How do I create a higher backswing???

[JCasey1992]

Hi all!

When I bowl I have a very low backswing. I've tried to bring it higher but it always feels forced. Any tips on a getting a higher backswing? Your help is appreciated.

Thanks


http://youtu.be/-ZCEXs9dzn0

[bowl1820]

Why do you want a higher backswing?

For the most part your backswing height is irrelevant as long as your not muscling it to get it up there. If you just let your arm swing, you'll find your arm swing is as high as it needs to be.

Click for How High Can A Free Swing Go?

by Ron Clifton (http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip41_files/tip41.htm)

[scottymoney]

Bowl1820 is correct. The back swing height is not important. What is important is making sure you are keeping your arm straight. Don't bend at the elbow during the back swing and try to keep your swing plane as straight as you can.

[GeoLes]

even the high backswlings I have observed are deceptive. I have seen pictures of Pete Weber and notice that he is really pitched forward at the height of the swing, creating the illusion of extra height. Actually his back swing is on the same plane an his balance arm.

[UBowling]

When you have a high back swing you need to have your other arm balanced with it or it will create deviations in the ball path.

I don't think there is a good reason to change the height of the back swing, the only way to really do it is to use your muscle to pull it back and up and any time you introduce tension into your arm it will create issues for you. I would recommend ignoring the back swing height and work on other aspects of your game. If you want more ball speed, move back on the approach and increase your foot speed. If you want more power on the ball, keep your head up, your shoulders even or behind your knees and create leverage with your hand.

[billf]

Find a good coach who can help with your footwork and approach. Then you will notice the back swing you're looking for. Most of the backswing height is an illusion. Others just have freaky Fagan flexibility.

[J Anderson]

Find a good coach who can help with your footwork and approach. Then you will notice the back swing you're looking for. Most of the backswing height is an illusion. Others just have freaky Fagan flexibility.

You mean all those argyle jerseys I just ordered aren't going to help my swing? Rats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tampabaybob]

All of the comments here are very true and relevant. If you want some advice, get more knee bend at the line, keep that left arm straight out at the line for balance, and keep your right foot (toes) on the floor, not lifted way up in the air. Look at your video and you'll see those 3 things I mentioned. Chances are the back swing will fall in line. When you are standing straight up through most of your approach, your back swing is definitely going to be lower. Bend at the waist a little more on each step until you reach the foul line, then hold that position, until you see the ball fall off of the deck. That's called posting your shot. Once you can do that and have your arm and leg in their correct position, you'll find that everything should come together better for you. Try it and let us know how you're doing.

[billf]

You mean all those argyle jerseys I just ordered aren't going to help my swing? Rats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The sweaters only seem to add a few inches. Maybe if you wore multiple sweaters that number would multiply accordingly.

[Tampabaybob]

Bill wears a sweater whenever he bowls..... it's call a straight jacket !! It keeps his arm swing low !! LOL

[GeoLes]

Find a good coach who can help with your footwork and approach. Then you will notice the back swing you're looking for. Most of the backswing height is an illusion. Others just have freaky Fagan flexibility.

Very funny but true. Mike Fagan has disolcatable shoulders that reach way back and up on the bacswing and way down and forward on the release. It looks crazy, but it really has to enhance his accuracy.

[Tampabaybob]

Something I just read that really holds true, and this was by a highly recognizable coach, as you go down towards the line keep you head steady, (ready for this?)
AS THOUGH YOU WERE TRYING TO BALANCE A BOOK ON YOUR HEAD ALL THE WAY TO THE LINE !! I've alway taught to slowly lower your shoulders as yo take each step as though for shoulders war like the wings of an airplane coming in for a landing. Nice and smooth. But I have never heard the book balancing idea. That would definitely be tough, but I understand what he's getting at. If your head bobbles (so will your eyes) and you have more of a chance of missing that target. Try it guys...
bring a book to bowling !! LOL

[aussiedave]

Hi all!

When I bowl I have a very low backswing. I've tried to bring it higher but it always feels forced. Any tips on a getting a higher backswing? Your help is appreciated.

Thanks


http://youtu.be/-ZCEXs9dzn0
My backswing is lower than yours by at least 9 inches.
I don't worry to much about the backswing as I know to get mine up higher I would have to turn slightly sideways - the right shoulder going back, left going forward - to get more height. I assume you want this to generate more speed? You can try it, but it will present more problems like timing if you get too much. You will definitely have to work on it if you go that route or do it gradually in stages.
It can also make you drop the shoulder if you are not careful - keep those shoulders square on to the pins and experiment with axis you will be surprised how much more pace you can generate with little axis.
ad.

