For the past month or so, my ball speed as measured by the Qubica system has been 1-2 mph slower than it has been for the past year or so.  The lower ball speed is with every ball I use and every line that I am playing.  I have not changed ball weights and have not made any dramatic changes to my technique.  Even shooting at the 10 pin with my plastic spare ball, my speed is in the 13mph range instead of the 15mph range that it was before. I have also verified this in two bowling centers and the people that I bowl with haven't experienced a decrease in ball speed.

I do not feel that I am doing anything different, but obviously I am.  My scores have not really increased nor decreased in the past month.  

I am not starting my approach with the ball lower or anything obvious like that.

Any ideas on what I could be doing differently without noticing it to cause the slower ball speed?

Thanks!

Thanks for the quick replies, but I don't think the problem is with either the radar or the entry angle.  As I stated earlier, my ball speed is lower even when I am shooting at the 10 pin with a plastic ball.  Also, my teammates ball speed is unchanged, plus this is happening at two different bowling centers.

I am convinced it is something that I am doing, but what could it be?


Edited on 3/17/2005 11:27 AM

I might have slowed down my steps, I doubt that I would notice this at all.  I will try speeding up my steps to see what impact it has on the ball speed.

I know that I am not holding the ball lower when I start.

I have been needing to apply tape, remove tape more often lately.  Once I get the tape right, I don't have any problems or discomfort.  I do have a feeling that my thumb hole might be a little loose since when I add a piece of tape it is a little loose, but adding two pieces of tape makes it too tight.  If my thumb is not fitted properly, I know that this would impact the ball speed.  I will pay more attention to this tonight.  

Thanks again

Bob,

I am interested in your theory that my feet might have gotten a bit fast, causing a weaker power step.  I am not sure that I understand how this causes the arm swing to decelerate instead of accelerating though.  Can you explain this part to me?

Also, what can I do to test your theory?  Is there an obvious thing to look for that would indicate that my timing is off?  If it is off, any suggestions for slowing my feet down?

I appreciate the help