After taking a year off, I started bowling again this year. I have bowled a lot over the years, and my average right now is 190. The rest of my team is not so experienced, and their averages range from 130 – 150. I’m not sure it helps, but I’m always trying to give them some advice on how to improve their game.
One of our guys throws a big hook, much more hook than I can manage. Being able to throw a big hook has its advantages, but to take advantage of that kind of ball, you have to be able to control the hook and to throw it consistently.
To help him learn how to do this, I had him watch a couple of guys on the opposing team last night. They have the highest team average in the league, and they all throw big hooks. I was hoping that he might be able to pick up some tips from them.
Ham radio is a little like bowling in this respect. To get better at some aspect of ham radio, watch what some of the more experienced hams do. For example, if you want to be able to improve your antenna system, watch what an antenna expert does and learn from him or her. If you want to improve your CW skills, ask a good CW op for some advice.
Of course, it’s a little more complicated than that. You have to evaluate whatever advice you’re given and adapt it to your situation. Some bowlers, for example, have longer arms or bigger hands than others. That’s going to be a factor in how they throw the ball.
It’s the same in amateur radio. I often counsel newcomers to start sending with a paddle right from the start, and the paddle I most often advise them to look for is a used Bencher BY-1, which can be had for about $60 at hamfests. They may already have a paddle, or prefer a single-lever paddle, or prefer to buy a new paddle instead of a used one. By carefully considering my advice and their own preferences and situations, they can make the choice that’s right for them.
It always helps to have a good coach. In bowling, a good coach will help you improve your technique and raise your scores. A good amateur radio coach will help you become a more effective communicator, and ultimately, have more fun with amateur radio.
Over the summer, I’m going to get some coaching and become a better bowler. I’m also going to be on the lookout for a ham radio coach so that I can become a better amateur radio operator.
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