Bowling Tournaments
One of the things I like about bowling is how laid-back it is. It is the only sport that I know of that you can dive right into without any practice or drilling. Basically, every game you play is a sort of bowling tournament. Whether you're playing with one friend or five, you have to compete round after round to get the best cumulative score. There aren't very many bowling accessories that you have to get to learn to play, and basically you can get as good as you want just by playing some games with a local bowling league or a groups of friends.
That's not to say that there aren't any bowling skills required. Bowling strikes is difficult, and many people can't do it. Taking a course from an expert or even getting a few tips will help you gain skills. Nonetheless, just playing will be enough if you do it long enough. Soon you will learn how to hook the ball, to bowl consistently, and to improve any weaknesses in your game. It might take you a few dozen bowling tournaments or a few hundred, but sooner or later you'll become a good bowler. Anyone who plays the game for long enough gets pretty good at it.
Of course, I don't really compete in bowling tournaments for the glory. Don't get me wrong I love to bowl a good game, but it isn't like a bad game will ruin my day. Basically, I go down to the local Bowling Palace to have fun with my friends. It is the best place I know of to catch up on the gossip of the week, have a few beers, and generally just unwind and let the stresses of the day drift away. We talk a little bit of smack, and sometimes a bowling tournament can get pretty competitive. Occasionally, people even get angry. Most of the time, however, that just simply doesn't happen. Most of the bowling tournaments we have are fun-filled occasions where everyone has a good time and leaves pleasantly buzzed.
If you've only been a few bowling tournaments, you might not have a taste for the game. Bowling can be pretty frustrating when you first start playing it. It took me about a week of playing pretty much every day before I could even consistently roll the ball down the alley without getting a gutter ball. Still, once you get the point where your really playing and not just hoping to knock something over, the am suddenly takes on a whole new meaning. It becomes simultaneously laid back and intense a perfect way to unwind.
