Post by: Juggernaut on November 15, 2008, 04:28:03 AM
Like it says, been thinking about quitting bowling a lot lately. It may sound like whining, but I think the game/sport has sort of passed me by
.Just in the past few years balls have gotten so particular and oil sensitive while oils have gotten more and more viscous. Oiling machines now have to be computerized just to be able to put out the shot consistently. I have tried to keep up with technological advances, but am tired of being told I need to buy 5 new balls a year just to stay competitive.
Ball companies haven't been any help. They design their latest missiles for top performance with no regards to longevity, and raising their prices to pay for their "R&D" to develop these "SUPER SPONGEBALLS". That's kind of like Ford motor company deciding to build and sell only top fuel dragsters and getting us to pay them to do it. Top performance with no regards for longevity. Lets see them persuade us that we need to go that route and buy at least 2-3 dragsters every couple of years.
So, after buying at least 3 balls a year, for at least the last 7 years and always being told I am throwing an "antique" that isn't designed to handle "todays" oil patterns, I have just about had all I want. Last league night did me in. I've been shooting really good this year, working very hard at it and got my average back into the 220's ( after a couple of years ), only to have the lane machine "malfunction" just prior to our league. It proceeded to put out a reverse blocked shot that I have absolutely no way of hitting with what's currently in my bag. And WHY should I carry a ball designed for that shot when I am never supposed to see it? I get tired of carrying 8 balls into my home house just to bowl 1 league. That was getting ridiculous.
Burn out? Maybe, but I don't know if this is the kind of burn out you can recover from or not. I've really tried to do the best I can. I've worked very hard to get good over the years, learning all I could about the game/sport, trying to keep pace with technology and was/am considered one of the good bowlers here, but I am tired of the never ending chase.
I'm not looking for validation here, just wondering why I should keep trying to perfect skills that can be/have been taken away at a moments notice by a vengeful laneman or a "malfunctioning" lane machine. If the ability to score well depends on such a tenuous thing as the pattern of lane conditioner on the surface of the lane, and NOBODY can guarantee that it is put out properly, or if I happened to have the "right" ball at the "right" time with the "right" drilling on it, why should I continue to spend my hard earned money on something that is fast becoming a fruitless endeavour, much like a dog endlessly chasing his tail and never catching up to it?
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: J_Mac on November 15, 2008, 12:39:22 PM
Post by: Juggernaut on November 15, 2008, 12:48:55 PM
quote:
Take up golf... the balls are less expensive and there are no trick layouts.
(LOL @ J Mac)
In all seriousness, I want to have something to do that is enjoyable and have been considering golf. Problem is, I am pretty competitive in nature, and it probably wouldn't be long before golf became something more ( or less ) than pleasurable. That is what has happened with bowling, I believe.
I am a highly competitive person and would want to crush my opponent, even in a game of tiddlywinks. Maybe I just need to get out of the sports venues completely.
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: bigb4life on November 15, 2008, 01:15:54 PM
Post by: rvmark on November 15, 2008, 01:26:28 PM
Good Luck with your decision
Mark
Post by: dolbydigital on November 15, 2008, 02:01:53 PM
there have been times i felt this way too but i always tell myself to keep up to the game in one way,
that is to excel in as many differnt type of oiling conditions as possible using the balls that arent made for that type of oiling,
that sure perks up my day as i know i have to challenge myself to get things right.
just a l'le suggestion from me who tries to keep myself going for the game
--------------------
my current arsenal....
secret agent
power agent
shift
attitude shift
gravity shift
rapidfire
surefire
spitfire
x-factor reloaded
tropical storm
jolt solid
storm spare
cell
thunderstruck pearl
street rod solid
street rod pearl
dimension
perfect dimension
rapid fire pearl
fired up II
BOWL UP A STORM
Post by: 1MechEng on November 15, 2008, 03:03:17 PM
If you are not satisfied with your current attitude and approach to the game, then radically change it.
- See how well you can bowl for a season only using old urethane or early reactive resin balls.
- Try bowling a season with your opposite hand.
- Bowl only a sport shot or PBAX league for better lane consistency.
- Work on becoming a 2-hander.
The thought is to try something that will fire up your competitive spirit again, and make you focus on your improvement rather than the improvement of your equipment.
I'm just throwing out these wild ideas in trying to help you with your lack of motivation.
--------------------
======================
Dan
======================
Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.
Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member
Edited on 11/15/2008 4:03 PM
Post by: pin-chaser on November 15, 2008, 03:14:49 PM
I quit bowling for 10 years (1990-1999). Since 2000 I have bowled two years in a row only once. And now I am bitten by the bug again.
The reason I had not bowled every year since 2000 is because I feel alot like you. I watch bowlers who clearly dont have the same "skills" as I or knowledge as me and still have great nights. As well, I felt that I should be able to make 4 or 6 balls work on any condition because in the in my prime the 70's - 80 that was about it.
But this time I have a different focus. I am not as limber or strong as I was nearly 20 years ago. So now I focus on execution and not score and try to understand how the oil is changing by watching other bowlers more carefully. As I understand what is happening I am able to choose my equipement better throughout the night. And as a consequence I am up about 20 pins this year over my average from 2 years ago. I choose not to focus on how good or bad my pair is, or how other bowlers are having a great night, but simply on my execution and on the things that I can have an effect on.
My attitude is better than ever. I am having more fun competing against myself and not others. And when I look up I am out averaging almost everyone in the league and I am not trying to.
I hope this helps.
--------------------
Bowling Tips and Articles at: www.bowlingknowledge.com
Post by: nerdytoes on November 15, 2008, 03:18:57 PM
Post by: Juggernaut on November 15, 2008, 03:31:42 PM
quote:
you sound like a B*TCH!!
And you sound like you are on my ignore list. What was that? CAN'T HEAR YOU
To the rest of you guys, thanks for the tips, advice, and encouragement. I really love bowling, I'm just tired of what it has become. I long for times when you had what you had, equipment was limited, and everybody pretty much was in the same boat. Not much advantage to be had, except in skill.
I don't know what I am going to do. I hate to leave a team in a lurch, so I will probably ride out the season, but after that I may just sit out a while.
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: Kid Jete on November 15, 2008, 03:44:07 PM
I'm giving you my honest opinion even if it may not be what you want to hear. I rarely have patience for people that try to find excuses as to why things aren't like they used to be. If you're that unhappy just quit and find something else to take up your free time. I know I'll never be a top notch bowler and I'm fine with that because I have a heck of a time with my friends every week.
Just remember if conditions are tough for you, they are tough for everyone else too. If everyone else is scoring then you need to check your own game. You can't sit here and tell me the majority of your league buys 3-4 new balls a year. And you can't tell me there aren't a ton of bowlers that still score well with so called "out of date" equipment.
My final suggestion to you is to enjoy your friends and your free time on the lanes. Stop talking yourself into thinking you need to buy new gear every other month and go back to the basics. My intuition is telling me you were a better bowler in years past and your skill level is dropping slightly. You're probably frustrated that you can't get back to your 220+ days and it's making things even worse on your game so you are looking for outs, ie buying new balls threatening to quit... Just relax and let the cards fall as they may.
Post by: Juggernaut on November 15, 2008, 04:31:47 PM
quote:
Honestly balls haven't changed THAT much in the last few years if not longer. If you can't find something in your arsenal that works maybe you need to either accept your game is devolving or hit the lanes and practice a little bit.
As for the practice, you are probably right, I have kind of let that go lately. As far as the balls changing, they have changed MASSIVELY in the last 10 years, and even more than those I learned the game with in the first place. I'm 48 yrs old and, yes, my game may be "devolving" but, if I can shoot a 220 average for the first 11 weeks of league, don't you think I should know where to throw it and where not to? This week was a total sham and shouldn't have ever happened. I bowled bad, but so did lots of guys, we just got beat by a team that we gave 150 pins handicap to and they didn't bowl as far under their 160 averages as we did our 210-220 averages.
quote:
I'm giving you my honest opinion even if it may not be what you want to hear. I rarely have patience for people that try to find excuses as to why things aren't like they used to be.
Not looking for that anymore. I finally came to grips with the fact that bowling has changed forever. I'm just sad that it has gotten to the point that the scoring can be shut down by a simple mistake in the oiling machines program. That and idiots that don't listen when you tell them it is screwing up until it is too late and the damage is done.
quote:
If you're that unhappy just quit and find something else to take up your free time.
Good advice. I'm currently looking into this.
quote:
I know I'll never be a top notch bowler and I'm fine with that because I have a heck of a time with my friends every week.
