3 TIPS FOR SKEE SUCCESS
We’ve completed two weeks of league play, and so far, some people have been able to find their groove while playing the game of skeeball. But, there are also people who are struggling to figure their game out. Maybe you don’t know what to do. Maybe you are having a hard time figuring out what is wrong. Maybe you are good and want to do even better. If any of these scenarios apply, then this blog is for you! Here are 3 tips that I believe will help out with your game and have you rollin’ like a skee pro by the end of the Skeeson! (Just the tips.)
1. Stance
The first step doesn’t require a certain way, but you want it to be consistent. I have seen many stances over the years while working for the league. Some people have stand right up against the machine, like me, while others are stand a couple of steps away. Some people move their feet as a wind up before throwing while others stand still. There are those who hold a beer/drink in their non-throwing hand, some that balance against the machine, some that keep their hands in their pockets. The bottom line is, find a stance that you are comfortable with and keep it consistent. Once you have found something comfortable that works, then it is on to the next lesson.
2. Bank or No Bank?
There are two ways to roll the ball down the center of the lane, the bank shot and the normal roll. The bank shot is where you roll the ball directly toward the side on the lane at an angle. Then, it bounces off the side and head toward the middle where the 40s and 50s are. The key for the bank shot to work is to aim at the shadow line, the one that that reflects from the glass barrier in the front of the machine. If you can gage the right speed and hit the ball near this shadow line, the ball should project it self toward the 40s and 50s. The straight roll requires more precision and accuracy. You have to be able to roll the ball straight down toward the middle spot of the lane. Aim for the small screw that is visible in the center of the lane. Focus on trying to hit the 40s first and when you can, then you can risk going for the 50 with a little more power. Both ways have proven to work, but it is up to you to decide the method that works for you.
3. Release Point
I placed this last because it is the most important part. Without the correct way to release the ball, then the other two steps will not matter. First, hold the ball where you have a comfortable grip of it in your throwing hand. Then, as you start moving your arm back, make sure the arm does not go back too far past your back leg. If you do, then you will eventually lose control of the ball as you let go of it because the wind up is too long. Keep your arm motion short so you maintain control of the ball for a smaller amount of time. As you swing your arm forward and let go of the ball, make sure you release the ball at the edge of your fingertips. The fingertips help guide the ball to where you want it to go. If you release the ball at the palm or your thumb, then the ball goes haywire off your hand and you end up getting a 0 or 10. It takes a lot of practice to get this down so don’t worry if you don’t get this step right away.
Hopefully, these 3 tips will help you become a better roller and a true winner at skeeball. Try them out and see how they work, and best of luck in Week 3!
XOXOXO
Your Valentine,
Jman
