2 Simple Steps To Bowl Your FIRST 200 Game! | Bowling Tips

[@ianhoneycutt3858]

I like that when you said "so maybe I start getting excited and start thinking too much" you threw your next shot about a mile or two faster because that's what a lot of players do in that situation.

[@Ironfangzu]

That exact thing is what Keeps Marshal Kent and Sean Rash from winning more on the PBA tour. Both are extremely talented players and capable of throwing very high scores at any time. But time and again I've seen these 2 bowlers get too excited at a critical time and throw the ball too fast, ending up with a 2-8-10 or something that leads to them losing. I contrast this with Chris Prather and Frankie LaVoie, who seem to always be able to keep their cool and not try to do too much when things get tight. I think this ability to stay focused and not get over-excited is what we average bowlers should also try to do at all times.

[@Taikaiden]

Shot 200 the other day doing similsr tips. Had 3 open frames, but i still consider it an accomplishment.

[@zacharyoliver-davis3502]

It only gets better just keep it up 💪

[@somerandomcrap0718]

It’s really hard to throw a clean game when you’re not bowling constantly for a long time. Keep it up and you’ll throw a clean game and blow you PRs out of the water!

[@TCR_tarvis1981]

Well done! Keep at it!

[@jeremyjones9467]

Nah only start bowling for real like 3 months ago bowled my first 200. 210 with 5 strikes in a row

[@MikeDCWeld]

I bowled a 228 tonight with 2 open frames. Having an 8-bagger _might_ have helped!

[@wunba]

I was averaging about 50 points a game and then as soon as I watched this video my next game was a 213

[@AlexRainbowFun]

2 likes wth? Wunba deserves better then that

[@BNatoAk]

​@@AlexRainbowFunwhy? Ya it's a lil funny but not 6 like funny 😅

[@kingadamw1]

Stop the cap

[@braedenharvey3543]

I was scrolling through your page last night and I decided to click on this video and the next morning (today) I bowled a 203 and broke my first 200+ game. This video helped so much thank you! Love these videos Update, 2 days later after hitting 203 I hit 245!

[@LexyO42]

Congrats!!

[@Chilluv]

I needed this video in my feed, thank you!! Went from an insane 216 avg/3games night to a rough 153 avg the next week and was reminded how quickly this game can HUMBLE you

[@petefreezybowling]

This might be the best mental game video I’ve ever seen anybody post/talk about. My game sky rocketed last year when I got better at controlling myself mentally and staying more in the moment and not looking a head to much. And when things went wrong or weren’t great I stayed within my self. This video replicated that perfect. Great video Darren hope it helps a lot of others too

[@Thereapingghostie]

He dropped this at the best time I got tryouts tonight for my high school. Thanks Mr. Tang (Edit: Bowled a 147 first game, game 2 bowled a 110, and game 3 bowled a 157 so hopefully its enough

[@jordangines7959]

goodluck buddy

[@chase_thegreat]

Update?

[@fastcareddiethehitmanhearn1632]

😂😂​@@chase_thegreat

[@jeremybrown3429]

Thank you for this! My 12yo is chasing his first 200 and gets distraught when pocket shots don’t carry. We just watched this together and it perfectly reinforced what I’ve been telling him: Don’t worry about stringing strikes. Just keep hitting the pocket and make your spares!

[@s1l3nc3r3]

Try to also get him in the mindset every frame is a new game. The last frame is in the past and it isn't something you can change, but the next frame you can change what happens since it hasn't happened yet.

[@davidkuest6224]

Did he get it yet?

[@jeremybrown3429]

@@davidkuest6224Yep! Near the end of last season he finally shot a 201. We both got a little emotional. lol Can’t wait to get back out there this Fall!

[@mikelombard21]

Brad and Kyle are very good educators but you have to be my favorite on KZbin by a mile. Teaching seems to come naturally to you. Or at least your teaching method and way of explaining things comes naturally to me. I learn so much every time you make a video like this. Thank you Darren. Much love.

[@leonidasmartin2158]

I’m 15 and started bowling on sundays 3 weeks ago and I shot 200 I was really proud

[@ericl3931]

I average 128. Utilized these tips and just hit a 151! Thank you .

[@haf8458]

Shot my first 217 using the hook in league last week. Had the alternating strike spare combos until the six frame, then I hit a turkey and finished with a strike. I now have my new gameplan

[@user-wi9fu3fc2l]

The smooth quiet throw is great.

