D’Errico named Alberta E. Crowe Award Winner (source: New York Times)

In her application essay for the Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow Award, Heather D’Errico wrote… Read (source: New York Times) - RSS news feeds and Widgets on Feedzilla.com

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D’Errico named Alberta E. Crowe Award Winner (source: New York Times)

2010 USBC Hall of Fame Ceremony Set for International Bowling Campus Prior to US Women’s Open Finals (source: Team USA)

When members of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame class of 2010 are enshrined, they… Read (source: Team USA) - News widgets and RSS feeds on Feedzilla.com

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2010 USBC Hall of Fame Ceremony Set for International Bowling Campus Prior to US Women’s Open Finals (source: Team USA)

Tempo, Release, and Other Bowling Adjustments

Straight line bowling is where just about every bowler starts out. This point and shoot method of throwing the ball can be completely adequate for occasional players just out for a fun addition to their social calendar. If you want to get serious about bowling, or if you play on a bowling league, however, straight bowling just wont cut it. You have too little control over where the ball goes; its impossible to consistently throw good shots and most of the time, you are depending more on luck and less on skill. To really improve your game, you need to inject some more advanced techniques into your game that will let you depend on your skill to help you hit the high scores in any bowling alley.

One of the most useful tools a bowler has at his disposal is adjusting his tempo, yet many inexperienced players overlooking it entirely. Tempo refers to the speed at which your approach the foul line to make your shot. Your approach should involve you taking four steps towards the lines, bringing the ball up to your chest with the first step, and then lowering it until it is in the release position with your fourth stride. Most beginning bowlers approach at the same tempo every time, usually quite slow, and do not make any adjustments to their tempo for the kind of shot they are trying to make. If you watch professional bowlers, however, you will notice they adjust their tempo throughout the game. The reason for this is your tempo helps control how fast your ball moves.

If youre throwing your first shot and all the pins are in place, a slow, steady tempo is fine; the ball doesnt have to move fast in this instance. In fact, a slower, steady ball is ideal for a shot like this. But now image its your second shot, and you have three pins standing over in the corner and you want to knock them down to get a spare. Tempo can make or break a shot like this. Pick up the tempo and deliver a fast, hard shot, and you will have the best chance of knocking these pins down. If you learn to adjust your tempo to adjust your ball speed, you will increase your scoring potential.

How you release the ball is another adjustment you can make. Where you release the ball and how much of a spin on it can adjust the hook your ball and let you aim more efficiently. The release of the ball changes the axis rotation and axis tilt on your throw, and the axis rotation and axis tilt adjusts the angle, hook, and skid on your ball. Adjusting your release allows you to make several other adjustments based on the specific factors of a particular game, the lane (is it dry? oily?), and the kind of ball you are playing with.

Another important adjustment you can make is the kind of ball you are using. Most serious bowlers have specific balls for specific instances, just like golfers and their clubs. Some balls are designed for speed, some for hooks, and some for a combination of the two. Playing the right ball on the right shot can make all the difference between getting lucky and getting it right every time.

Straight bowling is fine for beginners, but it leaves much of the game up to chance. If you want to be a serious bowler, start bringing your skill to the forefront, control the ball yourself, and watch your score climb.

Bator wins singles gold at PABCON Youth Championships (source: Team USA)

Junior Team USA’s Christine Bator of Warren, Mich., held on to win the singles gold medal Monday… Read (source: Team USA) - RSS news feeds and Widgets on Feedzilla.com

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Bator wins singles gold at PABCON Youth Championships (source: Team USA)

Points to Ponder When Setting up your Bowling Shot

Whether you are a new bowler just trying to work out the intricacies of the game, or seasoned player who has spent many an evening staring down the lane at those pins, you know that how you set up your bowling shots determines how your game will go. If you dont get the right set-up, you chance of knocking down the pins is left up to sheer luck. The good news is that the steps to setting up those perfect bowling shots can be followed by anyone, even if it is your first time in a bowling alley. The key to setting up your bowling shot has less to do with being skilled and more to do with being mentally prepared, every time.

