your form now?

[sukeetoshyoo88]

just out of curiosity how long was it before you guys settled into your permanent form/style that you mainly use?
or is it something that you keep evolving?

[ecub]

Mine keeps evolving. I used to have a big back swing, trying to muscle the ball, also causing me to rush approach. Fast ball with little revs, plus inaccurate. I've slowed down my approach, lower back swing, increased the follow through speed, increased speed AND revs, more accurate. I use a wrist device, but I will eventually work on not using it. I figure when I start hitting a couple of 800's, 300's, win a few local scratch tournaments, then I can finally settle in my form/style.

[e-tank]

always progressing. Once i get good at one aspect i add another. For example when i started out i was inaccurate and bowled with 2 fingers. Now im pretty accurate and bowl with thumb in and added mo pinels "shift bowling" technique to my approach. I feel comfortable with my form now which is why im working on getting a leg swing(i pretty much just lunge right now) and eventually a higher backswing

[Greenday]

My approach is pretty much settled on. The one thing I need to really perfect is my hand position. I have trouble staying behind the ball and not coming around the ball too much. That's what I'm working on these days.

[J Anderson]

I think my form is still evolving. Can't prove it since the only videos I have of my bowling are fairly recent.

I need Mr. Peabody's wayback machine to go take some clips of what my form was like in '75, '85, '95, and '05, and see how much or how little my game has changed.

[zman1974]

Basic form (4 step, even backswing) established when I was 14 (now 38), and haven't seen any reason to change. I also struggle with keeping behind the ball, and not coming over the top; been the bane of my bowling saga since I started throwing fingertip with a Yellow Dot.

[Tampabaybob]

50 years of bowling, many of them competitively, and my style changes constantly. Let me explain. This game has evolved so much in the past 20+ years, it has required me to evolve as well. Basic 5 step approach probably "close" to what I was doing 25-30 years ago, but changes in finite terms like hand positioning, arm swing, are constantly evolving depending on conditions. Because I don't shoot 20 or so tournaments a year anymore, the changes I have to deal with is lane conditions. Being able to "read" lane conditions, is one of the most important aspects of improving your game, these days. If you can read them, and stay ahead of them changing, you'll be way ahead of probably 80% of the bowlers you'll shoot against.

[SmilingBowler]

50 years of bowling, many of them competitively, and my style changes constantly. Let me explain. This game has evolved so much in the past 20+ years, it has required me to evolve as well. Basic 5 step approach probably "close" to what I was doing 25-30 years ago, but changes in finite terms like hand positioning, arm swing, are constantly evolving depending on conditions. Because I don't shoot 20 or so tournaments a year anymore, the changes I have to deal with is lane conditions. Being able to "read" lane conditions, is one of the most important aspects of improving your game, these days. If you can read them, and stay ahead of them changing, you'll be way ahead of probably 80% of the bowlers you'll shoot against.

This is what I am working on doing nowadays. A few guys on the Monday Night Mens league can read lane conditions, but its a fine science and I really do not understand how its done just yet. I'll keep asking questions and picking their brains, though. I'll be going to States with them this year (in May) and hope to learn a lot more by then and even more at that time.

Generally speaking, I can tell when the lanes are breaking down based on the way my ball is reacting at the end of the second game. Other than that, there's not much I can tell just by looking at the lanes.

[Keithalw]

I do know that my form has changed a lot in the three years I have been bowling... I still land on my right foot but my arm swing is shorter instead of a back high swing my spped is about the same but revs have gotten a tad bit better.

[Tampabaybob]

This is what I am working on doing nowadays. A few guys on the Monday Night Mens league can read lane conditions, but its a fine science and I really do not understand how its done just yet. I'll keep asking questions and picking their brains, though. I'll be going to States with them this year (in May) and hope to learn a lot more by then and even more at that time.

Generally speaking, I can tell when the lanes are breaking down based on the way my ball is reacting at the end of the second game. Other than that, there's not much I can tell just by looking at the lanes.

It's good that you are among the few that realize this is so important in todays game. Part of reading the lanes is watching what the other bowlers on your lanes are doing, where they're shooting, and what they're leaving. If, as you say, your house lanes don't start to break down until the end of the second game that's great. In our house, they start changing as soon as practice is over sometimes ! By the end of the first game I may have made 2 moves. So you've got a good condition where you bowl at. I try to instill this to the guys I bowl with, but it's hard because not everyone has the same focus that I may have. Yes, I still chit chat and laugh at different conversations between frames, but I try to never lose sight on what's happening on the pair I'm on. With that said, being aware that two or three guys before you left a four pin or a split, wouldn't you at least move 1-2 boards when you get up? I would and I do. It kills me sometimes when I have suggest to a team mate that he should move when he just left 2 - 4 pins in a row and then left a split ! You just have to try and stay aware of your surroundings. You'll get there.

