Author Topic: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP! (Read 9101 times)

toneoak1 · « **on:** February 03, 2014, 11:04:37 PM »

I'm a left handed bowler who averages right around 230 on THS. I've also had great success in local tournaments over the last few years. Due to having 2 sets of twins 6 and 3 years ago respectively, Nationals has not been an option for me. I've always wanted to bowl at the stadium and I got permission to go this year. I watch guys online and have a vague game plan going in, in regards to what part of the lane I want to try to play. Here's my conundrum. I have a decent arsenal of equipment for a house shot. Most of my balls are drilled pin up, right above the bridge cg in the palm. I have more revs than most lefties i know so that layout gets the ball down the lane and makes a strong move in the back end. I'm afraid that reaction will be hard to control on the NATS patterns. I've considered getting a couple matte finished balls and drilling them pin down for more control and area. I just don't have the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP experience to know what to expect. Please help especially if left handed.

Dave81644 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2014, 12:44:12 PM »

lefty here as well
find somewhere that you can practice on this pattern
solid fundamentals will help you hit your target
practice spares, all spares- throw straight at them unless double wood.
(this is the key to higher scores)
for me (little higher rev rate) i have had a better look with symmetric pieces
more rolly balls

arson low flare (1 pin up, 1 pin down)
ebonite gamechanger
columbia disruption

if you are by yourself on the lft side, its tough to break the pattern down like the rightys do, i try to use something a little more dull in practice and to start the game to give me some downlane friction, like up 10ish (10 -8, 11-9) and then bump in slightly in the heads while using the downlane friction i created.

i used a 2000 dull 300t in baton rouge with some success, that was up 5, but it plays very flat out there and you must be on target to keep it in play

whatever balls you pick, you want to have a predictable, rolly look off the pattern
good luck

toneoak1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2014, 10:18:31 PM »

Quote from: DrBob806 on February 07, 2014, 09:57:20 AM

Since it's your first Nationals, you're going to be excited. I think you will be fine if you can channel that excitement into concentration. Nobody's written it yet, so i will...lefties have an edge at the Stadium, I think you'll be fine.

I would just take 4 balls, and get a chance to book a practice session. Your 230 house shot average shows you have skills, just keep your goals modest, like shooting 1800 and enjoy the experience.

I have read a couple things (and seen them on USBC Open telecasts) that state the Stadium is lefty friendly. I will be the first one to admit our house shot is disgustingly wide open. I've got some friends that go to the open championships year after year and I've seen what happens to them. Guys averaging 225 in league shooting 1500. I'm simply looking to avoid that. I typically score better when I can go straighter. (essence of a left hander) I have also looked into bowling the BJC while there because I've heard the entry fee is cheap and it is now contested on the singles/doubles pattern. There is no info online about it yet. I thought about that just for the practice time on that shot. What has your experience been in regards to the side tourneys?

ccrider · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2014, 02:15:53 AM »

I bowled the Nationals for the first time in Baton Rouge.

What I noticed was that the shot was flat- no wall on the outside, and that the backends were squeaky clean. Last, the volume played like medium to medium light. You must keep your ball speed and release consistent.

Control pieces that allow you to keep your angles down are a must. You may find that the hookmonstters that all roll the same on the THS are hard to control on the pattern. They will magnify any mistakes in your release or when you miss your target much more than on a house shot.

Straighter is greater. I could not count the number of spares I saw people missing trying to hook at them.

Use plastic and throw straight at your spares.

I had just dropped down from 16 to 14 and had stopped using my brace. I was much to inconsistent to score decently. I still broke even in the handicap brackets but missed out on making a ton, had I been prepared and knew what to expect.

itsallaboutme · « **Reply #19 on:** February 09, 2014, 05:52:16 AM »

Look up Matt McNiel bowling on youtube. That is how you play the lanes on the left at nationals.

Impending Doom · « **Reply #20 on:** February 09, 2014, 08:03:08 AM »

Imo, with most non ths, you have to learn to control the front to back, not the side to side. If you like to play straighter, don't only bring stuff that goes sideways off the end of the pattern.

DrBob806 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 10, 2014, 02:39:24 PM »

[quote

I have bowled the BTM a few times, and always bowl the 40 Frame Game. The 40 FG we bowl the day after we finish up the USBC, just to have some fun & you can make some cash on site. The BTM helps you focus a bit because the shot isn't easy and it gives you some preparation- I'm not sure if they are having it this year, the magazine is in transition and stopped publishing.

My comment about the lefties isn't meant to offend anyone, its just what I see. 2 of the guys in my group are lefty, & they do fairly well, and marvel at how much the righties have to adjust.

[/quote]

Quote from: toneoak1 on February 08, 2014, 10:18:31 PM

Quote from: DrBob806 on February 07, 2014, 09:57:20 AM
Since it's your first Nationals, you're going to be excited. I think you will be fine if you can channel that excitement into concentration. Nobody's written it yet, so i will...lefties have an edge at the Stadium, I think you'll be fine.