I once was a "top notch" bowler, but I am fine with where I was/am. The time I spend with my friends there is the only reason I haven't quit already. I just know what I am capable of and don't like it when the chance is taken away from me by something that shouldn't have happened.
quote:
Just remember if conditions are tough for you, they are tough for everyone else too. If everyone else is scoring then you need to check your own game.
That's just it, NOBODY else WAS scoring this night. It's just that, at 220 average, I ended up getting beat by someone with a 160 average who shot closer to his than I did mine
quote:
You can't sit here and tell me the majority of your league buys 3-4 new balls a year.
No, but the higher average guys that bowl a lot do. And in this league, most guys DO buy at least one NIB ball every year.
quote:
And you can't tell me there aren't a ton of bowlers that still score well with so called "out of date" equipment.
As do I, when the lanes are cleaned and dressed properly.
quote:
My final suggestion to you is to enjoy your friends and your free time on the lanes. Stop talking yourself into thinking you need to buy new gear every other month and go back to the basics.
I buy new balls as experiments, not out of need ( except rarely). What I am talking about is OTHERS who tell me that is why I am having trouble. I know more about bowling than many of them put together and I get very frustrated with them and their sometimes "nonsensical" suggestions.
quote:
My intuition is telling me you were a better bowler in years past and your skill level is dropping slightly. You're probably frustrated that you can't get back to your 220+ days and it's making things even worse on your game
Pretty close. Good guess or true intuition? Who knows, but, I am not frustrated at not being able to get back to 200's, I am frustrated that I had made it there, only to have it washed away by an ignorant owner and his incompetent, CHEAP labor. If your going to run the lanes with a machine, AT LEAST GET IT FIXED SO IT WORKS CORRECTLY.
quote:
so you are looking for outs, ie buying new balls threatening to quit... Just relax and let the cards fall as they may.
Not looking for outs, buying balls only when I want to ( no need for them really ), and not threatening to quit, but thinking about it. Never was very lucky at card games either, LOL
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: KennyRambo on November 15, 2008, 04:58:36 PM
The oil man has ALWAYS controlled scoring.
ALWAYS.
Post by: LuckyLefty on November 15, 2008, 05:34:45 PM
REgards,
Luckylefty
--------------------
Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
Post by: nd300 on November 15, 2008, 05:39:32 PM
by taking a ball and having the pro shop guy hit it with the 360 Abralon pad and Hook-It,I was able to shoot 625 on a night where there were only TWO other 600+ series in the whole leagueonew of those was a former touring pro who only beat me by 5 pins.
It sounds like you do know the game.My humble suggestion is to go back to the basics by taking a weakly drilled resin ball and play straight up the ten board exclusively and adjust as the lanes tell you to do so.
After all,WRW and Norm Duke are doing pretty well playing straight.I don't know if you're a cranker or not,but that is what I'd do if faced with your problem.
Have someone videotape you and see if there's something in your physical game that's changed that you may not be aware of.We're only human and sometimes do slip into bad habits.
Good luck and keep us posted...............
--------------------
Chris
JTTDB---Just Throw The Damn Ball
Don't "think"---that ball isn't in your bag yet..........
Post by: agroves on November 15, 2008, 06:17:19 PM
Perhaps, you need to find a coach and seek ways to make your game more versatile. I average 220+ and 200+ on sport conditions and I have a coach. That is one thing I have never understood between golf and bowling. Any golf fan knows who Tiger Woods swing coach is....but few bowlers could tell you who helps WRW...cause somebody certainly does.
--------------------
--"I see your opinion, I just don't give a f$%k."
Post by: Spider Ball Bowler on November 15, 2008, 11:13:14 PM
I am going to call you out. Right here right now. I am calling you a coward, and a quitter and I challenge you. Your scores vs. mine. One league a week. No money, no points, no nothing on the line, JUST PRIDE.
Before you go all "Ignore button" on me or start calling me names, this is not an attack. I obviously do not know you, or your game, or anything at all about you. You need the fire back. I am here to help other bowlers, and my friend it seems like you need the drive back! You love competition. Lets compete, lets make it fun.
(I only called you names to get you PUMPED THE F*CK UP!!! and tell me when you read that you didn't think "I wanna kill this guy! lol)
It's up to you, but I think it would be fun and hopefully might, even in the slightest, get you back into it. I know it would fire me up a bit, so really it would be beneficial to both of us
Again to restate my point for you (juggernaut) and everyone else, I am not starting a war of words, my name calling was specifically a motivational tool for Jugg to get fired up about bowling again. My techniques might not be sanctioned by motivational speakers congress
, but hopefully it will work for you Jugg!If you're interested Jugg, PM me. I bowl on Monday nights in a 5 person league. We can start our own thread of scores or just pm them to each other.