If you are a serious bowler, then you know that looking at the positioning of the pins and lining up your shot accordingly are very important to your game. Performing these tasks technically well will, of course, lead to higher scores for you. But properly preparing yourself to perform these tasks will inevitably increase your technical ability, and it will also allow you to perform at a high level all the time, instead of getting thrown off by any number of contributing factors. To mentally prepare yourself for your shot, there are a few things you can do.

First and foremost, you should also have a pre-shot ritual or routine. This routine can be just about anything you want it to be, but if you watch professional bowlers play, you will notice they all have their own ritual they go through before a shot. Be it something simple like wiping down your ball or taking a deep breath, or something more out there, like hopping up and down twice or doing a little twirl, it matters less what your routine is and more that you simply have one. The point of this routine is to give you a little time to calm down and concentrate on the job at hand, and to remind you that you need to calm down and concentrate on the job at hand. After doing your routine has become a habit, the routine itself will instantly make you feel calm and focused on your game.

After you have established your routine and developed a technique to get you into the shooting mood, you should concentrate on finding techniques that allow you to tune any potential distractions. Bowling alleys can be busy places, filled with flashing lights, loud music, and even louder people. To get the most out of every shot, you need to find a way to tap into the quiet inside and block all the noise and distraction. Some bowlers accomplish this through deep breathing, while others have a mantra of sorts that they repeat to themselves over and over. Trial and error will help you find what works best for you. It may feel a little strange at first to go through these steps before bowling every round, but when you get the hang of it, it will all become second nature.

Once you have established the habits that best help you prepare mentally for each shot, the technical aspects of the game will all fall into place. One last thing you have to make an effort to do is to keep your confidence up. Dont let a wonky shot throw your whole game steel yourself for the highs and lows to make your game more consistent. Bowling experts are fond of saying the game is 90% mental; mentally prepare yourself before you make your shots, and see how true that statistic is.

Your Options on Finding a Great Bowling Ball

If you want to get serious about bowling, owning your own bowling ball is an important step to take. Making use of the standard balls at the bowling alley is fine for occasional recreational play, but even if you plan on taking part in an amateur bowling league, getting your own ball can make all the difference in the world. There are plenty of bowling balls out there to choose from, so youre sure to find the perfect ball for you.

If this is your first bowling ball, especially if youre a relatively new bowler, you shouldnt just blindly buy the first ball you come across. Your ball is going to be your most important bowling investment, so you should take a more seasoned player along with your when you are shopping, or take your business to a dedicated bowling pro shop, where the knowledgeable staff can help your find the right fit.

The first thing to consider when buying a bowling ball is what kind of ball you should get. There are four main kinds; plastic/polyester, urethane, reactive resin, and particle. If youre new to bowling, or will be bowling strictly as a hobby, plastic/polyester balls are the best choice for you. These balls are the one you encounter most often in bowling alleys; they are very durable, and their texture helps you toss a straighter shot. Urethane balls are what the pros turn to when they want to throw a hook shot. Reactive resin balls are a favorite with experience bowlers; they roll faster and harder than normal balls. Particle balls are the professional ball of choice for most bowling situations; they combine the increased hook potential of urethane balls with the speed you get in reactive resin balls. When youre deciding what kind of ball to get, consider your skill level, how often you will be using the ball, and what kind of shots you want to throw. Avid bowlers often have a few balls they can choose from based on conditions; but again, this probably isnt necessary for new bowlers, unless you plan to play competitively.

Once you have settled on the kind of ball you want, the second most important thing you have to consider is the weight of the ball. One general rule of thumb experts recommend is calculating 10% of your body weight and looking for a ball close to that. The ball you buy should always be heavier than the community ball you usually go for at the bowling alley by at least a pound or two. Because the bowling ball you buy will be custom fit to your fingers, it will feel lighter than the balls at the bowling alley.

After you make these decision, you can move on to the fun part; what color do you want, do you want a design on the ball, do you want your name or initials engraved, and so on. There are many options out there, so your choices are limited only by your imagination. If you dont see what you want, you can get your ball custom designed.

Once you have your ball, make sure you understand how to care for it and store it properly so it always performs its best. Youll want to invest in a case for your ball, and some finger tape to make holding the ball more comfortable. The first time you take your ball out for spin, youll be amazed at how much having the right equipment improves your game. Youll never play with the house ball again!

