Graaille

Preventive maintenance in bowling can mean different things to different bowlers, but essentially it simply means: Be prepared. Let's say the last time you went bowling your spare ball was cracked, or a grip fell out. Maybe the ball you keep polished was worn down by a recent tournament, and you notice the ball is shiny everywhere except your ball track.

Preventive maintenance means that you don't let these things go unaddressed. They may seem small, but paying attention to them allows you to be ready to take the next step. The worse thing is to feel like you squandered an opportunity because you don't have what you need when you need it. Keeping track of the details--bowling tape, rosin bags, finger grips--will help you be ready when you need to be.

If you don't pay attention to these things, you'll be behind the 8-ball before you get started. If you do, though, you'll be surprised by how much better you feel mentally when you're not scrambling around during a match trying to find a bevel knife or SuperGlue or a new grip.

This idea of preparation can be extended to the lanes, as well. If you're prepared when you get to the bowling center, you can watch the other bowlers instead of standing in line at the pro shop trying to line up the supplies you need. That gives you the chance to learn something by watching how the lanes are playing, and that will help not only you, but your doubles partner or your whole team.