Game 1: 166
Game 2: 214
Game 3: 256
Series: 636
Week Avg: 212
Season Avg: 193
First, I wanted to apologize for not updating the SPL page in a while. We'll be hosting Thanksgiving at my house and so I've been trying to get some cleaning and things done before our families come over Wednesday night. Hopefully I will have a few weeks' worth of updates on the page after this weekend followed by a recap of the first quarter of the SPL.
Secondly, the charity bowling tournament went really well on Sunday. There were at least 40 bowlers, in addition to a 50/50 and Chinese auction, which all raised money for my teammate's co-worker who is currently battling cancer. I bowled pretty well, scoring a 213, 183, and 215 for the day. During the first game I played a little further left than usual, creating a bigger arch into the pocket. After the first game I lost that line and went to my typical line of standing at the 25 board and throwing at the 8. My teammate, his aunt and I were the only league bowlers there and we swept the awards with ease. I took home top series honors by about 150 pins.
Now, onto my league recap. I decided to start the night with the Python rather than the C-System since it has been performing really well lately. One of our bowlers had pre-bowled and another was a no show so we knew it would be a quick night. After practice we found out that four of the opposing team's members had also rolled off and their fifth bowler never showed, so there were only three of us on our pair. As my wife remarked, it felt like we were the ones doing the pre-bowling. That worked for me, I usually do better in that situation any way.
Everything looked great in practice, but the first few frames of the first game were disastrous. I had a couple of spares and a couple of opens to start the evening. I kept missing my mark and realized about halfway through the game that I was dropping my right shoulder. Once I made a conscious effort to stay upright at the foul line everything came together. I finished the game with a 166 and barely squeaked out a win for the team.
The second game started much better than the first. I was striking regularly, but a few mistakes caused me to leave a 3-10 split and I opened on a 3-6-10. I was not making very good decisions on how to play multi-pin leaves. I threw four in a row late in the game and finished out with a spare and a strike in the tenth for a 214 and another big win for the team.
The last game was glorious, but also a case of "what might have been." My first ball fell off my hand early and left the 1-2-4-7, which I converted. I doubled and then left my buddy the 8-10 split on a solid pocket shot for an open. I adjusted a few inches up on the approach for that lane only and made no adjustments on the other lane, remembering my misstep from last week. The last eight balls were strikes. No iffy strikes either, these were beautiful. It was a ten strike 256 game, probably the most strikes I've ever thrown in one game and a tie for my personal record for the most strikes in a row in one game. The team swept the night and continues its way up the standings.
I wish I could have kept going to see if I could have thrown four more strikes. This was the best I have ever felt bowling. Everything felt easy. The ball came off my hand perfectly, generating a little more revs than usual for me. My form was above average for me, as I held my position at the foul line after releasing the ball more often than not. I don't know how I looked up there, but I felt like a pro that last game. And it felt good.
As I mentioned, my spare shooting was less than stellar. In addition to the 8-10, 3-10 and 2-7 splits I left, I chopped a 3-6-10, 2-4-5 and 6-9 and outright missed an 8-pin. I've been perfect on 10-pins lately though, which has been a huge help.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, everyone. May your turkeys be plentiful, both on the table and on the lanes.
November 20, 2012
November 14, 2012
Week 11 Recap
Game 1: 170
Game 2: 217
Game 3: 245
Series: 632
Week Avg: 210
Season Avg: 191
I started with the C-System again this week but the heavy center oil is still preventing me from playing the line I wanted to try. I started the first game with spares and a couple strikes, but the ball just wasn't taking out the corner pins like I had hoped. I missed a 10-pin in the eighth frame and decided I needed a bit of a change and went to the Python. It took the rest of the first game to find the right line after the ball switch and I chopped a 3-6-10 to open in the tenth frame, but I felt like I had a pretty good idea where to throw for the rest of the night. I finished with a what-might-have-been 170 game and the team lost by 30 pins.
I came out the gates a little better in the second game. I was throwing well and the Python just seemed to hit with a bit more power than the C-System. I struck a few times, including a 4-bagger up to the ninth frame. Unfortunately the ball hung out a little on my first ball in the tenth frame and I left a 5-8-10 split. I hate opening in the tenth frame and so far I was 2 for 2 on the night. I had a 217 that game, which was disappointing considering a mark or two would have easily put me in the 220s. Our team picked back up with our winning ways and we took the game by nearly 100 pins.
