I Took a Bowling Lesson

It seems funny to take my first bowling lesson now even though I’ve been bowling in a league for about 4 or 5 years. When I started bowling in a league my average was probably around 150-160 or so. My worst year I bowled a 140. My best year I bowled a 171 average. Big deal right? It’s above average but you can’t be any sort of contender like that. There’s nothing to build on.

So yesterday I took my first bowling lesson. 4 years ago I would have thought it was ridiculous to take a bowling lesson. I mean, what’s there to learn right? You just go up there and throw the ball as hard as you can and try to aim for the pocket.

Well apparently there is a lot more to learn.

Have you ever gone to a bowling alley that can clock your ball speed? I think if I remember correctly I was clocked at like 12 miles per hour or something. Even when I tried to throw it as hard as I could, I couldn’t get it over 13 miles per hour. I think professionals on tv throw it at around 18.

Bowling that speed doesn’t necessarily require genetic gifts like a pitcher that can throw the ball at 100 mph. Bowling that speed just requires the right mechanics. Bowling is more like being able to shoot three pointers rather than being able to dunk a basketball. It’s more about technical and mental skills. Anyone can hit a three pointer if they practice enough but can they be good enough to hit in a game consistently in clutch situations.

So my bowling coach wondered if I was willing to basically forget everything I know about bowling and start over. I told him that’s what I was there for.

Turns out nothing that I was doing was fundamentally right. From the the length of my steps, to my back swing, to my balancing arm, to my release, to my launch. I was trying to put together so many new elements that I felt like a real fish out of water. It got to the point where I just wanted to take his notes and go practice somewhere by myself. Even though it was all kind of awkward and difficult, it’s kind of exciting to go into this sport again where if I get my fundamentals right, I can really get things turned around.

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