. And it was a big miss. I was aiming for the 16-17 board and hit about the 23 board...lol. Didn't even watch to see how bad i missed it

See, I usually aim for 18 when shooting at the 10-pin (righty) and I'm starting to think I should switch to 16-17. Too many misses inside...even when I feel like I hit my target.

[boatman37]

16-17 works good for me. I stand about 33. I say about cause I have always set my feet with my left foot (I'm a lefty) so my left toe is on 27-28. My right foot is close to 33 then.

[boatman37]

Tough night. Threw the ZS in warmups and couldn't get anything going. Threw the Helios last 2 warmup balls. Not great but needed to swing it out. First frame didn't get it out far enough. Lesson learned. Grabbed the Altered Reality and was so-so. Game 2 switched to the Zen Soul. Went in and told my PSO to order me an Xponent. Came back out and struck the next 8 frames with the ZS....lol. 269. Game 3 lost it and dropped over 100 pins.
On a positive note we won all 3 again and widened our lead on 2nd place.

Game 1: 181 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens)

Game 2: 269c (9 strikes, 2 spares, 0 opens)

Game 3: 165 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens-2 splits)

Series: 615

Average: 205

Running average: 192.05

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.24

Strikes: 57% (19/33)

Spares: 57% (8/14)

Single pin spares: 66% (4/6)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/BQ1YXhvP/2023-10-10.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

269 clean. Well done!

[boatman37]

Had our 6th bowler show up tonight so the rule is furthest below their average sits. Well game 3 last week i was 27 below my average so I sat first game. Warmups weren't great using the Zen Soul so I wasn't upset I was sitting out. Game 2 I started the first 2 or 3 frames with the Zen Soul then grabbed my Brunswick Igniter out of my bag and moved way outside targeting the first arrow. Started getting carry that I have not been getting with the Zen Soul anymore. Threw 225 clean. Game 3 started coming in a little high so moved in a little but started struggling to hit the pocket and left 2 splits that killed that game. Was clean until that first split in 8th frame. And we lost 2 of 3 for the first time this year but still in 1st place.
Ordered the Xponent last week but PSO wasn't there tonight so didn't get it yet.

Game 1: didn't bowl

Game 2: 225c (7 strikes, 5 spares)

Game 3: 196 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Series: 421

Average: 210.5

Running average: 193.90

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.14

Strikes: 54% (12/22)

Spares: 80% (8/10)

Single pin spares: 100% (5/5)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/Jtwj93Js/2023-10-17.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Had our 6th bowler show up tonight so the rule is furthest below their average sits.

That's an interesting way of doing it. I've never been on a team with more on the roster than needed...except as a permanent sub. Those rules were I could sub for only the team I was rostered on...and I didn't get any prize money...but I also didn't have to pay and I COULD go with the team when they swept in Vegas. So, it worked out well...because I bowled for free for around 6 weeks...then could go to Vegas for the guy that never goes to Vegas.

[boatman37]

Each team can do it any way they wish. Our league doesn't have 'floating' subs. Once you bowl for a team you are locked into that team. So we can either tell one person to stay home or we can alternate in and out. We had already been bowling about 5 weeks when the 6th bowler started showing up. We have some teams do it the way we do and some that just tell certain bowlers to stay home that night. Since we have 3 bowlers over 180 average and 3 under 150 it isn't fair to make the lowest score sit out so furthest below their average sits. The previous week I was 27 pins below my average the last game so by that rule I had to sit first game. Each bowler is guaranteed at least 2 games so no matter how low my score I will not have to sit games 2 or 3, second furthest away would sit out then.

[boatman37]

Picked up my new Xponent tonight. Had to move in 2 boards from my Zen Soul and had to arc it out. If I moved in closer to 3rd arrow might not have had to arc it as much but it was working arcing it so went with that. 2 clean games tonight (according to pinpal) but blew my chance at a 700 game 2. Really like the Xponent but gonna hit it with a 5000 and give that a shot. Switched to the Brunswick Igniter 7th frame of G2 and finished the night with it.

Game 1: 280c (12 strikes, 1 spare, 0 opens)

Game 2: 180 (6 strikes, 2 spares, 4 opens)

Game 3: 215 (6 strikes, 4 spares, 1 open, 2 splits)

Series: 675

Average: 225.00

Running average: 197.95

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.43

Strikes: 65% (23/35)

Spares: 58% (7/12)

Single pin spares: 62% (5/8)

Splits: 50% (1/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/dQWQc3c4/2023-10-24.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Timmyb]

Nice night!

[Aslan]

Nice night!

Agreed. A ***t ton of strikes and a spare conversion to boot!

[boatman37]

Thanks guys. I left a few easy spares in game 2. I use my strike ball for everything except the 4 and 7. Missed the 6 and the 8 cause it was my first night using the Xponent and it was hooking past them so need to keep that in mind in the future. My Zen Soul picks those up about 99% of the time but the Xponent hooked right in front of them.
yeah I know...spare ball...lol

[boatman37]

Had to pre-bowl today so wasn't expecting much. They had a few parties today and the place was packed so i'm sure there were lots of plastic balls thrown down that pair before I got there. I also tend to go too fast when pre-bowling and have to keep reminding myself to slow down but usually don't listen to myself.

Started with the Xponent then switched to the Igniter pearl about 7th frame then end of game 2 switched to the Raw Hammer pearl. Even the RHP was hooking across the nose.

Game 1: 176 (2 strikes, 7 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Game 2: 180 (5 strikes, 4 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 171 (5 strikes, 1 spares, 5 opens-3 splits)

Series: 527

Average: 175.67

Running average: 195.38

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.36

Strikes: 36% (12/33)

Spares: 60% (12/20)

Single pin spares: 83% (5/60)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

https://i.postimg.cc/63sqZ9XJ/2023-10-29.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

I'm surprised you even bowled that well if they didn't oil the lanes for you.

[boatman37]

No fresh oil. I asked the kid at the counter jokingly, 'I assume there have been games bowled on this pair today'. He looked up and down at all 40 lanes, with about 38 of them filled and said 'yeah, likely'...lol

[boatman37]

ugh. another tough week. Used the Xponent all night. And the reviews are correct...get a little lane shine to tame it down. Yeah, about 7 or so games in and its a completely different ball. Hardly hooking at all tonight. Bowler was the majority of the issue tonight. Back was really hurting and just couldn't get in a rhythm.
On another note, 7 pin shooting was pretty good.
Went to a clinic Saturday with Kelly Kulick. Learned a few things.