[@natejoseph3827]

DARREN THANK YOU SO MUCH! I only picked up bowling at the start of this year after watching you and a couple of other KZbinrs for the last couple months and have completely fallen in love! I just bowled my first ever 200+ (254!!!) right after watching this video! My PB before this morning was 176 and my average currently is only about a 130 so I am absolutely gassed! I stayed composed and just focused on my delivery every shot instead of getting hyped after the strikes started piling on. Thank you for what you do for this community and for making me a part of the bowling family too 💞❤️

[@Ryan0808s]

Can honestly say your videos helped me after my first one getting the second just wasn’t coming for me but the mental game is everything.

[@bowlerrollercoaster]

This is a topic that isn't talked about enough thank you! Before I started averaging high. Beginners would shoot 200 once and ask, why can't I do that again. The only difference was spares vs open frames.

[@whitninyo2525]

I threw my PR game a couple months back and it was a 198 game 😭. I was so shattered because I threw like 4-5 strikes in a row and only left like 2 frames open. It felt great, but I don’t consider that 200 unless I see those numbers or more. So close yet so far.

[@rondellevans1469]

Watched this and the next league night I scored my 200+ game and I did it twice! With a low hook beginner ball nonetheless. I got a new high performance ball with much more flare potential now and my new challenge is getting more consistent. Really appreciate the content and tips! It’s helped me a ton.

[@squidly2112]

I bowled a 203 in league last night .. not first time .. best was 243 late last year. Not too bad for a 60yr old guy only bowling for a little over a year .. 🙂 .. I have to partly thank Darren! .. I have learned a TON from Darren. All I have learned about bowling has been through KZbin videos. I am the quintessential KZbin trained bowler 🙂

[@tavonrice1935]

I bowled my first 204 last weekend 243 is fantastic

[@squidly2112]

@@tavonrice1935 - that's awesome!!! .. 200+ games are fun! ... Last Friday I somehow miraculously scored a 265 during league and a 268 bowling with friends afterward. I have no clue how I did it. 🤣🤣

[@tavonrice1935]

@@squidly2112 seems to happen when flow state is achieved I honestly didn't expect mine either none the less your scores are amazing

[@squidly2112]

@@tavonrice1935 - HA! .. just lucky at times, I think. I am very inconsistent. I can roll a 150's one game and a 220's the next just to follow up with a 140's .. ugh. Getting a bit better with consistency, but that is the key of the Pro's . they are consistent.

[@ianbrittain]

Shot 190 the other day! Not quite 200 but getting there. Thanks for your help Darren, love your content!

[@bobbybearbowling]

This can also apply to maintaining a 200 average. I watched this video and the next day applied it. It just reinforces my technique. I had a 653 set in league. Normal average 190. I took my time, established where I was standing etc. and was consistent.

[@jakeellobo]

Did a bunch of practice to work on manipulating my hand position to control the pocket. Ended up shooting my first 600 series in league last night. Felt amazing. My mantra is now all about controlling the pocket and leaving myself makeable spares.

[@flowholdem4305]

Just threw my first 200 last night, a 225! My previous high was 169 and I beat that three games in a row with a phaze 2. Your content got me started. Thanks Darren!

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

And I just broke the 200 barrier 2 weeks ago...just from bit of info picked up here and there from several sources. And HERE they all are in ONE place from one trusted source. TY for confirming a lot of what I have been hearing and thinking.

[@EMP_Noob]

This helped me so much, I got my first 209 in league today, I had 4 strikes in a row from the 5th to the 9th frame and I only had 1 open frame. Thanks Darrren!

[@thatbazan210]

Thanks Darren always keep the bowling tips nice n understandable 😎

[@DavidRodriguez-ol7mv]

Thank you for this video. Been struggling of late with splits. It frustrates and I lose my composure which then creates negative self talk which leads to sub par scores. Working on this as we speak. This video was a great reminder to stay calm and keep moving forward. Thanks Darren!

[@labaom]

Awesome intro! Closing on Brad and Kyle’s subscriber count! Rising boat lifts all tides!

[@its.me_angie]

Your bowling videos are the best! Last night I binged bowling videos on KZbin. Tried to give other channels a try and kept comparing them to your channel.

