Quiz the Coach - I Can't Bowl!

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, teammates or coaches, or anything? Why not ? The Kidzworld Coach can help ya work out team problems or give ya tips and advice to improve your game - all ya gotta do is ask!

Hey Coach,
I can't bowl to save my life? Got any tips?
Attitude710

Hey Attitude710,
Since the chances of you ever having to bowl to save your life are extremely low, I wouldn't worry too much if your balls always hit the gutter. (Although, I was once captured by a group of Slovenian terrorists who held a knife to my throat and threatened to kill me unless I bowled ten strikes in a row with my eyes blindfolded. Luckily, my bowling game was strong that day and I survived and went on to star in a made-for-TV movie about the ordeal.) Bowling is one of those games which people usually play for fun, to meet hotties or to show off their fancy bowling shoes. However, if you're still interested in getting better at bowling, here are a few tips:

• Concentrate - There can be lots of distractions at a bowling alley (like the smell of french fries, the fat lady smoking cigarettes in the lane beside you, or the hottie that's going to laugh at you if your ball goes in the gutter.) Block out these distractions and focus on the pins and the ball. Visualize yourself throwing a perfect strike down the middle of the alley.
• Position - Keep your shoulders square to the foul line at all times and be careful not to "drop" your shoulder when you deliver the ball. A "dropped" shoulder can send the ball towards the gutter every time. Keep your knees bent and keep your arms straight and near to your body. Follow through with your release and check to see that your arm is about head high with your thumb pointing over its shoulder.
• Check Your Balls - Make sure you're not using a ball that's too heavy. This could be making your delivery difficult. If you're having problems, try using a lighter ball.
• Have Fun - Bowling shouldn't be taken too seriously, so keep it fun and concentrate on making small improvements to your game. Ask a buddy to watch what you're doing to see if they can offer you some advice but don't get too worked up if your balls still hit the gutter.

  Do you have a question on sports like hockey, football or skateboarding? Do you need some advice on fitness, P.E. class or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.