Game 1: 172 (3 strikes, 6 spares, 2 opens)

Game 2: 162 (3 strikes, 4 spares, 4 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 192 (4 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens)

Series: 526

Average: 175.33

Running average: 193.31

Last years average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.79

Strikes: 30% (10/33)

Spares: 65% (15/23)

Single pin spares: 80% (12/15)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/7Pp7pKqm/2023-11-07.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Rough night again. Started with the new Eternity Pi and tried straighter and hooking it but struggled. 2nd game switched to the Xponent and stayed outside. Was so-so. Tonight was position round and we lost the first 2 games so at that point I considered it a practice session. Game 3 tried my Altered Reality to see if it made sense to leave it in the bag. 2 opens in the first 3 frames. Then threw 6 or 7 in a row for a 236. We won that game by 2. Struggled with spares tonight.

Oh...left 2 7-10's in the 2nd game

Game 1: 192 (5 strikes, 4 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 172 (5 strikes, 2 spares, 3 opens-2 splits)

Game 3: 236 (7 strikes, 2 spares, 2 opens)

Series: 600

Average: 200.00

Running average: 193.93

Last years average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.31

Strikes: 53% (17/32)

Spares: 53% (8/15)

Single pin spares: 63% (7/11)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/4drXWYVx/2023-11-14.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Yeah...bad spare shooting can leave a bad taste in your mouth...even with a nice game thrown in.

[boatman37]

Spare shooting got me again. Horrible. The coach was there hanging out and stayed at our pair the whole time and helped us out. Step-son is a 150 average and got the new Pi a few weeks ago. He rolled 157, 208, 228c tonight. He was thrilled. My strike ball was good but my spares were off for some reason.
Used the Pi the first 2 games but started leaving 7 pins. Probably waited too long to make a change. I was going to move in but the coach wanted me to try the Xponent so grabbed that in the 10th of game 2 and finished with it. I worked on staying behind the ball all night. My bad shots were where I came around it by accident.

Game 1: 226 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 1 open)

Game 2: 171 (4 strikes, 2 spares, 4 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 211 (8 strikes, 1 spare, 2 opens-1 split)

Series: 608

Average: 202.67

Running average: 194.68

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.29

Strikes: 57% (20/35)

Spares: 41% (5/12)

Single pin spares: 57% (4/7)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/4ymR8FrR/2023-11-21.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[J Anderson]

Spare shooting got me again. Horrible. The coach was there hanging out and stayed at our pair the whole time and helped us out. Step-son is a 150 average and got the new Pi a few weeks ago. He rolled 157, 208, 228c tonight. He was thrilled. My strike ball was good but my spares were off for some reason.
Used the Pi the first 2 games but started leaving 7 pins. Probably waited too long to make a change. I was going to move in but the coach wanted me to try the Xponent so grabbed that in the 10th of game 2 and finished with it. I worked on staying behind the ball all night. My bad shots were where I came around it by accident.

Game 1: 226 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 1 open)

Game 2: 171 (4 strikes, 2 spares, 4 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 211 (8 strikes, 1 spare, 2 opens-1 split)

Series: 608

Average: 202.67

Running average: 194.68

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.29

Strikes: 57% (20/35)

Spares: 41% (5/12)

Single pin spares: 57% (4/7)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/4ymR8FrR/2023-11-21.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I counted 6 spares in 13 attempts. Two of the misses were splits so you shouldn’t be too upset over not converting the 4-6-10. The 1-2-8 is also a nasty leave. Your strike ball might make it but if it had hit the pocket it might still have left the 8. That leaves 3 seven pins and a 4-7 that you can rightfully be kicking yourself over.

I suspect that, since you started off pretty good with 3 out of 4, you get more nervous about all your spare shots as you leave more pins. Your coach may have some suggestions to work through this.

[boatman37]

I counted 6 spares in 13 attempts. Two of the misses were splits so you shouldn’t be too upset over not converting the 4-6-10. The 1-2-8 is also a nasty leave. Your strike ball might make it but if it had hit the pocket it might still have left the 8. That leaves 3 seven pins and a 4-7 that you can rightfully be kicking yourself over.

I suspect that, since you started off pretty good with 3 out of 4, you get more nervous about all your spare shots as you leave more pins. Your coach may have some suggestions to work through this.

I'm thinking I was getting tired. My whole motion is slightly different now that I'm staying behind the ball. Seems the ball is a little closer to my ankle, which had been an issue, and I'm a little more squared up at the line. My back is sore today. I do have back issues but not sure if it was just cause I was using muscles differently than I normally do or what. Most of my bad shots were when I came around it a little and it went through the nose or crossed over. After one of my missed 7 pins he had me move further right. I have been standing at 33 and targeting 16 but he had me move about 4 more right and target the middle arrow. First try I missed a few boards right and just missed inside the 7.

[boatman37]

Disgusted. Thats it. We had 5 lefties on our pair tonight. Both lanes kept breaking. We had 6 bowlers so I sat out 1st game so that threw me off. Had trouble with a consistent release. Threw about 5 brooklyns and a few others that crossed over. Left 2 Greek churches. Just very inconsistent all around. Game 2 threw the Eternity Pi. Lane were pretty dry. Game 2 switched to the Xponent but it was hooking as much as the Pi was so after about 6 frames with no strikes I went back to the Pi and moved in a little more but I couldn't pick up a spare to save my life.
On the positive sidewe won games 2 and 3 so went 5-2 on points again. My son worked alot on his whole approach and release Sunday and had a 149 average. Tonight he rolled 138, 192, 179. He missed most of his spares but was striking in the pocket all night. He just needs to work on his spare game.
BTW-there were tons of splits by both teams. Guessing about 12-15 splits total.

Game 2: 192 (5 strikes, 4 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Game 3: 162 (4 strikes, 3 spares, 4 opens-2 splits)

Series: 354

Average: 177.00

Running average: 193.72

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.77

Strikes: 40% (9/22)

Spares: 53% (7/13)

Single pin spares: 80% (4/5)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

https://i.postimg.cc/W19VwFNx/2023-11-28.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Game 2 actually looked decent. You just got some bad luck with some split issues.