Helpful Techniques for Beginning Bowlers for a Better Game

When youre a new bowler, hitting the bowling alley can be a little intimidating. If youre insecure about your own performance, suddenly the alley can seem to be filled with all pros, all the time. Your first forays into bowling dont have to be a nightmare, however. Just apply a few basic skills and techniques, and suddenly all the other bowlers will be glancing nervously at you for a change.

Pro bowlers love to say that the game is 90% mental, and that is the first challenge you have to conquer. Approach the game with confidence. Steel yourself for some successes and some failures, and dont let either throw you off of the task at hand. Work on developing techniques that will help you stay focused and confident so you can develop a consistent game. Many professional bowlers recommend having a routine or ritual you complete before every shot to focus your attention on your shot and drown out all of the distractions that can be found around you in a bowling alley. This routine can be anything from wiping down your ball to deep breathing to repeating a calming mantra to yourself. Develop your own routine that will help you remain calm and confident so you always bowl your best.

Another thing you can do to help you bowl successfully is care for your bowling equipment the right way. If youre just getting started, maybe you are using simply using the bowling balls and rental shoes provided at the alley, but if you are planning on making bowling a serious hobby, you really ought to invest in your own gear. Go to a professional bowling shop and try out balls in all different weights to find one that works for your. Do the same for shoes the pro shop staff should be able to help you decide which kind of shoe is best for you and your skill level. Once you have your own gear, take great care of it, especially your ball. Wash excess oil of your ball with rubbing alcohol after every game, soak it in warm water and dish detergent every few weeks, and keep it properly sanded, waxed, and polished. Here again, a bowling equipment retailer should be able to explain in full the proper upkeep for your particular ball.

If youre anxious about being the new bowler on the block, spend some time learning the lingo so youll fit right in. Do the same with the basic rules of the game. You can buy a sports book dedicated to bowling terms and rules, or you can simply take a few lessons or pick the brain of a more experienced bowler.

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with the game, your fellow bowlers can be the resource you have. Get over your fear of being the least experienced bowler in the room and speak up. Check out the way other people play, and ask them for tips. If you see a bowler who seems to be successful, watch them play and try and see what they are doing that you can incorporate some of their moves into your routine. Never worry about embarrassing yourself by approaching more seasoned bowlers most avid bowlers have a genuine love of the game that they will be more than happy to share with you.

Whether youre walking into the bowling alley for the first time, or youve had a little bit of practice but are still wet behind the eats, never fear. Stay calm, focused, and confident, and make the most of the other bowlers around you; soon youll be bowling with ease.

Get a Grip In Bowling, That Is

One of the most important aspects of bowling technique is the grip. The manner in which a bowler holds the ball can have a big effect on the power and accuracy of the shot, and will in turn affect that bowlers score, and ultimately his average. There are four different kinds of grip that a bowler can use; the conventional grip, the fingertip grip, the semi-fingertip grip, and the Sarge-Easter grip, with advantages and disadvantages to using each one.

Popular among beginners, the conventional grip is the most common method of holding the ball among amateur bowlers. In preparing for this grip, bowlers place their middle and ring fingers in the two holes that are side-by-side, while inserting the thumb into the third hole. The fingers are inserted in the holes up to the second knuckle, and the thumb hole is drilled deep enough to allow the entire thumb to be placed inside the ball. The holes must be drilled relatively close together to facilitate this grip, depending on the size of the players hands. Using this grip gives the bowler a feeling of security and control over the ball, which is why it is popular among less-experienced players. It does not allow for much lift when releasing the ball, but it can provide the ability for the bowler to hook the ball into the pocket.

Many advanced bowlers use the fingertip grip, which allows them to put more of a spin on the ball for a better hook. The finger holes for this grip are drilled more shallowly, only allowing the tips of the fingers to be inserted into the ball, but the thumbhole depth remains the same as for the conventional grip. Because the holes are wider apart and ball is held using just the fingertips, this grip requires more arm and wrist strength than the other grip, but it allows the bowler much more finesse and control over the rotation of the ball as it is released.

