Newcomer-is this a good technique?

[scottymoney]

jbeck are you in a league yourself? If not you should ask around and see if they have practice leagues. Usually they will give you a new ball after the league is over. When I got my new ball drilled a bit ago I learned a lot just from the driller. He watched me bowl and set my ball up but also gave me a few pointers that really helped. There is nothing like a set of eyes at the lane watching you to really help. In my league I bowl with a guy who I have known for years, a family friend, who I grew up with his kids. Well anyway he is like my bowling dad, kind of funny to say but he is always there to congratulate me, as well as talk to me on what I am doing wrong. Some people hate this, but I like having the guy in my ear telling me what he sees me doing. It does suck he won't be there tonight and we will have a sub. I will probably bowl my best games and he won't be there to see it.

Bowling is definitely a team sport, it just depends on who you have on your team.

If you get lessons for your son, definitely sit there with a notepad and take notes and soak in as much as you can for yourself while he works with him. Your son definitely is on the right track though. He looks to be throwing the ball straight and that is probably the biggest thing with kids.

[jbeck]

jbeck are you in a league yourself? If not you should ask around and see if they have practice leagues. Usually they will give you a new ball after the league is over. When I got my new ball drilled a bit ago I learned a lot just from the driller. He watched me bowl and set my ball up but also gave me a few pointers that really helped. There is nothing like a set of eyes at the lane watching you to really help. In my league I bowl with a guy who I have known for years, a family friend, who I grew up with his kids. Well anyway he is like my bowling dad, kind of funny to say but he is always there to congratulate me, as well as talk to me on what I am doing wrong. Some people hate this, but I like having the guy in my ear telling me what he sees me doing. It does suck he won't be there tonight and we will have a sub. I will probably bowl my best games and he won't be there to see it.

Bowling is definitely a team sport, it just depends on who you have on your team.

If you get lessons for your son, definitely sit there with a notepad and take notes and soak in as much as you can for yourself while he works with him. Your son definitely is on the right track though. He looks to be throwing the ball straight and that is probably the biggest thing with kids.

I wish I was in league...I didn't think about it at the time I signed my son up. After a month and me getting my first ball I wanted to join a league, but they were all full unless I could've provided an entire team and no one I knew was willing to commit, so I'll have to wait til the summer. Since my son is in a league til next summer it gives me plenty of times to practice with him before his league day and also during after I watch his first game. After the New Year I'm going to find a coach to see if I can get that person to teach us both. I definitely don't mind criticism if it'll help. I get pointers from a guy who is a league coach at the bowling alley I go to a lot, plus pointers from my son's league coach. I know I'll need some one on one to really evaluate my game.

[Tampabaybob]

Ask the lane manager what days the beginner leagues bowl and if he/she thinks they ever need subs. The managers know all of the league secretaries and can ask the next league day. Most times when you substitute on a league, you won't have to pay, because it's the responsibility of the person you're subbing for to pay those fees. So you could get some free practice and get to meet people in the bowling community that also may be able to help you out.

As far as your son is concerned, he's looking real good for just starting. I would have him try to keep his slide foot as straight as possible as he releases the ball. Sliding on the side of his foot makes him face too far to the right as he's releasing the ball and pulling the ball across the front of his body. His right leg being behind him and to his left with his toe on the floor is good. You want him to do that. Work with him and instill that this is a game to be enjoyed that he can do for many, many years to come.

As Bill does, I also coach kids on Saturdays, and usually stay after to practice and end up with a few of the kids (sometimes their parents [also looking for help] ) joining me to practice. In the past I have charged for individual coaching but now I do it for free. I'm giving back to the game that has been so good to me for over 50 years and I love helping new bowlers work toward achieving their goals. Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.

Bob