IN SEPTEMBER, during the first few outings, you attributed it to the summer layoff. But now you know that's not the case. Halfway through the season, you're still floundering, trying to reclaim your once lofty status as a bowler. Again and again, you ask yourself, "What's wrong?" And then, recently, you entertained an unsettling thought: "Maybe I'm just over the hill!" Whoa. Hold on there. Let's not get carried away.

Okay, you began bowling at the age of six, and a number of years have since come and gone... more than you'd like to count. Admittedly, the sad news is there's no way to avoid the slow but steady decline in physical abilities as we age. But the good news is that you get a helluva lot wiser as you get older, which means you should be able to play a smarter game. And, you may be surprised to learn, the probability of doing that can make you a formidable competitor even if you can't "strap" the ball as strongly as you did in the past. What follows are six factors which could work wonders toward restoring your competitive edge. Feel free to apply any or all of them as needed.

1. ADHERE TO THE FUNDAMENTALS - It is not without good reason that today's bowling technology is often referred to as "a loose cannon." And because of our inherent desire to excel, it's hard to resist these technological solutions in lieu of tried and proven fundamentals. The gradual decline of physical strength related to aging compounds the problem. What middle-aged bowler can resist the promise of omnipotent equipment, guaranteed to restore the "strike power" once displayed in his or her younger days? Yet, though good equipment is a must, it is not a substitute for fundamentals. And if you don't have a good understanding of bowling fundamentals, then it's time you learn. The best way is to take lessons from a qualified instructor.

2. PRACTICE EFFECTIVELY - Practice is training. It is a specialized form of training. It improves muscular coordination through better neuromuscular control. Practicing to develop and sharpen your form is the bedrock of bowling excellence. I recommend practicing often, but for short periods of time, as opposed to long sessions.

   Also, have a goal in mind when practicing... a mental picture of what you want to accomplish. And don't over-practice. Always keep yourself mentally eager when practicing. Don't allow yourself to get stale. Staleness not only leads to a lack of concentration and coordination; even more, it invites negative habits to "seep in."

3. EVALUATE YOUR ALTERNATIVES - As a typical youngster, you most likely tried to overpower a bowling lane with brute force in your early years. Since that time, you more than likely have come to realize that there is more to bowling than unleashing a ball that will cross 20 boards before reaching the strike pocket. Identifying those alternatives and options, from shot to shot, through knowledge, experience and analysis, and choosing the right one for the situation is a major key to acquiring a competitive edge. This mental challenge requires a strong practice of concentration and discipline.

4. SEEK THE UTMOST CHALLENGE - Try to bowl with or against the best bowlers when possible. One good reason for this is knowledge. Most likely you will learn something from them that will improve your game. Another reason is that the strong possibility of losing will usually raise your competitive spirit to the highest level. Indeed, stretching yourself competitively to the limit is a "sure fire" way of getting better at the game. Bowling as a recreation involves having fun with family and friends, but if improving and winning are most important to you, compete with the best players who will have you. You'll find them to be very serious about the game, while, at the same time, considerate and kind to a less skilled bowler who really wants to learn.

5. WORK ON YOUR SPARE GAME - Just as the short game in golf, the spare game in bowling is crucial. When the strikes are aplenty, the spare game may seem inconsequential. But when "the going is tough" a sound and consistent spare game will often keep you competitive. Many amateurs forego the need to work on their spares because it isn't as much fun as throwing strikes. Yet, the fact remains, without a strong spare game your scoring potential is severely limited.

6. LOVE THE GAME - In the final analysis, developing a competitive edge depends a great deal on how much you love the sport. If you have a take-it-or-leave-it attitude towards the game, then your expectations should comply with your ability level, which, understandably, will be below your potential. On the other hand, if you enjoy the game enough to play it frequently, the chances are you will seek to improve your shotmaking just to relieve some of the frustrations that come with errant shots.

Thus, once you've improved, that will serve as an incentive your becoming even more competitive, which, in turn, will get you practicing even more, and so on. If you come to love the sport in the end, then you'll find a way to play it to the best of your ability, no matter what obstacles may lie in your way. And that says it all. You get out of bowling what you put into it. That's why it's such a great game.