I bowl once a week in an AMF house and average 180. I would like to know how I could increase my average. I am a pretty good spare bowler but I do not throw very many strikes.I currently am throwing an AMF evolution angle (fingertip).

practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, and practice

There are two solutions I would offer you p2, but I would need to know are the stikes just not carrying or do you miss the pocket? I you are missing the pocket maybe take some time off and practice with a plastic ball this will cut down on your 'area' of the lane that may have spoiled you. If you aren't carrying than I suggest playing different lines to the pocket and mastering them. Changing the breakpoint is the secret to carrying. If you have a hard time carrying down the boards try to generate more angle by playing a swing shot or an inside shot, or vice versa. Find a line that carrys and learn to Master different lines to the pocket by varying speed, revs, rotation, etc.

p2, It sounds like you are on the right Track, a good bowler is one who can throw a lot of strikes, but a great bowler is one who can bowl strikes, and pick up spares. The art of knocking all 10 down can best be achieved by the suggestions offered by Chozman 2009, and Stev300. Something that has really helped me with my strike ball is watching video tapes called " Cyber Vision ". These tapes are presented in a unusual format, they do little to no talking but rather you watch a bowler over and over through out the approach, foot work, and release. After watching these tapes I was able to relate on some of the technic then adapt it to my game. A real good one was recorded using Marshall Holman. Keep up the good bowling p2, and good luck. Mike

Yes, practice is essential. Also, find out when the best bowlers at your center bowl and take some time to watch them. See what they do that you could do. If you have friends who are good bowlers, ask for advice. Once a week isn't much if you really want to improve, so the practice of the basics is essential. Good luck. As the other reply says, it's hard to reply without much mor information except in general terms.

Thank you to everyone for your advice. I find it difficult to make time for practice on this truly enjoyable sport.I have been bowling for an number of years. The highest average I carried was a 191 and I credit that to a lane condition condusive to the way I throw the ball. (my husband calls it a blocked condition)
I have tried throwing different angles and with different speed on my ball. Somehow I lose something on my release when I try these changes. I like throwing straight down & in. However when I have to move into 15 or deeper on the lanes, I can't seem to find area & need to be more accurate hitting my mark with greater consistency.
I do plan on checking out the CyberVision tapes that were mentioned.

p2,

I see you are from the Canton, Oh area ! I lived in Canton from 1986 through 1990 on Wertz Ave SW. I have bowled at every house in and around the Canton/ Massilon area, I have also been to the Firestone in Akron. I got the Cyber Vision tapes at the Holiday Bowl when Red Simon was the Pro Shop op.

One observation in response to something you said about moving inside and loosing some consistancy, when ever we move inside and play the inside to out towards the channel it must be remembered that we are playing directly into and through the heaviest part of the oil and our confidence is subjected to the reaction of the ball, if the ball doesn't make it back to the pocket, or if it does make it back but hits weak then our confidence suffers.

Many houses use a reverse block, using more oil on the out side and a lighter spread towards the inside, this set up calls for playing the inside to out line. When playing this line it is important to slow the ball speed down so it has time to react in the oil, instead of coming through the ball like you would on a " down & in " shot off of the gutter, you will wnat to impart more lift and side axis, this can be achieved by releasing the ball while imagining your thumb is turning to the 1 'O clock position.

When you start to get results playing this type of swing line your confidence will explode, and look out.

Hope this offers some help, good luck and good bowling, Mike

Hi! I am a female bowler, avg 198. I have had similar problems and still am depending on the lane conditions. Sounds like you might seek the advice of a coach if you are serious about the game. The reason I say this is because you seemed to have mastered the reverse shot: dry inside, where the ball will turn the corner for you, but having trouble else where. There are a variety of lane conditions: block (reverse/inverse), top-hat, stripe, christmas tree... Depending on the oil pattern, you may or may not have a ball arsenal to adapt to these conditions. There are some tricks you can do with your release (ie. spinning the ball) to get it through the oil and snap in the backend. Only someone you trust and has the experience to help you with your game, can make a recommendation as to the type of adjustments you need to make in your game to get you over this hump. And whatever changes you make will require practice, practice, practice on a variety of lane conditions. The choice is yours. Good Luck!!!!

p2,

To many people are quick to say," buy another ball ", the truth of the matter is if you are bowling good with the one you have then you should consider staying with it and working towards mastering the variety of oil patterns being used. Another fact is the center in which you bowl in the most will not change the shot on a regular basis.

My wife's avg is 218, and she still rolls a Columbia white Dot, 13 lbs.

My current avg is 215 and I registerd a 765 series last week rolling my old dusty blue Hammer. you can rest assured knowing that any advice received from this bowler will be, time tested, researched, and results oriented. I do not reccomend trying to spin the ball, this is asking you to now change the normal style you use and are comfortable with, this advice comes directly from pro bowlers who have made their lively hood from the game, such names as: Earl Anthony, John Jowdy, Marshall Holeman just to name a few.

You could go out and buy a arsenal of balls, but this will not be the answer, however having a heavy oil ball, a ball for dry conditions, and then a ball for everything else is the reccomended and will accomidate just about any and all conditions, patterns you in counter.

I have won two regional events, a plethra of various local events, and all using the advice I have mentioned.

Good bowling, and remember to have fun. Mike

I plan on working on my game this summer. With winter leagues finishing up, it's easier to find open lanes pretty much anytime. I would like to raise my average.

I did make a ball change in the beginning of the year, I went from a blue force #3 to a
evolution angle and it did help.

I feel I need help reading the lanes, and having a ball for drier conditions. It's true that most of the time your lane conditions are pretty consistent. I still bowl on wood lanes that probably will be replaced by synthetic in a few years. That will be another new experience.

Virago, did you and your wife ever bowl in moonlite scotch doubles in the Stark County area? What about the Stark County Masters?

What one thing in particular would someone say they attributed to increasing their average?

Thanks,
P2