If you're not interested, I really hope you can find in yourself what it was that once made you love this game. It is a great game, a very frustrating game, and a rewarding game. You should know there are tons of people on this site willing to help you at all hours of the day, myself included. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide!
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Ahhh Disco Biscuits!
Post by: Juggernaut on November 16, 2008, 12:07:06 AM
quote:
re-reading your post it seems your major complaint is you didn't score what you are used to because the oil pattern was not correct
CORRECT
quote:
or at least not to your liking
What I LIKE is irrelevant, what is correct is not. A reverse block lane is not correct for amatuer league bowlers and Dick Ritger has used the term "graveyard" to describe it.
quote:
and a 160 avg. bowler outscored you.
Which probably wouldn't have happened if the lanes weren't screwed. He might have still beaten me, but he would have earned it.
quote:
Lower average bowlers are always going to be affected less by lane conditions as their games are typically straighter and simpler than higher average bowlers. Sounds to me like you gave up and either didnt care about making spares or were leaving alot of splits. It happens. Get over it.
It was the splits thing. I'm still working on getting over it.
quote:
Was feeling you a bit but not anymore. I am 52 yrs old, don't buy a ball every year and am still competitive in league. Nothing worse than a 220 average bowler crying when he doesn't get his shot and doesn't score like he is used to.
How about complaining about being screwed? Does that count as "crying" about not getting "my" shot? I'm not "crying" about not getting "MY" shot, I'm complaining because there was NO SHOT, just oil randomly scattered on the lane by a wild, mindless, rampaging oil machine that nobody botheres to maintain properly in the first place to prevent it from going haywire.
quote:
Just exactly what does the lane man and the guys you are bowling against owe you? The answer is nothing!
WRONG! The problem has been bad in the past and the new owner even had a meeting with the leagues this year before they started to assure everyone that the problem was being taken care of, and that the machine would be overhauled and maintained to prevent this very thing from happening. In this instance, I think the laneman "owes" us the same shot every week, or at least a close semblance thereof.
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: dolbydigital on November 16, 2008, 12:25:48 AM
quote:
If you really just don't have love for the game, then sell all your stuff on eBay and give it up. You say you've been bowling for a long time, so my guess would be that if you do give it up, you'll be back. The game hasn't passed you by, you've just hit a wall.
I am going to call you out. Right here right now. I am calling you a coward, and a quitter and I challenge you. Your scores vs. mine. One league a week. No money, no points, no nothing on the line, JUST PRIDE.
Before you go all "Ignore button" on me or start calling me names, this is not an attack. I obviously do not know you, or your game, or anything at all about you. You need the fire back. I am here to help other bowlers, and my friend it seems like you need the drive back! You love competition. Lets compete, lets make it fun.
(I only called you names to get you PUMPED THE F*CK UP!!! and tell me when you read that you didn't think "I wanna kill this guy! lol)
It's up to you, but I think it would be fun and hopefully might, even in the slightest, get you back into it. I know it would fire me up a bit, so really it would be beneficial to both of us
Again to restate my point for you (juggernaut) and everyone else, I am not starting a war of words, my name calling was specifically a motivational tool for Jugg to get fired up about bowling again. My techniques might not be sanctioned by motivational speakers congress
If you're interested Jugg, PM me. I bowl on Monday nights in a 5 person league. We can start our own thread of scores or just pm them to each other.
If you're not interested, I really hope you can find in yourself what it was that once made you love this game. It is a great game, a very frustrating game, and a rewarding game. You should know there are tons of people on this site willing to help you at all hours of the day, myself included. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide!
--------------------
Ahhh Disco Biscuits!
well,i like the approach u use to spur our mate back to the game here
--------------------
my current arsenal....
secret agent
power agent
shift
attitude shift
gravity shift
rapidfire
surefire
spitfire
x-factor reloaded
tropical storm
jolt solid
storm spare
cell
thunderstruck pearl
street rod solid
street rod pearl
dimension
perfect dimension
rapid fire pearl
fired up II
BOWL UP A STORM
Post by: Atochabsh on November 16, 2008, 01:58:51 AM
We all know that bowling is mainly comprised of handicap bowlers of various averages. But what really hurts is when you have owners that are absent, don't care and/or don't bowl, a manager that doesn't bowl and a lane mechanic that dosen't bowl. When you get that combination its pretty tough to have consistent lane conditions. And all league bowlers really want are consistent lane conditions. They can handle getting "shot A" as long as they are given that shot on a consistent basis. Doesn't matter if its a house shot or something a bit more difficult. Bowlers will adjust as long as they are given a chance to do so and one or two weeks is not enough between changes. Or else they'd be in a travel league.
