Slide or Plant

[Frederick]

I'm having the hardest time learning how to slide instead of planting my left foot at the foul line. MY game has got worse since learning to slide. Everybody keeps telling me to stick with it but i'm ready to go back to planting because it feels more natural for me, plus I bowl better. I also have problems with getting down at the foul line because i'm tall (6'5) and my left knee hurts if I go too low. I'm trying to work on staying taller thur out the shot but it just feels weird. Any suggestions or tips would greatly be appreciated? Thank you in advance..

[Colorado Crusher]

I am a beginner to and i am haveing problems with my right hip hurting after bowling my league i do the slide/plant method and it hurts should i stretch or what before the start???

[dewatkins]

I have been reading several threats lately about slides.  I slide some but not much.  I stand at the spots closest to the fowl line and take 5 steps so I can not slide that much.  I think it has to do with your speed I try to take slow first 2-3 steps and don't generate much speed until the last two steps.  You might move your approach closer and see if that helps but don't ask me I have no idea it is just a SWAG but it is something to try.
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Davis Watkins
d.watkins@mail.com

[Colorado Crusher]

well its weird bc i went and bowled 6 games today and had no problem at all and im only 5'8 so im not very tall so its just a on and off thing dont know but thanks for the advice

[charlest]

quote:I had a very similar problem to yous when I first started. I am also 6'5" and i had a problem getting low to the lane. The only thing I can tell you is to work on your leg strength. Since us tall guys have to squat so much to get low to the lane, try doing squats at home. I did squats at my YMCA for a few months and had virtually no strain or pain in my knees. It made it a lot easier to stay on balance and a lot more comfortable to bowl.

I think most physical therapists and others say that squats put too much pressure on your knee and should be avoided.

You tall guys, if you don't do much walking, running or biking, do need to build up your thigh's quad muscles, which help support your kneee. A stronger quadricep (not sure if that's the correct muscle name; your upper thigh muscle, in any case) will allow you to slide more comfortably. Heavier people need to build up this muscle also. Leg lifts are the best alternative.

The less you bend you knee, the more your body will try to get the hand holding the ball closer to the floor. So the more your body will force you to bend at the waist. When you do that, you lose a lot of leverage at the release point.

Planting instead of sliding causes TONS of problems later on, including the knee and the hip. Evene those of slight build have had problems when they plant for any number of years.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."


Edited on 10/26/2006 7:09 AM