Over the past 15+ years the game of bowling has changed dramatically. Not only has the equipment changed, making it easier for bowlers of all ages and physical conditions to participate, and score well, but there have even been major advances to how the lanes are prepared for the start of bowling.
No longer is it just heavy oil, light oil, long oil, short oil, or no oil, with the latest equipment, the amount of oil can be varied from front to back and side to side, producing a myriad of patterns designed to make the game more interesting, more challenging and as you might surmise, more frustrating.
No longer does the “one ball fits all” approach work any more either. In order to navigate all the differing possible lane conditions, you need to have a varied selection of bowling balls. Most pros will tell you the average bowler needs 3 balls, plus a ball for spares, but to be an above average bowler you’ll need at least 6 balls, with many possessing more than that.
But just having all the right equipment won’t make you a good bowler. You still need to practice, and be able to pick up spares, but more importantly you need to know which ball to select initially, and the ability to react [quickly] to changing lane conditions. You see, the lane conditions don’t stay stagnant. They’re continually changing. The oil is being pushed around on the lanes, and the changes vary depending on how many people are on the lanes at the same time, and the differing bowling styles of the other bowlers bowling with you.
So knowing when to make adjustments becomes critical. Knowing whether simply adjusting your position on the approach, or changing to a different ball, will have the best effect, is what separates the average bowler from the good bowlers. The problem is, that can’t easily be practiced. That mainly takes the right instincts for the game, lots of bowling under competitive conditions, and the willingness to take chances. The latter being something very few of us are willing to do. [Myself included.]
And that’s pretty much how I view life. As long as everything is going good, there are no problems that can’t be solved, but as soon as things change, as soon as we hit a bump in the road [i.e. terrorist attack, two wars, a near financial collapse and a deep recession], we’re dazed, not sure how to proceed. We concoct excuses, blame others, and cling to the things we’re familiar with. We focus on things that worked in the past [for what ever reason], and we’re unwilling to take risks.
It reminds me of a quote by Eric Hoffer,
In times of change, learners will inherit the earth, while the learned will find themselves beautifully equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.
In essence we’re living in a world that no longer exists. We’re unwilling to embrace new ideas, and focus outside the box, to adapt to an ever changing world. A world were one size fits all doesn’t work any more.
[Political rant deleted.]
Allowing that attitude, whether it be in bowling, politics or whatever, to continue, and rise in prominence, will lead to nothing more than mediocrity at best, and at worst………
Well, I choose not to think about that. I’ll let y’all do that!
