AboutWarren Friedl Expertise 18 Years Pro Shop Owner/Operator, 17 Years Bowling Center Operator, Certified Coach since National Bowling Council and YABA days. Also Dick Ritger and USA Bowling Bronze certified. International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) Charter member, IBPSIA Hands On Training Certified and 2X Member of the IBPSIA Board of Directors, contributor to "Bowlers Journal International" and "Pro Shop Operator" Magazines. Member Bowling Writers Association of America.
Experience 18 Years operating Revolutions Pro Shops in 2nd Largest bowling ball market in the country, Chicagoland.
17 Years in Center operations as Marketing Director, Asst.Manager or General Manager, becoming GM in every Center I worked.
1 year Operating Revolutions Consulting, a pro shop and center operations consulting group.
Organizations American Bowling Congress/USBC Member since 1976, bowling 50 years.
Bowling Writers Association of America (BWAA)
International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) Charter and continuing member for 17 years, 2 time member of Board of Directors, presently, outgoing Secretary/Treasurer. IBPSIA Hands On Training (HOTs) Certified.
US Bowling Coaches Association (Bronze Coach)
Publications “Bowlers Journal International” and “Pro Shop Operator” Magazines.
Chicago Bowler, Windy City Bowling News, Centennial Lanes.com, The Bowling Tree Blog, IBPSIA.com and IBPSIA Net News (e-newsletter).
Education/Credentials IBPSIA Hands On Training Certified. Multiple Seminars from AMF, Brunswick, Columbia, Circle, Ebonite, Hammer, Mo-Rich, Storm, Track, Dexter, Etonic, and others. Kaploe and Davis Bowling Marketing training. Extensive Trade Subscriptions. Several newsletter/e-zine/blog Subscriptions on trade topics.
Certified with the Young America Bowling Alliance and the National Bowling Council as a coach in 1982. Other coaching credentials include: Dick Ritger Level One, Dick Ritger Coaching Coaches, and USA Bowling Bronze Level.
Awards and Honors Created and executed Promotions highlighted in Bowlers Journal Magazine and included in the “150 Promotions for Bowling Centers” organized by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA).
First Pro Shop featured in Bowling Industry magazine, for customer service and merchandising, October 1996.
Identified “One of the best ball fitters in the country” by then Track, Inc. President Del Warren, September 2005.
Tournament Promotions lead to top performance in center, or for center hosted events including: Chicago City Championships, US Open Qualifiers, Amateur Bowlers Tour.
Past/Present Clients Presenter at the IBPSIA National Convention.
Presenter at Bowling Proprietors Association Management School
I am 27 years old, and have recently started league bowling again after about an 8 year break. Being overwhelmed with all the new equipment on the market, I decided to buy a 15# version of the old ball used in the past, the Rhino Pro Teal. I found a new one on ebay.
My average back then was about 160, and currently i hold a 180 average in my league. I wouldnt really know how to describe my bowling style. I throw the ball between 15.25-15.75 mph, and usually stand 10 boards from the left, aiming for the 2nd arrow.
I am extremely frustrated that I dont feel as much control over the ball, the ball doesnt crush the pins like many other bowlers in my league, which leads to me not throwing enough strikes per game. This also leads to a lot of inconsistency (last nights scores: 170, 236, 166).
I have 2 thoughts:
1. This ball is not as good on the new synthetic lanes, and maybe i should consider some newer equipment.
2. Maybe I should drop to a 14# ball which will allow me to throw harder. I am 5'10", 160 lbs, and expercise regularly, so i cant see this being necessary.
Sorry this is so long. Please let me know your thoughts. My main goal is to get my average up to 200 (20 pin jump)
Thank You
John
Answer John,
Your ball choice is a good one. The Avalache from Brunswick is basically your old ball reissued. So, you are probably ok there. How the ball is layed out and how it fits might be an issue.
You haven't touched a ball in 8 years and your average is up 20 pins!
What's not to like? You sound like a good candidate for instruction. I can't imagine your game, ball speed about average, but without your rev rate, axis tilt, axis rotation, positive axis point and ball layout, I have no idea what you're up to. In addition to trying to guess what lane condition you bowl on.
Are you 10 boards from the gutter? How far left of the big, middle dot? From your description, I'd guess you struggle a little the first game with the lanes a little tighter (oily) but when the lanes dry up a little, you go to town. Then in the last game, as they dry further, your ball hooks a little too much some shots and you miss spares, leave splits or designer spares. Is that what's happening? Sounds like a Typical House Shot (THS). It's easy but not easy enough for your speed or rev rate.
An instructor could help you line up and adjust as the lane transitions. Others on the lane also effect your play. Becoming more aware of the evolution of lane conditioner breakdown will keep you more proactive as you bowl rather than reactive as the lane changes. Let me know when you find someone. Good luck and good bowling.
