INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Strikes are most common when the ball hits the "pocket," the space between the front center pin and the next pin behind it, directly. For right handed bowlers this means curving the ball so it strikes right between the front pin and the second pin on the right. This scatters the front set of pins, cascading them into all of the pins behind them. More power means the pins scatter faster, potentially knocking over more pins. Curving the ball is essential to hit consistent strikes. Remember to work on snapping your fingers and wrist as you follow through. Left-handers want to hit between the front pin and the left pin in the second row. An unknown secret of bowling is that every lane is a little different. Lanes are oiled up so that the ball glides straight over the wood without hooking constantly. When the ball is in less oiled, or "dry" areas, it tends to hook more, taking it off the line you threw it on. To make matters even more complicated, the lane patterns will change throughout the game. But bowling your best game ever requires you to read the lane and adjust your shots accordingly, not throwing the same shot 23 times. The most common pattern is wet in the front and middle, and dry on the outsides and back, like a big triangle of oil pointing into the center of the lane. This means a throw to the outside will curve back to the middle, where a throw in the middle might not curve until the last second. This is why you aim out to the side, instead of down the center -- it cause the ball to move out, then curve back in right to the pocket. As the day goes on, oil gets picked up by the balls, making the lane drier and causing the shots to hook more. Many tournaments have "alternate" oil patterns that force you to change your shots to get strikes. Ask to see an oil pattern or warm-up with different angles and starting positions to find your strike mark. Starting in the center and throwing for the arrow just to the right of center (right-handers) is a great starting place to learn strikes, but you need to adjust it for your personal thrown. Make sure you watch the arrow you throw at, not the pins. If you are hitting your mark, but still missing the pocket, you should move your starting position. If your ball is going too far to the left, move 2-3 boards to the left. This means your throw will angle more to the right, giving it more time to curve back to the left. If your ball is moving too far to the right, move your feet 2-3 boards to the right. This will get your ball out of the oil, allowing it to curve more back to the center. If you still have trouble, or the ball is hooking a ton, move your mark to the right or left. The closer to center your mark is, the less the ball will hook. However, you should move your starting position first. Near the end of a game, especially with a big group, you may notice your normal shots are hooking more to the center and you're missing the pocket. As you notice your shots curving more to the center, move 1-2 boards to the left (right-handed throwers) and keep throwing at your normal mark, the arrow just to the right of the center arrow. Focus, again, on having the center of the ball hit this mark, not on the pins. If you're hitting your mark but still missing pins, move your feet starting position to accommodate. This extra hook happens because the balls pick up oil throughout the game, removing it from the lane and causing it to dry out. A dry lane hooks more.

SUMMARY: Know where you want the ball to hit. Know how lane conditions affect your throw for strikes. Find your strike mark while warming up. Move your starting stance closer to the center as the lane dries up.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: your baby. They may not like the process, but the results can be amazing. Swaddling is believed to recreate the coziness of the womb, and may enhance the calming impact of other soothing steps. Once swaddled, turn baby on their side and gently jiggle them. Shush them loudly make sure they can hear you over their own screaming. Think about how loud the vacuum cleaner is that's the kind of volume it might take to get their attention. The recurring motion may soothe your shrieking baby and get them to stop crying, at least briefly. While it's tempting to let a crying baby sleep anywhere they please, experts recommend not letting babies sleep in swings, carriers, car seats, etc. try to get them to sleep in a safe, secure crib. Driving, strolling, or even carrying your baby around may provide some relief to both of you. Some people swear by car rides as a colic remedy bundle the baby up, buckle them in, and within ten minutes in the car, their cries might be quieted. Or, if you prefer fresh air and exercise, going for walks with a baby carriage can also work. If you have tasks or chores to do, try using a baby sling or carrier that holds the baby close to your body, yet leaves both hands free as you walk around the house. The vibrations can be calming to a baby. Secure the baby properly in a car seat or a baby bouncer. Do not ever leave your baby on a washing machine or dryer unattended. Try the vacuum cleaner. It sounds odd, but many parents swear it works. Just set the baby in the bassinet or car seat and let them become fascinated by a sound louder than they're making. Or, turn on a floor fan or window air conditioner. Make sure it's an older, roaring type, not some new whisper-quiet model. You might also want to invest in a sound machine that mimics a mother's heart beat (or makes other white noise sounds). This can be a lifesaver for both parent and child. Lay the baby on their stomach across your knees but remember to support the head at all times. Jiggle your feet up and down and pat softly. This vibration can be very soothing. Instead of over-stimulating your baby's senses, see if reducing external stimulation works. Lie on your back in a quiet, dark place. Hold the baby firmly on your chest with their head over your heart. Raising your knees with your feet flat on a solid surface, rock yourself, calming the infant.

SUMMARY:
Swaddle Try a baby swing. Take them for a ride. Put your baby on top of the washing machine or dryer. Turn on a loud home appliance. Jiggle the infant on your lap. Try a more calm and quiet approach if jiggling doesn't work.