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Author Topic: made suggested adjustments ......  (Read 1188 times)

FBM357

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made suggested adjustments ......
« on: September 15, 2004, 06:56:11 AM »
Last Saturday (9/11) I participated in a Ebonite Demo Day session held at my practicing house.  Though I was quite comfortable with my current style of bowling, after several thrown balls, the attending rep suggested I move back 6 inches on the approach as well as begin my pushaway earlier (synch with my first step - 4 step approach).  I made the suggested adjustments.  It took a while, especially the timing issue in regards to the pushaway but things went well soon after.  I began throwing strikes regularly.

Now for the REAL problem!  I practiced yesterday with the same issues in mind.  Not only was my ball speed down but it seemed like everything was in a state of chaos!!!!  The move on the approach seemed like it was a 'mile' away from my target.  As for the timing issue, ball speed was down and the entire delivery was inconsistent.  I don't want to abandon something that may potentially work too soon, but heck, I'm strongly considering returning to my original way of bowling.

I know many of you have tried something different.  My question to you is, how long did you work at it before you realized it just didn't work?


Vernon
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Ragnar

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2004, 03:03:08 PM »
Vernon, a couple of years back I was working with a coach some.  He made several changes in my set up (angle of feet, where the ball was held, dropped shoulder, etc.)  After maybe 6 months I came to the conclusion that what he had me doing was perhaps improving my game by 5 sticks a game, max.  It was also causing a fair amount of pain in my feet and legs by the end of a 3 game set.  I went back to my former style, lost the pains, don't think I lost any sticks.  Some will say I should have given it more time yet, but I think six months was plenty to realize that what I was doing was hurting (literally) more than helping.  I do think a week isn't enough time, particularly because you may think your making the same changes, but may well not be.  Untill you've done something a large number of times you just don't have the feel to say if it's the same each time.  Sounds like what you need is the same coach to watch you and make sure you're making the same exact changes.  If you don't have the chance for that I'd advise bagging it and doing what you used to do.
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FBM357

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2004, 03:13:19 PM »
Rags, I clearly understand what you're stating.  I haven't the luxury of a coach, so I basically pay attention to what I'm working on.  My pushaway is normally delayed a little bit but I hit the line, IMHO, in sync.  The 6" move back on the approach made my mark appear too far.  I felt like I needed to rush to the line because I felt like I was too far back.  Funny thing about it, when I relaxed (didn't think about anything but hitting my mark) everything went smoothly.  My backswing isn't that high (begin ball at waist level).  The timing issue made it feel like my ball was 'suspended' thus rushing my steps to finish properly.  I'll continue with it.  Try to relax a bit.  I'm normally up around 15+ mph (according to Qubica - who knows how accurate that is) however with the change I'm averaging 13-14+.  Driving me a little crazy.  Hope you can understand my delima

Vernon
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Caring people make a difference!!!  All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing

FBM357

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2004, 03:16:48 PM »
HI-JACK .... sound advice.  Now I have to 'flip' the mental aspect of it back to my original style.  When I think too much, I don't relax.  When I don't relax, well, thumb sometimes hangs which results in lofting too much.

Another question.....

How far do you normally position your index finger?  I notice when I'm too far, I hang in the ball.  Too close and the ball resembles a 'spinner'


Vernon
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tenpinspro

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2004, 04:58:50 PM »
Hey Vernon,

IMHO, I don't know if this is a good time to start something new with the season started and all.  Not being there to see why the rep suggested the adjustment is hard to say whether or not it was really needed for your game.  I'd revert to my old game and maybe if you get a chance to practice, then maybe try his/her suggestion if you want.

Your index finger helps create leverage at the point of release, open - helps rotate the ball inward for more side rotation and closed usually allows you to release behind it easier.  If you're getting a spinner type release, then it sounds like your wrist is also giving out while releasing due to the lack of hand support to the ball.  Hope this helps or give me a holler, you got the  number to the shop bud..
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FBM357

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #5 on: September 15, 2004, 05:19:50 PM »
quote:
Hey Vernon,

IMHO, I don't know if this is a good time to start something new with the season started and all.  Not being there to see why the rep suggested the adjustment is hard to say whether or not it was really needed for your game.  I'd revert to my old game and maybe if you get a chance to practice, then maybe try his/her suggestion if you want.

Your index finger helps create leverage at the point of release, open - helps rotate the ball inward for more side rotation and closed usually allows you to release behind it easier.  If you're getting a spinner type release, then it sounds like your wrist is also giving out while releasing due to the lack of hand support to the ball.  Hope this helps or give me a holler, you got the  number to the shop bud..


Hey, what's the deal Rick?

The adjustments he suggested were in a way minor, so I thought.  As for my wrist, I've not problem with it.  I don't use any wrist device.  Have long felt no need for one.  I noticed as long as I kept a firm index finger on the ball, the wrist remained firm as well.  I think my initial problem occurs while holding the ball in my stance.  My left supports the ball until I release it once I assume my pushaway, but remembering to stay behind it is the key.  Like I mentioned, when relaxed all is well (not thinking).  I will return to my original style and try not to think about it.

BTW, what's your shop # again?  I misplaced it.

Talk to you soon,

Vernon
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Caring people make a difference!!!  All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing

charlest

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2004, 07:24:53 PM »
Vernon,

(Will reply to your message very soon now.)

I think you mentioned your own key to this dilemma:

"WHEN YOU RELAXED" all went smoothly.

That is a major key for all of us, including yours truly. If that is and was true for you, then what this "advisor" mentioned could well and truly help you. You're not a small person and short approaches are not for everyone. It could well help you add some ball speed and some leverage (physically speaking, not pin-location) to your release.

If I were you, I'd try that 6" addition (many women do like that ) and try to remain relaxed, i.e. unthinking, during your delivery and approach. Too much thinking, beyond some essential keys, will bollix up the best of us.

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FBM357

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Re: made suggested adjustments ......
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2004, 09:48:53 PM »
quote:
Vernon,

(Will reply to your message very soon now.)

I think you mentioned your own key to this dilemma:

"WHEN YOU RELAXED" all went smoothly.

That is a major key for all of us, including yours truly. If that is and was true for you, then what this "advisor" mentioned could well and truly help you. You're not a small person and short approaches are not for everyone. It could well help you add some ball speed and some leverage (physically speaking, not pin-location) to your release.

If I were you, I'd try that 6" addition (many women do like that ) and try to remain relaxed, i.e. unthinking, during your delivery and approach. Too much thinking, beyond some essential keys, will bollix up the best of us.


Hey Jeff!

I tell you, the 6" seems more like 6'... LOL  Seriously, when relaxed the 6" difference on the approach wasn't that much of a major difference.  When starting the pushaway with first step, I felt like I needed to rush my steps to land in the ideal finished position.  Just really weird to say the least.  I don't quite understand the implication of the adjustment would have other than what I mentioned (i.e. slower ball speed).  I don't want to deviate too far from my norm, but I'm curious to learn what kind of impact (if any) it would have on my game.  Any ideas?

Vernon
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Caring people make a difference!!!  All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing