Northwest Striking News
You Too Can Learn To Score!
OK, so I am pretty sure I grabbed some attention with that title, but when you break it all down, it is very, very true.
So if you look above, you can see a bit about what I am talking about. The Palm/PocketPC program "Frames". I am not going to bore anyone with the bevy of details about the program, but I am going to tell you the Why, the What and finally, the Who.
Why Use Frames?
Better bowling scores in the palm of your hand?
It really is as simple as that. The key to success in any sport is to improve in the areas of opportunity.
If I were to ask you about your last 3 game series, what could you tell me about them?
Would you be 100% certain about how many 10-pins you converted or what splits you kept leaving?
How about that ball change?Did that ball change give you more or fewer hits in the pocket?
Are you making moves with your feet or your mark and how are they impacting your scores?
With Frames, those answers can be answered immediately after you bowl, or weeks and even months later.
What if your adjustments were quicker and more effective?
If you could practice on the areas of your game that would benefit your scores the most, how valuable would it be?
“One additional spare per game raises your average nearly 10 pins.”
With Frames, you can:
List your strike, pocket, carry, spare and single pin spare percentages.
Display your league, tournament, or overall average.
Generate statistics by alley, lane number, bowling ball, league, tournament, oil pattern, date range, or any combination of these.
Track your foot position and target by alley and lane number - check what worked (or what didn't work) the last time you bowled on a specific pair of lanes.
You can even display a list of the spares you leave most, and your conversion percentage for each of them
Replay each game frame by frame, checking your mark, ball selection, foot position and end results.
Export scores and data to printable excel spreadsheets for further review or for archival purposes when you throw a great game or series.
Who Uses Frames?
PBA Bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr. has been very public about using frames.He has appeared in a number of print ads featuring the Frames Program.
We have seen countless bowlers using the software during tournament prep at Regional Bowling Events, and during practice sessions on Sport Condition Shots.
In fact at Las Vegas during practice before the Mini-Eliminator, I counted 14 bowlers using their handheld devices enabled with Frames.
One of our directors has enjoyed the benefits of having Frames on his PDA for 3 years!
So take a quick look at more details about the program by clicking either the top or the bottom banner and give it a look. If you have a Palm or PocketPC device, you can install a free demo version to try and I totally recommend that you give it a try. I know you will be happy with the results and from it, "You will learn how to score".
Good Bowling To You.
What is in your bowling bag?
Have you ever taken a look into someone’s, or even your own bowling bag and been amazed at the lack of or the excess
amount of “accessories” contained inside? I have seen gadgets, empty containers, old dirty towels, old magazines and flyers and yes even a few times, food. A bowling bag can be a bowler’s “junk drawer” if you will. The right equipment can be the difference, and you can’t take it all with you although some do still try.
You can have all of the comforts you need, but it is also a good idea too be ready for anything too go wrong.
So here is a good list of things that could have a reason to be in your bag to help with the problems that may come up. The list is for reference only and you should put together your own goodie box of things that you feel you would need.
Ball Care Items
Bowling Tape - finger or thumb sizes
Finger inserts - replacement of bad inserts
Super glue – to hold inserts (can also be used to close small hand/finger cuts)
Knife - too put in or remove tape
Flathead screw driver - to remove finger inserts
Ball cleaner - too remove oil or conditioner form ball
Ball polish - polishes ball for length down the lane
Ball Cleaner – to clean the ball when under dirty or oily conditions
Ball cup – Holds the ball securely while working on it
Round File - to shape holes in ball if too small
Bevel knife - smooth over tops of holes if they are uncomfortable
Towel - wipe off the ball(2 or more if you need a few for sweat)
ScotchBrite Pad- Can dull the surface of the ball for more reactivity if used properly
Hand Care
New skin - help with small cuts
Band-Aids- For cuts hopefully not on your throwing hand
Rosin bag - for your hands
Chap stick - also known as thumb slide for sticky thumbholes
Fingernail clippers - for long nails or broken ones
Emery board - sanding down calluses and hang nails
Bowling glove - if you use one
Wrist support - if you use one
Shoe Care
Shoelaces - you never know when you will them
Wire brush - too clean slide shoe
Sand paper - to clean the slide shoe
Easy slide - for sticky approaches and sticky thumbs
Slide pads - replacement pads for slide shoes and for different approaches
Shoe covers - for walking around outside of settee area
Other Favorites
Pain pills – ibuprofen or Tylenol for minor pains and also for swelling (follow dosing guideline or consult your physician)
Scorecard- In case the auto scoring goes down or to log you individual games for later review.
Pocket PC or Palm Pilot – With Frames program loaded is a great tool
Spare Change Container - To be used for extra cash or side pot betting
Protein
or Energy Bars – These small bars are handy and can last a while in the
bowling bag and are a good pick me up when needed.
Bowling and or food coupons!!! – Got to save money where we can!
This list should help you put together your bowling bag for your needs. If
your are just bowling league you may only need a small amount of this
stuff, but if your a tournament bowler you may need all and more. There
are also bowling kits put out by different manufacturers that have some
of the above listed items.
Are you inspired to create your own accessory kit yet? Maybe it is just the
right time to update your current kit. Finding a good way to store all
of it can be somewhat of a challenge. Depending on the size of your
bag, you might be able to fine a soft-sided pouch similar to a
toiletries travel bag to carry most of your accessories. Other
suggestions are to use fishing boxes that have adjustable bins.
Last but not least while we are on the subject of bowling ball bags. Take
the time every 90 days or so and empty that bowling bag completely.
Sometimes in a rush, foreign objects find their way into the bag and
some are harmful to your equipment. I suggest you clean it out and wipe
down the inside of the entire bag. Pay special attention to the ball
holding area as sometime a rock or a tool can get lodged in the foam or
hard plastic. Evaluate and re-evaluate the needs you have in regards to
the bag, the accessories and equipment in order to be better organized.
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