I started off the third game with a double. Hitting my mark had become easy and every pocket shot seemed like it was going to strike. Until the third frame when my nemesis the 8-10 split decided to make an appearance. After opening on the split I decided to move up a few inches for my next ball, which was a mistake and I hit light leaving the 2-4-5 for a spare. I realized I needed to move up on the right lane only and stay at my usual spot on the left lane, which turned out to be a great revelation since I struck the next six in a row. I spared to finish the game with a 245, a personal season high and third highest scratch game league-wide so far.
The C-System seems to have lost some of its mojo since I had it refitted. I think I need to give it a once over with a Scotch Brite pad to dull the surface a bit and clean it off with some alcohol so I can give myself a good baseline reaction on a fresh house pattern with a clean ball. Also, perhaps I haven't moved far enough outside to get the line I want. I had been throwing at about the 8-board, but maybe I should go to 5 and see what I can do there. Bowl and learn, that's all I can do.
Meanwhile the Python looked great last night and I got some really good movement in the back end. Perhaps this needs to remain my go-to ball for now and the C-System can be my back up when things aren't going so well.
This Sunday I'm bowling in a charity tournament to benefit a teammate's co-worker who is suffering from cancer. Its in an unfamiliar house, but it might be a nice chance to try some new things. Practice is practice, and since this event is more about the cause than winning I have no qualms about donating my entry fee for the chance to throw a few games. And there will be pizza too . . .
Game 2: 217
Game 3: 245
Series: 632
Week Avg: 210
Season Avg: 191
I started with the C-System again this week but the heavy center oil is still preventing me from playing the line I wanted to try. I started the first game with spares and a couple strikes, but the ball just wasn't taking out the corner pins like I had hoped. I missed a 10-pin in the eighth frame and decided I needed a bit of a change and went to the Python. It took the rest of the first game to find the right line after the ball switch and I chopped a 3-6-10 to open in the tenth frame, but I felt like I had a pretty good idea where to throw for the rest of the night. I finished with a what-might-have-been 170 game and the team lost by 30 pins.
I came out the gates a little better in the second game. I was throwing well and the Python just seemed to hit with a bit more power than the C-System. I struck a few times, including a 4-bagger up to the ninth frame. Unfortunately the ball hung out a little on my first ball in the tenth frame and I left a 5-8-10 split. I hate opening in the tenth frame and so far I was 2 for 2 on the night. I had a 217 that game, which was disappointing considering a mark or two would have easily put me in the 220s. Our team picked back up with our winning ways and we took the game by nearly 100 pins.
I started off the third game with a double. Hitting my mark had become easy and every pocket shot seemed like it was going to strike. Until the third frame when my nemesis the 8-10 split decided to make an appearance. After opening on the split I decided to move up a few inches for my next ball, which was a mistake and I hit light leaving the 2-4-5 for a spare. I realized I needed to move up on the right lane only and stay at my usual spot on the left lane, which turned out to be a great revelation since I struck the next six in a row. I spared to finish the game with a 245, a personal season high and third highest scratch game league-wide so far.
The C-System seems to have lost some of its mojo since I had it refitted. I think I need to give it a once over with a Scotch Brite pad to dull the surface a bit and clean it off with some alcohol so I can give myself a good baseline reaction on a fresh house pattern with a clean ball. Also, perhaps I haven't moved far enough outside to get the line I want. I had been throwing at about the 8-board, but maybe I should go to 5 and see what I can do there. Bowl and learn, that's all I can do.
Meanwhile the Python looked great last night and I got some really good movement in the back end. Perhaps this needs to remain my go-to ball for now and the C-System can be my back up when things aren't going so well.
This Sunday I'm bowling in a charity tournament to benefit a teammate's co-worker who is suffering from cancer. Its in an unfamiliar house, but it might be a nice chance to try some new things. Practice is practice, and since this event is more about the cause than winning I have no qualms about donating my entry fee for the chance to throw a few games. And there will be pizza too . . .
November 9, 2012
Week 10 Recap
Game 1: 196
Game 2: 161
Game 3: 171
Series: 528
Week Avg: 176
Season Avg: 189
With my newly drilled C-System officially assigned to active duty, I decided to use it to start the evening. I started practice trying to throw a wider shot, but the heavier than normal oil forced me to come back to center and play a similar line to the down and in shot that had failed me in past weeks. I was standing with my left foot at the 25 board and throwing over the 8 board.
I threw well during the first game. Every shot was in the pocket, resulting in a strike or a nine count, mainly 9- or 10-pins. Late in the first game the leaves started coming on the left side. In the tenth frame I left a 4-pin, but after methodically picking up all of my other leaves I missed my mark a few boards left and the ball hooked past the pin for an open and a blown 200 game. I finished with a 196, luckily not costing the team a victory despite a close contest.
