Beer and bowling

[the_halfie]

Thought I'd start up a discussion to see how many other bowlers out there are like minded and drink while they bowl whether it's to have a good time and/ or possibly calm their nerves.

I started off drinking and bowling when I first joined a league. Me and the team mates all drink and have a good time, but I have found that it also calms me. When I don't have a glass or two in me I find myself over thinking, and psyching myself out even before I throw my first frame. However after a few I calm down, I stay focused on what I need to do, and I keep my focus on the target at hand. I REALLY noticed this when I bowled at the USBC VA State Open tournament this year as to how more relaxed I am after I've had a couple first. My nerves, heart, and thoughts were racing, I could feel that I wasn't going to calm down until I got a slight buzz. Once I got that slight buzz, I zoned in and started making my release which in turn helped me to make my shots. Of course I missed quite a few due to simple mistakes (throwing across my body, missing my mark because I'm not incredibly consistent yet, etc) but overall I noticed that I was doing quite well. I joke around saying, "I can't bowl sober" and laugh, but when I REALLY think about it there's some truth to that so far!

So just how many others find that this helps?

[Greenday]

It helps sometimes. Last night, I bowled an awful 221 in my first game (Two opens). Then everything went to hell and I bowled a 121. I stopped striking all together, my spare shooting was complete garbage. I started drinking in the second game, then I bowled a 165 in the third (Still couldn't find a rhythm). Going into the fourth game, while on my fourth beer, I decided to just say screw it and change my whole approach. Put my Tropical Breeze away, pulled out my Sync, and instead of throwing ten and outside (Lanes burned up REALLY fast, super hot in there), I stood on 29, hit 15 at arrows, and was actually getting it out to 7-8 and it was slamming in. Looked just like a ball reaction video on youtube. 256. Hot damn beer gives me good ideas.

[the_halfie]

Nice! Whenever I get a strike, I smile lift my glass and say, "I give credit to the beer!" Or something to that extent at least lol.

[billf]

I really don't drink much. There is a standing rule among my teammates and friends though. Every time I make a 7-10 split somebody buys me a double shot of tequila.
My opponent bought it tonight. He was the one that left the 7-10 split in the tenth frame. Being non-sanctioned he jokingly asked my to pick it up. Which I did but that enabled him to beat me.

[the_halfie]

Ok now that's funny and awesome lol! I'll eventually pick up the 7-10 split, some day only I'll take a double shot of rum or Jameson

[Hampe]

Yea I've noticed that as well. I don't necessarily play better (as far as higher scores), but I do feel more relaxed and confident after a few. Unfortunately the Swiss bowling association is a part of Swiss Olympic, so no alcohol is allowed during those tournaments/leagues. But in the company league and all tournaments for that, I definitely always have a beer in my hand (except when I'm on the approach ).

[the_halfie]

Man that sucks! I think I could EVENTUALLY get comfortable enough to bowl with little to no beer, but for now it helps calm me and I'm out there having a blast! No need to change that for now

[GeoLes]

I find that if I drink enough beer while bowling, I think i bowl better. If I drink too much, I don't care how well I bowl

Seriously, I rarely drink anything but water while bowling.

Whatever you drink, make sure you don't spill it on the approach or you may miss your shot. If you do spill on the approach make sure it ruins your opponent's shot.

[got_a_300]

I only drink coffee or water when I bowl as I do not drink
any kind of alcohol drinks any more. I can remember back
in my mid 20's myself and a few friends would get together
and head out to the bowling center to have a few and bowl
a few games.

Well we would make it to the bar and that is as far as we got,
don't think I ever did make it out onto the lanes to bowl a few
games I always just sat at the bar and drank.

The last time I tried to bowl with a snoot full or drinking any kind
of alcohol drink was back in 1991. I came in from the lodge after
having a few.....well lets say quite a few that is and tried to bowl
the Moose Lodge league that night.

I couldn't hardly get the ball past the arrows before it would hit the
gutter and I would just bust out laughing about it as I thought it was
pretty funny but my team mates swore if I ever came in like that again
they were going to hurt me badly.

So it is safe to say that has never happened again since I quit drinking
right after that.

[crimsoneyes]

I like to have a couple drinks while i bowl. It calms the nerves a bit. I am very conscientious of how much I drink however. My brother in law is one who drinks excessively and I have first hand experience with how annoying it can be. He actually blew our chances of winning our league this year. He is a 175 avg bowler and only bowled 135 avg that night. We lost the championship match by 17 pins.

I guess the point I'm making would be that there is a time and place for excessive drinking. Open bowling.