Ask Bob 11-11-05

by Bob Korth

Q.  I bowl in a classic league and I like to think I know something about lane conditions. Every week this year our shot has been different. I ask the management and they say they are doing the lanes the same every week. They can't figure out why the shot is changing. Do you have any idea about what is happening?

A.  This is not a new thing I even have a similar thing going on where I bowl. You have to remember the lane machine is just that a machine. Machines don't always do the exact same thing each time. The machines today also strip the lanes and different batches of cleaning solution could take off more or less oil from batch to batch. This can lead to lanes that hook more or less in the backend depending on how much oil the stripper is taking off. If the machine has not been cleaned or properly maintained this could lead to some problems. The mechanic may not even know it needs some work and that is something that should be checked out. Diplomatically ask if the lane machine has been checked recently. Also it is now becoming winter and with changes in the weather lanes change. More humidity, colder, then the heat is turned on and there are different airflows. All of these factors can come into play. So you see it is not as easy to keep lane conditions the same from week to week as you might think. The best way to handle this is first to ask management if they have noticed a difference. Don't get mad stay calm. If it continues use it to your advantage be prepared with different equipment and learn from it. It's not a bad thing to have to learn various shots it will make you a better player. Better to be known as versatile that to be known as a complainer.

Q.  I am going to my first High Roller tournament in November. I have bowled in many tournaments but most of them with more games of qualifying. What do you think my mindset should be in this kind of format?

A.      In the senior High Roller format you have 2 game sweepers you have 3 game sweepers. There is a four game qualifier and then the rest of the tournament is single game elimination. You have to have more of a gunslinger attitude. Your decisions have to be quicker. Your moves on the lanes faster. You must believe in your game and believe in yourself. When you think a move is in order, make the move there is no second chance, no time to waste. The best practice for this is pot games if you can find them or if you play match play in leagues try to push yourself to take those more seriously. Always go for the win there is no second in single game elimination.

Editorial: Each article for a few months I am going to write about my recovery from an illness that has curtailed my own bowling career, on Oct. 29th I had to have a Pace Maker put in to correct sick sinus syndrome. This was not planned. It happened while on a long weekend out of town in Reno, Nv. After the procedure I was told no work or bowling for 2 to 3 months. I thought this would be a good time to address from experience, coming back to the game from an illness or injury. Because of this event I must cancel my trip to the Thanksgiving High Roller in Las Vegas. First and foremost listen to you doctor do not go back until he or she tells you it is ok. Your health comes first bowling will still be there when you are ready. Rushing back in many cases will lead to bad habits formed by trying to be careful. So part one for me is rest, heal and checkups with the Dr. If I can start before the next article I will let you know my progress. Maybe that will help you learn a regimen for a successful comeback. PS send lots of questions I answer them all by e-mail and you can help keep down the boredom of having to stay home with nothing to do.

To ask a question please e-mail me at my new address askbob@clearwire.net