Bowling Form Problems

[billf]

Good luck and hopefully what you learn here can be passed on to others in your league.

[atambohmer]

Good luck and hopefully what you learn here can be passed on to others in your league.

Yeah, I'll definitely show them the proper method once I'm confident that I can do it myself. And that league is a "just for fun" league with some college friends. I did recently join a more serious league, and I'm doing well so far, but I'd like to do better, especially when I see the form that some of these guys have. I want to be like them, and if I can't figure out the right form with all of the great tips on here, then I'll probably get a coach.

[billf]

There have been a few on here that spent the money for a lesson or two (myself included) and felt it was money well spent. Luckily you have the ability to record yourself so that will help as I'm sure you noticed that what you do and what it feels like you're doing are not the same thing. The fact that I can't see myself bowl in the moment is a big thing that has stalled my own progress. Hopefully work picks up soon so I can see my coach again. It's easier to correct at the moment than seeing it three hours later and then correcting it days later.
BTW, all leagues are for fun. That's rule number one: always have fun! But I know what you mean.

[Ball99999]

Hey, I'm new to the forums and somewhat new to bowling competitively. I bowl okay with my current form, but I don't like it much. I can't even figure out how to do the backswing correctly. Instead of trying to explain my form problems, I'll just provide a video of me bowling. I'm the left-handed bowler in the video using the green 14 lb DV8 Misfit. And thanks in advance for any suggestions. I don't know if grip tape would help or not. Basically I need help figuring out how to improve my backswing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRE8c1BOrzw&feature=plcp

I'm not sure what you're doing exactly. Are you bowling without a thumb (for some reason that's the popular style among people who bowl with house balls, often I've even seen the mentality like you aren't really bowling manly style unless you do that.)? That's why you don't have a traditional backswing, you have to bend your elbow so much. Everyone looks like they're rushing.

[billf]

He said he has the bad habit of putting his thumb in part way. Comprehension (Bill 1)

[MisterSinister]

He said he has the bad habit of putting his thumb in part way. Comprehension (Bill 1)

LOL. @atambohmer, If you are a half thumber, find videos of Tom Smallwood. He uses half his thumb, and is a top level pro. The biggest thing, be smooth. Your delivery is short, and compact, but herky jerky. My delivery was similar. I started to smooth it out whem I added a step, and went to a 5 step delivery. Even though he is a thumbless bowler, you can also learn a lot from watching Tom Daughrety. Half thumb, and no thumb is very similar, and TD is one of the best no thumbers in the world right now. I have said it before, a good delivery starts feet up. You can stay with a 4 step delivery. Just make you footwork smooth, and get a good solid slide (or a good step and plant) and have a sloid base to throw off. I have gone bowling, and didn't throw a ball for a half hour. I just went and worked on my slide for a while, before I even threw a ball.

[Zothen]

He looks like he's palming(No fingers)it. The ball seems to be hitting the pocket consistantly,but,it depends on what it is your really looking for. You cant do a bigger armswing the way you throw the ball.

Zothen

[atambohmer]

I made a few adjustments today. I realize I still have a long way to go, but I did make another video to get feedback on. I bowled a 151 today, which is about 40 points lower than my usual high game every time I bowl, but hey, I'm trying something new. Anyway, here's the video. Thanks for your time. And my main two questions are at the end of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PisXg...ature=youtu.be

[75lockwood]

I made a few adjustments today. I realize I still have a long way to go, but I did make another video to get feedback on. I bowled a 151 today, which is about 40 points lower than my usual high game every time I bowl, but hey, I'm trying something new. Anyway, here's the video. Thanks for your time. And my main two questions are at the end of the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PisXg...ature=youtu.be

it looks good, one thing i did notice was when you release the ball your swing does not continue up, you appear to be trying to place the ball instead of rolling it. try swinging your arm back and forth while you sit there, get it used to the free motion.

other than that, your looking great. yes your not scoring quite as good, but a 151 the first time you try a completely new style is unexpectedly good. keep at it and have fun!

[noeymc]

when you stand at your start off push the ball out about a half a foot try when you start to keep your fore arm flat to the ground i am unsure why you want more hook i let the ball go all the way down the lane before i hook and mine only does 4-7 boards maybe? all your really trying to do is hit the pocket if you want more hook you could try lowering your ball speed and you can do that by droping the ball down from your start position when you come up shake the hand and try to keep your arm slightly bent but mostly straight i am not a coach but these are the things i see bill would probably be able to help you more