Joined a Thursday night bowling league at my local alley and it's the most fun I've had in a social sport. My average is a modest 155 but I'm improving. The league camaraderie is great.

Anyone else bowl competitively? Tips for getting my average above 170?

Work on your spare game. Converting spares consistently is what separates 150 bowlers from 180 bowlers. Practice your 10-pin spare shot relentlessly.

Get your own ball drilled to fit your hand. House balls are terrible. A custom-drilled ball with proper finger inserts will add 10-15 pins to your average immediately.