Hi all ...
I've finally started taking lessons with my new local pro and am excited about the prospect of getting my game back with a guy who has a solid reputation as an instructor,
Pro Shop operator, and general bowling guy -- and who is available on a regular basis at convenient times!
The biggest thing I like is that he video tapes every session. The value of seeing myself and analyzing my physical game through video is amazing! I can almost sense how quickly I'll progress!
Anyway, I thought I might
chat a little about the techniques and training I'm receiving -- just for general discussion.
The first session we video taped four things:
1. Me from the side (looking at timing)
2. Me from the back (looking at approach)
3. My hand position during approach and release
4. The ball reaction on the lane
Here's what I learned:
From the side:
1. My starting position (hand, ball, feet, etc.) is solid.
2. Step 1 and 2 are well timed.
3. Step 3 is well timed for synchronized timing, but my third step is HUGE (too big).
4. My backswing arcs just above shoulder height.
5. My slide is synchornized, but given other issues, my release is angled downward. I'm essentially dropping the ball.
From the back:
1. I have a HUGE drift starting with my first step. I actually place my R foot in front of my L, causing my L foot in step 2 to drift some 8 boards farther left. I correct somewhat in step 3, moving back right, but this zig-zag motion could spell disaster for my aim and accuracy.
2. Although keeping my swing somewhat straight, I'm not keeping it in line with my body and there is a noticable gap between my arm and torso. Essentially I am swinging the ball out ... zig-zag on the swing. Likely caused by my erratic approach.
3. I am not keeping my hand behind the ball.
Hand position:
1. Not keeping my hand behind the ball in the swing.
2. My palm is facing left in my release -- fingers and thumb coming out nearly at the same time -- DROPPING!
Ball:
1. I'm releasing much closer to 0 degrees rather than 45 degrees.
2. My ball speed is about 15mph (we didn't actually measure this, though).
3. I get about 10 revolultions on the lane -- 4 in the first 30 feet and 6 in the last 30 feet.
Things to work on (not all at once, of course -- I'll focus on a single one).
1. Walk straighter!
2. Shorten the power (3rd) step and increase leverage (employ late timing)
3. Keep hand under the ball and palm facing the lane until release -- turning hand at last second.
4. Keep shoulders square with lane upon release.
5. Close gap between body and swing.
6. Seek to increase revolutions to 12 -- 4 on front 30' and double that on last 30'.
Single focus for now:
1. Change my line up slightly so that my right foot, center of ball, and nose are all in a line. This will open my shoulders in the starting position.
2. Walk right (pyschological over-correction to get me to walk straight). At completion of my first step the center of the ball should remain over my right foot.
Once I've got these things down, we'll work on the next step!
Ok, well, I'll share my progess as I go. Any thoughts are welcome!
Scott
Previous Topic
Index