[Tampabaybob]

Casey..... The league I bowl in, a 32 team league, has many high average bowlers. And by that I mean, probably 2/3 of the league is over 200 and probably 1/3 over 210. Two of the guys that are consistently well over 220 (both lefties) have a backswing comparable to yours. I wish I had a video of them to show you, and have you understand the relationship of having a good, non-forced backswing. To watch these guys in action, is amazing. Very slow, low, and accurate as hell. As one poster put it, leave the backswing alone and work on other aspects of your game. The first thing that comes to mind with me is your accuracy. You need to be able to hit a gnats *** at the arrows and do it consistently. When that happens, your backswing thoughts will be a thing of the past ! Good luck, let us know how you're progressing.

[J Anderson]

Casey..... The league I bowl in, a 32 team league, has many high average bowlers. And by that I mean, probably 2/3 of the league is over 200 and probably 1/3 over 210. Two of the guys that are consistently well over 220 (both lefties) have a backswing comparable to yours. I wish I had a video of them to show you, and have you understand the relationship of having a good, non-forced backswing. To watch these guys in action, is amazing. Very slow, low, and accurate as hell. As one poster put it, leave the backswing alone and work on other aspects of your game. The first thing that comes to mind with me is your accuracy. You need to be able to hit a gnats *** at the arrows and do it consistently. When that happens, your backswing thoughts will be a thing of the past ! Good luck, let us know how you're progressing.

Ah ha, if I could only see a gnat's *** at the arrows;)

[Tampabaybob]

John......LOL..... you get my drift !!

[billf]

Well, it's a toss up based in preference really. The modern power game calls for a higher back swing, dropped shoulder and turned torso to generate a biomechanically efficient power swing. High speed and high rev players are not as accurate but then they don't have to be either as the increase makes for a larger margin of error.

The classic, accurate bowlers take years and years to develop their game. It's one reason most of them didn't win on tour much until they were in their mid-30s. The power players of today are winning multiple titles before they are 30. It's one reason coaches of this style are so popular at the moment.

The shoulder joint has more abillity to extend to the side than to the rear. Watch players like Sean Rash, Tommy Jones and Dan McClelland. They all start with their ball side shoulder lower and behind the balance shoulder. Then the torso rotates to allow the arm to come up high, stay inside the ball and unleash the release later than classic players turning/uncupping viciously just beyond the slide ankle. It's the easiest and most efficient way to generate the leverage needed for that power.
Joe Slowinski is a Gold level coach who has been teaching this style for years and years. A steady contributor to Bowling This Month magazine all his findings, articles and teachings can be found at www.bowlingknowledge.info
He is very passionate about the sport and will help other coaches and players without hesitation.

[Tihomir]

@JCasey1992. Contact a coach. I reccomend Joe Slowinski, because he helped me with my timing, from 4 to 5 steps, he helped me with my balance arm position and he has a lot of theoretical knowledge that includes lane play, targeting, mental game and ball motion, all things that are key for one to be consistent. The only thing I don't do from what he said are the drills because I tire easily and at times have a backache. What I saw from the video, you should first work on timing - from 3 to at least 4 steps so that you have time to get the ball into the swing.

[J Anderson]

@JCasey1992. Contact a coach. I reccomend Joe Slowinski, because he helped me with my timing, from 4 to 5 steps, he helped me with my balance arm position and he has a lot of theoretical knowledge that includes lane play, targeting, mental game and ball motion, all things that are key for one to be consistent. The only thing I don't do from what he said are the drills because I tire easily and at times have a backache. What I saw from the video, you should first work on timing - from 3 to at least 4 steps so that you have time to get the ball into the swing.

Not to hijack this thread, but if you're having occasional backaches that are interfering with your bowling, you need to make sure this isn't the start of a serious back problem. Assuming that its not serious you need to start an exercise program that strengthens your core muscles and perhaps increases your endurance so you can do the suggested drills.

[DLP]

Not to hijack this thread, but if you're having occasional backaches that are interfering with your bowling, you need to make sure this isn't the start of a serious back problem. Assuming that its not serious you need to start an exercise program that strengthens your core muscles and perhaps increases your endurance so you can do the suggested drills.

THIS!!!! Listen :) Trust me!!!