If you’ve been on a bowling hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down alleys across the country, or for any other reason, it may seem like an intimidating proposition to return to the lanes after a long layoff.
After such an extended break, there will be inevitable questions about your skills being rusty, whether your equipment needs maintenance, and other potential worries. The bottom line, however, is just to take the plunge and get out there and enjoy your return to bowling.
Pros and Cons of Bowling After a Break
You will inevitably need quite a few games to get back your consistency and confidence, and one area that is especially useful to look at carefully is the release technique and timing, since many bowlers can have a tendency to speed up their feet after not bowling for a while.
But your hiatus can come with unexpected benefits as well. If you had been overthinking things before your hiatus, for example, you may find yourself now throwing in a more natural state, which can do wonders for your performance. You also may find that some of your old bad habits can be broken after a break, as well as unhelpful mental blocks and distractions that you may be able to banish.
It’s also a good idea to get some additional sets of eyes on your bowling form as you return so that you aren’t just guessing at how you are doing. This can just be your teammates or other bowling companions if they have a keen eye for technique, but it can also be helpful to get some professional help in the form of a lesson. (As COVID-19 continues to spread you may want to keep close in-person interactions to a minimum, so be sure to look carefully into the safety before scheduling a lesson. Another possibility could be to record your shot and share that video with others for feedback.) You may find that your break from bowling can be a perfect time to take the leap and finally seek out some outside help to improve your game.
Another area where you can take advantage of the natural break from routine is your equipment, which will surely need some attention after a long hiatus. At the very minimum it’s a good idea to get your ball resurfaced and your gripping holes replaced so that you can be sure you’re getting the performance and comfort you’ll need. Returning from a break may also be an ideal time to get a new ball as you recommit to regular bowling.
Overall, there can be some benefits to your bowling hiatus, as well as some challenges, but the bottom line is to simply get out there and have some fun as you reacquaint yourself to the game you love.
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