Using your practice time wisely.

Often times the bowling season sneaks up on even the most dedicated league bowlers. Before you know it the summer is nearing an end and your league teammates are meeting for their fun night out. Time is short but you feel like you should at least put on your shoes and throw a couple of games to warm up before the season begins. Well, here are a few tips to help you make the most of a short practice session that will help you feel more prepared for the season ahead (or at least get you through the first night!)

1. Check your equipment. This means bringing your bowling ball to the pro shop to have the grip checked, perhaps replace the inserts and it might be a good idea to have the ball cleaned up. You should also check your shoes! Make sure the bottoms are clean and dry and check the laces too while you are at it. If you wear a wrist device, you should also inspect it to make sure it’s in good working order. It’s there to help you and if it doesn’t fit or work properly it might be doing just the opposite.
2. Stretch out before you begin. It’s always a good idea to approach bowling just as you would any other athletic endeavor. You are using your wrist, shoulder, back and legs so take a few seconds to stretch and bend to get the blood flowing.
3. Take a few test slides without your ball. It’s a good idea to follow up your brief stretching session with a couple test slides on the approach without your ball. This allows you to continue to warm up nicely and also gives you a good “feel” for the approaches and your shoes. It’s been a long summer and although it’s like riding a bike, you should start slowly.
4. Start with a couple common spare shots. It only makes sense to throw a couple of balls toward the corner pins. No matter what your level of play you are likely to shoot the 7 and or 10 several times a night so get comfortable with those angles right off the bat. It’s also a better value for your practice game when you shoot a corner pin on the first ball because you are guaranteed two shots!
5. Set yourself a goal for the coming season. It’s a great way to start the season when you have a goal in mind that you can strive for all year long. It might be to win the league team championship or it might be to raise your average by 5 or 10 pins but whatever it is, it will help you enjoy your season and give you something to strive for.
6. HAVE FUN!!! Remember why you began to bowl in the first place??? It might have been to join a team that your friends made or to just get out once a week but the main goal was to go out and have some fun so enjoy!

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