I moved up on the approach a bit to start the second game and remained pretty steady int he pocket for a few frames until the high shots started to really do some damage. I left two wide splits in the middle of the game for opens and to make matters worse I also missed a 7-pin. I tried moving left and throwing through the oil, but the ball didn't recover quickly enough to break back to the pocket so I moved back and tried to make smaller adjustments on my established line. I managed to turkey into the tenth frame to salvage a little dignity, but I still only threw a 161. Our lead-off man had pre-bowled on the night and had a big enough game to cover my poor performance.
The third game started with two splits for opens. I tried to reign in the ball the best I could, but after a few more frames I decided to put it away and pull out my Python (thanks Brunswick for naming a ball Python and allowing me to use that delightful phrase). By now the oil had broken down to the point where I was playing the line that was so successful last week. I began striking and making easy spares to save a hard fought 171 game. The team took all seven points and we are slowly working our way up the standings thanks to some great games from my teammates.
After making the decision to start the night with the C-System, I knew there was going to be a learning curve. The heavier oil helped ease me into using a stronger ball by allowing me to play close to a familiar line. The most important thing now is for me to understand the limits of the ball and develop a strategy of play. The dull surface redistributed a lot of oil quickly, which leads me to think that this will be a great set up ball. I can use the C-System at the beginning of the night to wear in a preferred line and then switch to the Python to finish out the evening to maintain success. Over the next few weeks it is imperative that I recognize the difference between when I can make an adjustment to keep using the same ball and when I should keep the same line and switch balls.
I have been consistently bowling under average so far this season, so something has got to change. I hope the new ball will give me the extra power I need to make those nine counts turn into strikes. The pieces are in place, I just need to learn how to play them. (I need to sound optimistic, its the only thing helping me keep it together out there)
Game 2: 161
Game 3: 171
Series: 528
Week Avg: 176
Season Avg: 189
With my newly drilled C-System officially assigned to active duty, I decided to use it to start the evening. I started practice trying to throw a wider shot, but the heavier than normal oil forced me to come back to center and play a similar line to the down and in shot that had failed me in past weeks. I was standing with my left foot at the 25 board and throwing over the 8 board.
I threw well during the first game. Every shot was in the pocket, resulting in a strike or a nine count, mainly 9- or 10-pins. Late in the first game the leaves started coming on the left side. In the tenth frame I left a 4-pin, but after methodically picking up all of my other leaves I missed my mark a few boards left and the ball hooked past the pin for an open and a blown 200 game. I finished with a 196, luckily not costing the team a victory despite a close contest.
I moved up on the approach a bit to start the second game and remained pretty steady int he pocket for a few frames until the high shots started to really do some damage. I left two wide splits in the middle of the game for opens and to make matters worse I also missed a 7-pin. I tried moving left and throwing through the oil, but the ball didn't recover quickly enough to break back to the pocket so I moved back and tried to make smaller adjustments on my established line. I managed to turkey into the tenth frame to salvage a little dignity, but I still only threw a 161. Our lead-off man had pre-bowled on the night and had a big enough game to cover my poor performance.
The third game started with two splits for opens. I tried to reign in the ball the best I could, but after a few more frames I decided to put it away and pull out my Python (thanks Brunswick for naming a ball Python and allowing me to use that delightful phrase). By now the oil had broken down to the point where I was playing the line that was so successful last week. I began striking and making easy spares to save a hard fought 171 game. The team took all seven points and we are slowly working our way up the standings thanks to some great games from my teammates.
After making the decision to start the night with the C-System, I knew there was going to be a learning curve. The heavier oil helped ease me into using a stronger ball by allowing me to play close to a familiar line. The most important thing now is for me to understand the limits of the ball and develop a strategy of play. The dull surface redistributed a lot of oil quickly, which leads me to think that this will be a great set up ball. I can use the C-System at the beginning of the night to wear in a preferred line and then switch to the Python to finish out the evening to maintain success. Over the next few weeks it is imperative that I recognize the difference between when I can make an adjustment to keep using the same ball and when I should keep the same line and switch balls.
I have been consistently bowling under average so far this season, so something has got to change. I hope the new ball will give me the extra power I need to make those nine counts turn into strikes. The pieces are in place, I just need to learn how to play them. (I need to sound optimistic, its the only thing helping me keep it together out there)
October 31, 2012
Week 9 Recap
Game 1: 190
Game 2: 201
Game 3: 193
Series: 584
Week Avg: 194
Season Avg: 190
I thought it would be a good idea to give my ball a quick cleaning before starting league, especially since we played on a bit more oil last week. It turned out to be a great idea because the ball moved masterfully throughout the night. There were only six of us on our pair of lanes and I was the only one playing my line, so I didn't have to make a single adjustment all night. That being said, the old Zach decided to show up and inconsistency ruined an opportunity for a big night.
