Nov 22, 2009 By Gary George for The 6 min read

I read a tremendous article a few weeks back written by Tom Blasco. It was intended to offer help and advice for senior bowlers. I found it to be appropriate for our area since we have more than the norm of seniors still playing our game.

I am paraphrasing some of the high points of the article, and adding a few thoughts of my own. If you find even one small thing in all of this that can benefit you, then it is worth the read:

Some tips for seniors

Getting up in age, but still love the game of Bowling? Are you finding it a bit harder to get the ball down the lane? Are you tossing fewer strikes and missing more spares. Well, that is to be expected, but it doesn’t have to spoil your fun. Remember, you’re never too old to bowl and “winning never gets old.” Age is not a detriment to being able to bowl, particularly if you can adjust your game to what’s happening or what has happened to your body. Like everything that exists in life, the older we get the more difficult some things are to achieve. Bowling can be taken up and enjoyed even at 65 or 70 years of age, and remember, there are players rolling the ball that are 80, 90 and even 100 years old!

Remember, Bowling is the sport of individual achievement and competitiveness, used by some for recreation, gambling, socializing, exercise and a method of stress relief.

But, here is where a problem arises. The conventional methods you learned many years ago often won’t work for you now with more age. Therefore, these tips are provided for the needs of our senior bowlers, but many apply to other participants of the sport as well.

1. CHOSE THE PROPER BALL WEIGHT: Most times seniors bowl with a ball that is too heavy, usually because they own a ball drilled for them 25 years ago. Young in mind, but physiologically, changes have occurred and you must realize, you may have added a pound or two, which changes the size of your fingers, thumb and grip; Arthritis may be setting in, or rheumatism; or injuries incurred over the years may be nagging at you. Why suffer?

Start fresh. Choose a ball that is just light enough for you to be able to throw it down the lane. Just remember, weight is important, but you are going to use it for three games.

2. PROPER BALL FIT: This is one of the best tools of higher scores and enjoyable bowling. Usually seniors will bowl with house equipment or with balls that were drilled many years ago. In either case, it probably is an improperly fitting ball. Since proper grip is essential and especially important to senior bowlers, make a point to have your grip checked. It’s important, because you probably haven’t had your equipment checked in five or 10 years. Take 10 minutes, visit your local pro shop and check it out, especially since most seniors often lack grip strength.

3. USE WRIST SUPPORTS: In addition to grip strength, seniors will quickly discover that they don’t have the wrist strength to hold the ball in the proper position through the swing. This usually occurs when first taking up the game, or coming back to bowling after a long layoff. A wrist support can be very effective.

Try it; you might like it. Also, as an added note, make sure when you have your ball fitted you are wearing your wrist support during the measuring process.

4. APPROACHES: Look at your approach. Are you starting on the last row of dots? Are you over striding? Years ago that method probably worked, but now age may not allow you the flexibility you once had. Remember, with the start of every approach over 145 muscles are being required to move you in a coordinated effort to deliver the ball at the pins. It might not be quite as easy to stretch out the way you use to. There are 3 options that might help:

The Five-Step Approach: Although it is the extra step approach, it blends very well with most seniors because they don’t let the back swing get up over the bowling shoulder. Changing a three-or four-step approach to a five step can dramatically improve your game. The extra steps, may also, lend itself to increased swing speed and release impetus.

b. The Three-Step Approach: If you feel you are a little uncoordinated or have difficulty blending the arm swing and approach, the three step may be useful. Attempt it by taking your stance about 9 or 10 feet from the foul line, but hold the ball below the waist. You will start your approach with the left foot, but before you do you MUST initiate a slight upswing (the ball moves forward and up), before the step is taken. This approach reduces the need for coordination and helps the senior with better control.

c. One- or Two-Step Approach: For seniors who have not bowled before, or for a senior who might have a hard time walking due to hip replacement or injury, a simple one or two step approach is best for teaching the pendulum swing and release. Coordination for beginning seniors is normally difficult.

5. USE OF BACK OR KNEE SUPPORTS: Physical ailments or handicaps can be faced and overcome with the help of these devices.

6. EXERCISE: Being prepared physically to bowl is as important as rolling the bowling ball. A few stretching exercises will aid you in loosening the joints, muscles, and the stretching of tendons and ligaments.

7. LANE ADJUSTMENTS: Adjustments to lane conditions are important to all bowlers. To seniors they are especially essential because most bowlers (seniors) roll the ball more slowly.

Remember, one thing, all the basics you previously learned about bowling when you were younger won’t always be successful and won’t apply to today’s environment. With age comes reduced stamina and strength, change in skin texture and many other factors, but not to the point where you can’t still enjoy the sport. At an older age, you should be seeking enjoyment and companionship for the game. Don’t let physical ailments deter your enthusiasm. Just go out and bowl the way it is most fun for you.

Bowling news

Uniontown resident Gary George writes a weekly bowling column for the Herald-Standard. If you have any bowling news, contact George, a member of the Professional Bowlers Association since 1997, via email at probowler48@aol.com or fax at 724-438-7290. Information is welcome from all area bowling establishments