I've decided to take the plunge and get some coaching in for a few of my mechnical flaws and also see what I can learn about opening up the lane among other areas. I started my coaching this afternoon at Cambridge Lanes And Games (a 54 lane center- 34 lanes are candlepin, 20 ten pin, with the ten pin lanes located on the second floor where you get a workout getting all your equipment up the stairs) at 1pm. My coach Don Hohler gave me a short questionaire regarding my personal statistics, leagues I bowl in and averages,and what I would like to work on most about my game. He watched me bowl about 5 frames and noted that I have decent form and hand release, as well as covering my spares accurately. He worked on developing a better set up with my hips and elbow by moving my elbow back in the set up, keeping the left arm tighter next to the body. He also suggested that I move my left foot about a board distance away from my right foot, as well as re-positioning my hips to keep them straight and under the body. As far as angles to open up the lane, he had me practice an open focal point, with a 2 board pivot of the right foot and having the back leg almost parallel to the foul line. I would start the ball around the 17 board and with projection be able to swing the ball out to the 3 or 4 board and have it come back to the pocket. At the end we worked on more of the down and in stance with this new elbow/arm set up and I started to feel comfortable a game or so into this practice.

The hour went by very quickly, and even with the numerous loud open play bowlers that were bowling on the lane next to me, I could understand easily what Don was trying to show me.

I will keep people informed of my progress as it pertains to leagues and tournaments, but I highly suggest seeking out the services of coaching whether you average 120 to 220 or 220 and higher.

Please inform me of your experiences with coaching and what you've been able to get out of this in the long run.

Matt

Edited on 1/17/2005 0:56 AM