When the ten pin stops falling

[Rockh3ad]

I'm probably not really what would be considered a beginner, but I have so much to learn, and I thought that maybe this would be a good place for this question...

I recently got my first reactive resin ball after throwing an old urethane for better than half of the league. I was only averaging 161 at the time of the switch, and have since raised my average up to 170. The problem is this.....for example last night's set 224-225-133. I have had several sets like this recently because once my shot stops carrying the ten pin, I can't seem to figure out what to do (not to mention I tend to miss alot of those ten pins). I've tried various combinations of moving my feet to moving my target with not so good results.....So what tricks do you use to get that ten pin to start falling down again ?  HELP !!!
--------------------
What's a spare ?

[smash9]

If most of your scores are typical of what you show here (the last game much lower or a fall-off on the last two games) you are indeed a victim of changing lane conditions, as you mention.  The first adjustment I try is to move one board right w/my feet (for a right-hander).  If that doesn't work then I go back to the original position of my feet and I trade two-and-one, e.g. move two boards right with my feet and one board right with my target.  Other adjustments I have seen mentioned on these posts involve lowering your ball position slightly --- to take just a little speed off the ball and allow it time to get that extra "rev" you need to change your angle of entry.  Another possibility is to  move back on the approach 6" from your normal starting position -- again, to allow for a slight change of angle entry to start "kicking" out that ten.   With regard to your 10-pin spare problems, I suspect that your new resin ball hooks more and it's causing you "fits" on the spare attempt.  Have you had any success using your straighter (presumably) urethane ball on the 10 pin???   Finally, practice makes perfect ---why not spend  one game of practice on the 10 pin??  Forget the full rack on your first shot -- just line up and shoot for the 10.  If you dump it in the ditch, so what??  It will still be there for the second attempt.  If you make it on the first shot, good!!  Line up and try to make it again.  10 frames will give you 20 "practice" shots at the 10 --- you can also try diffferent lines on the 10 on your practice ---- maybe you're on  a bad line for the spare where it's all or nothing -- if you throw a perfect shot you make the ten, otherwise it's a miss.....  You might find a little practice will lead to more enjoyment and more conversions during your next league session.

[LadyW]

I too have problems when the lanes are transitioning.  It seems the more I try to find the shot the more trouble I get into (splitsville).  Baby step moves don't seem to work for me and moving up and back on the approach throws my timing off.  Sometimes looking short or long of my target helps which I believe has the same effect as moving up and back on the approach.

I used to have problems picking up the 10 pin and at best had a 50/50 chance of making it.  Thanks to the guidance of a lot more experienced bowler my conversion rate is up to about 80%.

He suggested I use a plastic ball.  I stand on 34 and throw the ball diagonally across 4th arrow.  The key for me is to keep my eyes on my target until I complete the shot.  If I look up prematurely I tend to veer left or right slightly and miss.  Just go and practice to find the right combination that works for you.

Good luck!


--------------------
LadyWannabe

[Rockh3ad]

The input is greatly appreciated.

This is my first year back in bowling after having given it up for years. It didn't even cross my mind to try moving back on the approach. I'm going to try that next, and I'll also try reducing the speed if necessary....As for the ten pin troubles, My old urethane ball hooks much less than my resin, so I'll go back to that for those spares.
--------------------
What's a spare ?

[Scolai]

Moving back a few inches is m preferred method of kicking out the corners.  A few weeks ago I had a friend bowling on the pair next to me who soht a 287 in his first game.  In his second game he struggled kicking out the 10 but still managed to put together a 213 or so.  He needed a baby deuce to shoot his first 700, but he was still leaving the 10.  He came over to me about the 4th frame of game 3 and told me he just couldn't seem to budge the 10.  I told him to move back about 4 inches or so on the approach and throw the same line.

He strung the next 6 before leaving a snug 4 pin.  He shot 720ish for his very first 700.  He thanked me for a week for that little tip.
--------------------
Nut

If horse racing is the sport of kings, then surely bowling is a very good sport as well.