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Author Topic: Don't fear Change  (Read 645 times)

agroves

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Don't fear Change
« on: October 28, 2005, 06:52:08 PM »
I averaged 215-220, 2 summers ago, I decided to change my swing.  My averaged drop, I struggled to stay at 20whatever.  I was very close to giving in but then I realized that in tourneys my average was far better than the year before.  

With the help of Rick Leong, aka Tenpinspro, we worked via videotape and USPS to change some flaws.  It took alot of hard work and motivation on my part to stay focused on the task at hand.  

Then came a Monster Bruiser, drilled sarge easter, from BrunsNick.  I reslugged the thumb, keeping similar pitches to his setup.  My consistency returned and I realized how quickly my thumb had been exiting the ball before this time.  Reslugged all my other equipment and now I'm even more consistent.

Next, I moved to Spokane.  I've received a few more lessons and my consistency has been getting gradually better.  I am relearning moves with my feet and my ball is reading the condition better, which has actually caused me to relearn transition moves.

Don't be afraid to try something new or get a coach.  One step back and two forward is better than nothing at all.

Andrew
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MSC2471

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Re: Don't fear Change
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2005, 09:04:26 AM »
Andrew: I agree with the two steps back, small steps forward philosophy when it comes to my game. Last year people thought I was crazy for going to a coach while I was averaging 225 in one of my local leagues. I wanted to learn as much as I could about handling different conditions for the out of state bowling tournaments I was hitting, as well as working on tougher conditions. I feel that this has been the best for my game- my coach worked on freeing up my armswing, getting my timing in much better shape, helping with better leverage and also giving me little line/finger/hand release modifications when I need them during competition.

Matt

agroves

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Re: Don't fear Change
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2005, 12:45:01 PM »
Thanks for the kind words guys.

It was very difficult to stay motivated.  I shot a couple of very poor sets, then a couple of very good ones.  The muscle memory wasn't there, so it could shoot 700 or 500.  It was really hit or miss for awhile.  

I was really hitting up on the ball before, now I have backed off the cupping of my hand.  I still cup, but only slightly.  I have learned to project the ball further down the lane.  

I see two things that still need major improvement.

1.  My ability to see the transition, and make a read.  This is coming, but I learned small moves as a youth.  The transition I've been seeing lately is quick and with small moves, I gradually fall behind it.  I've got to teach myself to move 3-4 boards instead of 1-2.

2.  My mental game is still so-so.  I get down on myself after a bad set or a missed spare.  I don't get mad, but loss my confidence easily.  I am not real sure how to teach myself to improve this area.  My only thought at this point is, shut up.  If I turn off my mind during league or tourneys I tend to do much better.  If the ball jumps, don't think just move.

Andrew
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Formerly known as agroves....

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