Interesting... I've only played duckpin once in my life up in Quebec. Out west (I'm from Seattle) it's all tenpin. I started playing in youth leagues around 9 years old and continued through high school. My highest season average was 195 and my high game was 299 (damn ten pin!!). I did have regular coaching in the youth leagues, but beyond a certain point the mental game is much more important than the physical one. I'd love to join a league again, but not having a car makes it kind of a pain to lug a 15-lb ball around...in addition to the two others I'm packingHail Mary Shot said:same here, started out at 7 or 8 y/o playing duckpins. had my first crack of tenpin at 13 and found out how easy it was to bring pins down and accumulate more strikes as compared to playing duckpins. I don't have problem knocking down screwdrivers both at duckpin and tenpin. I most oftentimes get warnings for using to much spin (destroying pins, some of which flew all over the opposite lane and knocking down other players' pins). I use a 9 pounder for breaking and 8 pounder for finesse shots. I'm a lefty. I have no formal training, nor a professional coach nor formal bowling practice sessions or a club. but atleast I'm able to put down some 180s on average. my personal lows are around 140s. I have a habit of putting a reverse roll on the bowling ball which makes the ball hesitates it natural movement (sometimes it dances or moves left and right)
I know I could have done better if I had taken it more seriously and professionally or seek the help of a professional bowler rather than playing it as a recreational hobby sport which I play occasionally. the last time I played was last year around September or October.
I love bowling and I guess it's in our family's blood and mine as well. I do know the fundamentals of the sport. how to consider the lane conditions, wipe your balls, wipe your hands and keep them dry all the time. take your time to focus and don't rush your shots.

I wish I could remember what sort of score I shot in duckpin bowling, but I really have no idea. It was about 3 years ago. I do remember that I put backspin on it when I threw, though. I think I had watched some duckpin on tv and remembered them using backspin.