[boatman37]

Another tough night but I'm noticing a pattern. The 2nd half of game 2 has been a real struggle for the past month or so. Don't think it's transition but more me. I used the same ball all night a few nights and game 3 is fine. I'm missing single pin spares at he end of game 2 that I don't miss in the other 2 games.
The bright point of my night was I am anchor. Game 3 we needed to win by 15 to get total pins. Other anchor went up and struck for a double. I spares in the 9th. Struck in the 10th. He goes up and strikes in the 11th. I strike in the 11th. He strikes in the fill. I strike in the fill so we won by 18 so won total pins by 3..lol.
The the Eternity Pi all 3 games except the first few frames of game 3 I tried the Xponent but it wasn't any better. Just erratic shots all night.

Game 1: 188 (5 strikes, 2 spares, 3 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 168 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens)

Game 3: 203 (7 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Series: 559

Average: 186.33

Running average: 193.17

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.15

Strikes: 51% (17/33)

Spares: 50% (8/16)

Single pin spares: 63% (7/11)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

https://i.postimg.cc/1zybxf2H/2023-12-05.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Looks like just a bad spare shooting night.

Been there...

[boatman37]

Don't even wanna bowl tomorrow. Gonna have to cause one of our guys is away but struggling so bad it isn't fun anymore. The last 6 weeks my average is 184, down from 206 this summer.
Will post tomorrow either way on how it went but not expecting much

[boatman37]

Well here is a change. Started off 1st game thinking 'here we go again'. I had been standing around 33 and targeting 16 for my 7 pins but the coach wanted me to stand closer to 37 and target 20. I was shooting about 33% on 7 pins from there. I had been about 75% in my original spot so I split the difference tonight and did much better (3/5). I had sanded my Pi on the spinner with a brand new CTD 2000 and it looked shinier and it did smooth it out a little but struggled with it. Also took my 150 game old Zen Soul and tried it in warmups and no carry. Tried the Xponent too. It was about 1 board weaker than the Pi. Threw 172 game 1 and got really frustrated. Switched to the Xponent games 2 and 3 and it definitely changed my game. Not saying it was the ball but I got better results. I did throw about 3 Brooklyns in a row though so did have some luck. Games 2 and 3 were clean. Again, we won 2/3 so went 5-2 again. Something else I did different was the coach was really pushing me to stay behind the ball, like so much behind that my axis rotation was like close to 0. He wanted me rolling it end of end. Not sure if he wanted that as a base to later have me come around slightly or what but tonight I went back to my old release coming around the ball much more but I don't think as much as I used to.

Game 1: 172 (4 strikes, 4 spares, 3 opens)

Game 2: 224c (6 strikes, 4 spares)

Game 3: 239c (7 strikes, 4 spares)

Series: 635

Average: 211.67

Running average: 194.46

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.39

Strikes: 51% (17/33)

Spares: 80% (12/15)

Single pin spares: 83% (10/12)

Splits: 0% (0/0)

https://i.postimg.cc/8z29Rr3k/2023-12-12.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

that looks better! :)

[Aslan]

Geesh!

Must be something in the water! I've had a few good nights, Boomer nearly hit 800, and Boatman continues his domination!

[boatman37]

Must be out of my slump. Good night again tonight. Struggled a little game 2. Used the Pi the first 2 games then switched to the Xponent but had to move further outside with it. Game 2 just fell off a little and struggled to hit my mark.
We won all 3 games and I missed 700 by 19...ugh

Game 1: 256c (8 strikes, 3 spares, 0 opens)

Game 2: 200 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 225 (7 strikes, 4 spares, 1 open)

Series: 681

Average: 227.00

Running average: 196.58

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.21

Strikes: 58% (20/34)

Spares: 76% (10/13)

Single pin spares: 80% (4/5)

Splits: 100% (1/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/qMjHFQtq/2023-12-19.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Timmyb]

Nicely done!

[boatman37]

Well had some bright spots bu the middle of the night was a real struggle. I had been sick for the lat 6 days but pretty much over it by now but have no energy. Game 1 was fine but game 2 I was struggling. Think I was just worn out. We are/were in 2nd and was bowling the 1st place team. They are stacked. Their team average was 1056. We are a high handicap team that puts some good games together. 1st game we bowled pretty good and they struggled. I stayed clean and was looking good. Game 2 I lost it. Started missing my mark inside. Used the Pi till about F4 or 5 in game 2 then switched to the Xponent. Couldn't get it back to the pocket but took me about 4 frames to figure out I needed to move out. I stayed clean until about F3 or 4 of game 2 then had 4 opens in a row. Started out game 3 strong then struggled through the middle before finishing strong. Other team had 2 guys open with the front 8 and they smoked us that game.

Game 1: 215c (5 strikes, 5 spares, 0 opens)

Game 2: 138 (3 strikes, 2 spares, 6 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 200 (7 strikes, 1 spare, 3 opens-2 spares)

Series: 553

Average: 184.33

Running average: 195.83

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.15

Strikes: 44% (15/34)

Spares: 47% (8/17)

Single pin spares: 60% (6/10)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/bwkWkJLh/2024-01-02.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

yeah - I sympathize with the low energy thing. I've been struggling with that and with back strain-pain that has been cropping up at the third game.

Good recovery!

[boatman37]

Well back to sucking. Started with the Pi the first 8 or 9 frames then switched to the Xponent. Couldn't make a spare to save my life. To top it off the other team was on fire. They were 100 over average 2 games and 70 over average the other game.

Game 1: 158 (4 strikes, 2 spares, 4 opens-2 splits)

Game 2: 195 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens)

Game 3: 179 (4 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Series: 532

Average: 177.33

Running average: 194.76

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.62

Strikes: 43% (14/32)

Spares: 55% (10/18)

Single pin spares: 66% (2/3)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

https://i.postimg.cc/vHZ7sW4H/2024-01-09.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[J Anderson]

What do you mean you couldn’t make a spare? I count two more spares than opens and half the opens were on nasty nearly impossible splits. The 4-6-10 & 4-6-7-10 were obviously bad shots. The 7-10, back when the average bowler didn’t have a lot of power, used to be the result of going through the nose. Now days it’s more likely a shot that only slightly off. Likewise the 5-10 wasn’t a horrible shot, just too light.

