For Xmas I got myself a nice Panasonic 3CCD digital camcorder and decided to put it to good use today. The angle is a bit weird as the camcorder was sitting on a swing out seat and I could have taken more time setting it up to show more of my approach. A few things I noticed I felt myself making forced shots trying to throw nicer shots for the camera. I got 3 games in and only edited one so far (232) The other 2 games were 214 and 218 if I remember correctly. If the lanes echo that's because those colored curtains that hang from the ceiling is the ONLY sound deadening material in the place. Those are brand new pins installed today. I only got one lane today so I could tape normally I practice on a pair.

As for the first game I started off OK. After a few strikes I pulled the ball and got left. I also had a missed 10 pin in there which is typical for my first one and no warm ups. I covered another one later on, the last shot was weak but I was trying a different starting point as it's only practice. Two things I need to work on immediately is a bit better balance and walking straighter. Keep in mind that I don't get low due to bad discs in my back so I do what I can. I also need to work on staying behind the ball a bit more, better more fluid foot work and a straigher back swing would be nice. You really do learn a lot by watching yourself, it gives me a few things to focus on next practice session. This is a some what typical game for me on any given league night. I'll see about adding the other 2 videos later on. Any other critiques fire away!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMUByDFLylM

Hopefully that works.

Not related to the video - is this the same bowling center that you say always has problems?

That would be the one Brian. I made it through today with just one black out and a few late racks which is good by most standards. I think because States is coming through they are finally throwing some $ at the place. The floors are all getting redone and just today they installed all new pins. Then again I was on one lane, a pair means another chance for problems lol I can't complain today the lanes operated fine. What bothered me more was booming music in games 2 and 3 plus the place filling up with bowlers so I wanted to get in and get out before little kids over ran the place.

If I could offer some advice, I would suggest keeping your left arm extended out to help promote squareness to your target line as some of the shots you missed because of upper body twist.

Second I would recommend a deeper knee bend (if you are physicly able to do so) try bending your right knee into your next to last step, this promots a deep knee bend.

Third I would recommend learning to throw the ball straight at your spares.

Fourth try to take some of the muscle and effort out of your swing, you don't need to work that hard with modern equipment, and it is costing you accuracy.

I use to be able to put the down down and make no sound. That was pre back injury days, right now I'm still dealing with a few bad discs on the left plus left leg pain/numbness which leads to a stiffer looking approach. It will only get worse as I also have degenerative disc disease so I know I'm on a short leash with this. I'll enjoy it while I can though.

The left arm thing is a bad habit I've never broken but need to. I've tried straight ball at spares but I never liked it. I know if I were to bowl at a higher level than league play Id have to learn. For right now though minus 10 pins I cover 1 pin spares at a rate of 98-99%. I expect them to be automatic.

All good points though. When I play a straighter shot I don't muscle it as much. I think I was muscling it more than usual for the camera plus if I get slow the ball takes off. This is what I was looking for with the video now I have some things to work on, thanks for the advice!

That's really the thing that I noticed. You seem to hit up on the ball pretty hard. For me, it's a difference between feeling like I'm lifting and extending my hand down the lane.

I actually get a better back end reaction when I'm not hitting up on the ball, and my ball speed actually goes up.

EDIT: If you lost the muscle/hitting, I'd say you had a pretty well rounded game.

EIDT 2: The lack of knee bend and bending at the waist also hurts you quite a bit. Those two things I think would go a very long way to making you a very competitive bowler.

I think, other than the muscling aspect, everything looks fine for what physical limitation you have. I can only imagine how tough it is to get low with bad discs and occasional leg numbness. I would dare say that if you're able to squat more and free up that armswing a little more, you might find yourself getting more revs with a more consistent reaction. I'm not talking another foot lower, but maybe a couple of inches. Perhaps loosening that swing might get you lower. It happens like that sometimes.

As far as the lanes, those machines look like Brunswick GS series machines (judging by the motion of the rake). I know the 98 series were notorious for constant breakdowns, pin jams, and other assorted headaches. The main problem I have with those machines is speed. I've seen AMF 82-30's run faster, and those things are very slow. Because the pin sensors are located on the table, it has to some down after every ball. Sure, they eliminate the need for cameras on the cap, but still, they're slower machines.

I agree with you about the balance. I think if you could achieve some balance at the line it would help tremendously. That's with or without back problems. Without balance you give up accuracy and leverage at the bottom of the swing. Every time your right foot touches the approach to the right of your body you have lost balance. Watch the PBA guys on TV. Notice how they hold their position of release until the ball hits the pins. You can do this upright or with a deeper knee bend, so I don't think you'll find this back related.

The key to getting some balance is to slow your feet down and set up that last posted position on your second to last step. That step should be fairly short, then the last step lines up in front of that step (not to the left) and you use your right leg as a counter balance. When used as a counter balance or trail leg, it can be on the floor at a slight angle to the left, toes pointed away. So don't put your heel down or end up with your toes pointed to the right, and heel to the left. Today, the trail leg can even stay in the air as long as it is angled back and to the left. Preferred is to have it on the ground but many high level pros maintain perfect balance while its in the air. Again, watch some pro videos (Parker Bohn lll has a fantastic trail leg on the floor). If you can, especially watch the ladies, all high level lady bowlers have excellent trail legs because they know that for women their lower body strength is their main accet, rather then upper body strength. And with a back problem I'd think it would be beneficial for you too to lay off the upper body strength and work more on lower body leverage.

For someone that is used to stepping off its a tough change to make, but it will be worth it. You will have more power with much less effort. You'll find that when others tell you to stop muscling the swing that you'll actually be able to do so as long as you are balanced at the line.

Another way to help learn how being balanced at the line feels is to do the one step drill. Did you see Tony Reyes do it on TV during the skills challenge? He's so good at it, that no one yet has matched him.

Using that balance arm more effectively will also help you achieve balance at the release.

Erin

Kind of to add to what Erin said, you'll get more leverage and probably balance as well, if you keep your upper body back. I don't get very much knee bend either, but there's a big difference between when I bend at the waist and get my upper body pointing down at the lane (like you seem to be doing), and when I keep my upper body back and pointed down the lane. You have to work extra hard to get something on the ball when you lean like that, because you're positioning yourself to throw the ball into the lane. You have to muscle it to get it out on to the lane instead.

I'll see what I can do next time out for some practice. I think I developed the plant and hitting up on the ball style to compensate for not being able to slide and bend, it's definitely a way to cheat of sorts. The thing with sliding and deep knee bending is it requires a lot of stabilizer muscles and mine are weak. I can probably get a few good shots off but I'll pay for it like I do if I run. The shock to the back from movements like that cause me extreme pain so I limit what I do. Usually after a night of bowling the leg feels like pins and needles especially if it's dry because it takes more effort. Some things you just have to accept if you want something bad enough. On a side note: take care of your backs!! Not only does it take away from your game it takes away your job, retirement, house and sanity.....oh wait that's just me lol

The good part is I'm at where I'm at and have plenty to work on to improve my game. I don't get the amount of pratice in as I would like but now I have some things to pay attention to and see what kind of results I can find. Thanks for the opinions and suggestions!