[GeoLes]

I need Mr. Peabody's wayback machine to go take some clips of what my form was like in '75, '85, '95, and '05, and see how much or how little my game has changed.

This is the first "Tennesse Tuxedo" reference I have heard in a long time.

When I set a bowling goal in my head as I step onto the approach, I am thinking "Tennesee Tuxedo will not fail".

[e-tank]

Generally speaking, I can tell when the lanes are breaking down based on the way my ball is reacting at the end of the second game. Other than that, there's not much I can tell just by looking at the lanes.

Im the same. I just know that you need to move left when youre going brooklyn. If theyres heavy oil or carry down i play more outside and slow ball speed. Im the only one this affects on my bowling team because my gf is a straight bowler, and my other 2 teammates throw fairly slow already so while they use the same ball and line all night, im changing marks and making a ball switch by game 3

[SmilingBowler]

Great advice Bob... I continue to learn by doing and watching, reading and responding. Both reading and responding to many conversations on this board and also reading and responding to the lane conditions.

I guess the best method is to watch others who use a similar line to me which is much more common on the Monday Mens League and very very rare on the non-sanctioned Wednesday Night League. That's probably why I tend to bowl my best (most consistent) on Wednesdays, because I'm the only one using my line. LOL!

[SmilingBowler]

Im the same. I just know that you need to move left when youre going brooklyn. If theyres heavy oil or carry down i play more outside and slow ball speed. Im the only one this affects on my bowling team because my gf is a straight bowler, and my other 2 teammates throw fairly slow already so while they use the same ball and line all night, im changing marks and making a ball switch by game 3

Sounds a lot like my Wednesday Mixed League. Its a fun league that breaks up the week nicely for everyone. 6 teams, 4 bowlers per team, 24 bowlers plus about 6 subs. Averages range from 94-210 but the teams are really evenly matched and we all have fun. We're competitive, yet relaxed. The best way to bowl. Like I said in the post before this, that's probably why I tend to bowl my best. That, and because, like you, I'm the only one using 1-6 board zone.

[e-tank]

Sounds a lot like my Wednesday Mixed League. Its a fun league that breaks up the week nicely for everyone. 6 teams, 4 bowlers per team, 24 bowlers plus about 6 subs. Averages range from 94-210 but the teams are really evenly matched and we all have fun. We're competitive, yet relaxed. The best way to bowl. Like I said in the post before this, that's probably why I tend to bowl my best. That, and because, like you, I'm the only one using 1-6 board zone.

mines a vegas league aka they drive us up to vegas to play our final league week. Free alcohol and hotel. Id say its a fun league but at the same time theres some really good teams. My team usually varies between 1-4 each week

[jbeck]

I've only been bowling with my first fingertip ball for about 3 1/2 months, so my style is still the same which is pretty much straight. I don't have many revs on my release and it feels weird when I try to practice playing more inside to out to hook it back in. I don't like the typical cupped hook throw that I see most people who play with house balls. I'm trying to work on my inside throw being more fluid and not look intentional. But so far my straight release up the the second arrow with slight revs works for me back to the pocket or even brooklyns when I come around too much. Reading lanes is difficult though since I don't have a good inside game.

[J Anderson]

This is the first "Tennesse Tuxedo" reference I have heard in a long time.

When I set a bowling goal in my head as I step onto the approach, I am thinking "Tennesee Tuxedo will not fail".

Darn, I thought I was referring to Mr Peabody and his boy Sherman from the Rocky and Bulwinkle show.

[GeoLes]

I believe you are correct. I was thinking of Phineas J Whopee. But you are right. Rocky and Friends. BTW do you know Rocky's middle name? How about Bullwinkle's?

Sorry for the threadjack. I just lost control for a moment.

[ecub]

We should really get this thread back on track with the title. We are trying to HELP people here.

[mxjosh]

Ive been bowling 18mths and Im so waiting for my form to be set. Every shot Im thinking about every step.

2" first slide step with left leg, normal step with right and begin ball push away. Push ball straight out but dont straighten arm. Let my arm drop and free swing. Start getting lower to ground with legs. Keep hand flat to floor on backswing, do not cup it. keep eye on target down lane. let arm come thru free dont lift up and help it hook. Finish balanced, stay down and follow thru.