[boatman37]

Missed 2 easy spares in game 1 and game 2. Thats 44-ish pins. I shouldn't be missing that many. My timing was off all night and my accuracy just wasn't there (probably due to timing)

[boatman37]

This is getting old. I can't hit the same spot twice. Tugged a bunch of shots tonight. Started with the Xponent but couldn't get anything going. Funny thing is last week and this week I couldn't miss in warmups. Tried the Pi early game 2 and did a little better. Switched back to the Xponent middle of game 3 and still couldn't do anything. 10th frame I started targeting the 1st arrow and was able to hit the pocket. Not sure what my fill frame was so just put in the 4-7-8. Couldn't make spares either. The last 3 weeks I'm averaging 181. My average is now down to 194.

Game 1: 176 (3 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Game 2: 204 (6 strikes, 2 spares, 2 opens)

Game 3: 170 (4 strikes, 4 spares, 3 opens-1 split)

Series: 550

Average: 183.33

Running average: 194.14

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.76

Strikes: 38% (13/34)

Spares: 61% (11/18)

Single pin spares: 62% (5/8)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/LsqxSfQ1/2024-01-16.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Welcome to my world.

If that strike % dips below 50%...ya just can't score...unless ya can drill every spare. Most of us can't pick up 90-100% of our spares...which means we need to strike to salvage anything respectable.

You were also hampered by splits...two of which were in the 9th frame.

We all go through midseason slumps...just a matter of getting back into our groove.

[boatman37]

Another rough night but think I found something hopefully. We had 6 of us so I volunteered to sit the first game. 2nd game used the Xponent until the 9th or 10th frame then switched to the Pi. I was targeting from the 6 board to the 10 board both with staying behind the ball and coming around.No consistency. One ball light next ball high. Game 3 with the Pi was much of the same. About the 7th frame I decided to move in to about the 13-14 board and try that. Took a little adjusting but found a line in the 10th and struck out. Only had 1 strike all game up till then and only 5 over both games. Thought process was that a few people had mentioned that they are certain they changed the shot awhile back and what they had been doing isn't working now. A guy on the other team tonight is a 224 average and he commented how he had to change everything in the last few weeks so I decided to try moving in. I at least had some consistency inside so wondering if thats the line now. Just seems very cliffed lately out around the 7-8 board.

Game 1: sat out

Game 2: 179 (3 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 191 (5 strikes, 6 spares, 1 open)

Series: 370

Average: 185.00

Running average: 193.82

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.78

Strikes: 34% (8/23)

Spares: 78% (11/14)

Single pin spares: 80% (4/5)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/tJvnWRGK/2024-01-23.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Well started rough but got better. Started with the Xponent outside and just have not had any luck with that line and ball combo. I started at about the 7-8 board then moved out to the 5 board. The coach I have been working with has been stressing to me to stay behind the ball and not to come around it at all. Game 2 I switched to the Pi and started out in around the 12-13 board and staying behind it. Later in game 2 I moved out to the 2nd arrow and tilted my wrist a little to add just a little axis tilt and rotation. That was the ticket. Threw 279 in game 3 with a 7 pin in the 4th frame still throwing the Pi. Only missed one 7 pin too. We lost the first 2 games but won the 3rd. Position round next week. We are in 4th of 13 teams.

Game 1: 170 (4 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens)

Game 2: 202 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 279c (11 strikes, 1 spare-no opens)

Series: 651

Average: 217.00

Running average: 194.98

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.35

Strikes: 67% (23/34)

Spares: 54% (6/11)

Single pin spares: 83% (5/6)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/ZnKCNDbg/2024-01-30.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[J Anderson]

Well started rough but got better. Started with the Xponent outside and just have not had any luck with that line and ball combo.

Game 1: 170 (4 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens)

Game 2: 202 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 279c (11 strikes, 1 spare-no opens)

Series: 651

Average: 217.00

Running average: 194.98

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.35

Strikes: 67% (23/34)

Spares: 54% (6/11)

Single pin spares: 83% (5/6)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/ZnKCNDbg/2024-01-30.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Always a good feeling when your scores go up each game👍

Just wondering why you started by using a ball on an area of the lane where that ball has not worked for you before?

[boatman37]

It was working ok up till a few weeks ago and my coach has been pushing me to stay out there but after game 1 last night i said screw this i'm doing it my way. I did keep alot of what he taught me. He wants me throwing the Xponent up the 5 board staying 100% behind it with close to 0 axis rotation or tilt. So middle of game 2 I gave up and moved in to the 10 board with the Pi and turned my wrist slightly to get a little tilt and rotation

[J Anderson]

It was working ok up till a few weeks ago and my coach has been pushing me to stay out there but after game 1 last night i said screw this i'm doing it my way. I did keep alot of what he taught me. He wants me throwing the Xponent up the 5 board staying 100% behind it with close to 0 axis rotation or tilt. So middle of game 2 I gave up and moved in to the 10 board with the Pi and turned my wrist slightly to get a little tilt and rotation

Sounds like your coach is preparing you to bowl on more challenging conditions. Even so when you’re bowling on the house shot straight up five doesn’t usually give you the best odds for getting a strike.

[boatman37]

Yeah my shot isn't consistent out there. The ball gets back to the pocket but maybe a little light or a little high. Last night on the 279 I targeted the 2nd arrow and stood about 18 so bellied it out a little but every shot was in the pocket. In fact, I threw 17 strikes in my last 19 shots and all were in the pocket except 1 Brooklyn

[boatman37]

Welp...obviously didn't fix it. Don't even wanna talk about it.

Game 1: 148 (4 strikes, 2 spares, 4 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 183 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 191 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Series: 522

Average: 174

Running average: 193.98

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.19

Strikes: 50% 16/32)

Spares: 50% (8/16)

Single pin spares: 66% (6/9)

https://i.postimg.cc/QNmt4zpn/2024-02-06.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Sounds like your coach is preparing you to bowl on more challenging conditions. Even so when you’re bowling on the house shot straight up five doesn’t usually give you the best odds for getting a strike.

