Something somebody said in another post got me thinking.  What do you view as simply an aid, and what do you view as a crutch?  My original post that this came from was about a single drink of alcohol for me being like spinach for Popeye.  There were a few differing opinions, so naturally I'm curious now.  Physical things like tape, or wrist supports or things like that can't really be counted, because that's physical protection, but things like the big "mechanical arms" that basically lock your wrist in one place can be counted because I believe that's above and beyond simple support. 

 

So things like taking 10 balls to league, mechanical arms, listening to music, drinking, watching tv in between shots, stepping out for a smoke, pre shot routines, "lucky" items that you carry around or touch, words or phrases you say to yourself, where is the line between an aid and a crutch?  I can see how certain things can be seen both ways depending on how you look at it. 

I realize this doesn't go to the spirit of your initial question, but what another person considers a "crutch" is of no concern to me. My game is my game and I've made peace with that.

 

I've been on-again, off-again with wrist braces over the years and finally came to the realization that my choices were either (a) use one and bowl, or (b) not use one and not bowl because of the wrist pain. So I'm using one, and people that have a problem with it can politely get bent.

 

I don't bowl for a living. I bowl for competition and fun, as do most of the people here, and it's not worth being in pain to do so. 

 

So I live and let live.

 

Jess

I guess any who needs more than 2 bowling balls is a good example of a "crutch"?  Anyone need to change to bowling balls 3, 4, 5, or 6 can be counted because I believe that's above and beyond. You should have skills and talent to be versatile.  So instead you reach into the bag and get your "crutch" out because you lack skills.

 Example: You have two guys in a league. Bowler 1 uses one ball. Bowler 2 has at least six balls that he brings to league every night. They are bowling against each other. By middle of game 1 the lanes start to change, Bowler 1 is adjusting at the line and making adjustments in his release.  Bowler 2 pulls out another ball and continues on his way. By third game Bowler 1 has used his abilities and skills making one ball work. Bowler 2 has one style of throw and used at least 6 bowling balls for 3 games. Looking at it this way.....You could easily use the word "crutch" for the Bowler 2 and his 6+ arsenal. It doesn't matter about when he chooses his next ball. Bowler 2 can't continue to compete against Bowler 1 unless he goes to his crutch, which is another ball in his arsenal.