I'm now very confused about which way I should bowl.

I used to bowl in a very relaxed form, with low revs and ball speed. I had to be dead accurate to gain a strike with this style. But when I was in good form I could repeat shots for like six or seven times in a row. I mean, the same release with the ball going through the same mark, having the same breakpoint and same reaction, with the same pin actions also.

Recently I have been taught to increase revs and ball speed. Since then I started to know what does the term "pin carry" mean. When I thought I was missing a shot it turned out to be an ugly strike. But that excites me. However, I could no longer repeat shots and even hit the same mark twice. I told myself that this stronger form was meant to be the way I should bowl, and with sufficient practice I could repeat shots like I had done before too. However it's been a long time and no success has been seen. My average has dropped for more than 30 pins. I start thinking I just don't have the talent to increase ball speed and revs, and should stick to my old form.

I am now quite disappointed with myself and am confused as well. Which way should I bowl to create long term success in this sport?

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

Sn,
     Let me offer this advice by starting with a question.  How drastic was the increase of speed and revs?  If it was big increase, I would suggest you tweek down the speed and rev a little to see if you you can gain so of the consistancy back.  Another suggestion is to have someone watch you practice and bowl to see if they can pick up a flaw or suggest a change.  Be sure it's someone who is a qualified coach or a good bowler with lots of knowledge and will listen to you and ask questions.  Along with that be sure the person is someone you trust.
     Hope this helps and let us all know how your progress is going.  

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Bowling is my mistress. Sometimes it's just as frustrating as a woman

I say to use both forms.  On THS, you do not need to be quite as accurate to score well.  That is why you typically see the bowlers with higher rev rates average the highest.  

On tournament conditions, that will call for more accuracy.  So, I would tone down the speed and revs because it is those guys that tend to struggle a little more because they do not have the area on the lane and more often than not, cannot create the area in order to score.  

EX:  I use 2 hands obviously as my normal release.  HOWEVER.....I practice every once in awhile putting my thumb back in the ball and rolling it the right way.  If the lanes are dry enough, I may need to put my thumb back in the ball and kill the revs on it to keep the ball more in play.

Since you are able to use both forms, practice regularly using both.  It makes you more versatile to lane conditions.  You'll be glad you did.
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Steven Vance
Former Pro Shop Operator

If anyone out there is worried about the scores being too high, try duckpin!!