bamaster,
Thanks for posting on your page. Someone asked the question there what actually happens at the clinic. I posted the answer there but I think I will do it here as well.
After a short meet & greet, everyone gets on the lanes and warms up. While everyone is bowling I shoot video tape from the rear and side of each bowler.
I then take the videos into the laptop using MotionPro software. I then sit down with each individual and go over the videos and explain what I think needs to be changed and WHY.
I spend a LOT of time on the WHY. If you don't understand the reason for the change you will not commit to making the change.
If we agree on the changes then we go out onto the lane and I show you how to start making the changes and reprogramming your muscle memory. Reprogramming muscle memory just about always involves a drill of some kind that I have developed.
As soon as I am satisfied that you understand the drill and can do it, I move to the next person and go over their video with them.
The only real down time (for those who are waiting their turn) during the whole clinic is the first day when I have to go through each person. That takes some time, but once everyone has been given a drill to do, then I just go from person to person helping them as they need it.
Once you can complete the drill then I will give you the next step in the process. Every bowler will receive instruction at their own level and learning pace.
That way a PBA member can learn just as much as a 170 average league bowler.
We work on the lanes until about 1:30. At that time we order lunch from the bowl and go into the meeting room. While everyone is eating I will do a one hour (sometimes a little longer) Powerpoint presentation a different subject each day. For example advanced lane play, learning new releases, etc.
After the lunch and lecture we head back out onto the lanes and continue to work until 5PM.
Each day works the same.
I always ask each person if there is something special that they would like to learn during the clinic and try to make sure we address that as well.
So what kinds of things do we usually work on?
The answer to that varies greatly depending on the bowlers level of play and experience. I will give you a few things that I strive to accomplish.
The ability to repeat shots: If you can't repeat shots then all the knowledge in the world about balls, adjustments and lane play will not be of much help.
Accuracy at the breakpoint: In today's game, if you are gong to play at a high level, being accurate at the arrows is not good enough.
Effective ball roll: Some types of ball roll are way more effective than others. An effective ball roll does not only have a higher strike percentage on pocket hits, but actually creates area or room for error, which everyone needs.
Advanced lane play: I see even the best bowlers throw away pins because they play the pattern wrong. I teach people a different way to look at the lane and how to figure out how to play most any oil pattern in just a few shots.
Ball selection and surface prep: Just like lanes, I try to teach bowlers to look balls in a different way. The right ball with the right surface, thrown with the right ball roll, will create area that the lane man never gave you.
Spares: You can't out strike a bad spare game. If you are entering tournaments and you are not 90% on makable spares you are throwing money out the window.
The more days you can attend the more you can learn and the more new things you can work on.
For example, when I see that a bowler is signed up for 3 or 4 days I can plan bigger changes for them (if they need it) than I can plan for a bowler that is attending 2 days.
We will be working out a mix of sport patterns and the league shot.
A special bonus for coaches!
I have a lot of Bronze and Silver level coaches attend my clinics because they want to further their coaching careers, as well as improve their personal game.
If an attendee tells me that they are a coach and would like to learn from that side of the sport as well, then I teach them from a coaching point of view additionally, and share with them some of the techniques I have developed over the years.
If you have any further questions feel free to ask.
