Is it ever to early to learn advanced techniques?

[DLP]

I've read a lot about the " 3 point targeting w/ quiet eye" technique. As a relatively new bowler, is it ever to early to "learn" advanced techniques like this?

Bob, I know you explained something verging on this in one of my previous posts, which is why I am asking :)

[classygranny]

In my humble opinion - absolutely NEVER to early.

If you understand the game well enough to comprehend the advanced technique - why learn one way only to have to relearn something different later on to become more "advanced" (whatever that means). I learned a few of the advanced techniques early on and I am sure glad I did, as the ones I didn't - they are very hard for me now. Also, since the game has changed over the years, there always seems to be something new to learn - why add to that.

[Gunz1911]

Fundamentals> Consistancy> Advanced Techs. In my opinion. I'm like you DLP trying to learn everything to make me better, but I am trying really hard to make sure I get my fundamentals consistant before trying new things. Don't want to try learning an advance tech and have it totally mess me up and make it so I have to relearn fundamentals. Kinda like trying to run when your only barely able to stay on your feet.

[dnhoffman]

I won't say yes, but I will say having a strong foundation is the most important thing.

For example - if you haven't mastered your approach it's hard to work on a release or targeting. If you're off balance, inconsistent, etc. then none of the advanced techniques will have a consistent enough foundation to ever yield the results you might be looking for.

That being said - learning new things and always keeping them in mind is never bad.

[noeymc]

i dont think so but the thing is make sure you can use them the right way!

[Perrin]

I say learn and practice the way you mean to carry on.

example. some of the Pro shops in the area don't like to drill fingertip balls for people unless they have an average over 100.

[classygranny]

I won't say yes, but I will say having a strong foundation is the most important thing.

For example - if you haven't mastered your approach it's hard to work on a release or targeting. If you're off balance, inconsistent, etc. then none of the advanced techniques will have a consistent enough foundation to ever yield the results you might be looking for.

That being said - learning new things and always keeping them in mind is never bad.

But there's always a possibility that a release or targeting issue could also be a cause of your footwork/timing to be awkward. I changed my targeting technique and my feet were automatically back in time. Some try and hold a conventional ball too long as they squeeze it.


i dont think so but the thing is make sure you can use them the right way!

Agreed!!!!!


I say learn and practice the way you mean to carry on.

example. some of the Pro shops in the area don't like to drill fingertip balls for people unless they have an average over 100.

I like the way you put this into words. I am so into that. I don't understand why you don't start with a fingertip ball if your goal is to practice, learn and be better at the game. Why have to relearn and go thru some of that muscle memory of oh....don't do that now, do this. Aargh! Maybe I'm just too old to learn new tricks, but I say learn once, then get better - no reason to re-learn.

[Hampe]

YES, it definitely can be the case for someone that it's too early to learn "advanced" techniques. Like DN said, you need to have some kind of grasp of the basic fundamentals (not just understanding but also execution) before you can move on to more advanced adjustments and techniques. There's also so much to know in bowling, too much information at once can easily be overwhelming.

Now that said, whether it's too early for YOU to learn advanced techniques, thats up for you and your coach to decide/discuss.

[billf]

Is it ever too early? For some people. It's great to learn them and then make an informed decision when it's time to implement them. There's lots of stuff like the grips that are common practice that I just don't understand. I'm part of the why learn to just relearn later group.

Even straight ball, plastic rollers thatht are just starting out, I teach them spine tilt, how to get rotation on the ball etc.. While many disagree with this they have less problems moving up to reactive resin balls. All they need is to move to make room for their new hook. Plus a straight, plastic ball with rotation still creates more pin action than one without rotation.

[Greenday]

Even straight ball, plastic rollers thatht are just starting out, I teach them spine tilt, how to get rotation on the ball etc.. While many disagree with this they have less problems moving up to reactive resin balls. All they need is to move to make room for their new hook. Plus a straight, plastic ball with rotation still creates more pin action than one without rotation.

My first ball when I was 16 was a plastic ball. It's what I learned how to hook with. We were on wood lanes back then though so it was a lot easier to do. Then my friend gave me his Nitro (A urathane ball for those who don't recognize the name) and wow. Then when I started bowling again, I bought my Frantic and holy crap have things changed.

Only problem with learning on the plastic ball was I tended to be on top of the ball. Took a fair amount of practice to stay behind the ball and not come around too early.

[Tampabaybob]

I've read a lot about the " 3 point targeting w/ quiet eye" technique. As a relatively new bowler, is it ever to early to "learn" advanced techniques like this?

Bob, I know you explained something verging on this in one of my previous posts, which is why I am asking :)

Whew ! Lot of Bob's here ! I believe the quite eye technique was coined by Joe Slowinski. He is one of the best coaches and what I would call
"bowling technician" in the game. He writes for Bowling this Month Magazine and sometimes reading his articles once is never enough. Anyway on his web
site you can find the quiet eye/ 3point targeting system and download his article as a pdf. I've taught this many times and it does work. It's one of those systems that may take a few games to really get the hang of, but in the end you'll love the results.

[GeoLes]

I have read that article too. but was not ready for it. I was still working on where to stand and how to consistently swing and release the ball, and found that level of detail overwelming. Now that I can more consistently hit my mark, I can focus on where my torso is pointed and the path my ball will take to the pins. I used it last night with great success.

Sometimes you just have to stow it away in the memory banks until ready to use it.

I guess I just made an argument on both sides. Yes, if you can't handle it yet. but No, it is not too early if you can tuck it away and recall it later when you are ready.