Aslan's Scores (of the non-lady kind)

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 13

498 Series: 161-181-156

X, 8 1, 9 /, S8 -, X, S8 1, 6 /, X, 7 /, X S7 2.
Tough game. My teammates saved the day. One of them probably shot the best game of his life...like a 279..and the anchor salvages a 220+ game after a couple bad shots. But I just couldn't find my line...made bad shots...THREE splits! I mean, c'mon!

X, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 /, 8 /, X, 9 /, 6 2, X 6 /.
Couldn't find carry...but I kept things clean right up until the 9th. Ughh! Left side buckets have been the bane of my existence lately.

3 6, 9 -, 6 1 6 /, 9 -, X, 7 /, 9 /, X, X 7 -.
Had a better game when I switched to the Grudge Hybrid in the 6th...but it was just a disasterous game.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.33 pins
Strikes: 33%
Spares: 54% picked up

Single Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 5-pin (3x each).
Also left a single 2-pin (2x), 3-pin, and 7-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 63% (12/19)
Multiple Pin spares: 54% (6/11)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-4-5-8 bucket (3x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 166.00.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 172.33.

Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- I did better on single-pins...granted, that's because I left more of them in the middle.

Negatives
- I was all over the place.
- My speed seemed to be too high...even though I start the night a foot closer to the foul line.
- The team only took one game against the team just above us in the standings.

I just wish I knew what I did so differently than last week. I attacked the lanes the same as last week...but with drastically pee poor results.

[J Anderson]

"Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- I did better on single-pins...granted, that's because I left more of them in the middle.

Negatives
- I was all over the place.
- My speed seemed to be too high...even though I start the night a foot closer to the foul line.
- The team only took one game against the team just above us in the standings.

I just wish I knew what I did so differently than last week. I attacked the lanes the same as last week...but with drastically pee poor results."
Aslan, the higher speed may be a result of feeling fine physically. Personally, I have noticed times when I have moved closer to the foul line to slow down that the speed was just as fast. I think that subconsciously, because I was trying to throw it slower, my arm and shoulder muscles were more relaxed and the swing was freer.

Have you checked to see if you are sliding consistently with regard to your starting point?

[Aslan]

Aslan, the higher speed may be a result of feeling fine physically. Personally, I have noticed times when I have moved closer to the foul line to slow down that the speed was just as fast. I think that subconsciously, because I was trying to throw it slower, my arm and shoulder muscles were more relaxed and the swing was freer.

Have you checked to see if you are sliding consistently with regard to your starting point?

I'm not sure. I'll have to keep out for that. Usually, moving closer to the foul line helps me slow down. When I started further back on the approach, I was almost "running" to the foul line. And I didn't need more speed. I can throw it 13-17 with barely any approach. You made two good points though. My speed wasn't slowing down despite moving up. And, maybe getting back into good physical form is ramping my speed up on its own. I'm not fighting a sore knee or damaged Achilles.

Summer League

Week 14

Might be the last week of regular play. I think we're seeded 4th for the baker's tournament the final week. Maybe 5th.

560 Series: 173-189-198

7 /, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, X, 7 -, 9 -, X, 9 /X.
Another game where I almost had a Dutch 200. Can't blame it on the lanes...it was just inconsistent shot-making.

S7 -, 9 /, X, X, 9 -, 8 -, X, 9 /, X, XX7.
Switched to the Grudge Hybrid for Game 2. Been awhile since I've thrown it...had to make more of an adjustment than I thought. Always poo-tastic when you open with a 4-7-10 split. Managed to find my way as the game went on. So, I was at least a 'little' encouraged.

7 /, 9 -, X, X, 8 -, X, X, X, X, 8 1.
Had a shot at a decent game...then chopped the 8-pin from behind the 2-8 in the 10th.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.12 pins
Strikes: 51%
Spares: 46% picked up

Single Pin spares: 62% (5/8)
Most common single-pin leave: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 3-pin, 6-pin, and 10-pin (2x).

Makeable spares: 50% (7/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/1)

Average over 3 games: 186.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 197.63.

Positives
- Well....physically I felt fine.
- Some of my shots were very good.

Negatives
- Inconsistent...shots...speed...just inconsistent.
- Some bad luck...I mean, FOUR 7-pins! Why do I leave SO many 7-pins at this house? I'm not left-handed!
- The rest of my team bowled like garbage...so we had no chance....only took 1 point.

Better than another 498. I'll take it.

