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Author Topic: Interested in Feedback  (Read 6507 times)

pfeinauer

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Interested in Feedback
« on: August 05, 2012, 11:32:22 AM »
Hey everyone,

("http://youtu.be/PbMO8_i3r-Y")

Above are some videos of me during some recent practice sessions.  The first cut is from July 2012, and the others are from June 2010.  I'd like some feedback on my style, it's very strange to watch, but has a good effect.

I used to be a 200+ average bowler in the late 80's.  As a teenager I held a few house records at my local center.  I had a sponsor for the tour but decided against it when I was 18.

I've been bowling off and on over the last few years, and nothing serious.  But now, I want to get into bowling seriously again.  I used to be able to throw the ball very hard, and had a lot of revs to mimic what the reactive balls would do today.  I've gotten older and can't throw it as hard but still am rev dominant.  My friends say I have EXACTLY the same style that I did when I was 18.

I'd like some feedback on my style.  People have tried breaking me of not pushing out on my first step, and following through correctly every time (shaking hands with the headpin).  Anything else that anyone sees that could improve my style?  I've been told time and time again, I throw the ball very well, so I'm not even sure if I need to change anything.  Thanks in advance!

-Pat
Revs: 375
MPH: 16.25
Axis Tilt: 1-1/8 - 15 degrees
PAP: 5 x 1/4
Track: Medium
Tweener / Cranker
All current equipment is 15lb.

League: 208

 

milorafferty

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2012, 12:36:01 PM »
Really??
"If guns kill people, do pencils misspell words?"

"If you don't stand for our flag, then don't expect me to give a damn about your feelings."

dmonroe814

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2012, 06:42:31 PM »
Really??
+1. You have no balance, no knee bend, and no consistency. Fix those, take videos again and repost them for more feedback
14lb 15.5 mph at pins 325 Revs. Silver Coach, Ball Driller. In Bag:  Storm Pro-Motion, Hyroad X, Matchup, Code Red.

pfeinauer

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2012, 08:28:45 PM »
Really??
+1. You have no balance, no knee bend, and no consistency. Fix those, take videos again and repost them for more feedback

I warned that it wasn't pretty.  :)

A couple of questions for you.  You said that I have no balance.  Do you mean at the end, where I step on my right foot after I slide?

I think I know what the "no knee bend" issue is.  I've been feeling a bit stiff lately, and was trying to through the ball harder by sliding longer, and bending the knees.  Is this what you mean, at the end during the slide?

What exactly do you mean by consistency?  Consistency of the issues listed above, or just overall with the approach, landing on the same arrow, throwing the ball the same speed, etc.

Thanks for your help!

-Pat
Revs: 375
MPH: 16.25
Axis Tilt: 1-1/8 - 15 degrees
PAP: 5 x 1/4
Track: Medium
Tweener / Cranker
All current equipment is 15lb.

League: 208

RotoStorm864

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2012, 02:13:01 AM »
Wow..constructive replies there. How dare someone ask for bowling advice on a bowling web site. Anyway. pfeinauer please take this as me being as nice as possible. If you want to get serious about bowling again seek out a usbc certified coach. You do have a lot to work on. Trust me I am no coach but you do have a lot of issues. I just wouldn't know where to begin to change them. (not a coach)..lol. The main thing I think you need to work at is your knee bend. Your a pretty good size guy and more than it hurting your bowling game eventually it's going to cause you a lot of pain. I myself am pretty unorthodox and have tried changing for years with no success. I say at least you had the nerve to post that and ask for help. Send me a pm sometime.

dmonroe814

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2012, 06:21:50 AM »
Didn't mean to be harsh, but by saying that we couldn't comment on the first basic things we see wrong, you are kind of tieing our hands when you ask for help.

1. Knee bend.  I understand the stiffness,  but if you can't bend, you will never get to the pro circuit.
2. Balance.  Much can be cured by good balance at the line.  Falling off your shot at the end is a sure indicator of a balance issue.  You need to slide your trailing leg behind your body in a scissor fashion to provide a counter weight for the weight of the ball.  This will give you more leverage at the release and a more consistent release.  I just looked a the videos again.  90% of your problem is with banance.  Because of your knee problems, you are compensating by bending too much at the waist.  Keep you body more upright and bring your trailing leg behind you. 
3.  Consistency.  By not having good balance at the line and falling off every shot (stepping to the right to catch your balance) you cannot repeat shots.  If you can't repeat shots, then you are guessing as to whether the lanes changed or whether you threw a bad shot.
One word of advice.  Don't ask for advice then tell everyone what they can't comment on.  Just take all of the advice and filter out what you don't think you need or what doesn't work.  I also recommend Mark Baker's book, "The Game Changer".  It illustrates what I have mentioned above and gives some other great tips.  Again, sorry for being so terse in my last post.
14lb 15.5 mph at pins 325 Revs. Silver Coach, Ball Driller. In Bag:  Storm Pro-Motion, Hyroad X, Matchup, Code Red.

