Started my summer league in a new house I played a total of 5 times since I knew about it (synthetic approach and synthetic lanes which I hate, always get stuck). And with the A/C out which made my life living hell, I switch to a very slick sole and shorten my approach by like a foot and a half. What it did was it made me became a really late timer, but it also allow my upper body to stay straighter... something to think about.

-- Sam

Supposedly, bowling in a PBA league is to help the bowler work on many things in his approach, release, speed, etc. As, any shortcomings in a bowler's style is magnified on these patterns. Many bowlers get frustrated with this type of league, as they are not that well schooled to understand how to read oil patterns, control their tempo, and even match up the right equipment to the condition, while trying to force their shot rather then take what the lane gives them.

The best PBA league I ever bowled in was one where there was coaching and assistance provided by the house Pro.

So, as one of the junior bowler instructors in this house, I recommended this approach to the House to help the junior PBA league. After week 1, the house conducted a meeting with the junior bowlers and parents, to see if they wanted this. It was a resounding YES, as many of the kids were having trouble. They were then asked to recommend a coach out of the 5 junior coaches in the house who would help the most. I was the one the juniors selected.

Well, I was approached with this idea. Not being one of the top bowlers in this house, or a card carrying pro, but certified in coaching, I thought there were better qualified bowlers. But, the house pushed me to consider it.

So, I accepted. Now, I haven't been in a PBA League for a couple of years, and solicited the help of the Pro Shop guy, who has turned into a friend and knows his stuff as a Silver Coach. And, between us, we roamed the lanes in this league (12 lanes of 3-man teams, mostly Jr High and Freshmen bowlers).

I quickly found the biggest problem was lining the bowlers up on the Viper. As, bowlers of this age were not adept at playing different lines and reading the condition or ball reaction. We routinely work on style, release and timing during the regular season. There was an immediate favorable outcome, as the bowlers weren't fighting their usual comfort stance and target. The bowlers responded well and actively asked for help. I was pleased at their eagerness to learn, and how often they asked for help. These kids really want to learn, and I'd like to think that their familiarity with me and faith in my ability to work with them over the last couple of years they have known me, led to their comfort to inquire.

There was much improvement on this night, and the kids were not as frustrated as they were after the first night. Many kids and parents thanked me and the Pro Shop guy for helping.

I think this will be successful. And, I must admit, personally gratifying.

+1. I wish that was available in my area. I don't see how a center can expect THS bowlers to just walk in a PBAx league and start competing for cash and have fun. It can be a real frustrating experience and do more harm than good without some coaching. If the centers offered a way to ease bowlers into bowling on sport patterns they probably would have much more interest in these types of leagues.

After much debate as to whether I wanted to bowl over the summer or not, my girlfriend suggested we join a league together. She's never bowled before, and though we've been together for four years and she's never shown much interest in league bowling, suddenly she's very enthusiastic to give it a shot. I'm looking forward to it. We start tonight.

After much debate as to whether I wanted to bowl over the summer or not, my girlfriend suggested we join a league together. She's never bowled before, and though we've been together for four years and she's never shown much interest in league bowling, suddenly she's very enthusiastic to give it a shot. I'm looking forward to it. We start tonight.

Started my summer league with a 213+180+268=661. Got a tip from a pro on my release the other day and it really helped me out. I was getting a lot more rotation on the ball than I had been which resulted in more strikes. Also using a wrist support which is helping me stay consistent with my release. Had a 5-bagger in the first but then struggled in the 2nd game with some weird splits and had my only missed single pin of the night. In the 3rd game ended up starting with a double, then 9/, then a 7-bagger, followed by 9/ to close it out for my all time high game and series.

Wasn't too thrilled about tonight. I shot 211, 194 (clean), and 184 for 589. I started getting bad over/under in the middle of the second game, and couldn't put anything together. My last game would have been another clean 190 of not for a 10th frame split.

Started my summer league this past wednesday. Didn't bowl this league last year. Went in as a league member came out as league secetary with a 5 min stint as league president. None of the previous league officers came back from last year.

Didn't bowl that well to start went 177-210-237.

Wednesday league I practiced my 10 pin shooting. I was 10 of 10 in a 3 game set 210 227 203 640

I find this strange. Even though I am not bowling, I did sign up for a Monday league. And, it is bowling tonight. Are others bowling on Memorial Day?