[Aslan]

Summer League

Week 15

The last week of regular play. We're currently in 4th. Maybe we could get to 3rd...but we're nowhere near 1st and 2nd.

524 Series: 183-184-157

X, 7 /, 7 /, X, S8 1, X, 8 /, X, 8 /, 9 /9.
Another game that was nearly a Dutch 200. A teammate and I were talking about just wanting clean games...and I mentioned how hard clean games are given it only takes one split and you're done. Well, a 3-10 baby split in the 5th...and there goes the clean game.

X, X, 6 3, 8 /, 8 -, 9 /, X, 7 2, X, XX6.
Switched from the Trident Odyssey to the Grudge Hybrid (GH). Put a new surface on the GH...500/1500/3000.

X, 8 /, S7 -, 9 -, X, X, 9 -, S8 1, X, 9 /S8.
Switched to the Brunswick Endeavor (BE) in the 3rd...the GH just wasn't carrying...and I can only get it so far out onto the lanes without completely ruining my timing/accuracy. Had to make an adjustment right given how strong the GH is versus the Scorpion Sting I used to throw in that slot. A disappointing game...and it was just really hard to get the BE to find a perfect line. It's a very weak ball...and the line outside 2nd arrow was just really burnt up...so that's a decent combo...but even when I had to make a small move left...then I can't carry the 2-pin. Ughh! BUT...I left 20 pins on the lanes by not picking up single-pins...and that's 100% on me.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.76 pins
Strikes: 41%
Spares: 52% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 3-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 5-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 66% (6/9)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/3)

Average over 3 games: 174.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 181.67.

Positives
- Well, I picked up a lot more multi-pin spares than previously.
- The team took all 4 points...and I was a big part of the first 2...at least putting our anchor in a position where he could realistically win the point...which is kind've my job in that #3 spot.

Negatives
- Inconsistent...just bad accuracy. When I hit my mark...the results were overwhelmingly positive. When I missed...even 1.5 boards...it seemed like I'd nearly miss the headpin or go through the nose. Felt like bowling on sport patterns...where any little mistake gives you horrible results.
- The single-pin spare shooting is still a big drag on my overall scores. I mean, I'm at 64% this summer...after being 65% last fall. When I was at 75%, I thought that was horrible...but 64-65% is just embarrassing.

Baker doubles tournament next week to end the season.

[J Anderson]

Baker doubles sounds like fun

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 1

Team lost one bowler from last season and replaced him with a 20yo girl. Not sure if she'll stay on the team or not. Her mom and dad were bowling with an aquaintence of her's on the team we faced this week...so it would make more sense to have her on that team and move their 4th bowler to our team...but whatever.

649 Series: 245-214-190

Had a good line with the Trident Odyssey up second arrow. Only open was on a pocket 10-pin in the 4th. All good strikes except for one brooklyn. Pulled the shot just a bit...and needed to make a slight move inside after leaving the 9-pin in the 5th. Only real "bad" shots resulted in the brooklyn on a pulled shot and the second ball of the 10th when I missed way outside and left the 2-8.
X, X, X, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X 8 /.

Wasn't even thinking ball change...only 4-person teams...and the other team only had 3 bowlers show up. The problem was alot of them were throwing house balls and TZones and stuff like that...so I was worried the oil might get pushed down the lane. But I wasn't going to change unless I saw a reason to. Left a 4-pin in the first frame and made an adjustment left. However, that adjustment led me to hit weak on the other lane...so I had to readjust on that lane. Missed considerably right in the 3rd frame and left a 2-pin. Had a couple pulled shots...but two resulted in brooklyn strikes and the other left me a 1-3-6 in the 10th.
9 -, 9 -, 9 /, X, X, X, X, X, 9 /, 7 /X.

Probably should have switched to the Outer Limits Pearl for game 3...given how many polyester balls were being used. I just was stubborn and didn't want to make a change unless I absolutely had to. However, I was really struggling to get back to the pocket in frames 2, 3, 8 and the second shot of the 10th. Should have put two and two together after the 3rd. Five strikes...only one was brooklyn...and only one pulled shot...pulled badly and ended up with a 3 /. Converted almost every spare...which allowed me to salvage the 190.
X, 7 /, 6 2, X, X, 3 /, 8 /, 8 /, X, X 8 1.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 57%
Spares: 64% picked up

Single Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 4-pin, and 9-pin.

Makeable spares: 64% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 75% (6/8)
Most common multi-pin leave: 2-5 (2x)

Splits: N/A

Average over 3 games: 216.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 226.67.

