What to focus on after a long layoff?

[HWooldridge]

My first post here - looks like a great site.

A little history before my question. I'm 51 and have not bowled regularly since high school in the late '70's. At that time, I owned a Dick Weber Powerball (black rubber) for strikes and a Columbia Blue Dot for spares. My average ranged from 210 to 220 and I bowled for a school team and in two other leagues (the school team went to state championships and we took 2nd two years running). I threw a big hook with the Powerball and had a high game of 270 with it. After high school, I went to a state college in a town that did not have an alley so I quit bowling. Fast forward 30 years; some of my co-workers talked me into joining a league and entering a tournament. We practiced some and while I fully expected to be off my previous numbers, I discovered that I really can't do much better than a 120 average (although I did manage to throw one game at 212). Last week, I bought a Columbia Freeze and had it drilled like my old Powerball. I love how it feels and moves but still can't do much better than 120 or so. Balls are going all over the place and usually hit high on the head pin; I'm throwing consistently about 12 mph.

I understand it's difficult to give advice without seeing someone bowl but was wondering if anyone has some suggestions on where to start to acquire consistency? Maybe it's simply a case of needing to practice but I can't figure out what to focus on. Thx in advance...

[bowl1820]

I understand it's difficult to give advice without seeing someone bowl but was wondering if anyone has some suggestions on where to start to acquire consistency? Maybe it's simply a case of needing to practice but I can't figure out what to focus on. Thx in advance...

The place to start is back at the basic's, start with your stance. A poor start affects everything that follows.

If your holding the ball to far inside or outside your bowling shoulder. You'll be pushing the ball too far left or right as you start your approach.

Start with the ball inline with your bowling shoulder and push the ball straight for your target. this will produce a more consistent and accurate swing.

Plus don't forget the trailing arm.
Heres a trick from Kegel to help you keep from pulling shot's.By keeping the trailing arm back, but even with your shoulders.

To do this have the thumb of your non bowling hand turned down and slightly pointed toward the approach behind you.

This will help lock your arm and keep your shoulder from rotating and help keep your balance in check.

When you watch the pro's keep a eye out for them doing this.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/aloarjr810/bowlingxtras/thumb_pos.jpg

[J Anderson]

My first post here - looks like a great site.

A little history before my question. I'm 51 and have not bowled regularly since high school in the late '70's. At that time, I owned a Dick Weber Powerball (black rubber) for strikes and a Columbia Blue Dot for spares. My average ranged from 210 to 220 and I bowled for a school team and in two other leagues (the school team went to state championships and we took 2nd two years running). I threw a big hook with the Powerball and had a high game of 270 with it. After high school, I went to a state college in a town that did not have an alley so I quit bowling. Fast forward 30 years; some of my co-workers talked me into joining a league and entering a tournament. We practiced some and while I fully expected to be off my previous numbers, I discovered that I really can't do much better than a 120 average (although I did manage to throw one game at 212). Last week, I bought a Columbia Freeze and had it drilled like my old Powerball. I love how it feels and moves but still can't do much better than 120 or so. Balls are going all over the place and usually hit high on the head pin; I'm throwing consistently about 12 mph.

I understand it's difficult to give advice without seeing someone bowl but was wondering if anyone has some suggestions on where to start to acquire consistency? Maybe it's simply a case of needing to practice but I can't figure out what to focus on. Thx in advance...

I definitely agree with Bowl1820 - Start with the basics: Starting position,Arm-swing, Footwork, Timing, and Follow-through. If possible have one of your teammates watch you to see what is changing to send the ball all over the lane. If not you will have to watch how the ball goes down the lane. Look to see if the ball is rolling over your target, is it hooking at the same point down lane. If you aren't hitting your mark its probably your swing and / or your timing. If you are hitting the target, your feet may be drifting right or left on the approach, causing you to put the ball on the lane in a different spot every time. If the ball is breaking at a different point each time it may be your hand position is inconsistent or your timing.

[HWooldridge]

OK, thanks for the tips - I'll try them and see what happens.

[richc]

Almost all regions of the country have USBC certified coaches available to help you get back on the right path to reaching your bowling potential. Most folks simply do not like to take bowling lessons. Suggest you strongly consider getting a lesson with a certified coach or local area bowling professional, if you have not already done so? Please consider a small investment to have a trained eye assist you in your comeback. If you find a good coach, the money spent will be worthwhile. Good lcuk and good bowling.

[Big Dog]

Definitely check in with a coach. Do make sure they are certified with the USBC. There are unfortunately a lot of wannabees out there. A good start will bring a good finish. Do not be in a hurry. I am an older bowler too. By the way, I have a Columbia Freeze in my bag and love the ball. My high series with it is a 715. A good foundation to start from. Good luck.

[richc]

Please give some serious consideration to taking a bowling lesson from a certified USBC instructor or from a local bowling professional with experience in coaching.

For a modest coaching fee, you might pick up valuable tips on your physical game and also on how to use your new bowling balls? If you are struggling with a 120 average and can only develop 12 mph of ball speed, than there is little doubt a small investment in a bowling lesson can help you on your road to progress. Check with local bowling pro shops or with area bowling newspapers for leads on coaches. Hope this helps?