THIS x 50

Rob and I have discussed this at length.

It's hard to abandon second arrow on a THS. You can throw a weak ball up the 1-6 boards and try to adjust your speed and/or loft...but I've found the same thing when I move out there. I either pull the shot (afraid of the gutter) or the ball hits the pocket and leaves a 10-pin or 7-pin. And, same thing moving over to 15-19 and trying to play a more inside line. I have very little hand and too much speed...so I have to try to move up closer to the foul line to slow my approach down...and then I end up pulling the shot because I don't trust the ball to come back.

All that being said, I 100% agree with Rob that you need to have a few different lines/strategies because you have to have some ability to move laterally and get outside your comfort zone. It's just a lot more difficult than it seems (which, so is bowling overall). It's terribly disheartening to struggle all night trying to play your B-Game or C-Game...meanwhile your teammates/opponents are just tossing some 15-year old ball up second arrow and nearly getting 300.

[boatman37]

It has been frustrating. I told my PSO that I was getting lessons from this guy and his comment was that I'll have to find another coach to unteach everything this one taught me...lol. But he is the only coach within about 200 miles. He has helped me to figure out some things (like different hand positions) and I was doing better at first but now I'm so inconsistent. The other night I tried both the Pi and the Xponent from the 1st arrow to about the 3rd arrow and nothing worked on the left lane. Right lane was better but couldn't figure out the left.

[Aslan]

It has been frustrating. I told my PSO that I was getting lessons from this guy and his comment was that I'll have to find another coach to unteach everything this one taught me...lol. But he is the only coach within about 200 miles.

Very common. I've experienced the same comments back when I got a lot of coaching. I'd tell other bowlers or coaches that I took some lessons from "XYZ" and they'd say similar things. And I agree with the 2nd part as well, I honestly only know of one former PBA player around here, and he's 45 minutes away and doesn't give lessons anymore. Not like living in Cali where I had multiple pro coaches to take lessons from, a couple PSOs, Rob out in Vegas.

I WISH the USBC would have a link on their website to coaches near you...and you could check boxes to filter the results. Like:

- Distance (radius)
- Gold Level
- Silver Level
- Bronze Level
- Accepting new students
- Registered Volunteer (Screened to Teach Children)
- Ages Taught (All, Junior Only, College Only, Adults only, Seniors, etc...)
- # PBA/PBA50/PWBA competitions
- # PBA/PBA50/PWBA titles
- Bolwed Collegiate?
- Bowled International
- Price
- Language(s)
- Two-Handers/traditional
- wheelchair bowling

I mean, there are SO many bowling balls and bowling ball companies...yet you can filter results at bowling ball.com and find a handful of options. For bowling coaches, you'll be as good as the person running your pro shop...IF your center still has a pro shop. Tennis has a LOT of coaches. Golf has a LOT of coaches. Bowling??

And its not fair to blame the sport or USBC...because the DEMAND for coaching isn't the same. It comes down to something one of my coaches told me: "You have 3 kinds of bowlers: One kind that bowls terribly but doesn't care. You have one kind that bowls well, that thinks they don't need coaching. Then you have one kind that isn't bowling great or even well and wants to get better. That 3rd group gets coaching."

[boatman37]

USBC used to have a list of certified coaches and at the time this guy was a bronze level and the only one on there within 2 hours, which is why I never went that route. Ran into this guy in my summer league and started talking to him. He is a 235 average bowler and is now a silver level coach. He started helping us at league without charging us anything so ended up getting official lessons from him. He has definitely helped me but now I feel like a dart without feathers. No idea what to do or what I'm doing wrong. Oddly when he is there watching and helping I can get it perfect. He hasn't been at league for a couple of weeks now though. Probably gonna have to hit him up again. I think next tuesday I'm going in early and throw a practice game. If I figure it out then I'll bowl league. If I don't I'll probably sit out league and either hang with the team or continue practicing.

[J Anderson]

USBC used to have a list of certified coaches and at the time this guy was a bronze level and the only one on there within 2 hours, which is why I never went that route. Ran into this guy in my summer league and started talking to him. He is a 235 average bowler and is now a silver level coach. He started helping us at league without charging us anything so ended up getting official lessons from him. He has definitely helped me but now I feel like a dart without feathers. No idea what to do or what I'm doing wrong. Oddly when he is there watching and helping I can get it perfect. He hasn't been at league for a couple of weeks now though. Probably gonna have to hit him up again. I think next tuesday I'm going in early and throw a practice game. If I figure it out then I'll bowl league. If I don't I'll probably sit out league and either hang with the team or continue practicing.

The ‘find a coach’ feature on Bowl.com is back up and running. You can look for a coach within a certain distance from your home zip code, by state, or you can look for a particular coach by name. It no longer shows the level one coaches, just the bronze, silver, and gold ones. To get the level of information that Aslan would like, the coach has to be signed up for something called ‘Coach +’. If the coach is signed up for this clicking on his or her name will send you to a page with what ever info the coach chooses to provide. So far only one coach in Connecticut is signed up and his details are somewhat sparse.

[Aslan]

I'll have to take another look at bowl.com.

I know there's a coach locally, because I saw him giving lessons yesterday. I'd prefer to have "options", but I doubt I'll get a huge selection unless I wanna drive 45 minutes to Wichita...which I'd be willing to do once a month for a high-level coach.

