Advice on Approach Requested - Slow Ball Speed

[Walteriscalm]

I am a ~185 bowler, but have low ball speed (~13mph) no matter what I do. It limits pin carry & creates problems when a)going inside & b)throwing a spare ball at the 10 pin (it still hooks).

Looking for tips on my form, particularly suggestions on speed, timing, or increasing backswing. Open to any reactions. Thanks!

[kajmk]

Trying to get the ball rolling for you.
We have some very good coaches on board.

I'm not a coach, so I'm just providing what I think are SOME points of interest.
While I have some knowledge, I lack a coaches eye, that is a gift, knowing what to change and when and what to leave alone.

I'm like one of the 6 blind men giving my description of an elephant!


Working with a good instructor in person is a good thing to do if you can.
I want to point out that a well fitting bowling grip is ESSENTIAL an improper grip will impact your swing add unnecessary tension to your armswing. If you are not conversant with using tape to adjust your thumb fit, speak with your PSO.



Coaches will want to see a good side view and videos that show you from head to toe
Elements of timing and speed are best revealed from a side view.

https://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index ... e_Coaching


From the Kegel teen masters drills. This set of drills is a very good core of drills.
Take a look at Week 3 first. This is on the approach. Foot work and cadence are major components in generating speed.
Look at the spacing and tempo.
Marshall Holman generated his speed via very quick feet. I'm not advocating you copy him, just pointing out that a lot of a bowlers speed and power comes from foot work.


Some posts you may find helpful - see JMerrells comments!!!

viewtopic.php?p=91251&hilit=Footwork#p91251


viewtopic.php?p=85079&hilit=Footwork#p85079


Submitted just to show Marshall Holman's game.


https://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index ... im_Merrell


Jim's annotated diagram on foot work

viewtopic.php?p=44966&hilit=Kentucky#p44966

[kajmk]

Walter, I noticed you have not received any additional replies.
Try copying your post and creating one I the coaching forum.
Hope things are improving.
Good luck.

[walterp]

What I like, shoulder is dropped, head appears to be over the ball in the stance. What is hard to tell is your pushaway shape and how far from your body the ball is in your stance. How long your steps are. Also hard to see what direction your feet are moving... Can't see the entire approach or your entire body from your feet to your head from the start to the finish. Also from the back, I can not see your armswing shape, that is best analyzed from a side view.

I see the ball trending towards the outside during the pushaway, Based on this video, I would suggest holding the ball closer to your body and a little more towards the middle of your body in the stance. Disengage your arm muscles to let the ball fall into your backswing. You want to create the sensation of the ball being weightless. Let the ball swing your arm and apply slight force forward as you exit the thumb. I agree with you increasing the tempo of your feet. Fit the feet to the swing, not the other way around.

[Walteriscalm]

Thank you for the replies, they are greatly appreciated.

Based on the most recent reply, sounds like I need the additional video from the side. I will work on getting that side view video so that you all can better see what is happening & provide additional feedback. Thanks.

[kajmk]

Walter, in my long winded post, I included a link to a Jim Merrell's Video Capture article in the wiki.

Copied here
Coaches will want to see a good side view and videos that show you from head to toe
Elements of timing and speed are best revealed from a side view.

https://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index ... e_Coaching


P.S.
This is Mark Bakers Video.
There is a segment on video capture and his rationale.
The video is well worth watching when you have the time.

Mark illustrates common traits that very good bowlers have despite some ostensible differences.

[TonyPR]

Ball’s going around the body and you’re sliding way left of your line. For reference if you’re bowling up 10 your slide should be 15-16, thats second arrow aiming at the 6 pin. Second arrow aiming at the 10 pin then slide 16-17… Ball should replace your right leg on the way back and then again on the way forward. Work on how and where you stand and your ball start to acheive what I explained above. You do not need to start so hunched, stand straighter and athletic, look at how the PBA pros stand.

[Dax]

My 1 1/2 cent (s)

Don't treat the ball like an egg. I wouldn't break!

Accelerate that armswing

[MikeW]

Hard to tell from the video, but you don't look old or small, suggesting it's technique, not strength. Your backswing is short and low and contributes to a low ball speed, but on a common, soft, league condition you should be able to average over 200 with 13 ball speed, if you're throwing the ball well, consistently and picking up spares. More ball speed would help scoring, but not that much.

But trying to coach online is not a good way of doing it, you need an in person coach to help. And coaching often initially results in a lowering of average before improvement is realized.