When this happens (and it happens alot) it is very frustrating to bowlers that are "proficient" in the game. You can name your level of average, it really doesn't matter. Lower average bowlers will not be as effected by changing lane conditions as the 180+ bowler. In fact given a challenging lane condition for whatever reason, lower average bowlers can make lane play even more difficult.
All you can do is stick it out until you stabilize your average, move onto another center or drop handicap leagues totally. And that last suggestion maynot be an option depending on what's available and your average level.
Erin
Post by: rexb300 on November 16, 2008, 05:02:32 AM
I bowl at a house never been easy but had about 12 200+ average bowlers
last season. this year 0 new manager also laneman don't have a clue.
What you can do is take only 2 balls and spare ball and a notebook keep a log
try moving with feet and hand postion ect like a 2 ball league
learn from this season I am quilty of this that 5 balls think thats the answer
so I am trying more stuff with less balls
but in last 4 weeks only had 3 200+ games and its not me
had a bowler on my team shoot 396 two weeks ago he said quitting
came back with 478 this week .
I like the spare practice been its not fun on league.
I am going to a easier house next year only 1/2 drive more.
one bad week is nothing.
RB
Post by: Juggernaut on November 16, 2008, 08:49:37 AM
quote:
I think there are some mitigating factors here that have to do with poor ownership and poor management.
We all know that bowling is mainly comprised of handicap bowlers of various averages. But what really hurts is when you have owners that are absent, don't care and/or don't bowl, a manager that doesn't bowl and a lane mechanic that dosen't bowl. When you get that combination its pretty tough to have consistent lane conditions. And all league bowlers really want are consistent lane conditions. They can handle getting "shot A" as long as they are given that shot on a consistent basis. Doesn't matter if its a house shot or something a bit more difficult. Bowlers will adjust as long as they are given a chance to do so and one or two weeks is not enough between changes. Or else they'd be in a travel league.
When this happens (and it happens alot) it is very frustrating to bowlers that are "proficient" in the game. You can name your level of average, it really doesn't matter. Lower average bowlers will not be as effected by changing lane conditions as the 180+ bowler. In fact given a challenging lane condition for whatever reason, lower average bowlers can make lane play even more difficult.
All you can do is stick it out until you stabilize your average, move onto another center or drop handicap leagues totally. And that last suggestion maynot be an option depending on what's available and your average level.
Erin
Erin,
Thank you, you have explained the situation here completely, and obviously better than I did originally. I never wanted to be catered to, just have the same shot from week to week. I have been in tournaments and I have bowled travel leagues, and I knew the lanew would be different from week to week, that was fine. Bowling league once a week in the same house, a bowler should be able to do that with only a couple of good balls and not need any "specialized" equipment. When you get inexperienced owners who spend tons of cash on paint, glass, and driveways, then tell you that a lane machine is too expensive but nobody knows how to fix and maintain the old one, this is what you end up with. A great looking place for birthday parties and the like, but not somewhere you could shoot consistent scores on a high level.
After talking with a friend here at the center, and the encouraging advice I have recieved here, I am pretty sure I am going to stick this league out and see what happens. Jus lower my goals and expectations to a level where I can accept having a bad shot too many times. Kind of hard to perform at your best when you don't have the best conditions to do it on.
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Post by: Strider on November 16, 2008, 09:15:55 AM
Bowlers have always been at the mercy of the lane man. If you're just now figuring that out, maybe you've had a very good lane man for so long that it's unacceptable when you get what many league bowlers get all the time. If it's a tough shot, deal with it. Of course scoring will be down that night, but the better bowler should be able to figure it out better and faster than a recreational bowler. All you have to do is out score the guy next to you or team on the same pair. It's not like a tournament where you have to out score the entire house and you got a pair oil differently than everyone else.
