Secret to a 200+ Bowling Average

While a perfect bowling game is 300, most bowlers don’t actually expect to have an average of 300.  In fact, that’s quite impossible.  However, having a 200+ bowling average is highly admired and aspired to.  So, what is the secret to obtaining that elusive 200 bowling average?

If your bowling average is below a 185, it will be difficult to achieve the 200 bowling average mark – at first.  Typically, bowlers do not achieve significantly higher averages right off the bat, so it is important to understand that if you are bowling less than a 185 or 190 average, it will take some time.  Even at a 190 or 195 average, it can still take some time to reach a 200 bowling average.

One of the most important things you can do to improve your average is to practice, and we’re not just talking about basic practicing.  Several factors come into play that dedicated and serious bowlers need to take into account and understand how to deal with when they happen.  For instance, you may be great at getting those strikes, yet struggle when it comes to certain spares.  Getting those spares are an essential piece to achieving that 200 bowling average, and basically, improving your game.  If you can throw three strikes in a row, but then can’t pick up any spares, then your game and average will continue to suffer. Therefore, it is imperative that you practice constantly on picking up those spares.

It is also important that you understand the difference when the lanes change.  This could be from going to different houses to bowl as well as the oil patterns changing throughout the league and/or tournaments.  Many bowlers have two or more bowling balls that they use in games.  The reason for this is that some bowling balls work better under certain conditions, such as changes in the oil patterns, than others.  Other bowlers have a ball they use strictly for their first shot, their pocket or strike ball, and use a different ball for all spares.  This isn’t to say that you definitely need to have two or more bowling balls, however, it’s important to understand the lanes and how you bowl in comparison with how your bowling ball or balls work in different conditions.

Maintaining your bowling ball is another critical aspect to help achieve that 200 bowling average and improve your overall game and average.  Over time (and it doesn’t take much time), your bowling ball will develop oil patterns and grooves.  Making sure that you always clean your ball after each game (some bowlers do so after each shot with a rag) and taking it for regular ‘check-ups’ at the pro shop will help to keep your bowling ball in tip-top shape which will help to keep your average improving.

Being able to read and adjust to lane conditions and their changes is essential as well.  Working with a bowling coach is a good idea to help you understand how to read and adjust to the varying changes that can happen during league and tournament.  You can reach that 200 bowling average with a lot of practice, patience and understanding for the sport.