Author Topic: im in a weight issue quandry 14,15,16 ( kinda long ) (Read 2809 times)

bowlerdawg · « **on:** February 03, 2009, 01:06:18 PM »

let me preface this by saying im undergoing numerous changes in my game.
thumb pitch, span, lateral
went from a 4 step to a 5 step
went from using a wrist support, to not using one now
RELEASE changes
putting stuff on the back of my thumb hole
push off and back swing
just to name a few

my dilemma is this

@ 15 i can get plenty of revs 350 +/- no problem w/ new release, but my problem is when i get excited i amp my speed way up, and either pull it inside or spray it too far outside and it doesn't come back( 18-19 mph )

when im relaxed and not overthrowing it its a beautiful thing ( 16mph ish ), but i have a real hard time keeping everything slow.

i wonder if i go to a 16 if i will be less tempted to man handle the ball when excited and if i will lose revs.

the other thing is my elbow ( its painful probably tendinitis )

@ 14 lbs will it be too light and throw it too fast, but i will gain revs and control.

i have a 14 in my bag now and i have tremendous control over it, but i just don't think it has the gusto to carry.

im baffled , and don't know which way to go

thanks for you input coaches and enthusiast
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member : F.O.S.

pin shredder @ the sawmill

im on a magic carpet ride

BrunsMike · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:43:38 PM »

Im a youth coach and see kids amping up their shot just because their "usual" shot isnt carrying.

As for the 3 weights in question between 14-16 I have only 1 good answer. Experiment in practice with a ball of each weight and see how things go.

These next few things are all advice for you to take as you like.

If your having elbow pains then a 16# will certainly only put more stress and cause more discomfort. This is provided that your not "chicken winging" through your swing. That usually causes the elbow to snap back in place at the bottom of the swing which will cause elbow pain on the back side. Have someone a coach or your proshop operator to look at your swing to make sure this isnt the problem. As for losing revs with 16# you probably wont notice the amount you lose. Ball speed could be a little slower as well but again probably wont notice it.

Most bowlers these days use 15#. Most say its because they get the best carry, best control, and best feel. I cant agree with that because ive shot some really good sets (to me) with 14# as well.

Your scared about over throwing a 14#, well you should be. You will need to watch your speed as you can end up over throwing the ball before you knew it. You could possibly have more revs as well but once again, you probably wont notice it as the change wont be that drastic. As for a 14# not carrying, 14# equipment can carry just as good as any 15 or 16.

I hope I have given you something to think about and look into. Remember, keep your game as simple as you can. Changing too much at 1 time can really cause havoc on your game and cause you to fall into a nasty slump.
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Mike Zadler
"When in doubt, Pull out" - Rob Stone
Below, my stats from previous seasons:
http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=552&suffix=12886

mrbowlingnut · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:57:43 PM »

Get one of these 6.99 at any CVS or walgreens store, it really works and does not bother you at all bowling.

http://www.futuro-usa.com/product_detail.aspx?id=29

Spider Ball Bowler · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2009, 11:02:30 PM »

I would say be a man and throw 16, but since you have tendonitis, I would suggest sticking with 15. 14 is going to be too light. I'm not sure if there is a difference in carry with a 14, but if you're amping up on the 15, you don't need a 14.

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Ahhh Disco Biscuits!

se7en · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:39:47 AM »

14 pound equipment carries just fine by today's standards.

And I'm surprised you throw it slower with a free arm swing. I was throwing about 14-15 mph when I had a little muscle in the down swing. I went up to 16-17 after going to a free arm swing.

Gravity is 32 feet per second squared. Don't get in its way.
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There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply.

Danes07 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2009, 09:00:01 AM »

From what you have given, if it were me, I would go with the 15 lb ball and just try to work on staying smooth and not overthrowing the ball.

If you have trouble overthrowing a 15 pound ball sometimes, then a 14 lb ball will only make things worse. A 16 pound ball would work to keep you from, as you say, manhandling the ball, but on the flip side, if you are experiencing elbow pain, then going with 16 lbs probably isn't a good idea.

You can give all three a try and see what works the best, but from the sounds of it, a 15 pound ball is the way to go. Best combination of weight to keep you from completely overthrowing it and from hurting yourself even worse. Just do some practicing with a 15 lb ball and I'm sure that you'll be able to get a comfortable shot that works for you and isn't being overthrown.
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University at Albany 2007
-Let's Go Danes-

ROTO GRIP - King of Them All
STORM - The Bowlers Company

charlest · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2009, 09:24:17 AM »

elbow tendonitis can be serious trouble. Therefore, no 16s, but you knew that before you asked.

15 seems the ideal for you, but you need, I believe, serious SLOW practice to think about keeping speed under control. Maybe you only need to reduce the height of the backswing?

