Adjusting

Question
I am new to bowling, I bowl two handicap leagues. I am told "Move or Adjust" by the other members of my team. My question is When & Where to move/adjust. Some say up or back others say left or right.  Is there a rule of thumb I can start with so I can make the moves on my own.
Thanks
Ventura Bowler

Answer
To make adjustments on the bowling lanes, you must first know what to look for. The simple thing to consider first is whether or not you need bowling lessons by a coach. Since you are new to the game, you are no doubt understanding that the team needs your help. Suggesting something you should try may only handicap you further. Obviously though, you can not keep standing in the same spot tossing the same shot. You pretty much end up with the same results.
   A coach will take the time to look at your delivery, talk to you about the lane conditions, and help you with your weak areas of you game such as spare shooting. Unfortunately, asking how to adjust over the internet may give you 100's of responses that may harm your current efforts. Saying, "someone on-line told me to do this or to do that" may get you further in the dog house with your teammates. Anyone giving you real help as a beginner should know they need to be on the lanes with you for practice as not to cause you embarrassment or injury.
    In summary bowler, get a few lessons from a bowling coach. There are aspects of the game that all fall under the heading of making an adjustment. They apply to where you are standing, how you hold the ball, how fast you swing the ball, how slow you walk, if you spin the ball, if you throw a backup ball, if you loft the ball, if you drift, if you throw a straight ball, if you hook it, if the ball is plastic, if your ball is going too long before hooking or if your ball is hooking too soon, perhaps you need a ball fit evaluation because you can't seem to hit you targets properly.... Only someone watching you like your teammates, or a certified coach can help you clear up some of the unknowns and help you to make adjustments. As you can see, its just too much to cover. Thank you, and I hope this will start you on your way to making better adjustments to the point you may one day invest in my book, True Bowler Adjustments. A good coach with help you with the basics of good bowling adjustments. However, there are many more adjustments to consider that I have not listed here. Your question may make many others revisit the idea of coaching, to improve their game. Thank you!!! If you are ever in Vegas, look me up. We'll work on making the proper adjustments to your bowling game. - Coach

Gary Oatis
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com