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

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

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

Stand Up for Singapore on National Day in a Game of Barefoot Bowls

Boomarang Bistro & Bar is hosting Barefoot Bowls for the third time at Robertson Quay on Sunday 9 August in celebration of National Day. (PRWeb Aug 4, 2009) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Singapore_National_Day/Barefoot_Lawn_Bowls/prweb2716884.htm

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Stand Up for Singapore on National Day in a Game of Barefoot Bowls

Pondering Pin Placement in a Bowling Game

Pondering pin placement in a bowling game is usually left to those who have transcended the rental of bowling balls, who have left behind the rental of bowling shoes, and who are seriously considering the purchase of a number of cleaners and polishes with the goal of improving their games. Whenever bowlers speak of pin placement, they are actually referring to the idea of drilling pins into their bowling balls with the specific goal of counteracting several unfavorable lane conditions. Usually, the first course of attack when dealing with a bowling lane that simply seems to swallow up your best rolls is to change the ball you are using. Perhaps a dull ball will do better than a highly polished one or vice versa. Yet when all else fails, and if you find yourself playing this lane consistently, then it is time to take more serious steps to counteract the problems you are encountering.

The pin is nothing more than the little notch on the ball that points toward the top of the actual core that is located within the ball. This core is suspended inside the mold that is used to craft the ball. In order to keep it perfectly centered, it is held in place by a pin, which is removed after the material has entered a solid state and can now support the core on its own. The result is a thin hole that needs to be filled; yet even if this is done perfectly, you can still tell the location of the pin.

It has long been held that the placement of the pin with respect to the positive axis point the finger holes - will permit you to overcome certain unfavorable lane conditions. For example, if the pin is located about three inches from the right finger hole, you may be able to favorably influence your backend play. If the pin is drilled to be between the finger holes, you will further increase the backend action that your ball will experience. Be careful! If you already have a strong backend play, this may actually negatively influence your play to such an extent that the added speed will keep your ball from properly hooking, thus quite possibly affecting your ability to roll a strike.

Bowling pro shops will actually have several drilling patterns on file and will be able to explain to you in detail how each pattern will affect a certain ball. Pin placement most certainly deserves pondering, and with the proper technique you will be able to see significant changes in your game. At the same time, improper placement, or the usage of a bowling ball that has been modified for certain kinds of action in conditions for which is was not specifically modified, will not result in favorable game action. Once again, the best source of information is the local pro shop. Do not hesitate to ask some questions, and even encourage the friendly customer service rep to share all of his or her knowledge with you. No matter how experienced you are about the game, the odds are pretty good that the rep will have some nuggets of knowledge that you have not yet heard. As a matter of fact, since it is these professional who will quite often do the drilling, you will be able to heavily capitalize on their knowledge. Add to this the fact that the busier the pro shop the more likely you are to get a skilled driller working on your bowling ball, and you can easily determine just how valuable a resource that pro shop really is!

How to Practice to Improve your Bowling Game

Practice is the best way for any player to improve their bowling game. One of the best ways to practice bowling is to engage in league bowling. League bowling will help improve bowling skills, as well as improve a player overall game. When practicing a bowling game, it is best to practice using the most suitable ball. The ball that is used will have the most impact on a players game, so players must find a bowling ball that is best for their individual game. A ball that does not fit the fingers, a ball that is too light or too heavy, can affect a bowling game or by a ball that is not smooth enough. Players should purchase the right ball, and practice with it on a regular basis.

When practicing ones bowling game, it is important to focus on a more controlled technique. Professional bowlers use the 5-step approach, which may not be suitable for all amateur bowlers. The 4-step approach may be suitable for amateur bowlers, but this approach may require training, and lots of practice. Players should practice a smooth approach, and practice taking small steps before the release. Practicing bowling techniques also requires bowlers to work on the way they roll the ball.

The bowling ball should be rolled not thrown, and should not be thrown too hard. Bowlers should know the visible difference between a thrown and rolled ball, and should practice rolling. A ball that is thrown down the lane will slide, whereas a ball that is rolled will only roll down the lane. Many players spend countless hours practicing their rolling technique. A ball that rolls down the lane gives better results than a ball that slides down the lane.

During practice, players should analyze their delivery, as well as fine tune any bowling techniques. The good shots can be felt by the practicing players, and should be practiced as much as possible. Players should write down their best shots, or work on memorizing them, so that the best shots can be repeated at a later date. Visualization can be used to practice, if a lane is not available to practice on. Using the mind to fine-tune the best shots is the best way for players to improve their bowling game. There are several elements to remember when practicing to improve bowling skills, and there are also a few steps to follow when practicing.

