Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approach

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JMerrell
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Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approach

Post by JMerrell »

Mo says: My rule is simple "Keep your head over the ball during the entire approach".

There have been many articles written about delivering the ball from under the chin.
Few if any have explained correctly how a bowler can accomplish this.

Repeat: "Keep your head over the ball during the entire approach".

Students always ask how can they can get their chin over the ball at release?
The common misconception is that this happens as the bowler enters the slide. From an upright position entering the slide it is all but impossible to tilt the body, align the swing and get the ball under the chin in one movement down the target line.

The attached photo illustrates a young man (sixth grader) from address to finish.
He sets up with the head outside the right foot and the ball underneath the head.
From there to the finish he just keeps his head over the ball for the entire approach.

Sound familiar?

P.S. - he is now fifteen and entering high school!

Hope this pictoral helps clarify the importance of the proper set-up.

Jim
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-JMerrell
"Simplify the Motion.....Maximize the Results"
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MegaMav
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approach

Post by MegaMav »

Coach Jim,

I hope sometime soon you can start posting your articles on the wiki.
These are great material for reference, I'd hate for them to get lost in the forum history shuffle.

Please contact me if you're interested in formally documenting these on the wiki.

-Eric
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approach

Post by magicmike »

Very cool again Jim, you have been contributing some awesome images and detailed posts, i apologize for not chiming in much as my college schedule is beating me down right now but I am actively reading as much as I can and your posts are extremely appreciated, thanks!
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approach

Post by Mo Pinel »

JMerrell wrote:Mo says: My rule is simple "Keep your head over the ball during the entire approach".

There have been many articles written about delivering the ball from under the chin.
Few if any have explained correctly how a bowler can accomplish this.

Repeat: "Keep your head over the ball during the entire approach".

Students always ask how can they can get their chin over the ball at release?
The common misconception is that this happens as the bowler enters the slide. From an upright position entering the slide it is all but impossible to tilt the body, align the swing and get the ball under the chin in one movement down the target line.

The attached photo illustrates a young man (sixth grader) from address to finish.
He sets up with the head outside the right foot and the ball underneath the head.
From there to the finish he just keeps his head over the ball for the entire approach.

Sound familiar?

P.S. - he is now fifteen and entering high school!

Hope this pictoral helps clarify the importance of the proper set-up.

Jim

Great work, Jim!
Rest In Peace (1942-2021)
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kajmk
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by kajmk »

MegaMav wrote:Coach Jim,

I hope sometime soon you can start posting your articles on the wiki.
These are great material for reference, I'd hate for them to get lost in the forum history shuffle.

Please contact me if you're interested in formally documenting these on the wiki.

-Eric

I hope sometime soon you can write a book or two, time and desire permitting. You certainly have it in you.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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kajmk
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by kajmk »

Jim, how is this young man doing these days?

To Jim and other Coachs out there -
What is your opinion about offering and teaching this to youngsters.
Humans are competitive beings and success generates interest.
I have my opinion but not your experience and expertise.
I'm just wondering if bowling is missing a good chance to create more bowlers. All too often I see frustrated or disinterested kids. Not to mention disinterested staff.

Just wondering.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
JMerrell
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by JMerrell »

The young man is a junior in college. He has been a member of the football and basketball teams in college, bowling has moved to the back burner.

As for teaching this to young athletes....I am 100% in favor.

In gives them more rev rate than most will ever achieve one handed.

Who doesn't like to see more hook and most importantly more pin reaction.

To keep them in the game they need to be excited about their results.....and nothing is more exciting than pins flying everywhere.

I just got home from Junior Gold in Cleveland, there were more two handed bowlers than one could imagine. Including several girls.

You'll seldom see a frustrated two handed.....just frustrated competition. :D
-JMerrell
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kajmk
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by kajmk »

Thanks Jim.

Every time I see youngsters trying just to keep from dropping the ball let alone hit pins, I have to remind myself that one is not supposed to offer help that was not asked for.
To me, this is a perfect opportunity to turn kids on to the game, at least allow them to have fun and feeling of accomplishment.

As always, thanks for your highly valued input.
P.S. any time I see things as you do, I feel gratified as I know my thoughts have validity.
Take care.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
JMerrell
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Location: Florence, Ky

Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by JMerrell »

First of all your opinions and contributions always reflect value to those around you and the membership of the site.

I am currently attending a coaching clinic at the Kegel Training Center.

This is the first of it's kind ever offered here or anywhere in the U.S.

Once home after completion I will post more information about why we are here (30 coaches from all across the U.S plus the entire coaching staff of Kegel).

There will be great things that will volve from this class of 2017 meeting.
-JMerrell
"Simplify the Motion.....Maximize the Results"
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kajmk
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Re: Keeping the head over the ball during the entire approac

Post by kajmk »

Thanks Jim, I try.

I eagerly look forward to your report.

Take care.
May all beings everywhere be happy and free,
and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life
contribute in some way to that happiness
and to that freedom for all.

John
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