Does it also prevent one's shoulders from rotating? That's the only thing I can guess was the cause of two (three?) shots that seemed to come out of nowhere in league tonight.

All the shots happened in the third game, and all were waaaaaay left...at least 5 boards. They missed the head pin entirely. Usually, if I miss left, it's by a board or two; these shots were like bowling onto a parallel universe within the lane!

So, assuming I'm right in ascribing the cause (and maybe I'm not), my question is this: Does tilting less from the waist make one more susceptible to shoulder rotation and/or the wayward effects of it? If so, how then does one keep the shoulders properly aligned with this new form? (It wasn't a problem in game 2, where every ball was in the pocket, so I figure fatigue was a factor in game 3.) And does planting the trailing foot help in doing that?

No, planting the trailing foot on the lane does not neccessarily prevent the shoulders from over rotating.

It's not a matter of more or less body tilt, but the correct amount, basically your body or rather your back should be kept generally straight and tilted at the waist. This tilt angle cannot go lower then the 45 degrees angle or the swing might get too steep and you lose balance not to mention put a strain on the back. When viewed from the side when finishing at the foul line, the toes, knee and head should be above each other in a straight line.

To prevent over rotation of the shoulders, you can try keeping your shoulders parallel to the foul line when starting and throughout your swing. Watch someone like Walter Ray, he does not open his shoulders much and basically keeps his shoulders relatively closed throughout his approach.
Having a free arms swing and being relaxed also helps.

Sometimes I find I over rotate my shoulders to the left when I get aggressive and try to muscle the shot too much, like you it also happens in the later games, perhaps you got a little overly aggressive?

Also there are many very informative articles here: http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm

I hope I have helped.

Thanks, Flamenco. Yes, that was helpful. I do find myself muscling the ball slightly in later games. Don't know whether it's from being too aggressive or as compensation for fatigue. Last night it was probably a little of both.

When I notice it (usually, it's the cause for the 1-2 board miss left), I remind myself to keep the swing free and relaxed, and that fixes it. Maybe it was the magnitude of the miss last night that had me searching for another cause. Maybe I also need to remind myself to notice the tendency before it happens--i.e., as part of my regular pre-shot routine.

I like Ron Clifton's site a lot. (I'm in North Carolina, about 2 hours west of him.)

HI,
First strike another suggestion if you are topping the ball or pulling it to the left in the last game might be beause of fatigue you might be starting the ball a little late this will also cause you to have to pull the ball in the down swing because your timing is just a little late. :rolleyes:

First Strike, If I can make one suggestion it would be to take it a bit slower on all the attempted changes. If you are committed to improvement you must remember that changes must become a subconscious act. Pick one thing to work on and practice that item only for multiple games. Once it becomes a "habit" or "muscle memory" which can be performed subconciously than you can begin to work on another item. If your balance (posting as you call it) is adequate than you are going to make yourself crazy by all these angles and degrees. If your footwork and swing allow you to be balanced at the point of release and you do not miss your target by more than a board or board and a half I would suspect that your not doing too badly. Someone suggested to watch Walter Ray and if you use him as a criteria you will note that he does not always post his shot. However he is balanced at the point of release demonstrating that his timing is correct. Keep your approach comforatable and natural, ask the coach (a ceritified one I hope) to evaluate your approach timing. Look for a coach with a video analysis capability to verify this and then go get em! If there is one constant in this game it is that what works for one person will often make another crazy. Good Luck

in regards to rotating the shoulders around too much, i find if you are too aggresive with your trail leg, and swing it around paralel with your sliding foot, it twists your body around, be sure to have it behind your centre of mass, at a 45 degree angle. Something i am working on, as i end up facing the next lanes 10 pin.

Daz