After a two-week vacation in Michigan last week, bowler Mike Weekley arrived by plane in Orange County and then drove directly to Mission Hills Bowl to compete in his league competition.
Weekley was sufficiently warmed up by his third game and smoked a 270 that was highlighted by eight straight strikes. “It’s incredible to realize what a break can do for you physically,” Weekley said.
Weekley is now primed to conduct his two-hour bowling clinic starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at AMF Woodlake Lanes in Woodland Hills.
The clinic targets beginning and intermediate bowlers 18 and under, but all ages are welcome to participate. Cost is $10.
The clinic is being billed as “Lesson I: The Fundamentals of Bowling.”
Weekley is a charismatic bowler with an explosive shot who has enjoyed success in professional tournaments. He received considerable publicity for rolling back-to-back 300 games in practice at Woodlake Lanes. The Los Angeles resident also has bowled two certified 800 series.
Weekley will be assisted at the clinic by Jim Goodman, who Weekley says, “loves the game, has a natural passion for it and wants to make it fun for kids just like I do.”
About 10 kids are expected to take part in the clinic. Enrollment is permitted through Saturday.
Weekley expects he will be staging another clinic – this one for adults – sometime in March.
One of the distinguishing features of the clinic will be Weekley’s instruction on the five-step approach that is common to the pros. Many league bowlers use four steps to the line before releasing the ball.
“Anybody can swing a ball and throw it down a lane,” Weekley said.
“The question is how do they get to the foul line. I don’t watch the release or the swing. I watch their footwork. People who use the five-step approach are so much more in control – their form holds a lot better.”
Weekley, 30, said he used to take four steps before learning about all the benefits of taking an additional step. “When I convert bowlers to the five-step approach, it takes almost an entire session,” said Weekley, who said he might provide instruction on the four-step technique as well.
For more information on the clinic, contact Weekley at 323-979-6294.
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