I would just take 4 balls, and get a chance to book a practice session. Your 230 house shot average shows you have skills, just keep your goals modest, like shooting 1800 and enjoy the experience.

I have read a couple things (and seen them on USBC Open telecasts) that state the Stadium is lefty friendly. I will be the first one to admit our house shot is disgustingly wide open. I've got some friends that go to the open championships year after year and I've seen what happens to them. Guys averaging 225 in league shooting 1500. I'm simply looking to avoid that. I typically score better when I can go straighter. (essence of a left hander) I have also looked into bowling the BJC while there because I've heard the entry fee is cheap and it is now contested on the singles/doubles pattern. There is no info online about it yet. I thought about that just for the practice time on that shot. What has your experience been in regards to the side tourneys?

toneoak1 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 10, 2014, 03:45:34 PM »

Quote from: itsallaboutme on February 09, 2014, 05:52:16 AM

Look up Matt McNiel bowling on youtube. That is how you play the lanes on the left at nationals.

I have watched a lot on Matty McHonorScore. I have not seen anything on what type of ball he is rolling and how it is drilled. I know he WAS Global 900 which I'm not too familiar with but I'm sure I could match that up to something I am familiar with to get an Idea. I am comfortable playing that part of the lane which is a plus. Not saying our ability or consistency is comparable. I have noticed that because of the line he is playing and the matching of equipment to condition, he does seem to have a little room at the break-point and remains able to strike. It would be nice to get more detailed information on what he has in hand in order to ATTEMPT to duplicate what he does.

Dave81644 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 10, 2014, 10:23:22 PM »

you dont need to know what equipment he uses, watch the ball motion.
its predictable and arcing.
just because he uses "X" ball doesn't mean any of us could use it or something similar

take advantage of a lesson there before you bowl, it will help
but being prepared starts before you get there
I am around many people that bowl nats and a few eagle winners, they practice, practice, practice.
almost all of them throw straight at spares and they throw every spare in practice as well
they will find multiple places that put the pattern down and make a point to get as much time as possible in on that pattern
its not that the pattern will be even close to wha you see at teh stadium, but it will teach you to not cross many boards and to maybe figure out what 5 or 6 balls to take.
200 is a good score on these patterns and that happens by keeping the ball in play, making your spares and repeating shots

CPA · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2014, 11:33:18 AM »

I agree to find a center that puts down the pattern and practice on it. The pattern at the tournament won't play the same, but it will highlight what works and what does not work. This will also allow you to practice throwing straight at spares if you don't do that already.

Greazygeo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 12, 2014, 02:16:30 PM »

This will be my 5th year going I think. We go more for fun and the challenge. We don't try to break down the lane or anything.

Last year for me the shot only changed towards the end of team and it was a one board adjustment. Singles / doubles was harder with the oil pattern being shorter ( I struggle on short patterns).

I've never taken anything very strong or anything that flips hard on the back end. Surface wise, more in the middle works ok for me. 2000 or soâ€¦..Typically I play in between 5-10. Last yearâ€¦hit 8 would strike, 7 washout and 9 a split. One board area is pretty fun. You see some really weird leaves out there.

The thing I have a hard time with is the lights of the scoreboards reflecting off the lanes. We got stuck on the pairs adjacent to the walkway, maybe it is just those.

Not sure what pattern you typically bowl on, but a ths is nothing like Nats. Inside hooks a lot, outside won't come back. Some guys can kill it though.

toneoak1 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 13, 2014, 01:54:35 PM »

Quote from: Greazygeo on February 12, 2014, 02:16:30 PM

This will be my 5th year going I think. We go more for fun and the challenge. We don't try to break down the lane or anything.

Last year for me the shot only changed towards the end of team and it was a one board adjustment. Singles / doubles was harder with the oil pattern being shorter ( I struggle on short patterns).

I've never taken anything very strong or anything that flips hard on the back end. Surface wise, more in the middle works ok for me. 2000 or soâ€¦..Typically I play in between 5-10. Last yearâ€¦hit 8 would strike, 7 washout and 9 a split. One board area is pretty fun. You see some really weird leaves out there.

The thing I have a hard time with is the lights of the scoreboards reflecting off the lanes. We got stuck on the pairs adjacent to the walkway, maybe it is just those.

Not sure what pattern you typically bowl on, but a ths is nothing like Nats. Inside hooks a lot, outside won't come back. Some guys can kill it though.

That's what I've been seeing. Some guys score big year after year after year. I know they are the elite among amateur bowlers but bowling is not rocket science. There is obviously something that they do differently than everyone else. i watch the archives on youtube and all of the scorers seem to play the lanes the same way, (straight and smooth). There is so much going on that you cannot see on camera. What balls they are using, surfaces, drill patterns, in order to get a desired reactions. Tournament and league conditions require such different equipment. I'm a firm believer that you can't out-bowl a bad ball reaction. That's what I'm trying to gain insight on. I'm simply trying to pick the brains of people who have experience to develop an idea of how to prepare. I don't think there is any substitute for experience; I'm just trying to gain a slight edge if I can.

itsallaboutme · « **Reply #27 on:** February 13, 2014, 02:06:09 PM »

You're giving way too much credit to the bowling balls they are using and not nearly enough credit to how talented they are.