[@cybersteel8]

I'm a 190 average and I have been looking at my games all wrong. I've been thinking "I need to get 5 or 6 strikes this game" and it doesn't matter where. Honestly, this feels like a way better way to look at it. Just try and get a double. Don't miss a spare, nail them all. Keep hitting the pocket, because it matters little how many times you need to spare. Once you have your double, you're set, just spare it home. It's a far more healthy way to look at the game, it's way more targeted and focused on the individual shot than trying to plan my whole game out and tick off all the strikes I need. I reckon I could push my average up above 200 with this mentality, thank you!

[@JamesNpersonal]

Start consistently bowling 1/3 above 200 but had to switch the two handed for a hand injury. Easier to get strikes now but my speed is low and spare pickups are the toughest transition so far for me. Looking forward to getting back. These are great reminders to go through.

[@chhany]

I’ll have to keep this in mind every time I do league. I always overthink everything on league night.

[@dragonman910]

I'm going with something I've heard for ages: "strikes make the show, but spares make the dough." That's 100% true not just for leagues, but sports shots as well. You won't always strike, but you need to leave makeable spares by keeping those splits off your card. 1-2 opens in a game doesn't sound like a lot. Over the course of a league night (assuming 3 games) that's 20 pins per game assuming you give up 10 pins on every open frame. That can be the difference between a 600 series and a 540-550.

[@justin_bloomer9208]

Absolutely needed this video. Been on the struggle bus this year already. And all of this hits home great video!!

[@kill3stdayz910]

This was an amazing video! Thanks Darren!

[@DavidRodriguez-mp9nh]

Had my best night in my scratch league last night. Watched this vid and kept repeating the mantra "double and stay clean". Thanks Darren!

[@joshspears5383]

Bowled my first 200 today (220) after watching this video yesterday. Coincidence? I think not. I started with 6 straight strikes so i figured i was in good shape 😂 Thanks Darren

[@eldante4139]

I haven’t bowled in years. I used to bowl for fun, but a lot but from time to time and nothing serious. My highest ever is 192. I started with 6 consecutive strikes then it tailed off. That was many years back. Thinking to start back, genuinely can’t remember the last time I went but content on this channel has me motivated again.

[@dontnoahthing521]

watched this video earlier today before bowling tonight. just got my first bowling ball and played my first games today and hit 204!! I’m finally in the 200s club, thank you for the tips!!!

[@quinton1433]

Thanks Daren, I had never heard it explained as clearly as that. Tou are one of my favorite Pro’s

[@DLAsmash]

Before two days ago I had only shot one 200 game, and it was over 10 years ago while randomly bowling with a friend while we waited for a flight. But I've been watching a ton of videos from Darren + others over the week or two and just threw a 243 after completely changing my throw (from the "suitcase" I learned as a kid, to a no thumb + 1 handed throw). I actually felt like I deserved this one because, after spending the previous games trying to find the "right throw" for the lanes, I finally felt like I found it at the end of game 3 after punching out frame 10. I asked everyone to stick around for one more, and lo and behold, I threw 8 strikes in game 4 by just consistently throwing that same ball every time. It was super gratifying because I averaged 140 the rest of the games we played and was starting to feel like I was coming across as a know-it-all because I was babbling about everything I learned on KZbin the whole time while not actually scoring any better than I usually do. But after popping off game 4, we're now all making plans to buy our first bowling balls this week and join a league asap. Couldn't have done it without Darren's help

[@rollingreene1220]

Darren - One of your best videos yet - Very much a workable strategy and way forward - Thanks

[@raymondkung3342]

Thank you for sharing this video. The tone and pace of this video is perfect. “subscribed”

[@ChrisUlrich]

I would love a video on your single pin spare shooting. Where you line up for a 10 pin and then your adjustments for a 6/10 or just a 6. Same with a 4,7 and the 4/7, etc… you’re kind of a wizard on single pin spares

[@jamiersengreen]

187 has been my highest started the game with 5 straight strikes then fell off. I don’t think I spared after that. Made me hungry though. I don’t think I’ve broke 180 since. Been stuck at 150. I need to learn how to find and stay in the pocket. And I curve too much on single pins. Need to get a better straight ball.

[@princetj2564]

I threw a 5 bagger and 7 strikes all game but i missed all my spares and bowled a 166... SPARES ARE IMPORTANT

[@bobmendenhall6357]

I really like the "task at hand" approach to the game. What's the old saying? "Strikes are for show, and spares are for the dough." I think Guppy Troup was credited for that little gem. Great content Darren!

