Trouble keeping speed consistency & using backswing.

[viktorahlstrom]

I tried practicing with speed consistency as another coach told me to, but I am having large amounts of trouble keeping the consistency with the speed. I am 13 years old and I use a 13lb Brunswick Strike King. My target speed is around 10 ½ mph. My ball ends up going from 9 ¼ mph to 11 ¾ mph.
My other coach tells me I need to work on my backswing, but I'm not able to do that. As soon as I pull the ball up-and-forward, as the ball goes back, my fingers lose more and more control. When the ball is released, I can't grip the ball with my fingers as the thumb goes out to hook, and then the ball gets no hook.

[kajmk]

[quote="viktorahlstrom"]I tried practicing with speed consistency as another coach told me to, but I am having large amounts of trouble keeping the consistency with the speed. I am 13 years old and I use a 13lb Brunswick Strike King. My target speed is around 10 ½ mph. My ball ends up going from 9 ¼ mph to 11 ¾ mph.
My other coach tells me I need to work on my backswing, but I'm not able to do that. As soon as I pull the ball up-and-forward, as the ball goes back, my fingers lose more and more control. When the ball is released, I can't grip the ball with my fingers as the thumb goes out to hook, and then the ball gets no hook.[/quote]

Viktor, I see what is red flag in that you have multiple coaches.
Why do you have more than one?
Its entirely possible that a person could work with two top notch coaches and get a different prescription.
Speed is generated by various components. My first suspicion is how much muscle you are using and when you are using it. See if you can create video of yourself.
I would recommend comparison of multiple shots.
Do any of your coaches use video?
Do they visit this forum?
Remember that we are all different.
Bowling is an equation consisting of multiple variables.
Rather than add another cook to the kitchen, I suggest working with your coach.
Never be afraid to question and speak with her or him.
Invite your coaches to this forum, have them post their rationale.
Remember, unless you have watched yourself on video, you do not know everything you are doing.
While there are guidelines and fundamentals, we each have our strengths and weaknesses.
First you work with what you have, then you see where you can expand your horizons.
Watching sports is not as fun as playing.
I never got interested in watching any sports until my late teens.
You can though, learn a lot by watching.
If I'm built like Wes Mallot, I study him and others like him.
If I'm built like Norm Duke, and so on.
Key point bowling is not gender specific.
Ask yourself why there are so many elite women bowlers?
PWBA is coming back, watch them.
I've seen many bowlers over the years and more men would learn more and be better off adapting technique used by elite women.
Bowling is not a sport where one body type rules, tall, short, wide, slim.
I'm watching NCAA women's match, there are some good lessons to be had there.
By the way, 10 young women, not one wrist brace. I don't think I saw any knee braces either. Why do you suppose that?

I know this is no direct discussion of your mechanics, just generalities.
I've been coached by many top coaches. Unfortunately for me, I needed a sorceror not a coach.
If you can work with one, at your stage of the game that's best, because even though both may be good, the fact that they may have different styles and approaches might lead to confusion. It can be unfair to you and them.
Have chats with them sitting at a table during lunch or a snack.
I want to reinforce that youth have time on your side.
Here is a personal observation coming fro who has been young and old.
Its ironic that the people with the most time left are more in a hurry than we who have less time.
Getting back to style. When all people are exactly the same, then and only then will cookies cutter methods be appropriate.

Here is a thought, practice while rolling a straight ball. Pick a zone and go straight at one pin.
This takes, scoring, hooking, lane reading out of the picture. We are trying to narrow our focus so to speak.

Read Ondar's drill within this thread on his 5 to 5 drill
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Also, re-reference the Mark Baker tip

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Look at this article

http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/index. ... Upper_Body" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JMerrell]

The back swing is by-product of everything happening before it, not an element of the game that we try to perfect as an individual element.

Speed should not be controlled by the pace or height of your back swing.

Trying to control pace with the arm generally creates a slow methodical bowler.
The pace of your footwork should provide you with speed control.

The arm swing should be free flowing and just along for the ride.

The feet and arm must be in sync for this to happen.

At your age the most important element is having a great fit.

13 pound equipment could be too light for you, allowing your arm to swing the ball……whereas the weight of the ball should be swinging your arm.

Again, a good fit is mandatory.

Ask someone to take aside and back video and post it here for an accurate analysis.

Make sure your parents are okay with this.

Thanks for joining the site, provide me with the requested video in order that I can provide you with proper direction.