First, players must find a suitable place to practice their game. Practice can occur on any vinyl, tile, or hardwood floor that is similar to a bowling lane. Next, players should mark their starting points. Starting positions are marked by using type to make a T at that point. The bowlers toes should be placed at the top of the T that marks the starting point. Its best to figure out the ideal first step, then mark the spot on the stem of the T. Practice the first step of your approach, while visualizing bowling a strike.

In practice, the ideal step should be repeated exactly the same each time it is performed. Progressively, players should be able to practice their steps without having to look down at the mark to ensure proper placement of the feet on the approach. The best approach in bowling is one that begins with a good first step. A good first step is the key component to a good approach. A consistent first step usually equals a consistent approach in bowling. Players should also practice pick up spares. It is especially important to practice picking up the 10-pin. The best way to practice this is to shoot cross alley at the pins on the sides. A straighter ball should be thrown at the 10-pin, and it may be effective to get a hard bowling ball for that specific pin. Practicing techniques will ensure that each player plays at their best each time they play the game

Christmas Tree Pattern Bowling Tips You Can Practice

Christmas tree pattern bowling heavily capitalizes on the notion that there is a lot more to bowling than meets the eye of the casual observer. To the untrained observer, bowling itself is merely a game where players use a heavy ball to knock down a number of obstacles that are placed on the other end of a long, flat corridor. If this were the entirety of the game, it would not be surprising if it were an obscure sport. As it stands, however, it is an international pastime with a large number of aficionados who all have their own tips and tricks to score higher and win over the other competitors. When listening in to the conversations between seasoned bowlers, you will soon learn that there is so much more to this game than meets the eye.

One such item that rarely factors into the mainstream perception of the game is the oil pattern. The bowling lane will need to be cleaned and the wood or synthetic material preserved. To this end, many proprietors use a specific kind of oil that not only protects the floor material, but also adds the glossy shine that is so pleasing to the eye. Experienced bowlers know that there are different kinds of patterns that emerge when the oil is applied, and during tournaments bowlers work long and hard to find out the patterns that have been laid down; one such pattern is referred to as the Christmas tree pattern. This pattern refers to the fact that the oil is laid down in a Christmas tree shape pattern, leaving certain areas of the lane dry.

Here is a list of Christmas tree pattern bowling tips you can practice:

?Assuming you are right handed, it is important to move the ball closer to the right side than you might ordinarily do. The goal is to take advantage of the fact that there is not much oil laid down to help your ball to project to the pins. If you are left handed, obviously you are aiming for the other side.

?Experiment with your desired breakpoint. You may need to move your stand point more than you might need to move your target. Before changing your aim by three boards, decide instead to move your feet, and adjust your aim by only one board.

?Do not be afraid to waste a ball or two in trying to find out how far the oil pattern reaches. Novices wrongly believe that the oil pattern will reach all the way to the pins, whereas in reality it may only go as far back as 35 feet. This is the reason that practice play is so important before you decide to keep score!

?If the oil is very heavily applied, be sure to use a ball with a dull finish. A shiny ball will make adjustments to the Christmas tree pattern harder since the ball will be more inclined to roll the direct line.

As you can see, while a Christmas tree pattern is something that pros love to grapple with, there are some tips and tricks the average bowler may use to also shine at the game. The most important aspects of playing this pattern are - for the intermediate bowler to fist of all recognize the pattern in the first place, and then gain a feel for the length to which it is applied. Frequently the latter is forgotten when the former is recognized to be a part of the game play, and the excitement over finally having seen the elusive Christmas tree pattern takes over.

Your Guide to Picking the Best Bowling Ball for You

Your Guide to Picking the Best Bowling Ball for You

Choosing the perfect bowling ball can be tricky for many consumers. There are many types of bowling balls with varying weights, which can make choosing the best ball extremely difficult. However, there are certain things consumers can do to ease the pain of finding the perfect bowling ball, and all consumers may be able to benefit from a small bowling ball buying guide. The easiest way to find the right bowling ball is to visit a local bowling pro shop. A pro shop owner may be able to give strong recommendations on choosing the most suitable balls by watching a person bowl. Every bowling center does not have a pro shop, so the Internet may be the best alternative for many people.

Manufacturers of the bowling balls have Web Sites that provide consumers with information regarding bowling balls. The sites may provide an in depth analysis of reactions and characteristics of bowling balls, and there may be videos available that show the balls in action. Many consumers dont know that it is best to have two bowling balls instead of one. There should be one ball for dry lanes, and one for oily lanes. Consumers should also invest in a strike ball with a lot of hook potential and power, and a spare ball that is able to roll straight down the lane. Choosing a ball of the proper weight is important for many people. Balls range from 6 to 16 pounds, and its better to choose a ball that is heavier than any other house ball that may have been used before.

