Reading Material for Intermediate Bowler & Internet Resources to Improve Form

[OldBayAlex]

Hello everyone, first post on these forums. About a year ago, on a whim I decided to hit the bowling lanes and got "hooked" (see what I did there?) Anywho, I've gone from a complete novice 100 average, joined a couple non-competitive 'practice' leagues and I've gotten to be about a 180 average. I've been reading anything I can on the internet but I'd really like to read through a couple books by respected authors and really work on my technique and get my bowling IQ up. I don't want to find myself 10 years down the road with a bunch of bad habits I learned on the internet. Any good reading material you would recommend to take my game to the next level?

I'm also looking for a good bowling coach, and also trying to figure out a way I can document & videotape my form / technique. I'd like to approach it as methodically as I can. From what I've seen from Youtube videos it's a lot of people posting videos and the comments are some variation of "you suck" or "you're doing it wrong" but no real form of honest critique. Any resource you know of that I could have my form evaluated - if not by a coach in-person, a trust worthy source online?

[JerseyJim]

Try http://www.bowlingknowledge.info which is Joe Slowinski's site. He's a Gold level coach, and contributes regularly to Bowling this Month Magazine. Susie Minshew's http://www.strikeability.com/ is another website. She's also a well-known coach. Bowltech.com has a number of Fred Borden (Former US bowling coach) instructional videos. This will probably do for a start.

[littlelegs]

I'd only add http://www.athletics2000.com/andrew/Documents/USBC%20Chapter%2007%20Fine%20Tuning%20the%20Physic al%20Game.pdf to that, if you're starting out and are serious about bowling. A lot of reading, but as it's essentially training for coaches a lot of valuable information too. Of course knowing all that really doesn't make it a lot easier to 'coach yourself' as you really do need someone with experience watching your game. However, it gives you a good start especially if you can video yourself to critique afterwards.

[J Anderson]

The USBC certifies coaches at a number of levels; Level One, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Their website, BOWL.com, has a feature called Find a.... which allows you to find USBC leagues, members, tournaments and coaches. For Bronze level and above, they have attended at least one coaching clinic and passed a test. To retain their certification they are required to re-certify at regular intervals with more clinics and tests. You may need to be a USBC member to access that part of the site.

[tumblebug1949]

Hi OldBayAlex,

Here is another good training lesson from the Coach"s Bronze Book. I got it here at this site so I may as well pass it along.

http://www.athletics2000.com/andrew/Documents/USBC%20Chapter%2008%20Lane%20Play.pdf

I thought this was quite helpful.

Good bowling

[kahgknow]

a really good site i like to use is http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm it has 5 articles from BTM by Ron Clifton and a whole bunch of his tips hope it helps!!!!

[StormGirl]

a really good site i like to use is http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm it has 5 articles from BTM by Ron Clifton and a whole bunch of his tips hope it helps!!!!

I read his articles over and over again. He explains techniques and tips very thoroughly. I wish he would add more tips for us to read though.

[kev3inp]

I too wish he'd update his site with more of the articles he's written for Bowling This Month. He's great to work with in person, too. He seems to have a knack for spotting little corrections that can make a big difference in your bowling. If you get a chance to go to one of his clinics or super school take it. My wife and I drive up to Winston/Salem each summer for the Gathering of Bowlers to hang out and work with him. I've learned things just sitting across the table from him at dinner.

[kahgknow]

StormGirl - I totally agree 100% he knows how to word everything just right so it makes sense I wish he would upload some more of his tips as well but I may just get a BTM subscription so I can read all of his articles he has written for them he has loads of great information to share!!

kev3inp - what is his Super School and what is the Gathering of Bowlers???