Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 10/27/2009

Question
Hi! Iam 82 years young and have been bowling for over50 years,in my younger years I have had averages of 189-195. about 15 years ago I started having trouble an my averages dropped down quite a bit and I could not figure out what was happening.
I was diagnosed with having Parkinsons disease and of course this effects your balance. What I wanted to ask if there is anything I can do to help me Like a shorter approach,crouching down, using a lighter ball, my ball is 15 at the present I really feel good throwing it without any problem.I don't expect to get back to a high average but I would like to inprove it some. I have dick ritger tape (the perfect strike feeling)
Any advice you can give me I would appreciate it very much. Ken

Answer
Ken,
Hows your ball speed? Without knowing more info, i can make some generalizations of what effects players as they age (like have effected me).

First, ball speed changes how a ball hooks and how soon, so your path to the pocket and spare game needs to change to allow for the change in speed (subtle movement at the backend of the lane turns what looks like a pocket hit into a soft 10 or solid 4 or 4-9).

Second, if you play with a senior group or senior league conditions are sometimes different than with a regular evening league. Most centers don't make much on senior programs, so some centers don't oil, or special oil patterns to benefit players with less speed and allowing a straighter path to the pocket don't usually happen. So often the slowest (seniors and kids) players (with today's modern bowling balls) must overcome their ball reaction instead of utilize it.

Third, your physical strength needs to be complimented by a good fit. Dragging out a ball that was fit for you twenty years ago won't fit the way it needs to, so gripping the ball becomes unnecessary (often helping regain ball speed).

Lastly, the modern bowling center puts out such an easy shot that it punishes the lack of speed in players that have some game (ability to lift and turn the ball). So while bowlers are leaving leagues in droves, centers are trying to lure young two finger bowlers that have ball speed but little else because "easy" conditions are fun if you don't have to really aim, and can twist up a 10 or 12 lb ball and get it to the headpin.

So, if you can give me some specific idea why your average has dropped (worse spare game, not striking much, ball hooks too much or too little), I can try to suggest some adjustments. thanks for your questions, good luck, I look forward to hearing back from you.