The End of the Slump, Hopefully

Took a 2-week mini break from bowling to clear my head a little as I had been in a sort of slump recently. Before the break, I had been consistently posting scores of about 100 every game, sadly. Although my average is not that high in the first place, seeing your score not exceeding even 110 or 120 every game is really frustrating.

As every person would, I tried hard to improve my score. However, no matter how I tried, my score just seemed to drop further and further, to the point I was starting to average in the double figures. The more I tried to make changes and adjustments, the more my throws worsened and my scores plummeted. My strike rate dropped to less than 2 strikes a game, which was probably about less than half of my usual games. My spare conversion was affected badly as well, with probably about 6-7 open frames each game. Not only did my confidence tank, but so did my enthusiasm and spirit.

I returned back to my local alley, Penang Bowl, yesterday after my break and it seems that I may have been able to clear my head and hopefully bring myself back out from my slump. Managed to get 140-150 scores and considering my game play over the last month or two, I was genuinely delighted to get those figures. My throws felt more fluid and I was starting to hit the pockets again. For the first time in weeks, I actually enjoyed the bowling.

Thinking about heading back to the alley again today and maybe with proper concentration I would be able to lift my scores a little further. Some of the frustration I was carrying with me has dissipated and I feel that the time off has definitely helped me to cope with the sometimes neglected mental aspect of the game. I definitely recommend anyone in a slump to just take a step back, take a few breaths, or maybe even take a few days or weeks off to just refresh your mind and spirit, regardless for if it was in bowling or not, and I'm sure it will help tremendously.

Andrew

Equipment

As an opening post, I thought it would be appropriate for me to do a simple intro and profile. I've always loved to bowl, and have been bowling casually for many years. Recently, I decided to pick up the sport more seriously and decided to purchase my first own ball. Below I have listed the 2 balls I currently own.

Storm Atomic Charge

Weight: 14lbs 12oz
Pin Layout: 3-3/8" from PAP


Bought the Atomic Charge used through my local pro shop and drilled it using a High Flare layout which was suited for a low rev player like myself. Have not settled down to the ball properly yet since I only got the ball a week ago, but so far the pin reaction is pretty good but I'm still having problems in consistently clearing the heads. Will have to keep working on my swing and release to get the best out of this ball. Look forward to video posts soon.

Ebonite Maxim

Weight: 12lbs 4oz
Conventional grip


First ball I purchased new when I decided to get further involved in the sport. At that time, I had not yet decided to venture out as a hook bowler, and so the ball was drilled with a conventional grip. As of now in semi-retirement.

Etonic Avid E>Basic

Bought these shoes for a bargain price and have been serving me well since.

That's all for now, hopefully will be able to post more videos soon. My goals this year are to improve on my game average, and increase my rev rate and ball accuracy. Also in consideration are (obviously) getting more balls as I am still in need of a spare ball, and hopefully I will come to a point where I have improved enough to get a high performance strike ball. Hope you enjoy our stories & experiences we have to share with you, and we look forward to seeing you again.

Andrew

ROTO GRIP: CELL

Picture taken from www.RotoGrip.com

Over my many years of bowling, I've never favored Roto Grip, mainly due to publicity and price (not a big fan of Wes Malott, sorry fans!). It took me two whole months of careful planning before I decided to get this ball as budgeting is important especially during this period of recession. The Cell has good traction and continual action through the pins. Goodbye solid 10s, hello pin 9s! Despite the enormous skid snap action, this ball is very predictable, as long as you hit the designated bot, a strike is yours. First 3 games with this ball secured me at least 200 average pinfalls. Will post up videos of the ball in use as soon a possible. This is a ball all bowlers should have, especially for heavy lanes. I'll summarise the ball's capabilities in one sentence, do the lifting and let the ball do the rest. RotoGrip, King of Them All!

Des