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Tried 2 handed bowling today

Posted: February 14th, 2020, 3:35 am
by BrokenArrow
And.... God I was awful at it. I don't use my thumb and have a style pretty similar to Tom Daughtry.

I just can't get the footing right. I keep fearing I'm going to fall on my face. I try to get my body sideways on the last step so I can get my body out of the way for the two handed release and I find myself twisting so much at the fowl line and worrying about that so much that I release the ball horribly. It has no speed at all and sadly the main reason I tried two handed was to get my speed up.

Should I just go back to one hand or try to figure out this 2 handed thing? And if I should stay with 2 handed, any advice?

Re: Tried 2 handed bowling today

Posted: February 14th, 2020, 4:57 pm
by kajmk
Do not give up yet!
Do not place unreal expectations on yourself!!!

It's not simple not intuitive.
What you are trying to learn is complex!

Don Johnson a great bowler, instructor and teacher of instructors commented that when he was a teaching what he termed "the urethane release", out of the first 300 or so students, only 1 got it on the first try!

My advice, view Dean Champs analytical view make notes, maybe a few screen prints.
Divide and conquer. Rehearse the various components in slow time. Video capture yourself and or work with a buddy.
You can practice postures at home, a mirror helps. When you think you have things fluid and correct, get a small weighted exercise ball between softball and bowling ball size and repeat and review.

No sadness, no shame.
Put the jigsaw puzzle together one piece at a time.

My bet is that barring physical constraints, you WILL be able to do it.
How well, depends on your athletic ability and persistence and realistic patience!

Dean Champs analytical video


Here is thread with some graphics from the Maestro
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1052


Michelangelo painted the Mona Lisa one brush stroke at a time.

Study, practice, stay the course. (Use video to see what you really look at)

As always, if you can work with an instructor do it!!!
Worth its weight in bowling balls.
Anyone with the price can buy a ball, but it takes skill and knowledge to get the bang for your buck!

A current commercial uses part of this Jefferson Airplane classic


Feed your head ...

Magicians have to practice pulling the "White rabbit" out of that hat.
On my first attempts, I pulled out a skunk!


P.S TonyPR, one of the coaches here teaches two handers.
Consider posting videos in the Certified Coaches Forum, of yourself once you've gotten somewhat comfortable.

Re: Tried 2 handed bowling today

Posted: February 15th, 2020, 1:08 am
by RobMautner
If you are young enough that your body is able to do it, take the time to learn it. A few years ago I was interviewing Pete Weber. I asked him what he thought of the two-handers. He replied, "I hate them!" When I asked him why, he answered, "Because they can do things that I can't." Next, I asked him, "If you were a teenager today, would you learn to bowl two-handed?' He replied, "Definitely!"

Re: Tried 2 handed bowling today

Posted: February 15th, 2020, 5:24 pm
by kajmk
Great endorsement from PDW, a stylist who did it his way and continues to do so.

The following is submitted as encouragement.

As Satchel Paige quipped, " How old would you be, if you did not know how old you were?" ;)

The Great Walter Ray Williams Jr


A tail about the Great Satchel Paige


Denied a chance at the majors until his 40's


We all age according to our DNA, circumstance, and lifestyle.

I would remind all readers whether they are bowler's or whatever, that the earlier you start and commit to a physical regimen that will get and keep you fit, mobile, agile and strong, the more you will raise the age ceiling on your physical abilities!


I have seen some octogenarians doing some acrobatic maneuvers on the bars and manipulating their bodyweight like ballerinas. They might appear to be exceptions, but it illustrates possibilities.

Gordy Howe




Enjoy the ride.

Re: Tried 2 handed bowling today

Posted: February 19th, 2020, 12:11 am
by Dax
RobMautner wrote: February 15th, 2020, 1:08 am If you are young enough that your body is able to do it, take the time to learn it. A few years ago I was interviewing Pete Weber. I asked him what he thought of the two-handers. He replied, "I hate them!" When I asked him why, he answered, "Because they can do things that I can't." Next, I asked him, "If you were a teenager today, would you learn to bowl two-handed?' He replied, "Definitely!"
Spot on.

Couldn't agree more.

I have also heard several coaches say the same thing.