HI, im new to this forum. I would like to know if anyone has any good advice on how to hit my mark better. im having a really hard time with it.

When you practice, put a 3-inch piece of black electrical tape across the area you want to hit - say you want to target the 8th board, put the tape across boards 7, 8 and 9. This gives a one board margin of error on each side. Check with the lanes' proprietor before you do this.

Thanks for the good tip Skipper.

What I used to do was to just pick out a mark, any mark, and just try to hit that mark. Then I would count how many times I would hit it. Then I got a freind to count too. It is funny how much your perspective is different, and how fast you improve if that is what you consintrate on. My laneman would not let me put tape on the lanes . Oh well.



[ 02-28-2001: Message edited by: Webmaster ]

Make sure that the spot you choose to start from on the approach allows you to hit your mark. For example, if you're playing a straight "down-and-in" shot up the second arrow (10th board), your bowling shoulder should be in line with the second arrow. If you're right-handed, that means the right edge of your right shoe should be somewhere around the 14th board. (Most coaches seem to teach using the inner side of your sliding shoe, but I find it easier to use the non-sliding shoe as my reference.)

If you begin your approach in the wrong spot, it may be physically impossible for you to hit the mark you're aiming for, without turning your body this way or that at the foul line.

Then try to push the ball away from you in a straight line, and let it swing freely. If you're lined up properly, and you're missing your mark to the same side by about the same amount (two boards to the inside, for example), then try focussing on the board the same distance to the other side (two boards to the outside, in my example).

Hope this helps.

Once again, thanks for all the great tips. I cant wait to try them out.