Author Topic: Targeting Where???? (Read 6592 times)

dicnic · « **on:** May 20, 2008, 04:50:49 AM »

In a discussion with a fellow bowler, I stated that I thought that targeting at the arrows was better than targeting at the dots. He thought the opposite. I would think that attempting to roll the ball over something that is 15' away would force you to project the ball out on the alley better.

Seems to me that targeting at the dots right at the foul line would cause one to either drop the ball too soon or throw the ball "down" on the lane rather than out. He seems to bowl better using the dots (he says).

What say youse folks?
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Dan Belcher · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2008, 12:57:01 PM »

Neither is "better" per se. For some bowlers, they feel more comfortable looking at the dots, some feel more comfortable looking at the arrows. Some feel more comfortable looking at something in-between. Also, some bowlers can look at either/or depending on how much they want to project the ball as determined by the condition they're bowling on (dry lanes, they might look further down the lane, for example). It's all about what makes you feel comfortable and what you can repeat time and time again.

« **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2008, 02:03:51 PM »

The arrows and a second target further down lane where possible.

Here's the main problem I see with using the dots at the foul line. The ultimate target (pocket) is too far away. I can can cross the second dot going in any direction, straight, pulling it inside, or missing outside. Does crossing that dot get me to my target? Maybe, maybe not.

I have seen bowler after bowler who say they are looking at the dots (and swear they are going right across them) miss by as much as 5 boards at the arrows! No wonder they can't tell me where their ball was at 15 feet. They're looking down.

Another potential problem that people focused on a target that's straight down (dots) tend to get bent over from the waist too far and have zero leverage at release. In my experience it's a accuracy issue as well as a body mechanics issue (leverage).

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Dan Belcher · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2008, 02:24:05 PM »

Yes, I forgot to mention targeting the breakpoint because I don't actually look at it when throwing the ball. You do have to consider it when targeting however as you roll the ball through your closer target out to the breakpoint.

rvmark · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2008, 03:51:22 PM »

I think this one is really personal preference, what works for you. If I remember from the PBA broadcasts correctly, Wes Malott actually targets a spot either at or across the foul line. Depending on circumstances I have used both the dots and the arrows.

ThongPrincess · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2008, 11:06:05 PM »

Up until the Clinic with Ron in San Bernadino, I used the arrows or beyond. I have had problems "landing" the ball smoothly on the lane. At the clinic I tried using the dots and found I was able to get the "flat spot" in my swing and release the ball smoothly.

Since the clinic I have worked on using both. I still don't have a consistent flat spot, but it is getting better.
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Atochabsh · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2008, 12:07:29 AM »

Neither is right or wrong, but rather knowing when to use one over the other is vital to your versatility. And don't stop at the arrows. Because if necessary you might need to start targeting much further down the lane in order to gain length.

I use multiple targeting depths for my primary target. Depends on the lane conditions.

Erin

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2008, 03:29:39 AM »

quote:

Another potential problem that people focused on a target that's straight down (dots) tend to get bent over from the waist too far and have zero leverage at release. In my experience it's a accuracy issue as well as a body mechanics issue (leverage).

That's why I personally would not recommend the dots as a target, too. While moving on the approach, the player lowers his/her head and tends to bend forward - not a good position to put a good leverage on the ball and to promote an early an clean release of the thumb. Can work if you play in a bent position, anyway, but if a player is successful while targeting the dots, I am pretty sure he or she plays in a rather non-conformistic style and some muscle in the swing to compensate.
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Motogp69 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2008, 07:38:15 AM »

The only problem with this post is these are all generalizations...I can think of a hundred examples of bowlin every which way, the best thing to do is see a coach and put the time and effort into improving whatever you want to improve. I personally aim at whatever point is going to make me score the highest depending on the ball reaction required to score on that particular shot or house. I've aimed almost down the lane near the pins, beyond the arrows, arrows, dots, foul line...whatever gets the job done.

See a coach, it's a worthy investment in your bowling future.
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BrianCRX90 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2008, 11:04:12 PM »

I target whatever my eyes lead too. However, on most medium to easy condition I will make my game suffer looking too close at the arrows. I personally like to use the arrows or something closer only as a reference point before I get up on the lane. I shift my eyes up and down the lane and then will eventually move my feet if I have to.

Everything has it's good points and flaws. The problem with the dots besides being on top of adjustments and consistant speed is when you miss that close it's like missing 5 boards...or more.

Then there is looking at the dots at the foul line which I definitly do not recomend.

Author Topic: Targeting Where???? (Read 6592 times)

dicnic

Targeting Where????

Dan Belcher

Re: Targeting Where????

Re: Targeting Where????

Dan Belcher

Re: Targeting Where????

rvmark

Re: Targeting Where????

ThongPrincess

Re: Targeting Where????

Atochabsh

Re: Targeting Where????

dizzyfugu

Re: Targeting Where????

Motogp69

Re: Targeting Where????

BrianCRX90

Re: Targeting Where????