[@mikelombard21]

Awesome video. I can't get enough of this type of educational video. Great stuff.

[@2handlife200]

Task at hand is really the best advice. Don’t think about your score, the opponents score, average, previous shot. Just task at hand.

[@ckcx918]

Was on this lane last week & inching closer to 200 so thanks for this video! Just trying not to lose focus with spares 🤞🏽

[@RFJSTYLE0522]

What a great video thank you 🙏

[@brianwaterman8185]

Awesome video. Staying focused on the task is huge. Time to work on my spare shooting.

[@duckyjp17]

Great video. Really helpful and concise

[@Thecatdude-k7c]

I have bowled a 228 and using similar strategies. It was also at a tournament. That felt great

[@OhioStatemom19Betty]

Learned to position myself and a better release and follow thru and I am bowling better

[@daroncowart9375]

Awesome video DTang!!! I love the concepts that you drop into your videos. Keep the instructional videos coming.

[@trentknouse95]

Completely agree with all of this and my mental game is defiantly something I need to work on. I bowled a 181 and missed 2 spares that cost me a 200 game last night in league

[@TheClaycorey]

Just had league night tonight after watching this video. I'm a hack at best, but I kept all of your advice in mind, especially not getting upset after a bad frame. Best night of the year so far. 169, 180, 214! Not bad for a 150 average bowler. Won our league eliminator too. Ok, a 54 handicap helped.

[@Yite69]

Coach Darren doing his thing, W coach

[@glendasmith7010]

Good video, that's gonna help me out and I've seen the ball hooking so. Yes, I'll probably buy the journey

[@JackHurley-n6t]

What is better for strikes a curve or a straight and what's better for spares straight or curve and any tips for for tuarnaments

[@et_music_is_life]

Great video 👍

[@TheWindcrow]

This is a great learning video for beginners and newer bowlers. Even people that haven't looked at the arrows before it helps.

[@dylanchua3579]

I watched this 3 months ago and have been using ur “too left move left” advice everytime i practiced, and today i finally hit a 205, 0 open frames including the last shot lmaoo the only time i kinda messed up was when i accidentally did a wrong release (its a habit im currently getting rid of) once and got a 3 pin (but i spared it anyway ofc) Anyway tysm for the help i loved this video

[@carlosmunoztv400]

is there a release slow-mo for darren's spare shot? need to learn that straight shot 😊

[@ChrisJones-qw7bn]

Same here...think I can do it already..but want to be sure.

[@vosskz1955]

Flat wrist, hand on the top of the ball

[@TonyfromBham]

I loved the narrative aspect of this video!

[@BRBallin1]

I'm hitting a plateau in my game. I'm consistently averaging around 145-160 range now because strikes are fairly rare (1-2 per game) and I have about 2 open frames and then remaining are spares.

[@GamingxKnight]

I got my first 200 a few weeks ago. A 220 game. I left an open on frames 1 and 10, no third shot, but got strikes from frames 2-4, 6-9 and spared on the 5th frame. Best game so far.

[@mikeoverdrive]

one of the best bowling tips what i have seen...no matter if your average is 150 or 220...

[@Thepollopunk]

I have some fun watching a "drunk" Darren at 0.75 speed video ... I was focusing how he cups his wrist in the swing really nice!

[@marlonwilson9861]

What do you focus own besides the pins? Do you use the arrows, dots, etc...

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk tech bowling bowling Darren tang

[@mikelombard21]

Just last week when I bowled I remember being mad the whole game, Wrap 10, Flat 7, miss by an arrow but caught a break. At the end I had 206 cause I left makable spares and made them. I had such a negative attitude toward that game but turned out awesome. If I break 200 im a very happy man. Great advice. Hit the pocket. Hopefully leave makable spares, and make them. That's all it takes. Those crazy splits are where we lose a lot of count.

[@ghostriderthepatternisfull279]

This video is wonderful! Thank you so much for this!!

[@carlosmunoztv400]

Oh how I need these tips/tutorials

[@corbinesterak7837]

This is a great video. Alot of people get frustrated easily. I use to be one of them

[@stephendaley2857]

Hey Darren. Would tell me when and where you're gonna be in Reno? I think it is this week. I live about 2 hours away and just want to come say hi and watch you bowl / teach. I cannot participate as my knee is messed up. Steve

[@jerriel8674]

Darren, where do u stand when u shoot (straight) spares on the left pins (2,4,7 etc)

[@Ryniqua]

Darren you did it you used the summit once again love it👍

[@patrickfalco7440]

I liked the focus on the task at hand. Hit the 1 3.