I was throwing well in the first game at first, with strikes and single pin spares being the norm. I missed a 7-pin late in the game by missing my mark a few boards to the left. Then in the tenth frame I missed my mark a board left on my first ball, hit high in the pocket, and left split. This was my first blown opportunity at a 200 game, finishing with a 190.
The second game started with a double and a few spares. I missed a 10-pin and a 2-4-10 split this game, but luckily was able to string five in a row at the end of the game to save a 201.
The third game was much like the first. I missed another 10-pin (I really need to work on that) and left another split in the tenth frame. I ruined my second 200 of the evening to finish with a 193.
When I hit my mark the pins didn't stand a chance. I was able to play one board closer to the gutter than I had the past few weeks, giving me a better line into the pocket. I didn't leave nearly as many corner pins as I had in previous weeks; however, I didn't capitalize on the ones I did leave. I missed one 7-pin out of two leaves and missed both 10-pins. For some reason I have a difficult time throwing over my target when shooting at the 10-pin, playing conservatively by missing a board or two to the left.
With so few bowlers we were bowling at a pretty quick pace. This made it difficult for me to keep my preferred pace and I often found myself rushing my shots. When I rush my shots I miss my mark, which can lead to splits. And I had a nasty case of the splits this week. It took me a frame or two, and usually a multi-pin leave, before I realized I had to settle down and not fall victim to the up tempo speed. Overall though it was a productive, over average outing.
We bowled against the top team this week and came out on the other side taking five of seven possible points. Their anchor bowled 49 pins over average the first game in addition to the 90 pins handicap we gave them each game, so we lost an uphill battle that time. But we pulled it together and bowled well as a team the last two games and were able to win both and take total pinfall.
The C-System is getting plugged as we speak (or rather as I type/as you read) and I will be getting it drilled on Saturday. After calling just about every pro shop in the Pittsburgh area on Monday I ended up taking it to the same place I took the Python to get drilled. I like the place, but its just inconvenient to get there. I guess when it comes to your equipment, though, its more important to get it done right than to make decisions based on convenience. Live and learn, then bowl.
Game 2: 201
Game 3: 193
Series: 584
Week Avg: 194
Season Avg: 190
I thought it would be a good idea to give my ball a quick cleaning before starting league, especially since we played on a bit more oil last week. It turned out to be a great idea because the ball moved masterfully throughout the night. There were only six of us on our pair of lanes and I was the only one playing my line, so I didn't have to make a single adjustment all night. That being said, the old Zach decided to show up and inconsistency ruined an opportunity for a big night.
I was throwing well in the first game at first, with strikes and single pin spares being the norm. I missed a 7-pin late in the game by missing my mark a few boards to the left. Then in the tenth frame I missed my mark a board left on my first ball, hit high in the pocket, and left split. This was my first blown opportunity at a 200 game, finishing with a 190.
The second game started with a double and a few spares. I missed a 10-pin and a 2-4-10 split this game, but luckily was able to string five in a row at the end of the game to save a 201.
The third game was much like the first. I missed another 10-pin (I really need to work on that) and left another split in the tenth frame. I ruined my second 200 of the evening to finish with a 193.
When I hit my mark the pins didn't stand a chance. I was able to play one board closer to the gutter than I had the past few weeks, giving me a better line into the pocket. I didn't leave nearly as many corner pins as I had in previous weeks; however, I didn't capitalize on the ones I did leave. I missed one 7-pin out of two leaves and missed both 10-pins. For some reason I have a difficult time throwing over my target when shooting at the 10-pin, playing conservatively by missing a board or two to the left.
With so few bowlers we were bowling at a pretty quick pace. This made it difficult for me to keep my preferred pace and I often found myself rushing my shots. When I rush my shots I miss my mark, which can lead to splits. And I had a nasty case of the splits this week. It took me a frame or two, and usually a multi-pin leave, before I realized I had to settle down and not fall victim to the up tempo speed. Overall though it was a productive, over average outing.
We bowled against the top team this week and came out on the other side taking five of seven possible points. Their anchor bowled 49 pins over average the first game in addition to the 90 pins handicap we gave them each game, so we lost an uphill battle that time. But we pulled it together and bowled well as a team the last two games and were able to win both and take total pinfall.
The C-System is getting plugged as we speak (or rather as I type/as you read) and I will be getting it drilled on Saturday. After calling just about every pro shop in the Pittsburgh area on Monday I ended up taking it to the same place I took the Python to get drilled. I like the place, but its just inconvenient to get there. I guess when it comes to your equipment, though, its more important to get it done right than to make decisions based on convenience. Live and learn, then bowl.
