Bowling Highlights Column 11-11-11

USBC Open Package Available

Bowlers headed to the 2012 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships in Baton Rouge, La., will have the chance to be treated like Mardi Gras royalty if they take advantage of the tournament's new VIP program.
The USBC Open Championships VIP package includes several gifts, discounts and other features combined into one great deal that can be purchased exclusively on BOWL.com for just $199.95. It is perfect as a holiday gift or a special opportunity for a veteran competitor looking to enhance the tournament experience.
Because certain portions of the program must be scheduled, bowlers are required to purchase their VIP memberships at least 30 days prior to their dates of competition in Baton Rouge.
"The Open Championships experience already is unique and exciting for our bowlers, but we're hoping to make the 2012 event even more memorable with our VIP package," said Kevin Terry, USBC's Managing Director of Marketing and Membership. "We've combined all the best things from the tournament into one great package and added some special gifts and value for our most dedicated bowlers."
Here's a look at the components of the VIP package:
Member polo shirt, One-hour coaching session on the new practice lanes, which will feature the tournament lane condition, VIP Welcome/Express tournament check-in,
VIP photo/video package, Complimentary locker, Express weigh-in, Complimentary seating at USBC-televised events, 25% discount at the on-site USBC SportStore, $50 Bowling Ball Express discount, VIP membership card.
The VIP package does not include entry fees for the event. To get complete details and become an Open Championships VIP, visit BOWL.com/vip, or call (800) 514-2695, ext. 3151.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip will help you execute and repeat good shots by having your body set properly so that you can use the laws of physics to roll the ball and eliminate tension in your swing.
As I've mentioned in previous columns, too much upper body and head movement make it very difficult to repeat shots.
The purpose of the stance is to place the body in an athletic position, eliminate all unnecessary movements during the approach and reduce tension.
Resting forearms against the body, in the stance, will help reduce tension in the upper body.
How do we do this?
Here are the four steps in the proper order for setting posture.
1. Set the feet (toward your breakpoint).
2. Set your head (tilted over the ball).
3. Set your posterior (this is your balance point as you are swinging a heavy object).
4. Set the ball position close as noted above.
You are now in position to start a smooth approach. Maintain your body position and let the ball swing under your shoulder.You sill find this easy to repeat shot after shot.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a certified Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a top that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-205-4474. For a more expanded version of this column visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ We are also available on Facebook.