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Developing My Style

Posted: June 23rd, 2018, 4:52 am
by GrumpyCatFace
I think I've hit a bit of a crossroads in my (very early) bowling career. I recently had my span increased, and I think that my ball is fitting better now. I've also discovered the wonders of bowling tape application, and my thumb is fitting more snugly. Initially, my scores dropped down pretty terribly, with the new fit, but I've recovered my form for the most part with practice.

I'm having trouble with getting my 'style' nailed down. After reading most of the forums here, and other sources, I've learned to hold and release the ball a number of different ways - suitcase, modern, stroker, tweener, even a bit of cranker. None of them consistently, but I've got the basics, I think.

So, I wanted to use a 'modern release', coming up the back of the ball, and sort of using a yo-yo motion on the release, but I'm having all sorts of trouble repeating it. Sometimes, the ball simply falls forward off my hand, rather than rolling out of the 'cup'. Other times, I'm muscling it off to the left, but the release is perfect. I wonder if this is more of a timing issue, or my body alignment?

Also, are there real advantages to the modern release, or is it simply a matter of preference? I could always suitcase it pretty reliably, but the carry seems pretty light.

Last, what exactly is the point of 'playing inside'? I've never had an issue with over-hooking the ball - quite the opposite. I have to work pretty hard to get a hook on it at all, when rolling at full speed (17mph or so)

My ball is a Pyramid Path Rising, reactive pearl, sym core. Is that enough ball for a speed-dominant player? Are there other 'beginner' options for more grip? I seem to skid it all the way down the lane more often than not, with just a little curve, unless I really hit the hook release hard...

Re: Developing My Style

Posted: June 24th, 2018, 3:49 am
by kajmk
GCF, here are a set of instructions to create video of yourself for analysis.
http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... e_Coaching" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As for the release and hooking a ball, too much emphasis is placed on that too soon in a bowler's development. Keep things simple to start off, master the simple then add to it.
If you can't hit each of the pins in the front and the gaps between them with a straight ball, trying other releases will not really help you develop.
Ray Wong shows an example of a simple spare system in his Bowling Lane Strategy.

[youtube][/youtube]


First, learn how to roll the ball straight and be able to hit every pin, know what boards they are on.
Greg mentions the term PAP, you can read about that on the wiki.
The main point is learning to roll it straight is a precursor to hooking.
Straighter is greater for every simple spare where power is not needed!


"
Here are some words of wisdom by forum member Greg Helms
Greg's Bowling Chat ID is FitDocSr

Quote:
Put a piece of white tape on your PAP. When you can at least make it face the left gutter (straight ball) you are behind it at release. Dont try to hook it (or dont try to turn your hand). Once you have that under control, then you can start adding turn with the hand.
I teach that you cant hook it properly until you can roll it straight properly. Also helps on spares.

_________________
Gregg Helms
Striking Results Pro Shops -NC
http://www.strikingresultsproshop.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

USBC Silver Certified Coach
Brunswick Pro Staff
*The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation"
"



Bowling is connecting the dots on a lane. When you hook a ball, you still need to connect the dots to a breakpoint. While the oil pattern may cover some errant shots, if it does, it belies a bowler's skill level.
Mark Baker is a very well respected coach. He uses an analogy of a jigsaw puzzle when discussing the diagnosis and analysis of a bowler.
If you have put jigsaw puzzles together you know that the best way is to assemble the frame of the puzzle and work towards the inside. He likens the release to a center piece.
He looks at footwork first and other things. Oft times correcting a flaw, corrects other flaws.
Yes, Mark uses video tape and he is a revered coach.
One could go through the physical bowling tree or a matrix of variables and perhaps stumble on a solution.

Take some video of yourself and submit it.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Absence of a picture lends itself to guessing. Guessing is touch and go, kind of like the fable of the 6 Blind men and the Elephant
It is not easy for you to actually know what your body is doing without actually seeing it.
Also, the perception of action lags behind the action itself.
Of course, the better longer lasting cure is to take some lessons with a good instructor.
Your pro shop operator may know one or even be one.

I'm not advocating style here, but it might interest you to know that Walter Ray Williams Jr. Started off his career, hooking the ball with the boys. At some point he changed his delivery of choice to a straighter shot predicated on accuracy, that is connecting the dots, speed control.