Thursday "Draft League"

I post the last entry for personal reasons. Last night was the first night of a Summer Draft League. There are some Major differences in this league, from those I bowled in previously.

-Players are Drafted by team Captains

-There is a minimum average to qualify to join (187). I believe...

-Each Series consist of 4 games, opposed to the normal 3 games.

Anyways, after several seasons of three game series. I bowl my first four games series. 

I bowl my first game, with things going as expected. I feel my way around the lane conditions. I basically take time to adjust to the new house. See, I've never bowled in this house before now. I focus on my ball placement, and power levels at my release. I end up with a "clean" game of 206. Promising, by my goals. 

I go into the second game, feeling loose and focused. I decide this game, I'm going to lower my power levels for more comfort. I move over two boards left, and lower my power. Strike!!!, successful plan. So, I cruise through game two. I had one open frame, but threw more strikes. So, I finished with a 226. Twenty pins more than the first game. 

Going into the third game, I'm fairly confident that if I continue my plan I'll be fine. Halfway through the third game, I feel a sharp spasm in my right (bowling) wrist. I already wear a velcro wrist band to prevent injury. So, I was shocked to feel this pain. Plus, I had taken ibuprofen prior to bowling to prevent any issues of soreness. 

So, at this point I'm concerned with the completion of my series. I had started coming into a comfort zone thus far. So this isn't good for that at all. I continue bowling, but not with the same fire as before. I found that I had to adjust my position again to try an locate a position to maximize curve and power. All while protecting my wrist from further pain.  

I was able to find that spot, but my scores would suffer drastically for the rest of the night. 

The third game ended with a score of 168, in which I had four open frames. Mainly, due to trying to find that spot.

The fourth game came with little relief, for my opponent has now realized my discomfort. He is determined to beat my score in the last game. Fortunately, I did enough to beat him the first three games. Now, I have to fight it out for the last one.

I strike, in the first frame. But not again until the fifth. Once again in the seventh. I open the eight and tenth frames. I finished this game with a 167. Not enough to complete my victory for the series. 

I finish the series with a 767 set score. Not bad, considering my book average is 191. I got exactly a 191.75 average for the night, with an injury preventing more pins. 

Anyways, I'm curious to see how long this injury stays. I have another league on Monday night. In which is the final night from the 2012-13 fall season. I need to bowl above average, as to help my team place higher in the money category. This wrist issue, will hopefully not hinder my scores. 

I'll keep you posted on the results.

Peace… John (Netm8kr)

5 Ways to Prevent Wrist Injuries While Bowling

Nov 18, 2009 | By Jessica Riendeau

1. Rolling Down the Lane

Bowling is a family-friendly sport that's also competitive and fun. Bowling takes concentration, good aim and hand to eye coordination. Bowling is also a physically demanding sport that can cause a lot of wear and tear on your hands, wrists and shoulders. To keep it fun and stay safe when you play, learn how to prevent wrist injuries while bowling with exercise, equipment and proper technique

2. Wrist Injuries for Bowlers

Bowlers are vulnerable to certain wrist injuries because of the repetitive motion used to throw the bowling ball down the lane and the weight of the ball itself. Ligaments in the wrist can become inflamed or torn by overuse or overextension during a throw, causing sprains and strains. Bowlers can also experience pains similar to carpal tunnel syndrome because of the repetitive hand motion of the sport. Finger and wrist fractures are also possible, and could sideline a competitive bowler while they heal.

3. Strengthening Your Wrists

Bowling isn't the first sport that comes to mind when most people think of physically demanding sports, but it does give the upper body a good workout. You can do wrist exercises to strengthen your wrist joints and make them less vulnerable to strain and injury. Do sets of wrist curls with a small dumbbell. Try to use a dumbbell that is at least the same weight as your bowling ball. This allows you to get used to lifting that much weight comfortably. You can also strengthen your arms and wrists with push up and pull ups.

4. Braces for Bowling

A wrist brace helps you prevent wrist injuries while bowling by giving the wrist joint support and keeping your ligaments from overstretching. Try a pullover fabric brace; these braces give your wrist joint added support but will still allow enough flexibility that it won't interfere with your bowling swing. Use a rigid wrist brace with stabilizers and lacing if you have weak wrists or yu're recovering from wrist injury. Rigid braces immobilize the wrist and give the joint more support, but they restrict movement so you might have to adjust your game.

5. Healthy Wrists

Take care of your wrists even when you're not bowling to keep wrists healthy. Use cold and hot packs to soothe sore muscles. Stretch out your arms, shoulders and wrists before bowling. This gets the muscles warm and limber so they're not likely to strain. Wrap wrists with a supportive wrap when you do heavy lifting to limit the pressure placed on the wrist joint.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/11982-prevent-wrist-injuries-bowling/#ixzz2TZBRj6af

A Bowler's Evolution...

Sup Fam,

This blog will be track my continuing journey as a "competitive" league bowler. I should've started this blog during my 2012-13 season. However, I begin as I enter into the summer session of the 2013 season. My intention is to document moments from my two weekly leagues and scores. As to become better at blogging and archive my bowler's journey. 

Enjoy...