This is every damn shot I take. So frustrating to say the least.

[GeoLes]

A bowling coach is a good place to start. If you can't afford private lessons, ask around about small group lessons. One of the lanes I frequent, Brunswick Zone Hazlet Lanes has Monday night workshops from 7 - 9PM ast $10.00 a head, lane fees incluced. (just bring you ball, shoes, and a "dime"). With so many variables, it helps to have good simple basics to focus on. I also suggest you go look at the videos on YouTube. Some of them are quite qood.

[DrOcktagon]

It's always evolving, but I had to do a complete re-design of my swing when I was about 13 or so.....

I was averaging in the mid 180's when I was 12-13. One night, while bowling on a very competetive junior league, I heard an audible pop in my right shoulder. I tried to shoot the spare and it was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. It turns out I had either torn or severely strained my rotator cuff. I went through many months of rehab with a chiropractor before I could bowl again. When I finally started back up, everything felt off, and my teammates told be I was side-arming the ball. My average also took a dip into the 160's/170's for a couple of years before I started getting back to where I had been. Eventually I got my average up into the low 200's.

It took quite a few years of working on my swing to re-develop it fully, but it has always been drastically different than before the injury. Now that I'm coming back after an 11 year layoff, I was concerned I would have to start all over again, but it really is like riding a bike. I'm pretty sure there will always be something here or there about my swing that I will have to work to correct, though.

[sukeetoshyoo88]

seems like almost everyone is constantly working on something to become better.

i asked cause i seem to have some pretty drastic changes to my form.
i just started bowling seriously about a year ago, but i always feel like, "ohh this feels good im gonna stick with this" but eventually end up trying something else.
and i find that some techniques or styles have their benefits.
like cupping the whole swing makes me a little more accurate but ball speed suffers for me, and is sometimes strenuous on the down swing.
cocking is less strenuous but uncocking at release is sometimes and i throw the ball wide.
and what im doing now is cupping at the bottom, and i seem to keep my revs lose a bit of accuracy compared to cocking the whole swing (for now im still working on it) but ball speed comes up and feels less strenuous.

[SmilingBowler]

I'm looking forward to recording my form this Sunday morning (thanks for the tips DrOcktagon) and maybe I'll see some similarities to these guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=N5nnDbV0znE

[GeorgiaStroker]

My form has had to evolve many times since I started bowling. When I first came into the sport there was no such thing as a synthetic lane, or at least no one around here had ever heard of it. All the house balls were hard rubber. (remember the ones that were black with pink spots all over?) when I bought my first ball, polyester was all the rage on tour (in balls and pants). Soon after, urethane balls appeared and suddenly you had to change your delivery again. Then the synthetic lanes became the norm, then resin balls.... So with each change came a little evolution in form. Not necessarily a big change at once, but to look where I started way back then to where I am now you wouldn't think it's the same bowler.

[billf]

Which style? When I crank that hasn't changed much the past 18 months. Stroker and Tweener I'm always tinkering with especially hand positions. With adjustments being so critical I want to be able to flawlessly go from playing straight up the 1 board to moving deep inside without a hitch. UJntil I average 300 I will always be evolving.
To help with this there are nights where I will play each lane totally different. To ease this I usually play deep on the left lane so the ball return won't be a huge issue as it was in the past when I couldn't Stroke it accurately. Of course being a Stroker with a rev rate over 400 isn't normal anyway but that's where adjusting axis rotation comes into play.

On adjustments; Tuesday I played a guy with a similar style as what I was using. He moved 5 boards all night. I moved 18 through the night. The difference is our rev rates. With the lower rev rate his ball was able to read the lane easier with less push past the pattern. What was funny was afterwards when we were talking and he said he would love my rev rate while I was hoping I could have taken more revs off my delivery.

[Rdmonster]

my style is....that I have no style LOL.

Seriously though.... I learned to bowl a basic hook back in the 90's while in college. I knew nothing about bowling. Fast forward to October of this year. Joined a league after golf league ended. Got a new ball...still knew nothing. My beginning average was 126.

I read a bunch on this site...watched a bunch of videos and practiced alot. I've pushed my average up to about 160 while trying to learn as much as possible.

I do not know how fast I throw it or what my rev rate is. My biggest challenges have been trying to get my approach down.....free up my arm swing and relax my hand.

I feel I am getting better and having a properly drilled ball is going to help big time.

[noeymc]

i am always changing mine trying new things listining to what other people think will help me so i dont think ive ever stoped changing my form