Improve your game this summer!

Summer is a great vacation season. You can go for a swim, work on your tan, ride a bike, relax under a tree with a good book, or seek the cool comfort of the air-conditioned indoors. And what better way to spend time indoors than bowling at your neighborhood center? Summer also is the perfect season to work on your game, try some new tactics and practice new moves so they can become new habits. Them, once fall leagues start up, those new habits will pay off! Here's how you can get started…

Think about what changes you'd like to see in your performance.
Do you want to throw fewer gutterballs? Can you consistently hit the headpin? Do you feel uncomfortable or off-balance at any time during your approach and delivery? Is spare-shooting a challenge for you? Can you recognize how lane oil affects your ball's performance? Answer those questions honestly and you'll begin to set your game goals.

Seek help from someone who knows the game and can analyze your play.
Your local bowling center may have a certified USBC coach on staff or on call, available to work with you to identify small changes that could make big differences in your power and performance. Use bowl.com's Find a Coach feature to locate certified coaches in your area who may be able to help.

Work with your coach to write down specific skill goals and set priorities, so you agree on what to tackle first.
Be realistic, and set your goals based on your current abilities and level of commitment.

Work on making one change at a time.
Follow your coach's advice, using suggested skill drills or exercises on and off the lanes. Practice the change so it becomes a new habit. Work up a practice game schedule so you can use that new skill habit and integrate it in your regular game play.

Record your progress.
Ask your coach or a friend to video your bowling approach from both side and back angles. Your coach may do this several times during the course of your work together, so you can see where you started and how you've improved. Seeing yourself on video also may help you visualize how changes can be made.

Keep a positive outlook.
Lasting changes in habits don't happen overnight, but as long as you're willing to put forth the effort, you can attain your goals.