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!

There's a lot of bowlers that plant and have balance at the line. So I wouldn't say that being a planter is why you step off.

Erin

Very true. As sad as it is I was trying some empty throws and I think the falling off comes from the desire to rip the cover off the ball. I think I can find a way to make it work(keep balance that is and still have a power game). If it wasn't 0 degrees outside right now I might head to the lanes to work on it a bit. It's so cold right now when you breath in it makes you cough. It can wait a day or two lol

If you learn how to not hit up on the ball and get some balance I think it would be better, overall, for your back. I'm not a doctor but seems to me that the over powering isn't the best way to keep your back in shape. Just don't hurt yourself. A good coach might have to be engaged (I'd go with experience on top of certification), so that they can help you keep your back healthy and keep bowling possibly even better then now.

Erin

Honestly, I think you can get more on the ball, and a stronger back end reaction by actually doing less. Think about snapping a towel. You can't generate all that power at the end of the towel by forcing it. It takes timing, leverage and finess.

But to me, one of the most frustrating things about bowling is how delicate of a balance it is to generate that effortless power. And when things aren't falling into place, you want to help it. And it helps a little right then, but then you get sucked into helping it a little more and a little more, and before you know it, you're a long way from where you were.

When I'm throwing the ball well, I fell like I didn't even touch the ball, but it revs hard and hits like a truck. I've been struggling and I really miss that feeling. It's kind of like crack once you discover it.

The only thing I'm fearful of by not hitting up on the ball is losing my carry and pin action. There are nights where those excessive revs save my butt with tripping out lots of 1 pin leaves. My "style" works in every house I go to as I can average 210-220 with it all be it on a house shot but still that's over 3 different houses. I have no hopes of turning pro but I do have the desire to get better with my physical game that's why I'm asking for help and will follow through on the opinions. I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel but I can see some glaring issues to work on as do you all. I think I can modify what I'm doing enough to let the ball work more and me less plus hold balance. Hopefully Saturday I'll see what I can do.

If I struggle I've located a good coach, one I'd trust. He's got a great bowling resume with honor scores including an 887 series and his style is something I'd model myself after. I'd probably wait for the Summer though the last thing I want to do is hurt my game and my team after just getting back to my normal 650-680 sets. We've been making a push in all my leagues especially Weds. where we are 24-4 in the last 4 weeks.

To be honest, I don't think you have excessive revs. It may sound crazy, but you can get just as many, if not more, by trying to do less to the ball. That doesn't mean that you will do less to the ball.. just that you're not trying to do as much to the ball.



I think you're right.. you're pretty close and you don't have to really reinvent the wheel.



That's a really the best way. It's really hard to fix things on your own and Summer is the best time to work on your game.

Tonight I put your suggestions to work. I came out throwing my normal style to the tune of a 259 but the oil allowed that delivery. Well my line would not hold as I was coming in very high so I ventured left still hitting up on the ball and the splits came. After a few ball changes with poor results by the end of the game I said screw it. Move left, play real deep, deliberate follow through using more fingers than muscle and see what happens with an emphasis on keeping a straigher back. I salvaged a 178 that game not good but could have been worse considering. The next game I played against the ball return and focused on a relaxed swing and trying to maintain a trail leg on or near the floor. I started out with the front 4 but got slow on the 5th shot leaving a split. I never traveled so many boards in my life as I can with this ball(Black Widow). To my surprise the back end is as violent as ever. Instead of blowing pins off the deck it still hit hard and I finished out with a 221 game.

The bad part is I lost the game scratch to a 222 game! I split wood but more importantly I came away with the feeling that line will be good to play when I see the lanes are that dry/transitioned. Also the different technique felt strong, I won't lose all my bad habits over night but I think it will put me back on the path to where I want to be. I bowl tomorrow and Friday I hope to have similar or better results, then I'll see if I can tape some more practice. Either way the information and suggestions have been helpful. They paid off already when I could have easily folded that 3rd game. Thanks again!

Hang tough Mike.

Make your 2 to 1 moves (moving your feet and your target) and you should be able to chase the oil line inside as the lane transisitons.

But any change is hard to implement in league play. So you did great using what you had and what you tried with sucess. If everything were perfect you could have still lost 221 to 222. No dishonor in that.

Good bowling

Erin

Glad to hear you made things work.

I messed with the camcorder some more on Sat. I practiced trying to get low, extending the arm and trying to maintain balance. Scores weren't good but for a change I'm not there to get reps I'm there to work on flaws. The more I use an extended left arm the more balance I feel and power I seem to pick up. I still want to step right after I let go of the ball but at least I can feel what I'm doing wrong. Those two will continue to be things I need and want to work on, getting low or trying to pays me back with pain. I felt some strain when trying and today the area of my back I injured years ago is burning a bit. The leg has a bit of pins and needles, if this was just muscle pain I'd rest it and keep at it. This pain is different so trying to bend more unfortunately is not going to be something I can add to my game.

