I'm going to ask you all a question that you probably have asked yourselves at one time or another.  Hopefully if you're still reading it, you found the answer to the question and might be able to help me out...

 "What am I doing wrong???"

I've been bowling since I was 10 years old, which was in 1990.  I've seen some high points and I've seen some low points, but never as low as what I feel they are right now.  Sure my team in the Eagles' Mens' league is currently sitting in a solid 3rd place right now after clawing back from a dismal basement-dwelling position, but I'd like to feel like I'm helping the cause a little.

I've always been a good 180-190 average bowler, which I consider to be somewhat decent in the grand scheme of things.  I've never had a 700 series, but I've been very close, close enough to smell it and want more.  For some reason, though, I've taken a backslide this year.  I've dropped to a low-to-mid 170 average and I can't hardly see 600 most nights.  It's been a struggle this year just to keep up average some nights.  Sure the bowling alley is under new management, I'm sure they don't have the best equipment (we're only a 10 lane facility), and everyone had their share of problems at the beginning of the season while management was adjusting, but those guys seem to have settled in by now.  That leaves good old me behind to sweep up after the elephants.

I'm using a Ebonite TPC Shooter, 16 lbs, on wood lanes that have a moderate amount of oil on them most nights.  After about a game to a game & a half, the lanes start to dry out considerably and adjustment is necessary.  I make the necessary adjustments, I roll the ball the way I have my 1st game that turned out well, and perhaps out of some mental block, I don't do as well.  I try to correct my problems one at a time, but it seems like the more I try to correct, the more goes wrong.  I pull the ball, I roll the ball too hard, I get too fast with my feet...it's always something.

I guess what I'm hoping to see is what everyone else does to overcome these issues.  I'm also looking for someone to tell me that maybe I'm just having a bad season and that I'll be back on the horse next season, if not soon here at the end of this season.  Anyone out there?  Let me know what you think.  I appreciate the feedback.