Due to there being no televised event this week, I would like to talk about practice instead of competition.   With so many technological advances in equipment out on the market, I think one of the most underutilized tools in our bag isn’t in our bag it’s in our pockets.  You’re Smartphone can be a more resourceful tool than you may think.   I have used my Smartphone for a variety things throughout the season.

All Smart phones today are equipped with so much useful technology that we need to take advantage of these tools to take our game to that next level.  For example every Smartphone has a camera on it, why not take a video of yourself?  I actually like to take video both when I am bowling extremely well, and also when I am struggling so I can compare the two.  It is nice to be able to look back when you are having an off day see what some of the issues might be.  Some of these issue may include your elbow flaring out, you’re not lifting enough, or you’re feet could be way ahead of your body.  Video catches all the good and the bad in your game.  Another thing I like to do is watch videos of myself bowling good, before actually going to an event so I can envision myself doing good, and also know I am capable of doing that again, because I’ve done it in the past.  Watching film has definitely improved my game, and will definitely improve your game as well.

Another piece of technology that is great on smart phones are apps.  I am willing to bet that down the road there will be an app, similar to a golf analyzer in which you will be able to see your good shots, next to your poor shots and make the necessary adjustments.  Apps undoubtedly are the way of the future, and it’s just a matter of time, before bowling catches up with the rest of technology. There are already a variety of Bowling apps out on the market that will not only give you your average but also track every shot of the night.  You can go back through the night and figure out what went wrong as well as see what spares you need the most work on.  Are you missing a lot of ten pins, or do you struggle making spares on the left side of the lanes.  All of these statistics will be recorded right on your Smartphone, and help your game improve.   With some of the apps on the market you can go into great detail taking notes on what type of ball you used, the amount of oil on the lanes, and what place on the lane you played your shots that night.

Some of my current favorite apps on the market are for the Best Bowling for the Iphone, and  Bowling Companion, and Bowling Manager on the Droid Market.  I hope you will use these tools, to improve your game, and would love to hear any feedback on things you find helpful to improve your game with your Smartphone.  Also if you know of any apps better than the ones I listed please make us aware of them to share with our viewers.

Another feature on your phone that you may never think to use is the good old notepad on your phone.  Write down a recap of your night, and tell yourself what you did right and what you did wrong.  It will  not only be in your notes, but it will make you more aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

I hope that you will continue to follow my column, and enjoy each weeks tips along the way.  We appreciate all of your comments.  Please feel free to write your comments below or email me anytime at [email protected].

Above180.com wants to make sure that you are taking your game to the next level, so we are giving away another Jet Bowling ball.  In order to become eligible for the bowling ball make sure you “like” taking your bowling game to the next level on facebook by clicking here.  Also, do not forget to follow the Crew on Twitter as you never know what cool things we will be giving away.  The crew on Twitter is as follows:

Above180.com – @above180

Mike Bonk – The Messenger – @mikebonk84

Dustin Markowitz – What Happened to Bowling? – @DustinMarkowitz

Matt Kennedy –  The Journey – @mkhawk21

John Baker – Positive Access Point – @positveaccesspt

Until next time, Shred that Rack!

Sincerely,

The Messenger