--------------------
Penn State Proud
Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive (http://"http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm")
Post by: 86camaroman on November 16, 2008, 09:35:48 AM
Post by: six pack on November 16, 2008, 10:24:31 AM
as for the bowling balls of today you don't need all that stuff.yes I do enjoy the latest and greatest offerings of today but there just toys to me.I take 1 solid and 1 pearl of many to chose from.this season I've shot some 7's and I've shot some 4's.I had a 123 game and a 298.you can't change the way the lanes will be so you just do the best you can.someday if I find myself not enjoying the game anymore I will walk away with no regrets because it won't be because I can't shoot the high games,series,average.it won't be because I can't keep up with the other bowlers or the balls or the lane patterns.it will be because the thrill of the game has left me.so if that has happened to you then move on with no regrets.
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The harder I try the harder they fall
Post by: JD74 on November 16, 2008, 10:58:32 AM
--------------------
Lefty
480 rpms
300
800(1)
Average 220+
http://ebonite.com/
BOWL TO WIN!
Post by: 911chilli on November 16, 2008, 03:02:11 PM
Post by: Juggernaut on November 16, 2008, 03:51:40 PM
quote:
typical 220 avg. whiny puke when he doesnt bowl well, just quit you b**ch!
WOW, another typical no-nothing that hides behind his computer and resorts to name calling. Good-bye, 911chili
quote:
It's worse than I thought. You want to be able to park in the same place, sit in the same chair on the settee, pull out the same ball, stand in the same spot, throw the ball the same speed, on the same line, with the same amount of hand, week after week after week. That is not what bowling is supposed to be.
Yes, that IS what I want at the league level I am bowling on. And, at this level, THAT IS what bowling is supposed to be. If I want any more challenges, I'll join a pba or travel league. I have bowled those in the past and done well, I just don't think a recreational league should be like those events are.
quote:
May I suggest a new sport? How about shooting fish in a barrel?! That might quench your thirst for sameness and boring times.
How about shooting your mouth off without anything of any consequence to say?
quote:
The sport is better off without guys like you who can't handle tough shots and then cry about it when they encounter one.
You know what? I would expect more reason from someone your age. You don't really know me, what I am capable of, or what I have done for bowling. Without guys like me, bowling would be dying even faster than it already is. I work hard at the game and at keeping it going by teaching it to new players and trying to recruit them all the time.
quote:
Can I ask you a question what does your average have to do with anything
It is what the handicap is figured off of and with the lanes being screwy, there was no way I could make up the difference I was giving away.
quote:
you are mad because it is washed away. Thats the problem with the game everyone wants to average 220plus on an easy shot. If you are a good bowler you can adjust to a harder shot.
No, not mad, just disappointed. Yes, I want to shoot 220 on an easy shot, that's why I am in a mixed handicap league. I've had many years of competitive bowling and just want to play the game and enjoy it for what it is. If I wanted a challenge, I would go out on tour or join a PBA league. I'm tired of that and just wanted to have some fun for a change.
As for adjusting to a harder shot, that's not a problem. But trying to adjust to NO shot is impossible. A reverse blocked lane is one of the lowest scoring environments you can have, especially with the volume of oil out there today.
You guys who are being so brash and judgemental shouldn't just judge me without knowing what I am talking about. I understand the philosophy of harder conditions and enjoyed that challenge for a long time, holding my own against some very good bowlers around the area on many different conditions.
For a couple of years now, I have pulled back from so much competitive bowling and just relaxed and had some fun. My average has hovered around 210 and was good enough for me. I was just starting to get some of the old fire back when all this happened and, no, it wasn't "just" this week, it has happened quite a few times actually. I just don't see what the purpose of trying to get really good at something when all your work, effort, and skill can be negated by someone, either by accident or on purpose, with just the flick of a switch.
--------------------
Norm Duke was right
Good transactions list in my profile
My Bowl.com member page (http://"http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2243&suffix=4831")
Edited on 11/16/2008 4:54 PM
Post by: 911chilli on November 16, 2008, 06:10:34 PM
Edited on 11/16/2008 7:19 PM
Post by: Nordic Bowl on November 16, 2008, 06:39:06 PM
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http://www.bowlingdude.com/
Post by: Jock on November 17, 2008, 06:20:18 AM
quote:
yeah, .......Cie la vie!
I'm sorry, but having lived in France for the past 25 years and speaking fluent French I have to chip in here.
It's C'est la vie and not Cie la vie!
As for the OP, I can definately see where your coming from, but unfortunately I don't have any magic answers for you. I'm feeling about the same myself lately.