[@OceanicMaestro]

What has helped me most is just staying calm and controlling my anger when I have a bad shot, Being calm allows me to slow down and be smooth which gives me more control and better accuracy instead of bowling out of anger which throws me all out of wack and I start rushing and trying to throw the ball as hard as I can which doesn't help in the slightest

[@wind7027]

can try camera focus on the hand, slow motion release

[@chafeeracin611]

Hadnt bowled in over a year and threw a 213 last night "off the couch" and averaged a 195 lol. Pretty cool to have the muscle memory stick after so long. Just need a new ball so i can get more strikes on heavy oil. Hyped hybrid is great on dry or semi dry. Not so much on heavy oil. Really good spare ball on heavy oil because it doesnt move lol

[@JackTheRippin]

I just applied your method yesterday and hit 213 with my own ball. Feelsgoodman.

[@PearlJamaholic]

I have yet to hit 200, all-time best is 177. Didn't know double strikes were such a key part of it. I rarely get doubles. But the tip about moving in the direction of the miss, is new to me. I always assumed if I throw too far left, move right to compensate. I'll give this a try next game, I'll move over 2-3 boards in the same direction of the miss.

[@basket98]

Man, your straight shots are mind blowing me, i really need you to explain how you do that with a reactive ball. i've tried many ways but i cannot do it.

[@CliftonDon74]

Great video, breaking down the math for a 200 game, but splits happen, so in addition to getting at least 2 strikes in a row in a game, you would need to make up 2 strikes in a row for each open frame in order to stay on track for that elusive 200 game.

[@1223code]

Watched ur vid and bowled my first 200, 203 to be exact thanks wang wang vid helped a lot

[@kodytrieu]

Never did I think the dude from jimmy neutron would teach me how to bowl 200. Great Mentality. Great Vid. Thanks Darren:).

[@brycelittle7026]

i needed this 8 years ago lol. Great video tho!!

[@crawford1328]

Been dealing with a lot of wet-dry on the lanes at my league lately and have been struggling to hit 200. Hoping I can use some of these to help get back to bowling more consistently!

[@robertbossickiii4858]

I throw back up ball as my main strike throws any tips for that

[@CliftonDon74]

Great informative video Darren. In my opinion, the biggest keys for rolling a 200 game is to bowl within your abilities and to make your spares. Using a spare ball would be the best way for most folks to increase spare percentage. I see a lot of folks miss their corner spares because they use their strong ball and the ball flips in the last couple of feet.

[@BANONEGuitar]

Or just flatten your hand out.

[@CliftonDon74]

@BANONEGuitar I agree that flattening your hand would work, i did that myself for 35 years, but most people aren't able to do that, and if folks aren't able to throw with any significant speed, the ball may still move. I'm just speaking from 40 years of observation experience.

[@williamcullenjnr26]

​@@CliftonDon74yes flattening hand works I've tried it and im 2 handed but I'm not always that consistent with it and that's why I will stick to a spare ball

[@BANONEGuitar]

@@CliftonDon74 You do have to throw the ball harder, absolutely. I’ve been bowling 40 years too. I shouldn’t talk. I still hook my spares on the left side and I’ve bowled PBA regional events. You think I would’ve learned my lesson. :)

[@CliftonDon74]

​@BANONEGuitar I threw a plastic ball for a few years, but decided to use a urethane as my spare ball, flattening my wrist, so I can use that ball for other things if needed. This ball has bailed me out on multiple occasions. It also annoys my opponents. Lol

[@matthewthomas1335]

How to shoot 200: Nobody: Darren: Just don’t miss

[@letmein218]

Use weak reactive with pin in palm for your first ball, try going up 10. Then practice going straight at your spares. Practice 10pins for righty and 7pin for lefty.

[@ethanwiley5693]

Tried this. Got 193 with a house ball but ill take it! Love the video!

[@hermanecheverri9849]

Can you put a slow motion of your release?

[@ripvanrevs]

Can you make a video to shoot 300? How much do you move? How to handle the pressure?

[@raiylab]

Happened to me by accident with a house ball and the perfect flow state. Probably throw 80 avg, blew my own mind and now I have nasty dragon to chase.

[@digicatt9320]

I just shot 210 at a state youth tournament. Felt great