[boatman37]

For the heck of it I did a search within 50 miles of me. There are 7 total coaches. 2 are silver and 5 are bronze. One of the silvers is the guy I go to. Gonna stick with him cause he has taught me quite a bit. I just need to get back on track. Planning on going in early tomorrow and throw a game or 2 before we start

[boatman37]

Went in early and threw 2 games. First was testing both the Xponent and Pi with different lines and hand positions. 166. Game 2 used the Pi up the 2nd arrow with a little hand in it. 225.
On to league. Bowled decent overall but had a few mistakes. Used the Xponent all 3 games up the 7-8 board. 211 with an open in the 10th. Game 2 opened in the 1st for a 241. Game 3 couldn't string anything then opened in the 10th for 193. Missed a 5 pin in the 10th. Didn't put much effort into it. We had lost the first 2 games and had a decent lead in the 3rd. Turns out my opponent struck in the fill to tie us. Had I made that 5 pin we would have won by 1 pin...ugh

Game 1: 211 (7 strikes, 1 spare, 2 opens)

Game 2: 241 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 1 open)

Game 3: 193 (5 strikes, 4 spares, 2 opens)

Series: 645

Average: 215.00

Running average: 194.93

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.12

Strikes: 60% (20/33)

Spares: 58% (7/12)

Single pin spares: 75% (6/8)

Splits: 0% (0/0)

7 pins: 75% (3/4)

https://i.postimg.cc/JngzYdhv/2024-02-13.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Went in early and threw 2 practice games again. Lanes were burned. Had to throw my spare ball to hit the pocket. Our team had a bye tonight so had to be withing 50 pins of our average. We won all 3. All 6 of us were there so I sat game 2. Threw the Xponent games 1 and 3. My son has been struggling real bad and didn't want to go tonight but he ended up bowling games 2 and 3. He has a Robbys Revs adjustable brace and has been having consistency issues since he got it. Borrowed a teammates cheap $20 brace and he bowled real good with it so he ordered one while we were in the middle of the game...lol.
So back to me...Game 3 I struggled with spares but threw 9 strikes to make up for it.

Game 1: 207 (5 strikes, 4 spares, 1 open-2 splits)

Game 2: didn't bowl

Game 3: 223 (9 strikes, 1 spare, 2opens-1 split)

Series: 430

Average: 215.00

Running average: 195.52

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.22

Strikes: 60% (14/23

Spares: 62% (5/8)

Single pin spares: 75% (3/4)

Splits: 33% (1/3)

7 pins (66% (2/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/FHZRh1jQ/2024-02-20.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[J Anderson]

Three frames is a small sample size to come to the conclusion that you struggled with spares in game three. Some times it seems that lefties have a harder time with the 7 pin than right handers do with the 10 pin. So making one out of two isn’t all that bad. Then the other open was a 6-7-10, the odds of making it are well under 50%.

All in all, it looks like the practice games are helping.

[boatman37]

I just ride myself hard when I miss a spare. I'm about 75-80% on 7 pins so sucks to miss 1 of 3 but I could make the next 10 and my % would be great...lol. I'm just not out of that 'I suck" stage of mentality yet after struggling hard for 6 weeks. I'm just waiting for that next 140 game...lol

[Aslan]

My son has been struggling real bad and didn't want to go tonight but he ended up bowling games 2 and 3. He has a Robbys Revs adjustable brace and has been having consistency issues since he got it. Borrowed a teammates cheap $20 brace and he bowled real good with it so he ordered one while we were in the middle of the game...lol.


On my Sunday league, a teammate was all kinds of issues with his thumb at the start of the season. I introduced him to some VISE thumb tape...gave him some for a few weeks...and he ended up ordering his own and uses it every week. And, maybe it helped or maybe not...but he's gone from averaging in the high 150s to 170s. In the beginning of the season, I always had the highest score on my team...every game. But, lately, this guy has beat a couple times. He's a unique bowler in that he's always asking what he should do and things like that...sometimes I give him advice...but he actually asks for help and actually tries what you tell him to do. Sometimes, and it's 'probably' paranoia; but I think he's stealing my line sometimes.

[boatman37]

Another rough one. Lanes were dry. Threw the Xponent games 1 and 3 and the Pi game 2. Spare shooting was horrific and couldn't strike. On the bright side we won all 3 games.

Game 1: 157 (4 strikes, 1 spare, 5 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 173 (5 strikes, 3 spares, 3 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 215 (6 strikes, 4 spares, 1 open)

Series: 545

Average: 181.67

Running average: 194.54

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.15

Strikes: 45% (15/33)

Spares: 47% (8/17)

Single pin spares: 80% (8/10)

Splits: 0% (0/2)

7 pins: 66% (2/3)

https://i.postimg.cc/BvDYyXyx/2024-02-27.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

well 163, 204, 161. 'nuff said. it's gettin' old. soon as the coaching started my average started going down

[boatman37]

And it continues. 224, 173, 172. 50% strikes. 50% spares. 66% single pins. Ready to quit. Finally got coaching and now can't break 600 for the life of me. Not blaming it on the coach but was doing better before. Just don't understand it.

[J Anderson]

And it continues. 224, 173, 172. 45% strikes. 41% spares. 58% single pins. Ready to quit. Finally got coaching and now can't break 600 for the life of me. Not blaming it on the coach but was doing better before. Just don't understand it.

Depending on what your coach is trying to change, it’s natural to go through a period where the new hasn’t been mastered but your old way doesn’t work any more.

By the way, make sure that you and the coach are on the same page as far as what your goals are.

[boatman37]

I had goals...first was to get rid of my off balance hop at release. Got a comment last night that I look much better and it's mostly gone. The other was I always come around the ball. My axis rotation was about 70* so he worked on that. Actually he started working on that before I even told him I wanted to work on it...lol.
I 'think' my issue is before I had 1 release so it was easily repeatable. Now I have 2 or if I go back to my old style I can have 3 and think I'm not getting it the exact same each time. But I'm also missing easy spares. Last night was using my spare ball for the 6 pin (lefty). Missed 2 of them. I had been using my strike ball but a couple months ago went to a tournament at another center and the backends were so dry I couldn't pick up any spares with my strike ball so decided to dedicate myself to my spare ball for the 4, 6, 7 or 10. I went from averaging 20 strikes a night to about 12-14 now and my spare % has dropped.

[J Anderson]

I had goals...first was to get rid of my off balance hop at release. Got a comment last night that I look much better and it's mostly gone. The other was I always come around the ball. My axis rotation was about 70* so he worked on that. Actually he started working on that before I even told him I wanted to work on it...lol.
I 'think' my issue is before I had 1 release so it was easily repeatable. Now I have 2 or if I go back to my old style I can have 3 and think I'm not getting it the exact same each time. But I'm also missing easy spares. Last night was using my spare ball for the 6 pin (lefty). Missed 2 of them. I had been using my strike ball but a couple months ago went to a tournament at another center and the backends were so dry I couldn't pick up any spares with my strike ball so decided to dedicate myself to my spare ball for the 4, 6, 7 or 10. I went from averaging 20 strikes a night to about 12-14 now and my spare % has dropped.

