Fundamentals, maybe not so important.

[ecub]

I guess the main concern would be the swing plane. As long as you can consistently release at the same point and follow through properly, whatever you do with the rest of your body is moot. I play golf and I know Jim Furyk has a funky looped back swing, but he's consistent at where his swing should be at impact, that it doesn't effect him.

[The German Shepherd]

While we may think that fundys aren't as important as they once were, remember a couple of things:

- Even the pros with the most unusual or unorthodox deliveries are "right there" at the release point (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5nnDbV0znE)
- Fundamentals were stressed more highly back in the day that more ACCURACY was required. That means something. If there ever comes a time that the USBC stops allowing for blocked lanes, there will once again be a return the stressing accuracy and fundamentals...

Jay

[swingset]

I guess the main concern would be the swing plane. As long as you can consistently release at the same point and follow through properly, whatever you do with the rest of your body is moot. I play golf and I know Jim Furyk has a funky looped back swing, but he's consistent at where his swing should be at impact, that it doesn't effect him.

Golf really parallels the mechanics of bowling and it's also a place where I push for consistency and classic form. And, yet, there too some of the greatest who have ever played had holes in their swing.

I think about golf a lot when bowling, and vice versa. The same mental and physical rules apply and the discipline of both at the time of "delivery" is remarkably the same....especially with the "impact" or "release". The power game comes from what you do, right there.

[Tampabaybob]

Lots of good comments here. Over the years I've run across many, many styles that I've worked with and the one thing that comes to mind is that there really is no cookie cutter type of style for everyone. You rally have to have an open mind when looking at one's style and help them to execute the best possible delivery with the least amount of effort and get them to deliver the ball with as much accuracy as possible. Some people start right off turning the s__t out of the ball and that's what's comfortable to them. Learning how to work with those types can sometimes pose a challenge but once you figure out what they're trying to do it becomes somewhat easier. Being a coach means being flexible and not trying to fit everyone into the same box. You work with what you've got to work with, and every individual can bring new challenges. It's a pleasure to be able to bring someone along and see that person come running up to you after they've shot their first 200 game, 600 series or any other new accomplishment.

Flexibility in coaching is important and being able to adjust to the various styles and techniques is just something you have to accept.

[Hammer]

Fundamentals should come into play if a person has a lousy average and wants to get a good average. Then you teach them the fundamentals of good technique from approach, armswing, proper release and targeting. Once he/she has the fundamentals down then they can incorporate their style of the fundamentals that will work for them to become better. No matter what sport you want to be good at you need to start somewhere and that is with the fundamentals. After that you use your style that works for you. Like what was said you can't cookie cutter everyone to one style.

[Tampabaybob]

Fundamentals should come into play if a person has a lousy average and wants to get a good average. Then you teach them the fundamentals of good technique from approach, armswing, proper release and targeting. Once he/she has the fundamentals down then they can incorporate their style of the fundamentals that will work for them to become better. No matter what sport you want to be good at you need to start somewhere and that is with the fundamentals. After that you use your style that works for you. Like what was said you can't cookie cutter everyone to one style.

Very true Hammer. If you're working with a "very new" bowler, then the basic fundamentals are extremely important. Once you can get them to execute the basics, then, you see what other challenges you may have to work with. Again, every person is different and you have to keep an open mind and be able to work with what you have in front of you.

[sprocket]

Fundamentals are a good starting point. If I went back to using my thumb I would start working on SOME basic fundamentals. Right now fundamentals don't mean much. Davedamentals mean a lot more.

My name is Dave...

[billf]

Sprocket, any chance of you posting a video? I've never seen a thumbless power stroker. Most are crankers and I understand why with how the ball has to rest on the forearm. I would like to see how you manage. I'm always looking to get more education, or in this case, daveucation.

[sprocket]

Well, maybe "power stroker" is a stretch. I just try to stay balanced at the line and not jerk on the ball. I doubt there is anything really special about my almost no back swing thumbless delivery. I will try to post a video at some point.

[Tampabaybob]

Yeah. I'd be interested in seeing this as well. I've got some younger bowlers coming up next year that bowl thumbless and their coach (my daughter) goes crazy trying to help them. I've worked with them a little but it's tough. Especially when you consider their parents ran out and got them a very aggressive ball, to boot ! Now we've got a 7 or 8 year old trying to throw an aggressive ball SLOW with no thumb.

So Sprocket, let's see what you do, yo may be helping hundreds of other bowlers across the country. Thanks.