Again, I come back to the tendonitis.
When does it occur? After how many games with which weight balls?
If the answer to this is a low number with 15 lbs, maybe you need the control that using 14s will allow UNTIL your elbow heals itself.
While medication helps relieve tendonitis, nothing repairs it except rest and reduced stress. NOTHING, as far as I have learned. If you continue with what causes the tendonitis and the pain, it may get so bad it will never heal. I know, I have it. Sacrifice a little bit now, in exchange for a LOT later on.

Best of luck.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Edited on 2/4/2009 10:24 AM

bowlerdawg · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2009, 02:22:39 PM »

thanks guys
i think i will stick with what ive got and just learn to use what i have better

--------------------
member : F.O.S.

pin shredder @ the sawmill

im on a magic carpet ride

Steven · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2009, 04:37:07 PM »

quote:
While medication helps relieve tendonitis, nothing repairs it except rest and reduced stress. NOTHING, as far as I have learned.

charlest: Actually, there are a number of soft tissue release therapies that work remarkably well for elbow tendonitis/tendonosis. Those therapies include Active Release Techniques (ART), Graston Technique, and ASTYM.

I've had a fairly advanced case of medial epicondylitis over the past four months. However, with ART therapy over the past six weeks, I've gone from barely being able to hold/cup a ball while stationary to bowling 4-5 games a session with just minimal discomfort. There is an alternative to resting and hoping things will magically get better.

To bowlerdawg, as far as the question on ball weight, get your emotions under control and stick with 15 pounds.

Gazoo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2009, 06:08:26 PM »

Throwing a ball with tendonitis at any weight without some form of support doesn't seem like the prudent thing to be doing. Determining what weight is proper for you is easier to due when your not in pain.
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"I don't want to be remembered, I want to be forgotten"

nerdytoes · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2009, 06:33:04 PM »

just dropped all those heavy equipment and do WII bowling..

charlest · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2009, 06:47:23 PM »

quote:
quote:
While medication helps relieve tendonitis, nothing repairs it except rest and reduced stress. NOTHING, as far as I have learned.

charlest: Actually, there are a number of soft tissue release therapies that work remarkably well for elbow tendonitis/tendonosis. Those therapies include Active Release Techniques (ART), Graston Technique, and ASTYM.

I've had a fairly advanced case of medial epicondylitis over the past four months. However, with ART therapy over the past six weeks, I've gone from barely being able to hold/cup a ball while stationary to bowling 4-5 games a session with just minimal discomfort. There is an alternative to resting and hoping things will magically get better.

To bowlerdawg, as far as the question on ball weight, get your emotions under control and stick with 15 pounds.

Congrats, Steven.
That's great. I had not heard of those. Never too old to learn.

Are they physical or medicinal therapies?
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Steven · « **Reply #12 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:11:27 PM »

charlest: They are physical therapies. Here are some websites if you're interested:

For ART:

http://www.activerelease.com/

For ASTYM:

http://www.performancedynamics.com/

For Graston:

http://www.grastontechnique.com/

ART is a manual manipulation therapy set of techniques without the use of instruments. ASTYM and Graston use instruments of different sizes/shapes to perform manipulation.

They all have the same objective -- break up scar tissue, enhance flexibility and promote healing.

After a few months of resting (and no bowling), I got tired waiting for the miracle of rest to make me better. I read internet stories of people living for years with elbow tendonitis without it ever completely clearing up, and I didn't want that fate. I did a lot of research on what elbow tendonitis/tendonosis really is, what the different options for treatment are, and likely results of each. The soft tissue release therapies were consistently rated high for permanent recovery.

ART is generally practiced by Chiropractors, and ASTYM/Graston by Physical Therapists. However, even in a large area like Southern California, there aren't a lot of practitioners who have the training in these techniques, but it's well worth the effort of finding someone if you want to get rid of it. Elbow Tendonitis is nasty.

charlest · « **Reply #13 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:09:25 PM »

thanks, Steven.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

mrbowlingnut · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2009, 08:16:11 PM »

Steven how well does the Graston Technique work??? I have a provider within 2 miles of me here in Henderson.

Author Topic: im in a weight issue quandry 14,15,16 ( kinda long ) (Read 2809 times)

bowlerdawg

im in a weight issue quandry 14,15,16 ( kinda long )

BrunsMike

Re: im in a weight issue quandry 14,15,16 ( kinda long )

mrbowlingnut

Re: im in a weight issue quandry 14,15,16 ( kinda long )

Spider Ball Bowler

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se7en

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Danes07

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charlest

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bowlerdawg

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Steven

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Gazoo

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nerdytoes

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charlest

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Steven

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charlest

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mrbowlingnut

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