Tip of the Month: Benefits of Taking a Lesson

Are you considering taking a lesson from a USBC-certified coach? If not, perhaps you should look over some of the benefits that you are missing: People notice. When your scores go up other bowlers recognize your achievements. (Fair warning: Improved personal scores have been known to cause jealousy among team members and others!)  It helps you enjoy the sport more. When you work on improving your game, you have more confidence and less frustration when bowling. When you improve your scores, you gain an edge on the competition – especially when your handicap is based on your “old” average. It makes bowling easier physically. Proper form, along with a properly fitted ball, can help reduce strains and sore muscles. Everyone is unique and has their individual style. While trying to bowl like your teammates, a bowler with a high average or an instructional book may help some but it might not match the style that fits you best. A USBC-certified coach will help you with the skills and techniques that match your individual game.

To locate a USBC certified coach in your area, visit the USBC Coaching section of bowl.com and click on the "Find A Coach" feature or call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3169.

The Difference

Deadlines Approaching for National Bowling Week Contests

National contests sponsored by USBC and the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America will help launch a spectacular celebration of the first-ever National Bowling Week, set for Aug. 26-Sept. 1.

National Bowling Week also will feature bowling clinics, equipment checks, a youth bowling blast-off and more. Check bowl.com for updates.

National bowling art and photography contests feature divisions for youth, amateur adults and professional artists. The subject matter of all entries must be bowling related; entries will be accepted through Aug. 1. Log on to bowl.com for contest rules and application forms.

Contest winners will be recognized during National Bowling Week. Adult winners will receive cash prizes; youth winners will receive scholarship awards. Winning art, photos and essays will be featured in USBC and BPAA publications.

USBC Refocuses on “System of Bowling” Research

USBC is refocusing its efforts on research and testing relating to the "System of Bowling," the four parts that affect scoring in the sport of tenpin bowling. Find out what the USBC Specifications and Certifications Department has planned for the coming months.

New USBC Women’s Challenge

USBC will be the umbrella sponsor of a made-for-television women's bowling series to air on five consecutive Monday nights beginning Sept. 11 on ESPN2.

The USBC Women's Challenge, developed by Gary Beck at Killer 'B' Promotions, will feature 16 women selected to compete over the first four 90-minute telecasts with the winner of each show competing against each other to determine the final champion in the fifth telecast. Each show will be rebroadcast within seven days of the original airing.

USBC spokespeople Diandra Asbaty, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Kim Terrell will be three of the invited players. All others are expected to be announced soon. All will be guaranteed prize money.

Specific Types of Lane Oil Patterns

Now that we understand the three basic lane conditions as discussed in the May edition of USBC e-Bowler, let’s start to look at some specific patterns of lane conditions within those basic definitions.

As we have discussed, oil is applied to a lane surface in a specific “pattern,” meaning differing amounts are applied to various parts of the lane. Lane conditions are the result of these patterns.  

A standard league pattern (sometimes called a “house pattern” or “house shot”) is the condition that a proprietor creates in an effort to satisfy a wide range of customers, without being too challenging or too easy. The standard league condition may range from dry to oily. However, it’s generally more in the medium range. This lane condition will be the most commonly developed pattern in a particular bowling center for most league bowling, and even on the weekends for recreational bowlers.

The term “blocked” (or “walled”) refers to lanes that have been set up for optimum scoring. A blocked lane has much more oil applied to the middle boards than near the channels. Since less oil equals more friction between the ball and the lane, balls rolling over the outside boards will curve - or hook - toward the pocket, like the solid traction a car tire has on a dry road. Conversely, the oil build up in the middle of the lane makes the ball skid down the lane toward the pocket, much as a car tire skids on an icy road. This large margin for error allows bowlers to roll more strikes and receive higher scores.

There are several general types of blocked lane conditions which we will discuss in our next installment.

USBC Sport Bowling Merchandise

Look sharp when you hit the lanes with the latest official USBC Sport Bowling gear - a retro bowling shirt and a short sleeve mock turtleneck are the newest additions to the Sport Bowling apparel line. Ordering is just a click away.

Experience it!

USBC Queens and Senior Queens Champions Crowned

Shannon Pluhowsky of Lincoln, Neb., made four clutch shots down the stretch as she defeated Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., to win the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Queens.

Pluhowsky, a three-time U.S. Amateur champion, threw four strikes to come from behind and steal a 203-178 victory from Johnson in the second championship match at the National Bowling Stadium. Pluhowsky defeated the top-seeded Johnson 228-210 to force the second match in the double-elimination format.

On the USBC Senior Queens side, former champion Sandra Postma of Lansing, Ill., fought hard and came out on top after two final matches at the 2006 United States Bowling Congress Senior Queens held at the National Bowling Stadium.

First-seed Postma clinched the title with a 648-601 victory over Joan Reilly of Wilmington, N.C., in the second championship match. The tournament's double-elimination format forced a second, decisive series after Reilly defeated Postma in the opening match 577-553.

Both the USBC Queens and USBC Senior Queens were conducted June 17-21 at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev.

Join a USBC League

Now is the perfect time to join a USBC league and enjoy the excitement, competition and camaraderie that only league bowling can provide. Invite your friends and family to bowl with you and experience fun on the lanes.

Contact your local center or association to see what leagues are available in your area.

Ten Teens Selected to Inaugural Dexter/USBC All-American Team

Five boys and five girls from high schools nationwide have been selected to the inaugural Dexter/USBC High School All-American Team. Selections were based on high school bowling accomplishments, community involvement and academic success in the 2005-06 school year.

Each team member will receive a $1,000 scholarship and an All-American Team award presented at the 2006 USBC Junior Gold Championships that was held July 8-14 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Five boys and five girls will be selected annually.

Boy team members:

• Michael Graham, 18, East Hampton (N.Y.) High School senior
• Thomas Madrecki, 18, Loyola Academy (Ill.) senior
• Gregory Pizl II, 15, Antigo (Wis.) High School freshman
• Michael Snell, 18, Plattsmouth (Neb.) High School senior
• John Szczerbinski, 18, North Tonawanda (N.Y.) High School senior

Girl team members:

• Ashley Halter, 18, Pendleton (Ind.) Heights High School senior
• Amanda Hammel, 18, Olmsted Falls (Ohio) High School senior
• Ellen Morrison, 17, Winnebago (Ill.) High School junior
• Erica Perez, 17, Carteret (N.J.) High School senior
• Georgia Wiggins, 18, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (Kan.) senior

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