Seniors: You’re not too old to bowl

They say you're never too old to bowl and winning never gets old. If so, then those of you that con-sider yourselves "old timers" need to get with the program and head out to one of Prince William County's bowling centers.

Actually, age is not a detriment to being able to bowl, particularly if you can adjust your game to what's happening or what has happened to your body. The older we get, the more difficult some things are to achieve. But bowling can be taken up and enjoyed even in the golden years.

If you think you're too old to bowl, just think of Emma Hendrickson.

Emma Hendrickso

Last April, 100-year-old Emma Hendrickson from Morris Plains, N.J., bowled in the 2009 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) women's championships, marking the 50th year in a row she has bowled in the same tournament. When she rolled her first ball she became the oldest bowler in history to participate in the USBC event. She previously shared the record with Ethel Brunnick of Santa Monica, Calif., who competed in the 1987 event in Hartford, Conn. at 99 years old. Hendrickson is already signed up for the 2010 USBC championship tournament in El Paso, Texas.

Why bowl?

For more than a century, bowling has held the distinction of being the sport for everyone. Bowling is a sport of individual achievement and competitiveness; many use it for recreation, exercise, gambling and a method of relieving stress. When you bowl as a senior, you are joining many other senior citizens throughout the country and are part of the growing influx discovering the sport. Many seniors realize the therapeutic, physical and psychological benefits of bowling, but most appreciate the social interaction and camaraderie of the sport.

Seniors, as well as younger bowlers, are goal-oriented. Realistically we all bowl for the competition—whether it is shown outwardly or hidden inside. Remember the last time you bowled? Remember when you were unhappy with yourself for missing a single pin spare, or fouling, or not being able to throw the big strike for a win? That's your competitiveness.

Don't underestimate your desire to bowl well. High-average performers reaching senior status may continue bowling well in good leagues and tournaments with higher-average bowlers. But you are proba-bly no match for the high rollers in the scoring column and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Settling for an occasional high score and just being able to bowl regularly provides the major source of enjoyment for seniors, not the pursuit of high scores.  Here are some tips that will make the game more interest-ing.

Bowling ti

n Choose the proper ball weight: You may be bowling with a ball that is too heavy. A rule of thumb: Select a ball you can swing comfortably and for three games—a pound could make a big difference and cause you to tire in the third game.

n Get the right grip: Take the time to visit your local pro shop and have your grip checked out. It may be that you want to use a conventional grip as opposed to the semi and finger tip.

n Use wrist supports: Unfortunately, many seniors discover that they don't have the wrist strength to hold the ball in the proper position through the swing. A wrist support can be very effective. Try it, you might like it.

n Look at your approach: Make sure you are not overstriding. Years ago, a longer approach might have worked but now you may not have the flexibility you once had. It might not be quite as easy to stretch out the way you use to.

Gil Sanchez is a freelance bowling writer for the News & Messenger. He is a member of the Bowling Writ-ers Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress Advisory Council. Reach him at 703-587-6792 or at .