Bowling Highlights Column 11-25-11

USBC Offers Experience Leagues


United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling members looking to challenge themselves on the same conditions seen on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour again will have that opportunity with the return of the PBA Experience.
PBA Experience leagues will be back in action beginning Nov. 1, and bowlers will be able to test their skills on the Viper, Shark, Scorpion, Chameleon, Cheetah, Earl Anthony, Carmen Salvino, Detroit Open, World Championship, Tournament of Champions and U.S. Open oil patterns featured at national and regional PBA events. Patterns will be available in the coming weeks as they are adapted for the various lane machines.
"Bowlers really seem to enjoy measuring themselves against the pros they see on TV and other Sport bowlers," said USBC Executive Director Stu Upson. "We are pleased to once again partner with the PBA to offer this option to leagues across the country."
Competing on the same lane patterns used at the highest level helps bowlers focus on accuracy and shot making and puts an emphasis on spares. What sets a Sport pattern apart from a traditional house condition is the ratio of oil applied to the lane. A Sport pattern is much flatter and less forgiving, while a house shot allows for a greater margin of error.
While competing in a PBA Experience league does require a membership upgrade, there are many benefits to taking the Sport Bowling challenge. Along with being able to pinpoint weaknesses and hone their skills, Sport members are eligible for special awards, member rewards, great discounts from bowling's top manufacturers and local pro shops and a members-only section on BOWL.com that features tips and other valuable information.
"PBA Experience leagues allow bowlers to experience what it's like to bowl on the PBA Tour, but at their own pace and in a more comfortable environment," said PBA Commissioner Tom Clark. "These patterns are familiar and recognizable, and bowlers can improve by watching the PBA telecasts for strategies or by reading tips from their favorite PBA stars. We're all looking forward to the return of this program."
The international oil patterns currently being used for Team USA Experience leagues will continue to be available.
For more information on PBA Experience leagues, visit BOWL.com/sportbowling.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: One of the previous tips was designed to help you achieve the correct body position to properly execute a bowling shot and be able to repeat it.
This week, we will cover the release, information that will help bowlers of all levels.
A properly executed release is possibly one of the most misunderstood parts of a bowling shot.
Most bowlers tend to muscle the ball through the release zone, either accelerating or decelerating on the downswing. The proper release for all bowlers, (whether you are a six-year-old with a conventional grip or an accomplished bowler with many years experience) can be executed by letting gravity bring the ball from the top of the swing through the release zone with no interference from your arm or shoulder muscles.
If the ball fits properly, the gravity will take it off your hand at the right time providing your body is in the proper position. Any rotation on the ball should come from the hand only, not your arm.
Using the proper technique will allow you to get as much rotation on the ball as desired.
Note: If your ball does not fit properly, it will require excessive grip pressure to hold on to which will make the release harder to execute.
Gravity can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on how you use it.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master
Instructor. He is also a 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 topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, by email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-205-4474. For a more expanded version of this bowling column please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com/ This column is also available on Facebook.