Game 1: 179
Game 2: 210
Game 3: 211
Series: 600
Week Avg: 200
Season Avg: 186
The first game started as a continuation of Week 1, with four of the first five frames as opens. While I was right in the pocket during practice, the first few frames saw me hit light several times to leave a 1-2-10, 5-7 and a few clusters that I chopped. I moved right a half board and quickly found the pocket again, striking enough to pull off a respectable 171 considering the poor start.
I stayed clean the second game, but had difficulty stringing more than two strikes together. I didn't have anything less than an eight-count on the balls that didn't strike, though, and was in the pocket nearly every shot for a 210.
I started the third game with two missed 10-pins, which really upset me because I used to take pride in making that spare. I quickly cleaned up my act and followed the two opens with a turkey and didn't open the rest of the night. I moved a few inches back about halfway through the game to compensate for a light pocket hit and really never looked back. I finished with a 211 game and a 600 on the nose.
One problem I did have this week was that the ball came off my hand early about five times. It had been cooler here the last few days and I think that the quick change in temperature shrunk my fingers just enough that I had to be very careful to get them into the ball as I set up on the approach. When the ball falls off early I lose revs and miss my mark about a board to the right, which resulted in some light hits.
I pre-bowled for weeks 3 and 4 earlier in the week and in the past nine games I have been throwing the ball really well. I am hitting my mark more consistently and holding my release. I don't know how to explain it, but the ball just feels great coming off my hand and I feel that every shot has the potential to be a strike. I hope I can keep this momentum going when I come back from my surgery in a few weeks.
I'll post recaps of my pre-bowls for weeks 3 and 4 a little closer to those dates.
600 on the dot is not too shabby. You can't overcome a bad fit, or so I've been told, so get some tape into that thumb hole before next week and you'll be right where you want to be.
ReplyDeleteIt was actually the fingers that were coming out early. I think it was the combination of the quick change to cooler weather and me just not paying attention to getting the fingers deep enough for a good grip. I'll be more cognizant of it in the upcoming weeks and hopefully it will take care of itself.
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