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I've upped my average, so up yours!
Post by: 9andaWiggle on November 17, 2008, 10:30:33 AM
Maybe it's different where ya'll live, but around here all you need is a mild reactive and maybe a spare ball. Dump it up 10 board all night and you're in the hole. No need for hook monsters, 8 ball rollers, or any of that other BS.
So why do bowlers do this? Out one side of their mouth they say their league is "just for fun" and as such, they don't show up for a "challenging lane condition". That they should be given the same, easy or at least manageable shot week after week with zero changes to it. After all, it's just for fun right? But they come in dragging a variety of rolling ball bags containing anywhere between $1500 and $3000 worth of equipment for a fun league? All that equipment and they don't have anything in the bag for control on a hard pattern? Don't make no sense to me...
If you buy 3 new balls a year, why are you not covering holes in your arsenal for the chance happening that the lane condition will be less than pristine?
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9~
Internet Tough Guy
Cyberspace Sheep Lover
Post by: janderson on November 17, 2008, 11:17:31 AM
quote:
NO SHOT, just oil randomly scattered on the lane by a wild, mindless, rampaging oil machine that nobody botheres to maintain properly in the first place to prevent it from going haywire.
Just a couple of constructive suggestions: Use it as a test center to prepare for the Petersen Classic (http://"http://www.thepetersen.com/") and go make yourself some money. Challenge yourself to develop a straight game so when the machine does go "haywire" you can still shoot 190.
quote:
am tired of being told I need to buy 5 new balls a year just to stay competitive
Most bowlers would be better served buy 1 new ball every other year and spending the rest of the money on a good coach.
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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson - "Better than Jello" - Kill the back row
Post by: 911chilli on November 18, 2008, 06:31:33 PM
Post by: Kid Jete on November 18, 2008, 09:43:41 PM
quote:
Juggernaut has some valid points. I think handicap bowling needs to be eliminated. That is why a lot of people I know who don't bowl make fun of bowling. It is also the reason why I know one guy who gave up leagues just to bowl regionals and scratch tournaments.
THE ONLY REASON I BOWL IN A LEAGUE IS FOR FUN AND THE HOPES I WILL ACTUALLY GET AN HONOR SCORE SANCTIONED. I have 3 unsanctioned and my non league bowling buddy says in his opinion if they were witnessed, they count. He says basically the heck with the USBC. They have allowed the THS for so long, league bowling means nothing, and the bowling ball industry has convinced and lied enough to make people think a bowling ball is actually worth the $229 some of the new ones cost.
Friends of mine who play softball, golf, semi-pro basketball leagues etc... ask me why in the heck does someone get pins handicap because they are not as good as you?
Well, I would like to know that too! In my summer scratch doubles league I averaged 205 and won 75% of my matches. The last scratch tournament I was in I averaged 220, so why in a handicap league do I barely average 195-200?
Face it! The ball companies have a scam going, and people have bought into it. Well I ain't buying no more!
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"When the doors of perception are cleansed, everything appears to man as it is...infinite."
Aldous Huxley
"When a man stares out into the abyss, and nothing stares back at him, that is when he finds his character."
Nikos Kazantzakis
You have many other options. Sport leagues, PBAX leagues, SCRATCH leagues... oh and horseshoes. Take your pick.
Post by: Kid Jete on November 18, 2008, 10:08:47 PM
quote:
I think handicap leagues have hurt our sport in the long run. People don't have to actually get better, they just buy a $250 bowling ball and join a handicap league to bowl rather than actually do something to get better.
Believe me, I would bowl PBAX if my center offered it, but its too hard so people don't want it...poor babies, its too hard so they don't want to even try.
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"When the doors of perception are cleansed, everything appears to man as it is...infinite."
Aldous Huxley
"When a man stares out into the abyss, and nothing stares back at him, that is when he finds his character."
Nikos Kazantzakis
Sounds like you're speaking from the minority standpoint. Bummer.
Why criticize what others want to do? For most bowling is recreation. Nothing is stopping YOU from practicing and getting better.
Edited on 11/18/2008 11:09 PM
Post by: 911chilli on November 19, 2008, 04:38:44 AM
turguois your comparing a 220 avg. for one tourney to a year long league avg.maybe you just bowled good that day. most golf leagues have handicap
Edited on 11/19/2008 5:41 AM
Edited on 11/19/2008 5:42 AM