October 23, 2012
Week 8 Recap
Game 1: 186
Game 2: 171
Game 3: 200
Series: 557
Week Avg: 185
Season Avg: 190
On Sunday I decided to go out and take the C-System for a spin. Although I've had it since August, I had yet to throw a full game with it. If you recall, I purchased the ball from a fellow bowler over the summer and had the fingertip inserts changed out to my size, but just changed the slug in the thumb hole rather than paying to have the hole plugged and redrilled to compensate for the minute difference in my span from how the ball was already drilled. I loved the way the ball reacted, but I wasn't able to consistently hit my mark because the ball would fall off my hand early. When I did hit my marks the pins didn't stand a chance. I'm taking a vacation day on Monday and at least part of my time off will consist of me going to a better pro shop to have the thumb hole plugged and the span corrected. I look forward to having this ball as a fully functioning member of my arsenal, particularly on nights like yesterday . . .
I planned to move my marks further outside this week to get better carry and hopefully throw more strikes; however, how far I had to move outside to find the pocket was completely unexpected. For the first time this season the lane conditions differed, with heavy oil in the front end causing the ball to break later down the lane. I ended up standing with my left foot on the 22 board and throwing at the 7 board at the arrows, the same shot I played on the Viper pattern over the summer. I struck on occasion, but still had difficulty stringing them together. I missed a 3-10 split in the seventh frame and then missed an easy 4-7 in the tenth frame to finish with a 186.
The second game saw me throw three splits and miss an easy 6-pin. I spent much of the game trying to fine tune my line. It seemed that for the majority of the game I was either just high enough to leave a split or just light enough to leave a 2- or 4-pin. But when I was in the pocket, it was a thing of beauty. I spared in the tenth frame for a 171.
The third game was just as frustrating as the first two after doubling early. I left one split this game, but stayed clean the rest of the way. After a series of spares I realized that I was over-rotating my wrist and trying to force the ball across the lane. After easing up a little bit on my release I threw a turkey beginning in the ninth frame to round out the evening with a 200 on the nose.
I'm officially in a downward spiral with my average plummeting 4 pins in the last few weeks. I'm still not throwing a bad ball, I just need to find that line to the sweet spot. I've been lucky enough to make the majority of my spares, without that this small slump would be a whole lot worse. These games drag on and I feel like I am bowling terribly, but then I look at the score and I'm really not that far off pace. A few more pins bounce my way and I'm stringing six or more strikes together. It'll come, I just need to be patient and make small, smart adjustments.
Our lead off man had a great night last night and kept us in all three games, picking up the slack for however many pins I was under average. On a night when I personally could have used a bit of pressure to keep me on top of my game, we had clinched all but the first game before I stepped on the approach in the tenth. This was also the first week the team took all available points so I'll take it, but hopefully I can contribute a bit more next week.
Game 2: 171
Game 3: 200
Series: 557
Week Avg: 185
Season Avg: 190
On Sunday I decided to go out and take the C-System for a spin. Although I've had it since August, I had yet to throw a full game with it. If you recall, I purchased the ball from a fellow bowler over the summer and had the fingertip inserts changed out to my size, but just changed the slug in the thumb hole rather than paying to have the hole plugged and redrilled to compensate for the minute difference in my span from how the ball was already drilled. I loved the way the ball reacted, but I wasn't able to consistently hit my mark because the ball would fall off my hand early. When I did hit my marks the pins didn't stand a chance. I'm taking a vacation day on Monday and at least part of my time off will consist of me going to a better pro shop to have the thumb hole plugged and the span corrected. I look forward to having this ball as a fully functioning member of my arsenal, particularly on nights like yesterday . . .
I planned to move my marks further outside this week to get better carry and hopefully throw more strikes; however, how far I had to move outside to find the pocket was completely unexpected. For the first time this season the lane conditions differed, with heavy oil in the front end causing the ball to break later down the lane. I ended up standing with my left foot on the 22 board and throwing at the 7 board at the arrows, the same shot I played on the Viper pattern over the summer. I struck on occasion, but still had difficulty stringing them together. I missed a 3-10 split in the seventh frame and then missed an easy 4-7 in the tenth frame to finish with a 186.
The second game saw me throw three splits and miss an easy 6-pin. I spent much of the game trying to fine tune my line. It seemed that for the majority of the game I was either just high enough to leave a split or just light enough to leave a 2- or 4-pin. But when I was in the pocket, it was a thing of beauty. I spared in the tenth frame for a 171.
