KB6NU's Ham Radio Blog

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How to improve at bowling..errrr, ham radio

Posted: 10 Mar 2017 11:02 AM PST
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After taking a year off, I started bowling again this year.Â*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. Im not sure it
helps, but Im 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, its a little more complicated than that.Â*You have to evaluate
whatever advice youre given and adapt it to your situation.Â*Some bowlers,
for example, have longer armsÂ*or bigger hands than others. Thats going to
be a factor in how they throw the ball.

Its the same in amateur radio. I often counsel newcomers toÂ*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 thats 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, Im going to get some coaching and become a better bowler.
Im 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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