This video doesn't show much except that I'm not muscling the ball and still moving some boards. I have a 268 game on tape but the angle is off. I was using the extended arm and holding a "pose" after delivery on most shots and it all came together. The problem is the camera settled and the angle is very crooked.

On a side note the quality is compressed for file sharing but you should see the raw footage. Anyone in the market for a good point and shoot camcorder the Panasonic PV-GS300 is worth looking at you won't be disappointed.

Here's a short clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86P5vTJVYgo

Edit: The Big One in the video is after heating the oil out of it seems to work pretty good. Might take a few minutes for the video to become available as I just uploaded it.

The ball reaction looks good, Mike. Despite your physical limitations, you do roll a great ball. At least you tried what was suggested, and that's better than most people do.

On the machine note, I was right initially. I swear, those GS98's were one of the worst creations for pinsetters. I know of a lot of places that upgraded to 99 series parts because those 98's just were too much trouble. Even in Reno, when I bowled out there in 2000 with the 99's, they still had a few problems (we happened to bowl on a pair that broke down). Apparently the owner of that place doesn't realize, or care, that those machines are more trouble without the part upgrades. I feel for ya, Mike.

This facility is only 9 years old so to have the troubles they have had is a shame. I'm fair though, I complained a lot about break downs but it seems with States coming through they are finally throwing time and money at their problems. We have all new pins, break downs are less than they were and it only adds to the enjoyment. The other places I bowl at I'm not sure what pin setters they have but they work nearly flawless. You have to expect SOME kind of problems now and again with anything mechanical. I got through 2 practice sessions now with zero down time, kind of nice.

The video had too much editing without seeing strikes or spares.

Practice has nothing to do with strikes or spares, Paul. It has to do with repeating shots. Scores mean nothing.

Mike, I always make it a point to know what machines and lanes I'm on. There are inherent quirks to every type of machine and lane surface, and knowing some of the basic quirks can take a little guesswork out of moving and adjusting. I don't know all of the surfaces, but I do know about machines.

Plus, being a mechanic and lane person, I always wanted to know how stuff worked. I'm compulsive like that.

Oh I see Brian. I usually practice my open games on friday.

Paul, the way I look at it, if you can repeat shots, the scores will take care of themselves. Practice is the time when you try something new to better your game or to work on a part of your game you're deficient in. If you're concerned about scoring, then you're not really practicing.

I can't tell you how many 300's I've thrown in practice because I never kept score, but I know it's more than 5, but they don't matter because they weren't during sanctioned competition. When I'm practicing, I'm working on a particular part of my game so when it comes time to turn on the scorers, I have a chance to equal (or better) my practice sessions.

The first link on page one is a complete game as it happened. The 2nd link was a short edit of a few good shots.

As for practice I normally just dealt with my flaws and worked on scores. Where I'm at or where I was scores were important to me because if I scored well that mean I was doing things right to find carry and repeat shots. Right now with the suggestions from everyone here scores do not matter to me but they will. I think once I iron out my flaws best I can and get my game back on Track this could be what makes me a 225-230 average bowler(house shot) or at least that's my goal even if I fall some what short. I enjoy the challenge of working on my game. I'm proud of how far I've come on my own but this place has opened my eyes as to how much further I can go.

Mike - Did you notice that your ball reaction was more down the lane, and stronger on the back end? That's the way it seemed to me, and that's what you get when you don't hit up on the ball.

On a few of the shots you would revert but I certianly didn't expect you to be perfect. That is probably why you're seeing irratic results.

It does look better to me though.

Mike you goin to the Hammer tournament in York?

Mkee19....At the moment I doubt it but you never know. I need to see how my finances are, that usually controls everything. I want to get into as many tournaments as possible this year I need the experience good or bad.

Lefty... I noticed the back end to be just as strong yet smoother. I didn't get close up video of the ball reaction when I was hitting up on it more but routinely when my ball enters the pocket it still has side roll to it creating a good mix. I notice now that the ball turns and still has energy probably just as much as before but that side roll isn't there all the time yet it doesn't really roll out or anything. On that split pick up(2nd video) you can see my footwork and balance were a bit better and it yielded good results. When I throw it good, hold balance and use the left arm extension it feels great. now I just need that good muscle memory to kick in to accept that as normal instead of wanting to hit up on it and use that side step as a means to make up for sub par balance at the line.

I was thinkin about driving up there and gettin into it. I'm just starting to get back in the swing of things now that my lil girl is a few months old. I'll see how I do at a few local tourneys and then make my decision. I just really love the competition, and being able to bowl in other houses. I also dont wanna just feel like I'm donating, but actually have a shot at scoring well, and maybe even cashing.

More balance please.

Wish I could get the hand release you have though.

Erin