A hybrid between the conventional and fingertip grips is the semi-fingertip grip. With this method, the fingers are inserted into the holes up to a point between the first and second joint, and the entire thumb is placed into the ball. This kind of grip is considered a happy medium between the two other grips, as it still allows some sense of control over the ball, while also providing an increased ability to hook the shot. This type of grip is recommended for intermediate bowlers who do not yet have the confidence or skill to go with the fingertip grip.

For the bowler who puts too much spin on the ball when using the fingertip grip, the Sarge-Easter grip may be in order. With this method, the middle finger hole is drilled to the fingertip level, while the ring finger hole is drilled to the depth of a conventional grip. The thumb hole remains the same as with the other types of grip. This grip style allows the bowler to redirect the rotational axis of the bowling ball, bringing more of the rotation forward instead of sideways, and decreasing the amount of hook in each shot.

Whatever a bowlers skill level may be, choosing the proper grip can help one get maximum enjoyment out of the game. Changing grip styles is not always possible when using the house balls of a bowling alley since most have been drilled to the conventional grip depth, but for those bowlers who are serious enough to own their own ball, changing to a more advanced grip can often pay big dividends and result in a higher average.

Suggestions on How to Select Your Ball at the Bowling

Suggestions on How to Select Your Ball at the Bowling Alley

One of the biggest factors in a bowlers score is the bowling ball. Many people own their own ball, but for those who do not, the vast majority of bowling alleys have a rack off to the side from which one can choose a ball. It is important to choose one that is a good fit for the bowler, as it can mean the difference between a game with a lot of high-fives, and one consisting of nothing but gutterballs.

The main characteristic that one should pay attention to when selecting a ball is its weight. Balls range in weight from 6 to 16 pounds, and while a lighter ball is easier to control and throw at a high rate of speed, one that is too light will not contain enough weight to produce the force needed to consistently produce strikes. In addition, a light bowling ball will often rise into the air too much after the release, causing the ball to bounce down the lane and stray from its intended target. A heavier ball, however, can be difficult to control, and is often unpredictable, as it tends to slip out of ones grip at times. Many experts contend that a good weight for a bowling ball is roughly ten percent of the bowlers body weight. At most bowling alleys, the weight of the ball is usually engraved on the outside covering, making it easy to choose one with the proper weight.

Another bowling ball attribute that should be checked is the size and positioning of the finger holes. They should be wide enough to allow the bowlers fingers to fit easily into them, but not so wide that the ball is difficult to grip. Also, the holes should not be so far apart that one cannot get enough of his fingers or thumb into them to gain a comfortable grip. As the width and positioning of the finger holes in the house balls of the typical bowling alley are drilled in proportion to the balls weight, it can be tricky at times to find a good match of weight and finger hole size, particularly if one has fingers that are unusually large or small.

Additionally, one should always check to see if there is any damage to the ball. Often, there will be large chips that are missing from some of the house balls of the bowling alley, which can drastically affect the way the ball travels down the lane, altering its path. In addition, sometimes cracks can form in bowling balls, and it is not uncommon to see a bowling alley ball containing one or more of these, which can also affect ones score. Bowlers should study a ball carefully to make sure there is no damage before deciding to use it, as one doesnt want to start off a game with a disadvantage before the first ball has even been thrown.

One way that bowlers can avoid all of these pitfalls is to own their own ball. Many bowling alleys and sporting goods stores carry a wide selection of bowling balls in all price ranges, and often a knowledgeable salesperson will help a person choose a ball with the right fit. Although someone who bowls once a year or less is probably not a good candidate, bowlers who would like to improve their score can help their game considerably by adding an element of consistency to their ball selection.

Bowlers should factor in weight, finger hole size, and the overall condition of the ball before deciding on a house ball at a bowling alley. By choosing the right ball, players can improve their game and ensure lots of high-fives in future frames.

San Francisco Bowling Center to Host Professional Bowlers Tour Event, August 31st through September 2nd

Sea Bowl Entertainment & Bowling Center in Pacifica, just South of San Francisco, will open it's bowling alleys to the 4th Annual Don Johnson Memorial Classic Tournament (PRWeb Aug 24, 2007) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/08/prweb549056.htm

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San Francisco Bowling Center to Host Professional Bowlers Tour Event, August 31st through September 2nd

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