Positives
- 600+ is almost always a good night.
- 'Bad' shots were limited...and got lucky on a few of em.
- Converted 3/4 of my multi-pin spares, which was helped by not leaving any splits.

Negatives
- Not ONE clean game.
- Of all nights to put up a big score...I do it week 1 when we're establishing averages.
- Should have been more aware of what the bowlers were throwing and probably should have made a ball change early in game 3.

Yeah. So I guess my entering average is a 216. Nice.

Especially given that I averaged 185 in this league last year and am averaging 180 in my summer league. Of matter of fact, I've never averaged more than 195 in a league.

I think I bowled a little better because the 20yo girl was there. Gave me somebody to impress. And, I seem to do better in week 1 because there's less pressure to bowl well...given the worse you bowl the better your handicap situation heading into the season. The team we bowled was awful. Our old lady bowler averages 60 because she's throwing opposite handed, recovering from hip surgery. And, I think she actually beat their lady bowler scratch. Theres a decent number of good teams in this league...we just happened to draw one of the worst ones week 1.

[J Anderson]

Well they can’t accuse you of sandbagging😉

[Aslan]

Well they can’t accuse you of sandbagging��

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 2

Was really excited to use the two new balls...but things didn't go as expected.

497 Series: 141-116-240 (clean)

Started out with the new Zen Master Solid (ZMS) but could tell from warm-ups that this ball was going to cover far more boards than I initially thought. I ended up having to move about 2 (eyes) and 4 (feet) boards left just to stay right of the headpin. And probably the most eratic ball I've ever thrown. My Melee Jab was a bit eratic...as was the Fortera Exile (if I pulled it out too early)...but the ZMS would look like it was going to miss right of the pocket...then at the last minute just "dive" into the headpin. With a ball this erratic....this is how you throw 5 strikes and 3 splits.
X, S8 1, 7 2, X, S6 -, X, X, S8 -, X, 9 -.

Switched to the Perfect Mindset (PM) for Game 2. Moved in thinking it was going to be even stronger. Well, it wasn't and I had to move back right. Add to that some abysmal spare shooting...and it was just "poo".
6 /, 8 1, X, 8 -, S5 2, 9 -, 6 3, 9 -, 9 -, X 9 /.

Switched to the Outer Limits Pearl (OLP) and moved a little right. Got dialed in pretty fast and had a solid game.
9 /, X, X, X, X, X, - /, X, 8 /, XXX.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.06
Strikes: 48%
Spares: 29% picked up

Single Pin spares: 33% (2/6)
Most common single-pin leaves: 2-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 8-pin, 9-pin, and 10-pin.

Makeable spares: 28% (9/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 42% (3/7)
Most common multi-pin leave: 6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 165.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 179.00.

Positives
- A clean game is always a good night...even though the rest of the night was abysmal.
- Even though it was our only point, it was nice to slam the door in the 10th frame of Game 3.
- Speed control was very good. 14.0 in Game 1, 14.5 in Game 2, and 14.7 in Game 3.

Negatives
- 116 is the worst game I've thrown since I subbed for a team in Iowa and shot a 110 back in late September 2021.
- Lost 3 points to a mediocre team.
- Spare shooting was terrible...just terrible.
- Cost myself 28 pins by dumping the first shot of the 7th in the gutter. I struck to spare the frame, but 268 is a heck of a lot better than 240.

I can almost hear RobM's commentary....this is why you don't come to the lanes with preconceived notions. And its my fault...I should have thrown these new balls prior to league night. Not sure if I need to take some surface off the ZMS...it's very erratic at 2000. And, maybe a Royal Compound finish was too much of a bump down in surface for the PM??

Maybe I need to stop throwing symmetric solids and these balls with too big of cores and too much surface? I throw skid/flip balls very well. The Reax Pearl, Scandal Pearl, Fortera Exile, Force...now the Outer Limits Pearl. It seems like I just throw them better. Meanwhile, the last solid I've thrown particularly well was the Lethal Revolver back in 2015/2016. And the last "ball down/ball #2" option I threw well was the Ebonite Innovate back in 2016/2017.

Took some notes...hopefully I can do better next week now that I know what the ZMS does and what I need to adjust to ball down to the PM.

[Aslan]

Sunday Night Established Mixed League

Week 3

Was hopin that I'd continue my scoring streak...after I ended last week with a clean 240 game.

