My left eye is much weaker when compared to my right. My astigmatism is much worse in that eye as well. Good thing my right eye is my dominant eye. I am near sighted and since I've pretty much wore glasses to do everything since I was 13, my eyes are pretty dependent on them. Even trying to read a book I use them. I can read the book without them but it just feels weird.

I don't know!? This left eye bowling is really enjoyable. I can see the ball much better. I can aim more accurately. And, tonight, I over compensated for my spares getting a clean 30 for the first time I can remember. I don't think I have gotten one in the 6 years since I returned. And, I don't think it was a big deal when I bowled 24 years before that.

But it helps averaging over 7 strikes per game. Fewer spares to shoot

I tried out compensating for dominance (lefty with right eye dominant) today. I put my right eye over my left side. Wow! I actually started hitting what I was aiming at and as a plus I could see where my ball rolled. I made a lot more 7 pins. I'm going to keep doing this:)

Hey Jack, that's great!! When I tell people about this, most react with skepticism. But, it works for me, and I guess you too.

Yes, I am amazed how I can now follow the ball all of the way down the lane, and even see where it exits, too. I just couldn't do that with 2 eyes.

Now, I am and have been a 200-205 bowler. But, since I have been doing this, I am averaging over 220 in league for the past 3 weeks.

Today in practice, I rolled 1111 for 5 games. And, that was changing balls each game. The good times continue. And, that was with an opening 170, when I was fiddling around with a ball I shouldn't have used. But, in practice, I use them all.

Dennis,

More good bowling for you. I was wondering where you focus in lining up. I was keeping my left eye on my target,standing on 26 when the wheels fell off.
I think I was lining up looking too far to the right. One gutter shot after another? So finally set my left eye out further down the lane, open stance, and keeping my eyes on the break point.This also keeps my chin up. Bingo, I was back on line.
I have heard coaches like Jim, and Slowinski,harp on this many times. What I am going to do, because I like to reherse my swing in the back yard, is set out 2 stakes, about 50 feet apart then get the feel of looking out to 40 feet and making approach.
I remember Joe Slowinski say the arrows are too close and can cause us to miss to the right. Sure made a difference on the lanes.

TtR, I start out standing 26, targeting 13 at the arrows, out to 6 at the break on a house shot. On our heavier oil in league (44'), I have had success standing outside on 19, targeting 8 at the arrows, out to 5 at the break.

The main thing has been that I now have a clear view on my target and line, that I couldn't follow before. Focusing with my left eye also is keeping my head steady as I can wtch the ball on its entire path.

To do this, as I have mentioned, my head has to betilted right, so my left eye is directly over the ball, and I keep itthere through the swing and release. I have noticed some off balance with this stance, as I don't hold my slide as long. but, I am working on that.

An advantage that I noticed today was because my head is tilted right, my hand come up directly in front of my face. With my head norml, my arm would tend to come up to the right of my head. I have fewer pulls and more target hits, this way. My swing is closer to my body and ankle at release.

Thanks Dennis,
Funny you mentioned 26--13 that was the line I was trying to play. However I think my ball was more toward my center and thus not under my left eye. So will work on that. I can see where that alone could send my swing out to far to
the right. I also am getting the feel of arm in front of right eye in the follow through. All these little things can make so much difference.
Good Luck

Diane, I had my first sub-par outing, yesterday, using this new targeting. Oh, I hit my mark OK, but the lanes would not cooperate. Too dry for my balls.

I found that I would fall back into my early rotation problem, as I had to pick up speed to hold the outside line. And, speed screwed up my timing.

The good thing, I think I have my spare shooting under control, as I had plenty of them to shoot at with success.

I used all 3 balls in league, but none could hold the line. Either not finishing correctly or diving on the nose. I think it was my release that was not consistent. Again, due to speed. Got my arm into the downswing, a little.

BTW, ran into another bowler who knew of Patty Ann and Cliff Tarpley pretty well. He said he took lessons for a couple of years from them while a Jr Bowler. Had nothing but raves.

About my eye, he said if Cliff says so.... it is.

Dennis,
If you were hitting your mark and picking up your spares, that is still good bowling. Trying to adjust to broken down lanes can do more harm than good. IMO
I was watching Norm Dukes video the 4th. one he has on the Welcome to next level bowling site. Toward the end he says to think push ball to left and step to right.?? I tried it and what happens is I still cross step to the left but not as much and the slight push to the left keeps my swing path where it should be. I had started crossing too far to the left with my first step and starting ball too far right. Now I can fix that just keeping the first step shorter. Keeping elbows in front of my hips. Those Sunday lanes I play on are always different.
Norms video # 6 has some interesting ideas, using a little bit of fade on the ball, for 10 and even the 7.
Since we have this common bond of left eye dominancy, I like to hear how you are doing.

Well, bowled in Trio league tonight, 4 games. Started each game with a Turkey, then lapsed in frames 4-5-6 for some unknown reason. The slight break between games allowed me to focus at the start. Then I would pick up some speed, until I noticed it. And, corrected it.

Games were 184, 242, 200 and 215.

I didn't feel especially good about tonight, as I was turning my hand at release every now and then. I had a teammate watch, and his assessment was my pushoff was not straight, resulting in me pulling the ball behind my back. I will watch for this.

Good thing, I was able to hold my slide balance much better, by getting my foot more under my body.