The importance of video

[billf]

I video every coaching session. The camera stays in my car and only comes out to put the files on a flash drive. I know some coaches charge extra for this service and that's their choice. I don't do it just for the client. I do it so I can see if there was something I missed when seeing it live. Yes, I send a copy to the client. And I do let them know if there was anything I missed. I also keep them in a video library for analysis as we progress. This is where it can be advantageous to every body on this forum. Having video of when things are going well gives you something to compare to when they are not working as well. Another thing is most people don't realize how they look when bowling. Most of us bowl one way and feel as if we are bowling another way. Since joining this forum I have analyzed lots of video of myself and it has truly helped my game. Now that I know I have a tendency to drift, too high of a back swing or get lazy with my balance arm I can actually perform a mental check of these things after a bad shot. No, I can't take that shot back but I can learn from it, hopefully correct the error and not keep repeating it costing me a whole game or series.
I'm all for coaches/coaching (obviously) but I'm also realistic and frugal. If you can correct your own mistake then do so. If you can't figure it out on your own or want to learn a drill, then pay for the coach. Just do your due diligence and get your money's worth.

[MICHAEL]

How much do you charge Bill? The Dude and me might come up for some coaching! Can we stay at your place? FREE! (

[billf]

I have an extra room. Just supply your own food and beverages. I charge $25 for 90 minutes, client pays for lane fees (several people have different coupons, league rates, etc)

[MICHAEL]

Very reasonable!!! I will have to talk to The Dude about a trip out,,, I have a 35 foot 5th wheel,,, any camp grounds in town? What do you charge for 3 at one time.... might be fun trip for MANIC, DUDE, and ICEMAN!

[RoccoRock]

I do a lot of video, and it defiantly helps. Especially when you are focusing on specific parts of your game. I caught something on video a few weeks ago, so I worked on correcting it. Went out and bowled agajn with my camera, I was still doing it. Now, I think I fixed it last night, but I wont know until I bowl tomorrow, and bring the camera.

[bowl1820]

Some extra info:
*Dick Ritger's Video Tips:*

One of the most effective methods of helping you become a better bowler
is with the aid of videotape. It doesn’t take long and the results can
be beneficial in many ways.

You will need:
· Camcorder Digital or Tape
· Piece of bowler’s tape
· A friend to do the taping or tripod

(I'll add also when using a digital camera use the highest FPS(frames per second) this will give the clearest playback on slo-mo. And have the biggest memory card or extra ones, storage space can go fast. a HQ web cam attached to a laptop can work also. A fill light can come in handy sometimes also. bowl1820)

When taking the pictures there are two views that are easy to take and
provide excellent vantage points. That would be from the ball side
(right-handed bowler should bowl on the even lane…left-handed bowler on
the odd lane). This way you don’t lose your feet behind the ball return.

Some instructors like the front view, but unless you stand on the
lane…very dangerous; you can’t get a head on view anyway.

Take four or five video shots from the side making sure to get the
entire body all the way to the foul line. Position the cameraperson near
the foul line a few lanes away for best results. A few shots of upper
body and lower body from the side might also be helpful.

When you finish from the ball side it is time to move behind the bowler
for the view from the back. From this angle you should also take four of
five shots of the entire body from first step to last…keeping the entire
body in the picture frame. Then, do a few of just the feet and a few of
the upper body as well.

The next angle to take includes the release, and this can be taken from
behind also.

To do this, first put your piece of bowler’s tape on the ball. This will
show the exact position of the fingers during the swing and particularly
at the release point. Place the tape an inch in front of the finger
holes (if someone had their name put on the ball it would usually go in
the same place). Place the tape vertically not horizontally as a name
might be placed on the ball.

During your filming from behind, use the zoom lens to catch the ball as
it passes the ankle and is released on the lane. You will be amazed at
how clear the tape is and how easy it is to see what your fingers are
doing through the release area.

Now you are ready for your last angle. That would be one from behind and
a little off to the ball side of the bowler. Here, you will follow the
bowler to the line with the zoom lens and catch the ball as it is
released and follow it down the lane. From this angle you can see the
revolutions (again the tape helps here) on the ball, the target on the
lane that it was delivered over, the ball entering the pocket and the
pin carry. Note: For this shot you may have to retake the shot several
times until the bowler makes a shot that he/she wants to view.

When you have finished make sure to date the tape and store it for easy
access. You should re-tape every couple of months, or when the need
arises. I recommend that you tape yourself…when you are bowling
great…when you are struggling…and when you are making a change in your
game and want to be sure you are making headway.

Video taping is an inexpensive and effective method to keep your game
sharp and move forward in your skill development.

---------------------

[ursus]

Some extra info:
*Dick Ritger's Video Tips:*


The next angle to take includes the release, and this can be taken from
behind also.

To do this, first put your piece of bowler’s tape on the ball. This will
show the exact position of the fingers during the swing and particularly
at the release point. Place the tape an inch in front of the finger
holes (if someone had their name put on the ball it would usually go in
the same place). Place the tape vertically not horizontally as a name
might be placed on the ball.

---------------------

Can you clarify here. When I have seen names on the balls they are usually above and parellel to the finger holes. This states to put the tape vertically as the name may be placed on the ball, which to me means to put the tape perpendicular to the finger holes.

[bowl1820]

Can you clarify here. When I have seen names on the balls they are usually above and parellel to the finger holes. This states to put the tape vertically as the name may be placed on the ball, which to me means to put the tape perpendicular to the finger holes.

I don't know Dick R.'s reason's for placing the tape that way.

But if I had to guess, by placing the tape vertically. When you watched the shot replayed, the tape would be more like a hand on a clock. And You could more easily see if your fingers are at 6 o'clock 5, 4 etc.

[backahead]

@Bill and 1820: would you guys video a new guy who doesn't have a consistent approach/release? I've video'd myself plenty but now that I'm about to go for coaching I'm thinking the video has no purpose until I take a few lessons. What do you think?

[RoccoRock]

I went for my first ever lesson yesterday. Ive been video taping myself for weeks, and it helped with the lesson. I was able to fix a few things before the lesson, giving him less flaws to find. Also, he pointed out things that I noticed myself, and helped fix them. I say keep the camera rolling, and focus on one thing at a time to fix. If you feel you can't figure it out, post it and let some of the guys here help you out.