What’s Striking

Classification

How do we fix bowling….it’s a loaded question. You would 1st have to ask, what is wrong with bowling? You would also have to pay attention to the group of people you are talking to. If you ask scratch bowlers they are going to either say the rules of the governing body regarding prize money, or that there isn’t much real scratch bowling being done. Handicap is ruining the sport. If you ask the 200-2teen (technically these are handicap bowlers today) bowlers they are going to give you mixed answers because they are in between groups. Some will complain about the 230 bowlers, others will complain about the 170 bowlers that have too much handicap. I could go on: the lefty/ righty argument: older generation complaining about 2 handed bowlers: string pins are going to ruin us, etc., etc. It would also make a difference WHERE you ask this question. I am going to give my take on it even though you haven’t asked………Bowling is imperfectly perfect.

More than ever, I believe bowling is in a paradox that is influenced by the culture and society we live in today. Today bowlers (young and old) are influenced by professionals that make more money with their Youtube channel than they do their bowling. They are also influenced by Youtube personalities that aren’t necessarily professional, and also not necessarily spreading the most accurate information (click bait). Everyone has a Youtube channel…I HAVE ONE. I think we are asking the wrong question. We shouldn’t be asking what’s wrong, or how do you fix bowling. We should be asking what do you want out of bowling, I believe we all want something different and that is what is driving the biggest wedge.

Me, I am still living in 1992 and wanting to bowl on ABCs Wide World of Sports Saturday mornings, but I am CLEARLY a dreamer. Most of USBC is just plain recreational, get out of the house bowlers. For those, they just care that the beer is cold and not too overpriced. NOTHING wrong with that. The median male average is 178 (more males average UNDER 178 than over) and the median female average is 137 (more women average OVER 137 than under). For the rest of us, hopefully the ones reading this, we are scattered all over the place. A large percentage realize they are not going to be EJ Tackett, but still long for SOMETHING. Whether it is the recognition, the thrill and excitement, the accomplishment or just simply the challenge. They want something. The east coast has started a cult like following of the UBA. I love the IDEA, think it needs to be refined and more legitimized in order to see it reach its full potential. Something like this would only solve or effect someone wanting to bowl tournaments.

As I have said time and time again, the USBC still operates as if it is 1972 and bowling is at its highest. The biggest bang for the buck is the standard league format. People want something for their money, but not everyone can win……the money. Problem #1. Why should a couple that just wants to have a night out bowling pay close to what the “Money” league pays. Doesn’t make much sense. And if you’re in a money league, (say 16 teams) why should the bottom half get any money. What’s the object, not to hurt someone’s feelings? I know what I like, but that is not what the majority likes. The powers that be made classifications for Nationals (Classified, Standard, Regular) using average ranges that don’t reflect your local averages AT ALL. It’s a real kick to the ego of your 200 average bowler that gets classified as “Standard: 161-182”, lol. More times than not, the league structure does not match a bowlers desire or intent. Golf has the white tees, the blue tees and the red tees (they technically also have yellow and black), why can’t bowling have a version of that. Just be patient, bowling is going through a huge imbalance right now. Try and remember your love for the game, and not give up.

Forward Progress or Floundering Stalemate

I decided to add a “Tip’s and Trick’s” section. This will have multiple contributors every now and then. Different points of views from accomplished bowlers, that should help you with your bowling. The 1st installment is going to be simple: Do you practice or do you bowl. Bowling has to be the only sport I know of, where the majority of the participants don’t actually practice, they just participate. In basketball people work on their free throws; baseball they go to the batting cage, football they work on route running or hitting the bag. Bowling……I am just going to go bowl a few games. WHAT. Don’t get me wrong, just bowling does have SOME benefits, but minor at best. Simply just going through the motions. Practice with a purpose. I missed a bunch of 10 pins Monday; just shoot the 10 pin for 20 minutes then. If the center you practice at charges by the hour, just put the bowler on skip and practice. If the scoring system wont allow that, simply practice the 10 pin, or 7 pin on your first shot, and then try and spare whatever is left. Do 10 pins for 20 minutes, then switch to 7 pins. Wash, rinse and repeat. NOW, if you really want to step it up just pick off the 10 pin. If you actually accomplish that, then pick off the 7 pin. If you accomplished THAT, then on the next ball try and strike. Here is the drill: Spare just the 10 on your 1st ball. If you hit any other pin, start over Then just spare the 7. Again, if you hit any other pin, start over. Lastly get 3 strikes in a row. If you don’t get a turkey……start over. Its a game, its practice AND it adds the level of challenge and purpose typical practice lacks. You get an added bonus, you get to work on your mental game. You have to learn to stay focused and relax. I challenge ANYONE to accomplish this in under 1 hour. If you do, without video proof, I wont believe it.