Sounds like a good analysis to me. How much practice are you able to get in outside of league?

[boatman37]

For a few weeks I was going in early on league night and bowling 2 games but aside from that none. Life is too hectic right now. Been skipping tournaments due to my busy schedule but the way I have been bowling that is probably a good thing.

[boatman37]

A little better tonight. Focused on my footwork and release. Also used the Pi all night. Coach had been pushing for me to use the Xponent out around the 5 board. Tonight threw the Pi targeting the 10 board. Spare shooting was horrible still but my strike game was back. Won 2 of 3. Not getting my hopes up caue we were on one of my best pairs and I have a good night then 6 bad ones after that.

Game 1: 225c (7 strikes, 4 spares, 0 opens)

Game 2: 187 (7 strikes, 0 spares, 4 opens)

Game 3: 226 (8 strikes, 3 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Series: 638

Average: 212.67

Running average: 194.70

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.44

Strikes: 64% (22/34)

Spares: 58% (7/12)

Single pin spares: 62% (5/8)

7 pins: 50% (3/6)

https://i.postimg.cc/v8JwTpWZ/2024-03-19.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Absolutely no words. Worst night since October 2020. Was in the pocket most of the night. To make matters worse I was high man on my team with 488. Other team crushed it. A 180 average bowler had a 690. They were at least 100 over their average every game.
The only bright spot was I started out 5/5 on 7 pins then missed my last 2 after I didn't care anymore.

https://i.postimg.cc/vmY3ZC54/2024-03-26.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

I'd like to thank Boatman for posting this. I had a similar week and now I don't feel so bad. :cool:

[boatman37]

lol. Me and my step-son both struggled bad and we were the only 2 lefties. Not sure I can blame it on the lanes but just an observation. We were the only 2 lefties on the pair. He is only about 10 months into his bowling career with a 160 average so to see him struggle at times isn't that shocking but for both of us to struggle and being the only 2 on the left side has me wondering. Not that I had been bowling great before that too though.

[boatman37]

A little better tonight. Just can't understand how I can bowl good one night then look like a rookie the following week. Figured I'd try anything tonight so grabbed my Altered Reality that only has about 30-40 games on it. Tried it and the Pi in warm-ups. Both were ok so started with the Pi. Have never had alot of confidence in that ball. 10th frame switched to the Pi. The Pi was about 1 board stronger than the AR. Used the Pi in games 2 and 3. Spare shooting was decent too. The only concerning thing was my night was just decent but it took a 4 bagger and a 6 bagger to get to that.

Game 1: 185 (5 strikes, 5 spares, 1 open)

Game 2: 224 (7 strikes, 1 spare, 3 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 201 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Series: 610

Average: 203.33

Running average: 193.88

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.15

Strikes: 54% (18/33)

Spares: 60% (9/15)

Single pin spares: 83% (5/6)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

7 pins: 80% (4/5)

https://i.postimg.cc/0jxdNXzW/2024-04-02.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Aslan]

Yeah. It looks like in game 1 you had one lane that was giving you trouble. And, you still stayed clean...so, not bad. The only thing that derailed you later was splits...not much you can do about that other than not leave them in the first place.

[boatman37]

Pretty frustrating night. Not so much cause of my bowling but it was so warm and humid in there it was horrible. Everyone was sweating. Like literally sweat on their foreheads. Approaches were so tacky it was very hard to bowl. I normally stand in front of the right gutter for 7 pins but it was so sticky over the that I had to move my alignment left. My release was messed up cause I was expecting to stick. Guy on the pair next to us faceplanted from sticking. A guy that has rolled 2 300's this season was wearing an S12. Said he had never worn one of those before but had no choice tonight. I don't think they turned the air on until after the first game. We won 2 of 3 but don't think we gained any ground. 2 of 3 gets you 5-2 if you get total pins. Only way to gain any ground is to go 7-0, which we have only done maybe 3 times all season. Only 3 or 4 weeks left. I actually wanted to quit 1/2 way through the 2nd game cause I was worried about faceplanting but didn't want to let me team down. My accuracy was pretty good tonight on the few shots I didn't stick but kept 7 pinning cause I wasn't getting enough on the ball.

Game 1: 192 (4 strikes, 4 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 2: 203 (6 strikes, 3 spares, 2 opens-2 splits)

Game 3: 182 (3 strikes, 7 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Series: 577

Average: 192. 33

Running average: 193.83

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.12

Strikes: 40% (13/32)

Spares: 73% (14/19)

Single pin spares: 83% (10/12)

Splits: 40% (2/5)

7 pins: 83% (5/6)

https://i.postimg.cc/4x8d02L9/2024-04-09.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Looked at the results from last night and our team had highest handicap game and series and our opponents had highest scratch game and scratch series. The top scratch and handicap games and series were mostly consisting of both of our teams so apparently us 2 teams handled it the best.

[boatman37]

Weird night. Started out great. Spare shooting was pretty good all night but lost my touch end of game 1. Started with the Pi then 1/2 way through game 2 after leaving about 5 7 pins I switched to the Xponent but still struggled until I moved out to the 7 board. We won 2 of 3 and moved up to 6th. So in our 3 3rds we finished 4th, 5th, and 6th so fat this last 3rd but position round next week. Not bowling summer league this year.

Game 1: 225c (5 strikes, 5 spares, no opens)

Game 2: 180 (3 strikes, 6 spares, 2 opens-1 split)

Game 3: 194 (6 strikes, 2 spares, 2 opens)

Series: 599

Average: 199.67

Running average: 194.02

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.21

Strikes: 42% (14/33)

Spares: 76% (13/17)

Single pin spares: 75% (9/12)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

7 pins (71% (5/7)

https://i.postimg.cc/N0nswDKP/2024-04-16.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[J Anderson]

Weird night. Started out great. Spare shooting was pretty good all night but lost my touch end of game 1. Started with the Pi then 1/2 way through game 2 after leaving about 5 7 pins I switched to the Xponent but still struggled until I moved out to the 7 board. We won 2 of 3 and moved up to 6th. So in our 3 3rds we finished 4th, 5th, and 6th so fat this last 3rd but position round next week. Not bowling summer league this year.