The third game was just as frustrating as the first two after doubling early. I left one split this game, but stayed clean the rest of the way. After a series of spares I realized that I was over-rotating my wrist and trying to force the ball across the lane. After easing up a little bit on my release I threw a turkey beginning in the ninth frame to round out the evening with a 200 on the nose.
I'm officially in a downward spiral with my average plummeting 4 pins in the last few weeks. I'm still not throwing a bad ball, I just need to find that line to the sweet spot. I've been lucky enough to make the majority of my spares, without that this small slump would be a whole lot worse. These games drag on and I feel like I am bowling terribly, but then I look at the score and I'm really not that far off pace. A few more pins bounce my way and I'm stringing six or more strikes together. It'll come, I just need to be patient and make small, smart adjustments.
Our lead off man had a great night last night and kept us in all three games, picking up the slack for however many pins I was under average. On a night when I personally could have used a bit of pressure to keep me on top of my game, we had clinched all but the first game before I stepped on the approach in the tenth. This was also the first week the team took all available points so I'll take it, but hopefully I can contribute a bit more next week.
October 16, 2012
Week 7 Recap
Game 1: 178
Game 2: 196
Game 3: 189
Series: 563
Week Avg: 187
Season Avg: 191
The lanes were pretty consistent to the rest of the season thus far. I have been playing a line standing with my left foot at the 24 1/2 board and throwing over the 9 board at the arrows. The consistency has been nice given the limited amount of practice, two to three frames, before the games start.
The first game started with a strike, but quickly dove back into the usual routine of single pin leaves for spares. My only miss in this game was a well deserved 4-6 split resulting from a head-on shot. As a team we were playing well enough to make up for the 60 ppg handicap, but some late game problems created an insurmountable lead by the time it was my turn to throw in the tenth. I struck and spared, but the lack of doubles held me to a 178.
I set myself up fairly well on the right lane for much of the rest of the night. I missed the first 10-pin I saw last night, but picked up two others later in the evening. I finally managed to double and was on pace for a 200 until late in the game. In the tenth frame I struck and then left the 1-2-4 after missing my mark right and the ball caught some displaced oil. On the spare attempt I missed right again and left the 2-pin standing for another open.
I needed a 200 or better in the last game to break even this week. The third game started with a double and I struck all but one frame on the right lane. I was in the pocket on the left lane, but just couldn't get the carry I needed. I missed a 4-pin in the middle of the game after debating on how to shoot the spare (I clearly chose poorly), but otherwise stayed clean for the remainder including the conversion of a 5-10 split. After being beaten by nearly 100 pins the second game the team pulled it together for a win in the third, clinching before I threw in the tenth. Coming off a spare in the ninth I needed to strike out to hit my average for the night. Instead I spared again and earned a nine on my last ball for a 189.
On the drive home I commented to my wife that so far my summer PBA Experience League seems to have been a waste of time and money. My average hasn't budged and I am currently where I finished up last year. But then I got to thinking this morning, and that isn't an entirely fair assessment. I am much more consistent in hitting my marks and replicating shots than I was at the end of last season. I can evaluate a bad shot more quickly than in the past, identify the problem, and usually correct it in a frame or two. My spare shooting has improved, for the most part, since I began implementing a modified 3-6-9 system, including the conversion of several splits so far this season. To sum it up, I no longer feel lost when it comes to certain aspects of my game.
I have been hammering the pocket lately, I just can't seem to turn those good pocket hits into strikes. I've always relied on spare shooting to improve my game, but I have reached a point where spares aren't enough. If you follow the blog, you'll recall that early in the PBA Experience League I had to overcome a subconscious tether of my mark to the second arrow, or 10 board. Once I relieved myself of that restriction I was able to find more success on the various oil patterns. For some reason that tether reattached at the start of the season and, even though I am in the pocket, I believe that it is still a hindrance to my game.
For next week I am going to try moving everything farther to the right in the hope that a different entry angle will provide the pin action required to strike with some frequency. I also need to go out and practice with the C-System I purchased at the end of the summer and really see what that can do. I know some of my limitations are holding my game back, but perhaps a change in equipment is also in order.
Game 2: 196
Game 3: 189
Series: 563
Week Avg: 187
Season Avg: 191
The lanes were pretty consistent to the rest of the season thus far. I have been playing a line standing with my left foot at the 24 1/2 board and throwing over the 9 board at the arrows. The consistency has been nice given the limited amount of practice, two to three frames, before the games start.
The first game started with a strike, but quickly dove back into the usual routine of single pin leaves for spares. My only miss in this game was a well deserved 4-6 split resulting from a head-on shot. As a team we were playing well enough to make up for the 60 ppg handicap, but some late game problems created an insurmountable lead by the time it was my turn to throw in the tenth. I struck and spared, but the lack of doubles held me to a 178.
