In 2018, I bought another bowling ball, the Code Red by Storm Bowling. While things started out slowly, I eventually learned how to take my game to the next level. I attribute a lot of it to a change in leagues. In 2020, there weren't enough teams in the IBM & Friends league anymore to hold a league, so we were invited to play in the other league on Thursday nights at Bowlero (on Broadway / Camino Seco). Not only was I more motivated to bowl against new opponents, I also had new teammates who were bowling well and pushed me to try harder. Here are the averages for the past 4 seasons with the Code Red:
As you can see, 180 to 200 is a huge jump. I've been a 190+ bowler before and my best season before 2018 was a 193, but I definitely had a struggle for a few years. In addition to bowling motivation in a new and bigger league, I think a lot has to do with a change in my approach, which I've improved over the last two years. I have a better understanding of where to start my approach and finish the delivery. I'm also able to read the lanes better and tell if I'm hitting the pocket light or heavy when I leave a 10-pin.
My expectations of myself are now higher than ever. These days, if I don't bowl a 200, something is "wrong" and I'm expected to be better. I don't think the bowling ball really changes the results, but it certainly can help. I'll be changing my bowling ball every 4 years now and next up is the Infinite PhysiX from Storm Bowling. $200 for the ball and $40 to get it drilled.
Here's hoping I can keep up the string of 200+ averages!
