Team USA women dominate team event at PABCON Championships (source: New York Times)

The Team USA women put on a dominate performance Friday night as they rolled to a record-setting… Read (source: New York Times) - RSS and News widget on Feedzilla.com

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Team USA women dominate team event at PABCON Championships (source: New York Times)

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!

MacLelland, Gongora honored as collegiate MVPs (source: Team USA)

Saginaw Valley State senior Dan MacLelland and Wichita State junior Sandra Gongora were named Most… Read (source: Team USA) - RSS widgets and RSS feeds on Feedzilla.com

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MacLelland, Gongora honored as collegiate MVPs (source: Team USA)

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.

Bowlers Honor Man Who Died After His First Perfect Game (source: New York Times)

Don Doane’s friends and fellow bowlers gathered to honor the man who died moments after bowling his first perfect game. (source: New York Times) - News widgets and RSS feeds on Feedzilla.com

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Bowlers Honor Man Who Died After His First Perfect Game (source: New York Times)

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

Barnes, Eoff named 2008 BWAA Amateur Bowlers of the Year (source: Team USA)

Lynda Barnes of Double Oak, Texas, and Derek Eoff of Arlington, Texas, have been selected as 2008… Read (source: Team USA) - RSS feeds and Feed widget on Feedzilla.com

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Barnes, Eoff named 2008 BWAA Amateur Bowlers of the Year (source: Team USA)

Its All about Those Styling Bowling Shoes

If there is one thing about bowling that helps to sometimes give the game a bad rap, its the shoes. Bowling shoes are the epitome of awful to people for a few different reasons. First of all, many people are not overly keen on the style of the rental shoes available in most bowling alleys. Clunky, scruffy, and multi-colored, they are not most peoples idea of high fashion though it must be said that SOMEONE likes them; rental bowling shoes are stolen all the time. The other reason people give bowling shoes a big thumbs down is that they are indeed rental shoes. Youre never quite sure whose foot has been in them before yours, and most of the time, you really dont want to know. So, if bowling shoes are such a dreaded part of the game, why dont bowlers simply do away with them? Are the shoes really that important?

In a word, yes. Bowling shoes are a hugely important part of the game. First of all, the shoes help preserve the bowling lanes and keep them in working order. The soles on the shoes do not scuff up the lanes the way normal shoes would; if normal shoes were allowed, the lanes would eventually have grooves and digs in them that would disrupt the way the balls roll. Bowling shoes also help you as a player. Their sliding soles let you slide and move on the lanes like you need to without falling down. Without these sliding soles, your shoes would catch on the floor, and either mess up or shot or pitch you right over on your face.

For a casual bowler, rental shoes are entirely adequate, if a little unsettling to some. If you are a serious bowler, however, given the importance of the proper footwear to the game, you should consider investing in your own pair of bowling shoes. There are many styles and types on the market, and they are becoming more widely available in traditional sport shops. The kind you get depends on a combination of your skill factor and your personal preference.

If you are a new bowler, look for so-called athletic bowling shoes. These bowling shoes look more like traditional athletic shoes than other bowling shoes, but they have two sliding soles like the shoes you normally rent from a bowling alley. If you are a more experienced bowler, go for the shoes the professionals wear. Pro bowlers go for shoes know as performance bowling shoes. This variety of shoe has one sliding sole and one non-slip sole, to give players more maneuverability.

Once you have chosen the right kind of soles for your shoes, now you have to choose a style. You can find anything from monochrome black shoes to those multi-colored clunkers we all know so well, and anything else in between. If you cant find what youre looking for at one of the larger sport stores try visiting a dedicated bowling pro shop, or do your shopping online.

Even if you dont get your own pair of shoes, going rental doesnt have to be a traumatic experience. Bowling alleys give the shoes an antibacterial spray between each use, and to be on the safe side; giving them a spray of your own before you put them on is not such a bad idea. Above all else, remember to bring your athletic socks to the alley! If you forget your socks, most alleys have socks available to purchase. Dont go barefoot for your own sake, and for the sake of the person who has to wear them after you.