Not bad except for the 5 pin in your last frame.

I still have to make up my mind about doing a summer league. I think I would have to miss at least two weeks and that seems like a lot for a 14 week season. Having bowled in three leagues since January I feel like I could use a break, but I’ve been bowling fairly well lately so I also want to keep going.

[boatman37]

Yeah I was getting tired by the end and we were up by over 100 pins so i didn't focus enough on that 5. But to be fair I moved over 1/2 board right and the ball never hooked. Just slid past on the left side and missed by a good 6". Not sure what caused that. The bigger issue is lack of strikes. After game 1 just couldn't strike.. Kept making minor adjustments before I changed balls. But the good side to this is my step-son has a 160 average. He had a 557 last night to my 599. He had 1 more strike than me but I got to point out to him that I beat him because of spare shooting. Not sure if he is fully aware of the importance of spare shooting yet but hopefully last night helped him see it.

[Aslan]

I still have to make up my mind about doing a summer league. I think I would have to miss at least two weeks and that seems like a lot for a 14 week season. Having bowled in three leagues since January I feel like I could use a break, but I’ve been bowling fairly well lately so I also want to keep going.

Yup. I'm only planning on doing one league this summer...not a lot of options here. But, for me, I just lose too much of my technique when I take a complete break from bowling. Then it takes me about 8 weeks to get it back in the fall.

My arsenals are better now that I'm putting them together more carefully. My legs (knock on wood) are both hanging on. My timing is almost completely back. I even got to as high as a 189 average (before ending the season in a slump)...so maybe I'm back on track for 190-195 like I was back in 2016-2017.

[J Anderson]

Yeah I was getting tired by the end and we were up by over 100 pins so i didn't focus enough on that 5. But to be fair I moved over 1/2 board right and the ball never hooked. Just slid past on the left side and missed by a good 6". Not sure what caused that. The bigger issue is lack of strikes. After game 1 just couldn't strike.. Kept making minor adjustments before I changed balls. But the good side to this is my step-son has a 160 average. He had a 557 last night to my 599. He had 1 more strike than me but I got to point out to him that I beat him because of spare shooting. Not sure if he is fully aware of the importance of spare shooting yet but hopefully last night helped him see it.

Did your first ball go right of the 1-2 pocket? If you’re lined up the five pin is just your strike shot. That should hit the five dead center because there’s no head pin to deflect it.

[boatman37]

1st ball was good but just a little deflection. Maybe a hair light. But when I'm playing the 6-7 board the ball has a pretty steep entry angle so I move right 1/2 board to 1 board for the 5 pin. I know a strike ball should take it out but just what I have been doing.

[Aslan]

Did your first ball go right of the 1-2 pocket? If you’re lined up the five pin is just your strike shot. That should hit the five dead center because there’s no head pin to deflect it.

That's a good point.

I've always kept the same line and just changed my vertical target a little downlane to adjust for pin placement. But, maybe I'll just duplicate my strike line. I forgot to account for the deflection.

[boatman37]

Another mixed night. Spare shooting was phenomenal but couldn't strike. Just couldn't get it back to the pocket. Kept moving and still hit light. Started with the Pi and light. My coach was there and told me the ball was burning up so on his advice I switched to the Xponent. No difference. Was targeting the 4-5 board and still light. Finally in game 3 I tucked my pinky. Hadn't done that for months since my coach told me not to do it anymore. After that I started striking. He had left by then so...lol.

Oh...and Pinpal says 2 clean games but opened in the 11th frame so thought that would be considered an open?

Game 1: 182 (3 strikes, 7 spares, 1 open-1 split)

Game 2: 195 (4 strikes, 7 spares, no opens-1 split)

Game 3: 244 (8 strikes, 2 spares, 1 open (PinPal calls this a clean game))

Series: 621

Average: 207.00

Running average: 194.43

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 8.97

Strikes: 45% (15/33)

Spares: 88% (16/18)

Single pin spares: 100% (8/8)

Splits: 50% (1/2)

7 pins: 100% (1/1)

https://i.postimg.cc/rwmCFZ7q/2024-04-23.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

Nah - fill frames don't count for clean games. :)

Nice grinding on games 1 and 2 - way to stick with it!

[J Anderson]

Nah - fill frames don't count for clean games. :)

Nice grinding on games 1 and 2 - way to stick with it!

Depends who you’re talking to. When my sport league had a 40 clean pot, back when we bowled 4 games, moving pairs after every game, if you struck in the tenth on the first ball but not the second you had to make the spare to have a clean game. After going several years with no one winning, they rolled the accumulated money into the regular prize fund.

[boatman37]

End of season tournament tonight. First game was tough. I was 4/4 in warm ups and that is usually a bad sign...lol. Started with the Pi and it was good the first 2 frames or so but started dying so switched to the Xponent. Kept leaving 7 pins. Kept moving in but no change. Moved back a little, no change. Moved further outside and changed hand position a little and that helped. Finished the night with the Xponent. Spare shooting was pretty good except 2 missed 6 pins that I should have never missed.
First game I was the only one on the team to hit their average. Ended with 1024 with handicap. Not good at all. I was considering asking the team if they just wanted to take last place and quit for the night but we soldiered on. Game 2 I was the only one that didn't hit their average. Game 3 I think all of us hit our average. Games 2 and 3 we rolled 1234 and 1256. Ended up 3rd out of 13 teams.

Game 1: 206 (5 strikes, 5 spares, 1 open)

Game 2: 184 (4 strikes, 5 spares, 2 opens)

Game 3: 224 (8 strikes, 1 spare, 2 opens)

Series: 614

Average: 204.67

Running average: 194.74

Last seasons average: 197.66

First ball average: 9.33

Strikes: 51% (17/33)

Spares: 68% (11/16)

Single pin spares: 66% (8/12)

Splits: 0% (0/0)

7 pins: 75% (6/8)

https://i.postimg.cc/bv7RqJnt/2024-04-30.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[boomer]

8 7-pins and only 2 missed? that's not bad - way better than I'm doing with my 10s right now. . .

[boatman37]

Yeah I have been working on that. Last night I went through my PinPal stats and for the month of April I bowled 26 games. I made 78% of my 7 pins (26/33). Much better than I was last year