loft

[billf]

Correct the thumb and the loft will correct itself. To loft properly, you adjust with knee bend. That adjustment starts with the "athletic pose" (start position). Gripping the ball can and will cause loft and pulling towards the slide side of the body.

[Tampabaybob]

LOL....when I was a teenager (mannnnnny years ago !) I had thumb problems and a pro that came to put on an exhibition, Billy G, gave me the tip to try that. I was also lucky to shoot a game against him in the match and I beat him with a 220 something game. I remember telling my Mom, also a good bowler, about the potato and she thought I was nuts. But because Billy G had told me, she helped me core out a potato to fit and I slept with the darn thing on my thumb all night. Well, the next morning I woke up, soreness gone, and with a thumb shriveled up like a small prune. Never did it again because the soreness came right back. But it sure was funny looking and something I'll always remember.

Bob

[itstyler]

to tell you the truth, i think that the loft thing might help. i dont put alot on it and i hit my marks when i do. and i trust the ball to do what it can. I had a series tonight 22, 267 ,157 (my mental game sucked third game. Could have been my first 700 series easily) but i was putting a little loft on it so it wouldnt take off across the lane...

[floridanative772]

If you are comfortable doing it and it sounds like it very minimal, I wouldn't be too concerned. I see a lot of things people don't donby the book and it seems to work for them. Everyone cant have the perfect and ideal form.

[itstyler]

Thanks florida. i always think i have to that perfect bowler...

[billf]

Your original post said you were getting a considerable amount of air. A loft of 12-18 inches past the foul line and an inch or so high is not only normal but desirable. So I guess I will ask what I should have in the first place; What is a considerable amount of air?

[itstyler]

it varies at times. It can land 2-3 feet from the foul line, almost to the arrows. and my air is about a couple of inches off the ground.

[J Anderson]

Thanks florida. i always think i have to that perfect bowler...

I just finished reading "Focused for Bowling". Dean Hinitz has a lot to say about the dangers of being a perfectionist. Basically when you feel every shot has to be perfect you're operating out of fear which is only a good motivator if you're in a fight or being chased by something that thinks you'd make a nice snack. The muscles that you need to have relaxed tighten up, and any shot that isn't perfect sends you into a death spiral of self criticism.

[billf]

it varies at times. It can land 2-3 feet from the foul line, almost to the arrows. and my air is about a couple of inches off the ground.

The arrows are 15 feet from the foul line. 2-3 feet is fine. 10-15 feet should be reserved for special occasions. Learning to properly control loft does have advantages.

[itstyler]

i think i am getting to that point... and im learning to handle my thumb so i dont get that blister... and i tihnk the blister was from too much bowling... but i bowled 267 222 and 157... with my loft and going down and in... so i might just use it to my advantage