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Author Topic: Timing at the line  (Read 4039 times)

hckyenginr

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Timing at the line
« on: November 05, 2012, 09:40:20 PM »
Any suggestions on how I can improve my timing at the line? Lately I'm finding my timing to be off and I can't seem to fix it. And thus far has been my biggest problem so far this year. Any drills or something of that nature? I've tried slowing my feet down which seems to help, but is there like I said anything I can do that will help me out?
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Neptune66

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2012, 10:35:18 PM »
Me too (same problem).

Had knee surgery late April, and started this season kind of shaky, but was improving steadily for about 3-4 weeks.  Since mid-October, though, my timing has gone out the window and I'm terrible most of the time.

Just as Original Poster mentions, slowing my feet down helps, but something is still way off, and despite being a little hesitant to bend the knee, can't figure out the cause.
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Rightycomplex

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2012, 10:45:57 PM »
As I find over and over again, foot work is the key to great timing and balance at the line. I was coached by Mo Pinel to long heal-toe the first 2 steps, take 2 quick short steps, then bend the knee, slide, and have knee continuation. I thought he was giving me something impossible to do because my knee sucks and because of that I didnt slide.
Little did I know, that as I got better at it, my shot making, spare shooting, accuracy, and overall bowling started getting better. I went from no slide, plant, grab the ball, and knee troubles, to slide, stroke, and no knee pain. What this process does it put everything into time so that the ball and slide get there at the same time.
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2012, 11:15:27 PM »
Timing issues require the help of a coach and/or a video camera.  I don't believe there is any one quick fix since we are all different.  Most timing issues are related to the pushaway and the first step (for a four step delivery) or the second step (for a five step delivery).  Strokers and crankers require different timing.  I think most crankers like a late timing to get the last step planted.  Instead of trying to slow down the steps, look into changing the timing of the pushaway, either earlier or later and see if that brings the steps into time with the arm.  Again, look for a coach to watch and advise you.
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Neptune66

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2012, 12:06:57 AM »
Well..  I can't speak for the OP, but I think I may be close to solving at least part of the mystery of how my timing got so out of whack.

As mentioned, I was gradually getting less tentative and starting to bend my knee more, and the shots were improving. And then....  I had a marathon session where I bowled way too many games (about 20-25).  Felt ok afterward, but just knowing I did that many on my refurbished knee (not a replacement, but some bone shaving and cartilage repair and more meniscus removal), and some soreness, scared me and after that, I think I unconciously stopped bending it.

Was always more of a planter than a slider, and never bent the knee much before surgery, but I am probably bending less now than I did in September.

This week, I'll try to force myself to bend it more, and also experiment with changing up when I put the ball in motion. Not experincing any pain while delivering the ball, but is as if I lost my confidence. No.....   actually not maybe. I HAVE lost it!

And Ironically, have probably been stressing it more my doing multiple practice sessions trying to fix myself, than bending more in 3-6 league games would do.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2012, 12:13:06 AM by Neptune66 »
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #5 on: November 06, 2012, 01:41:21 AM »
I thought I read somewhere (and I haven't found that yet) that most bowlers with timing issues are starting their pushaway late.  They say that it should start with the beginning of the first step (four step) or second step (five step) and most of them were about a half step to a full step too late.

There is some mention of timing in the following articles:

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip12.htm

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip21.htm

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip13a.htm

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm03_files/btm3.htm

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MI 2 AZ

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #6 on: November 06, 2012, 01:54:33 AM »
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dmonroe814

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #7 on: November 06, 2012, 07:11:38 AM »
According to Mark Baker's book, the key to timing is the swing shoulder high when the slide foot is flat on the floor.   He discovered this a the key timing position for all of the great bowlers.  As different as Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Tommy Jones are, they are in the same position at this point.  Video tape yourself from the side to get a good look at your timing.  I bougt a great little app for my iPhone called 'Coaches Eye'.  You can play the video back in normal, slow, or frame at a time, to analyze you swing.
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2012, 08:11:49 AM »
I started out with a very tough season and though it is not all better, I am loving what I am seeing in practice and in my change in timing. 

Reminds me of times I have bowled well, but better though the scores are not quite showing it yet.  Well there have been some not so bad ones!

I got Norm Duke's DVD and focused mucho on the timing key he discusses relating to where the weight of the ball is in the first steps.  Also, as my tendancy is down at the foul line I am spending time with my bowling towel laying in front of the foul line and working on my flat spot.  The result, more speed, more penetration to the break point and more explosive strikes and messengers.

This has often preceded very nice periods of bowling for me!

Regards,

Luckylefty
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hckyenginr

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2012, 06:57:28 PM »
Thanks a lot guys. I'll give everything a try and see how it all goes. Appreciate it.
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JPbowling151

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Re: Timing at the line
« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2012, 07:06:04 PM »
I think finding a good bowling coach and videotaping oneself will help you correct your timing issue. I myself constantly have trouble with my timing. I have a tendency to get the ball into the swing too quick in my 4 step approach. I'd like to take a yr off and have a coach use bowler's map to help me correct this major flaw in my game. All the best to you in regaining your timing!
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