I set myself up fairly well on the right lane for much of the rest of the night. I missed the first 10-pin I saw last night, but picked up two others later in the evening. I finally managed to double and was on pace for a 200 until late in the game. In the tenth frame I struck and then left the 1-2-4 after missing my mark right and the ball caught some displaced oil. On the spare attempt I missed right again and left the 2-pin standing for another open.
I needed a 200 or better in the last game to break even this week. The third game started with a double and I struck all but one frame on the right lane. I was in the pocket on the left lane, but just couldn't get the carry I needed. I missed a 4-pin in the middle of the game after debating on how to shoot the spare (I clearly chose poorly), but otherwise stayed clean for the remainder including the conversion of a 5-10 split. After being beaten by nearly 100 pins the second game the team pulled it together for a win in the third, clinching before I threw in the tenth. Coming off a spare in the ninth I needed to strike out to hit my average for the night. Instead I spared again and earned a nine on my last ball for a 189.
On the drive home I commented to my wife that so far my summer PBA Experience League seems to have been a waste of time and money. My average hasn't budged and I am currently where I finished up last year. But then I got to thinking this morning, and that isn't an entirely fair assessment. I am much more consistent in hitting my marks and replicating shots than I was at the end of last season. I can evaluate a bad shot more quickly than in the past, identify the problem, and usually correct it in a frame or two. My spare shooting has improved, for the most part, since I began implementing a modified 3-6-9 system, including the conversion of several splits so far this season. To sum it up, I no longer feel lost when it comes to certain aspects of my game.
I have been hammering the pocket lately, I just can't seem to turn those good pocket hits into strikes. I've always relied on spare shooting to improve my game, but I have reached a point where spares aren't enough. If you follow the blog, you'll recall that early in the PBA Experience League I had to overcome a subconscious tether of my mark to the second arrow, or 10 board. Once I relieved myself of that restriction I was able to find more success on the various oil patterns. For some reason that tether reattached at the start of the season and, even though I am in the pocket, I believe that it is still a hindrance to my game.
For next week I am going to try moving everything farther to the right in the hope that a different entry angle will provide the pin action required to strike with some frequency. I also need to go out and practice with the C-System I purchased at the end of the summer and really see what that can do. I know some of my limitations are holding my game back, but perhaps a change in equipment is also in order.
October 9, 2012
Week 6 Recap
Game 1: 171
Game 2: 182
Game 3: 182
Series: 535
Week Avg: 178
Season Avg: 191
With the unexpected and permanent departure of our opponent's anchor due to some medical reason, we saw the amount of handicap given to them increase from 49 to 113, so we had a bit of ground to make up each game.
The first game started out with a spare and a strike. I was in the pocket most shots, but the ball just didn't seem to want to carry this week. I threw another strike surrounded by all the spares through the middle of the game. I opened on a 4-pin late in the game, but was able to stay clean the rest of the way. My teammates put me in a great position as the anchor, so I only needed to mark to win the game in the tenth. I picked up a solid 5-pin leave for the win and a 171 game.
The second game was a tale of two halves. The first half saw me miss a 10-pin, strike, and then throw three splits in a row. In the second half I threw a spare and a turkey. In the tenth frame I needed two marks to win the game. I left another 4-pin on my first shot, but luckily I was more accurate this time and picked up the spare. I adjusted slightly closer to the foul line on my final shot and struck to win the game for the team and salvage a 182 for myself.
The third game was pretty unremarkable. I had a difficult time striking, but was better at picking up my spares. Even though we were behind going into the tenth, our opponent's last bowler didn't make an effort to throw first, so I wasn't sure how far behind we'd be in the end. I always try to strike, so it didn't really matter to me. My first ball in the tenth was buried in the pocket, but then something happened that I've never seen before. The 6-pin was tapped by another pin and slid, while standing straight up, to a position just left of where the 5-pin usually is. It never wobbled and never leaned. I picked up the spare and struck my last ball, but that odd leave cost us the game and left me with another 182.
I wasn't as consistent this week. I caught myself a few times just not giving my full concentration to hitting my marks. Getting too comfortable in your abilities can be a curse, and I fell victim last night. To make matters worse, the line was a bit tighter than it had been my last few outings and so a miss a board or two from my mark was not as nearly forgiving.