The right bowling ball also fits the fingers perfectly. Some individuals find it best to have their finger holes custom drilled to fit their hands. Generally, the most expensive bowling balls are the best. For example, a ball in the $100-$200 range will provide inferior performance compared to a ball in the $200+ price range. However, there are some balls that give high quality at lower prices, and are generally better deals than others. It is important to choose a ball based on its standard features, and not others such as, buying a ball that can glow in the dark. The material of the ball should also be a deciding factor when picking the best bowling ball. Polyester balls are generally the most inexpensive of all bowling balls. These balls are very durable, which can be attributed to the composition of the plastic and the hard, low friction nature of the polyester surface.

Polyester bowling balls are best for beginners and casual bowlers. These balls also tend to skid, and roll straight with little hook in them, and are best on dry lanes. Serious bowlers may find the urethane balls as an economical option. Urethane balls have softer coverstocks that gives them enhanced hook potential. The urethane bowling balls may also be polished are sanded to increase or decrease the balls hook potential. Reactive resin balls are best for advanced bowlers, and are capable of giving optimal performance on most lane conditions. Resin balls are sticky or tacky, which increases the balls grip on the bowling lane. These balls have the greatest hook potential, and skid on oily lanes, while hooking on dry ones.

Particle balls are best for advanced bowlers that want power in their bowling ball. The balls are simply resin balls enhanced with glass and ceramics. The texture of particle balls gives them incredible grip, sharper hooks, and greater power. Most professional bowlers use particle bowling balls, because they are the most controllable in terms of hook and spin. In general, the heavier the ball, the greater the pin reaction. Lighter balls will leave splits that are hard to pick up, but this should not deter shoppers from buying a lighter ball, which may be best. Consumers should always choose a bowling ball that they are comfortable with, and that fits their own skill and style.

Bowling Ball Dynamics The Balance Holes and their Role

Bowling Ball Dynamics The Balance Holes and their Role

Everyone knows that a bowling ball has three holes– one for the middle finger, one for the ring finger, and one for the thumb. But sometimes, other openings called balance holes are drilled into a bowling ball to facilitate the adjustment of the balls static weights so as to affect the balls dynamics when it is in motion.

A bowling balls static weights are measurements of the balls balance, and the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Womens International Bowling Congress (WIBC) set certain specifications of these weights. According to the ABC, for a ball weighing ten pounds or more, the maximum difference between the weight of the top and the weight of the bottom of the ball is three ounces, and the maximum difference between the sides to the right and left of the finger holes, and between the front and back of the finger holes, is one ounce. These limits decrease along with the weight of the ball, as the limits for an eight-pound ball are a ounce differential between the sides and a 2-ounce differential between the top and bottom. In many cases, the drilling of finger holes creates a difference in weight, as a certain amount of material is taken out of the ball to make room for the bowlers fingers. This imbalance affects the way the ball moves down the lane, so perfecting the balls static weights can give the bowler a distinct advantage.

To adjust this imbalance in weight, often a bowler will drill a hole called a balance hole in the heavier part of the ball to remove some material in an attempt to equalize the weight of the top and bottom of the ball. The ABC rulebook states that only one hole can be drilled for balance purposes, and this hole cannot exceed one and one-quarter inches in diameter, so bowlers must be careful not to exceed specifications, especially if they have any plans of competing in sanctioned events.

Bowlers also drill balance holes in their bowling balls to affect the way the ball hooks, or curves when thrown a certain way. An imbalance in weight from side to side can cause the ball to curve more dramatically in order to hit the pocket at a better angle. It is recommended that a bowler start with a small balance hole to see what kind of effect is has on the movement of the ball, as a deeper hole can always be drilled later. For a more dramatic reaction, balance holes should be drilled 2 to 3 inches in depth, as it is at this level that some of the balls core will be removed which will better affect the movement of the ball. If one drills a shallower hole, the material that is removed will be less dense, and this will not affect the overall mass of the ball as much. In addition, the speed at which one throws the ball will also determine the suggested size of the balance hole. For a slower ball speed, a smaller balance hole is recommended, while a bowler who throws the ball at a high rate of speed would best be served by a larger balance hole.

For advanced bowlers who are able to finesse the ball down the lane with a good deal of accuracy, balance holes are one tool that can be used to affect the dynamics of the ball as it moves down the bowling lane. As long as they are careful to not exceed the major bowling organizations specifications on weight differentials and the amount and size of the balance holes, bowlers are free to use this equipment modification technique to their advantage.

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.