Stan

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2012, 08:10:48 AM »
Going into your last step, your entire upper body is facing extremely right, then you have to whip your shoulders forward inorder to keep the ball on the lane (your lane).  At this point your entire body starts to pull up thru the ball.  All of this is causing bad balance.

Like already said, find a good local coach.  I do not think anyone can fix your balance problem over the internet.

Good Luck

RotoStorm864

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2012, 08:49:03 AM »
Sorry dmonroe814. Just you see so many people get bashed on here asking for help. I just kinda get tired of seeing that. I jumped the gun. Everything monroe said are great starting points pfeinauer. I also agree you should pick up the game changer. Very good book that is really easy to understand and apply. Again monroe I'm sorry got kinda short in my first post. It just frustrates me to see people just criticize for no real reason. That happens a lot on here.

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2012, 05:10:24 PM »

pfeinauer,

Yes, you could probably work on some things (we all do).  We are all built differently; some tall, some short, some skinny, some chubby, etc.  You will probably never look like Pete Weber while bowling, but neither will I.  Just bowl like you do.

My best advice is to get your timing and release consistent enough that your chances of repeating shots increases.  Proper footwork and leg support will help greatly.  I would recommend Mark Baker's new book, THE GAME CHANGER.  It is a great source for bowlers of all levels.  If you can get your body mechanics repeatable, then your consistency will improve.

Bowling is about repetition.  Anyone who can repeat shots (regardless of build) can find a way to score.  The downside to posting a video and wanting feedback on the internet is that all of us are comparing your style to what is "picture perfect" in our own minds.  Ignore "picture perfect" and get to what is repeatable for you. 

Bowling is a sport that can be enjoyed by all sizes, shapes, and ages.  Once you start to feel some progress as far as repeating shots goes, try it on some tougher PBA patterns as they will expose inconsistencies in a hurry.  Best of luck as you work on your game.  Should you want any more advice I would be glad to help.


RotoStorm864

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2012, 06:24:38 PM »
Lane..That was one of the best posts I have ever seen on here. BR needs more people like you.

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2012, 10:50:42 PM »

Ahhh shucks... :-[

Thanks for the compliment, RotoStorm864,  I do try to be constructive and help where I can. 

pfeinauer

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2012, 11:36:58 PM »

pfeinauer,

Yes, you could probably work on some things (we all do).  We are all built differently; some tall, some short, some skinny, some chubby, etc.  You will probably never look like Pete Weber while bowling, but neither will I.  Just bowl like you do.

My best advice is to get your timing and release consistent enough that your chances of repeating shots increases.  Proper footwork and leg support will help greatly.  I would recommend Mark Baker's new book, THE GAME CHANGER.  It is a great source for bowlers of all levels.  If you can get your body mechanics repeatable, then your consistency will improve.

Bowling is about repetition.  Anyone who can repeat shots (regardless of build) can find a way to score.  The downside to posting a video and wanting feedback on the internet is that all of us are comparing your style to what is "picture perfect" in our own minds.  Ignore "picture perfect" and get to what is repeatable for you. 

Bowling is a sport that can be enjoyed by all sizes, shapes, and ages.  Once you start to feel some progress as far as repeating shots goes, try it on some tougher PBA patterns as they will expose inconsistencies in a hurry.  Best of luck as you work on your game.  Should you want any more advice I would be glad to help.

Thanks so much.  I know Mark, and he always told me (when I was younger) that I threw the ball better then anyone he had ever seen, but my style was horrendous.  :)

I'm fairly consistent with the placement of shots (about a 90% flush/soft flush ratio the last time I went practicing) but didn't carry the 10 on almost all the soft flush shots. 

Thanks again for the remarks, I'll work on those and have some fun!  :)

-Pat
Revs: 375
MPH: 16.25
Axis Tilt: 1-1/8 - 15 degrees
PAP: 5 x 1/4
Track: Medium
Tweener / Cranker
All current equipment is 15lb.

League: 208

strikestriketapped

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Re: Interested in Feedback
« Reply #12 on: October 01, 2012, 08:04:06 PM »
Linbrook Bowl? I work there.