It was a weird night at the bowling alley to be sure. I was stunned at the awful pin action for most of the bowlers on our pair this week. My incident in the third game was not the only one involving sliding, teetering, and rolling pins. I can think of about ten cases where a pin walked or slid out of position instead of falling. More than I can ever remember happening during one night. To top it off, at the end of the first game as our lead off bowler was shooting for a spare a pair of legs dropped down onto the lanes in front of the pins just after his ball hit them. It was scary because if that ball had hit him his leg would have been broken, but those pins were also still in play and he could have affected the outcome.
Unfortunately this wasn't the only inconsiderate thing the bowling center did last night. Just as we were preparing to start the second game two women and three kids, I'd say about 2, 3 and 11 years of age, were placed on the pair of lanes next to our's. Yes, there was an empty lane between us; however, these ladies could not control the kids and they were running around all over the approach. Finally, after finishing about seven frames, one woman and the two year old fell about a quarter of the way down the lane and they decided to call it a night.
This is a pretty sad commentary on who the bowling centers think are more important. It isn't league bowlers, that's for sure. These were the only pair of lanes open last night and who knows what the center would have done if a league pair broke down. Most adults don't have bowling etiquette, so I don't know why they thought a couple of toddlers would. These people were given a lane on a full house league night, yet I have been denied a lane several times because the center was hosting a couple of birthday and Steeler game watch parties. If you want to know why the sport of bowling is declining, look to the centers, the "activity" of bowling, and the bigger profits they bring.
Game 2: 182
Game 3: 182
Series: 535
Week Avg: 178
Season Avg: 191
With the unexpected and permanent departure of our opponent's anchor due to some medical reason, we saw the amount of handicap given to them increase from 49 to 113, so we had a bit of ground to make up each game.
The first game started out with a spare and a strike. I was in the pocket most shots, but the ball just didn't seem to want to carry this week. I threw another strike surrounded by all the spares through the middle of the game. I opened on a 4-pin late in the game, but was able to stay clean the rest of the way. My teammates put me in a great position as the anchor, so I only needed to mark to win the game in the tenth. I picked up a solid 5-pin leave for the win and a 171 game.
The second game was a tale of two halves. The first half saw me miss a 10-pin, strike, and then throw three splits in a row. In the second half I threw a spare and a turkey. In the tenth frame I needed two marks to win the game. I left another 4-pin on my first shot, but luckily I was more accurate this time and picked up the spare. I adjusted slightly closer to the foul line on my final shot and struck to win the game for the team and salvage a 182 for myself.
The third game was pretty unremarkable. I had a difficult time striking, but was better at picking up my spares. Even though we were behind going into the tenth, our opponent's last bowler didn't make an effort to throw first, so I wasn't sure how far behind we'd be in the end. I always try to strike, so it didn't really matter to me. My first ball in the tenth was buried in the pocket, but then something happened that I've never seen before. The 6-pin was tapped by another pin and slid, while standing straight up, to a position just left of where the 5-pin usually is. It never wobbled and never leaned. I picked up the spare and struck my last ball, but that odd leave cost us the game and left me with another 182.
I wasn't as consistent this week. I caught myself a few times just not giving my full concentration to hitting my marks. Getting too comfortable in your abilities can be a curse, and I fell victim last night. To make matters worse, the line was a bit tighter than it had been my last few outings and so a miss a board or two from my mark was not as nearly forgiving.
It was a weird night at the bowling alley to be sure. I was stunned at the awful pin action for most of the bowlers on our pair this week. My incident in the third game was not the only one involving sliding, teetering, and rolling pins. I can think of about ten cases where a pin walked or slid out of position instead of falling. More than I can ever remember happening during one night. To top it off, at the end of the first game as our lead off bowler was shooting for a spare a pair of legs dropped down onto the lanes in front of the pins just after his ball hit them. It was scary because if that ball had hit him his leg would have been broken, but those pins were also still in play and he could have affected the outcome.
Unfortunately this wasn't the only inconsiderate thing the bowling center did last night. Just as we were preparing to start the second game two women and three kids, I'd say about 2, 3 and 11 years of age, were placed on the pair of lanes next to our's. Yes, there was an empty lane between us; however, these ladies could not control the kids and they were running around all over the approach. Finally, after finishing about seven frames, one woman and the two year old fell about a quarter of the way down the lane and they decided to call it a night.
This is a pretty sad commentary on who the bowling centers think are more important. It isn't league bowlers, that's for sure. These were the only pair of lanes open last night and who knows what the center would have done if a league pair broke down. Most adults don't have bowling etiquette, so I don't know why they thought a couple of toddlers would. These people were given a lane on a full house league night, yet I have been denied a lane several times because the center was hosting a couple of birthday and Steeler game watch parties. If you want to know why the sport of bowling is declining, look to the centers, the "activity" of bowling, and the bigger profits they bring.
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