Greazygeo · « **Reply #28 on:** February 13, 2014, 03:11:10 PM »

Quote from: toneoak1 on February 13, 2014, 01:54:35 PM

Quote from: Greazygeo on February 12, 2014, 02:16:30 PM
This will be my 5th year going I think. We go more for fun and the challenge. We don't try to break down the lane or anything.

Last year for me the shot only changed towards the end of team and it was a one board adjustment. Singles / doubles was harder with the oil pattern being shorter ( I struggle on short patterns).

I've never taken anything very strong or anything that flips hard on the back end. Surface wise, more in the middle works ok for me. 2000 or soâ€¦..Typically I play in between 5-10. Last yearâ€¦hit 8 would strike, 7 washout and 9 a split. One board area is pretty fun. You see some really weird leaves out there.

The thing I have a hard time with is the lights of the scoreboards reflecting off the lanes. We got stuck on the pairs adjacent to the walkway, maybe it is just those.

Not sure what pattern you typically bowl on, but a ths is nothing like Nats. Inside hooks a lot, outside won't come back. Some guys can kill it though.

That's what I've been seeing. Some guys score big year after year after year. I know they are the elite among amateur bowlers but bowling is not rocket science. There is obviously something that they do differently than everyone else. i watch the archives on youtube and all of the scorers seem to play the lanes the same way, (straight and smooth). There is so much going on that you cannot see on camera. What balls they are using, surfaces, drill patterns, in order to get a desired reactions. Tournament and league conditions require such different equipment. I'm a firm believer that you can't out-bowl a bad ball reaction. That's what I'm trying to gain insight on. I'm simply trying to pick the brains of people who have experience to develop an idea of how to prepare. I don't think there is any substitute for experience; I'm just trying to gain a slight edge if I can.

the past few years I have bought a ball while there. Asking what is working and usually go with their recommendtion. Usually just something mid priced and go with my normal layouts, then take the surface to about 2000. I am pretty accurate, but not one board!
Any mid level symmetrical ball with 2000 or so surface with whatever layout you like is probably fine for one of the balls.

The lanes for me tend to be slick and the back ends really flip, so it doesn't take much.

I'm happy if I can get over 500 in each event and one game over 200. It's quite an experience for sure.

So far I bought a Meanstreak Beatdown and had it drilled to roll earlier for one ball. 'I will take my old Red Hammer urethane. Then see what the pattern is when they release it to decide on a third. That may change though....

toneoak1 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 14, 2014, 10:08:56 PM »

Quote from: itsallaboutme on February 13, 2014, 02:06:09 PM

You're giving way too much credit to the bowling balls they are using and not nearly enough credit to how talented they are.

I think you've got me all wrong. I'm not taking anything away from these guys ability. I understand and appreciate their abilities. The guys that go to this tournament and take a serious run at an eagle year after year are obviously great shot makers and unbelievable bowlers. That goes without saying. I am more in awe of their knowledge base of this tournament and the conditions within which they are bowling. They separate themselves from the field consistently not solely because they are that much better physically than everyone else (which many of them are) but because they manage the lane pattern, their own emotions, the environment and all things of the such better than everyone else as well. Bowlers who score high know how to maximize margin of error. Judging from how most of the local bowlers in my area do at nationals, we are all doing something wrong. I know i can't ask these questions to guys who consistently shoot 1550 and get good information on what to do. That's why I'm asking these questions here.
I know shooting for an eagle is not a reasonable expectation for a league bowler like me. With the overall expense for someone like me (a teacher with bills to pay) to travel to this tourney, I'm just hoping to learn something I don't already know that might give me a few more pins a game when I get there.
I've gotten lots of great advice on things to practice, which is fantastic, I just want to collect tips on all I can.
I'm not downplaying these guy's physical talents in the slightest.
Sorry if it came across that way.

itsallaboutme · « **Reply #30 on:** February 15, 2014, 07:21:19 AM »

OK, but what you are not understanding is that using the same ball and layout as Matt McNeil probably isn't going to work for you. It doesn't matter what he's using. The most important part is playing the lanes properly. What high level bowlers don't get enough credit for is their ability to read and understand how to play the lanes, then manipulating the ball to be able to play the correct zone on the lane.

Author Topic: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP! (Read 9101 times)

toneoak1

Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

Dave81644

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

toneoak1

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

ccrider

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

itsallaboutme

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

Impending Doom

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

DrBob806

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

toneoak1

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

Dave81644

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

CPA

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

Greazygeo

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

toneoak1

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

itsallaboutme

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

Greazygeo

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

toneoak1

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!

itsallaboutme

Re: Accomplished Bowler but NATS rookie. HELP!