556 Series: 172-193-191

Now that I've adjusted my starting position a bit to compensate for the strength of the Zen Master Solid (ZMS)...I was crushing the pocket in practice. But...left two 7-pins, two 10-pins, and a 9-pin...even though I was making good shots. The score is a little decieving...I only opened on the 7-pin in the first frame, a baby split in the 8th, and a 10-pin in the 10th...but, a miss in the 10th is deadly.
9 -, X, X, 9 /, X, 9 /, 9 / S8 1, X, 9 -.

Stuck with the ZMS for game 2. Left a dang 1-3-10...which might of well have been a split. But, then put 5 strikes together before a couple light hits left me with corner pins. Made an adjustment, but absolutely pulled the heck out of the ball in the 9th to destroy that score. Not to mention the continued struggles with corner pins.
7 2, X, X, X, X, X, 9 -, 9 -, 3 6, X 9 -.

A turkey to start and I started thinking...'maybe' this is the night?? Yeah...right. Another baby split, followed by a chopped 1-2-4-10 washout, then a missed 7-pin in the 9th for good measure. Ughhh!!
X, X, X, S8 1, 6 2, X, X, 9 /, 9 -, X 9 /.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 9.09
Strikes: 50%
Spares: 31% picked up

Single Pin spares: 45% (5/11)
Most common single-pin leaves: 7-pin (4x).
Also left a single 2-pin, 3-pin, 9-pin (2x), and 10-pin (3x).

Makeable spares: 35% (5/14)
Multiple Pin spares: 0% (0/3)
Most common multi-pin leave: n/a

Splits: 0% (0/2)

Average over 3 games: 185.33.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 202.33.

Positives
- Not too many 'bad' shots with my first ball.
- Speed control was decent (13.4-15.0 mph)
- No 'terrible' games.

Negatives
- Spare shooting, spare shooting, spare shooting. < 50% is not gonna get it done. Gonna have to practice and work this out...or break down and make a video and send it to a coach or something. Most of the misses weren't even close.
- Whole team struggled. Lost all 4 points to another mediocre team.
- Still battling my establishing average (216).

Gonna take some surface off the ZMS. It did great...but it covers more boards than I ever thought it would...at least 10 boards...which is alot for a bowler with a rev rate of around 240rpm. I thought it would be disappointing...similar to the Optimus Solid...but it's a beast. Noticeably stronger than the Trident Odyssey I was throwing over the past year.

[Aslan]

Wednesday Night Established Men's League

Week 1

First night of men's league. We drew the team that had two of my summer league teammates.

575 Series: 174-204-197

X, 9 /, 9 -, S7 2, X, 9 /, X, 8 /, 9 /, X S7 1.
Had a good line in practice...but it broke down quick. I knew it was going to when you have 7-8 bowlers all throwing it over the same line. I switched from the Zen Master Solid (ZMS) to the Perfect Mindset (PM) in the 7th...it was pretty clear that the line was already transitioning.

6 3, X, S7 2, 7 /, X, X, X, X, 9 -, XXX.
Made some imperfect shots early, but found my line in the 5th and hammered the pocket the rest of the game.

X, X, X, X, X, 6 2, S7 -, X, 7 2, 8 /X.
Fought off the urge to switch to the Outer Limits Pearl for game 3...and I'm glad I did. The PM was just dialed in and doing 'just enough' to carry. Then I just seemed to lose focus. Pushed the shot in the 6th. Pushed the shot in the 7th. Pulled the shot in the 9th. Just poor execution.

PinPal Stats:
First Ball Average: 8.97 pins
Strikes: 55%
Spares: 40% picked up

Single Pin spares: 60% (3/5)
Most common single-pin leave: 10-pin (2x).
Also left a single 4-pin, 5-pin, and 6-pin.

Makeable spares: 54% (6/11)
Multiple Pin spares: 50% (3/6)
Most common multi-pin leave: 3-6-10 (2x)

Splits: 0% (0/4)

Average over 3 games: 191.67.
Average had I picked up all single-pin spares: 198.67.

Positives
- Our team bowled well. Took all 4 points.
- Fun to bowl with this team again.
- No physical ailments.
- Shot a 267 if you start the middle of Game 2 and end the middle of Game 3.

Negatives
- Spare shooting continues to be a vulnerability.
- No card game wins.

Might not get much use out of the ZMS in this league. It's just too strong when everyone is throwing up second arrow. We had two lefties tonight...but the rest of the rosters were all righties throwing up second arrow. The ZMS works well on Sundays, when its a 4-person league...and half my team are lefties. But with 5 people per team....things can transition fast.