Scores of first ever game and following games

[BLB]

I had played only once more than 10 years ago and once recently.

Strange enough on my first ever game I scored 155 (8th and 9th were strike and the 10th was 9 ins on first ball 0 on second ball) and impressed other guys in the group. That's 10 years ago. The following game I cored only between 60 or 70 something, impressed other guys in a different way. Recently I played 3 games and scored 36, 50 and 77. I felt the ball was heavier. Yes, I am 10 more year older.

Is this strange, common or uncommon?

I got a 16 lb ball hoping the weight can help me strike more pins down. I do feel it a little heavy. I want to work out my arm to use it without any difficulty. How do I do that? Thanks.

[tumblebug1949]

Hi there BLB,

I think what you are saying about your game is rather common. I bowled on an occasional basis in the early 70s. I can remember not being very good or consistent. After a 40 year break, I started bowling again four months ago, in a league that some of my golf buddies were in. My scores are still fluctuating quite a bit. This is caused by not being consistent in my game. Learning to bowl is like everything else in life. You can be consistent and still be terrible. To be a good bowler, you must first learn to perform each portion of the game correctly and then, learn to do that consistently.

I use a 15 pound ball now. I am not as young as I used to be and have found that I need to build my wrist strength back up in order to use it right. Each person needs to determine what is correct for them.

Good Bowling

[BLB]

I am thinking maybe I should choose a 15lb ball instead. I will play a few games to see if the 16 lb is too heavy.

I am in my 40s now and it's very different from being 30s. I wish I could handle 16 lb in a couple of months.

[tumblebug1949]

BLB,

I am still learning how to use this apple computer so instead of attaching the addresses, I will have you go to a different post where you can open or copy the training information. I thought this information was so important to me for improving my game that I copied them to my computer and refer to them quite often.

Under the "GENERAL BOWLING DISCUSSION" category, go to a recent thread titled "so much to learn". Find a post from bowl1820. You will find four chapters from an excellent training manual for Bronze level coaches. These are a little lengthly but that is because they are so detailed. EXCELLENT READING.

Hope these help.

[J Anderson]

BLB,
As a new bowler, your scores will improve much more by developing good technique, than by using a heavier ball. A ball that is too heavy may keep you from having a free arm swing and or a consistent release.