Are these lanes moving ??

[Calvj]

OK, where do I start. I have been bowling for about 10 months, of which the first 6 was a straight house ball shot. I got my average to the 150 mark and really got into the sport. I decided to get my own ball and follow in the footsteps of my superiors and change my style to a hook ball. Well. the first few games were a nightmare, gutter after gutter. Now I keep away from the gutters but cannot get my average up. I know im doing something wrong. I get good revs on my 15lb Eraser and when I hit the pocket the pins fly. However hitting the pocket is the problem. I cant repeat the same shot, EVER ! I only bowl once a week due to some financial problems at the moment but am I expecting miracles or am i not giving myself enough time to progress. I understand things cant improve overnight but am I missing something? Im frustrated and, at times, disgusted with my scores. Am I trying too hard or not hard enough AARRRghhhh.......someone else must have been through this situation and any words of wisdom would be most welcome.

[TyLytle]

10 months? Give yourself a break. And most importantly, get yourself a coach.


Ty

[mrbowlingnut]

You have to relax and let it happen, i still am not great but have gotten better just let the ball roll and hook happen with the right ball in my hands for the shot. I am big guy 5' 10" 250lbs fat you could say but very powerful, so for me with my muscle mass and size it is hard to just let it happen. Like Kevin Costner says in the baseball movie clear the mechanism, people talk to me on the approach and yell at me but i tune them out and just go. I tune out thinking about poeple watching me and just look at my feet first get lined up,spot the target and then go works everytime. If i think about what i need score wise i pull the ball, push the ball or just miss my mark by 2 boards so for me the key is do not let it get in your head and you will be better today. I also feed off of trash talk which bowling scratch leagues are great too help you focus on stuffing a shot down your foes throat, i prefer to bowl a guy who averages me about 10 pins it makes me step up for the night. So keep calm and relaxed and it will come to you coaching will help but do not be afraid to switch to a coach who is right for you. Also never ask advice of other bowlers in mid league it will screw you and most opponents love to screw up the other team and sit back and laugh. Just a couple of thoughts-barry

[mumzie]

I second Ty's statement - get yourself a coach.

You are at the point where you need to probably work on a consistent release, and on learning to read the lanes. You also need to learn how to line up your body to enable yourself to hit your target(s).

A qualified coach is the right thing right now. I know you talked about financial issues - but save your money until you can afford one. It'll make all the difference!
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All things are difficult
before they are easy.
---- Thomas Fuller