The ball reaction looks good, Mike. Despite your physical limitations, you do roll a great ball. At least you tried what was suggested, and that's better than most people do.

On the machine note, I was right initially. I swear, those GS98's were one of the worst creations for pinsetters. I know of a lot of places that upgraded to 99 series parts because those 98's just were too much trouble. Even in Reno, when I bowled out there in 2000 with the 99's, they still had a few problems (we happened to bowl on a pair that broke down). Apparently the owner of that place doesn't realize, or care, that those machines are more trouble without the part upgrades. I feel for ya, Mike.

This facility is only 9 years old so to have the troubles they have had is a shame. I'm fair though, I complained a lot about break downs but it seems with States coming through they are finally throwing time and money at their problems. We have all new pins, break downs are less than they were and it only adds to the enjoyment. The other places I bowl at I'm not sure what pin setters they have but they work nearly flawless. You have to expect SOME kind of problems now and again with anything mechanical. I got through 2 practice sessions now with zero down time, kind of nice.

The video had too much editing without seeing strikes or spares.

Practice has nothing to do with strikes or spares, Paul. It has to do with repeating shots. Scores mean nothing.

Mike, I always make it a point to know what machines and lanes I'm on. There are inherent quirks to every type of machine and lane surface, and knowing some of the basic quirks can take a little guesswork out of moving and adjusting. I don't know all of the surfaces, but I do know about machines.

Plus, being a mechanic and lane person, I always wanted to know how stuff worked. I'm compulsive like that.

Oh I see Brian. I usually practice my open games on friday.

Paul, the way I look at it, if you can repeat shots, the scores will take care of themselves. Practice is the time when you try something new to better your game or to work on a part of your game you're deficient in. If you're concerned about scoring, then you're not really practicing.

I can't tell you how many 300's I've thrown in practice because I never kept score, but I know it's more than 5, but they don't matter because they weren't during sanctioned competition. When I'm practicing, I'm working on a particular part of my game so when it comes time to turn on the scorers, I have a chance to equal (or better) my practice sessions.

The first link on page one is a complete game as it happened. The 2nd link was a short edit of a few good shots.

As for practice I normally just dealt with my flaws and worked on scores. Where I'm at or where I was scores were important to me because if I scored well that mean I was doing things right to find carry and repeat shots. Right now with the suggestions from everyone here scores do not matter to me but they will. I think once I iron out my flaws best I can and get my game back on Track this could be what makes me a 225-230 average bowler(house shot) or at least that's my goal even if I fall some what short. I enjoy the challenge of working on my game. I'm proud of how far I've come on my own but this place has opened my eyes as to how much further I can go.

Mike - Did you notice that your ball reaction was more down the lane, and stronger on the back end? That's the way it seemed to me, and that's what you get when you don't hit up on the ball.

On a few of the shots you would revert but I certianly didn't expect you to be perfect. That is probably why you're seeing irratic results.

It does look better to me though.

Mike you goin to the Hammer tournament in York?

Mkee19....At the moment I doubt it but you never know. I need to see how my finances are, that usually controls everything. I want to get into as many tournaments as possible this year I need the experience good or bad.

Lefty... I noticed the back end to be just as strong yet smoother. I didn't get close up video of the ball reaction when I was hitting up on it more but routinely when my ball enters the pocket it still has side roll to it creating a good mix. I notice now that the ball turns and still has energy probably just as much as before but that side roll isn't there all the time yet it doesn't really roll out or anything. On that split pick up(2nd video) you can see my footwork and balance were a bit better and it yielded good results. When I throw it good, hold balance and use the left arm extension it feels great. now I just need that good muscle memory to kick in to accept that as normal instead of wanting to hit up on it and use that side step as a means to make up for sub par balance at the line.