How do I create a higher backswing???

[GeoLes]

Find a good coach who can help with your footwork and approach. Then you will notice the back swing you're looking for. Most of the backswing height is an illusion. Others just have freaky Fagan flexibility.

Very funny but true. Mike Fagan has disolcatable shoulders that reach way back and up on the bacswing and way down and forward on the release. It looks crazy, but it really has to enhance his accuracy.

[Tampabaybob]

Something I just read that really holds true, and this was by a highly recognizable coach, as you go down towards the line keep you head steady, (ready for this?)
AS THOUGH YOU WERE TRYING TO BALANCE A BOOK ON YOUR HEAD ALL THE WAY TO THE LINE !! I've alway taught to slowly lower your shoulders as yo take each step as though for shoulders war like the wings of an airplane coming in for a landing. Nice and smooth. But I have never heard the book balancing idea. That would definitely be tough, but I understand what he's getting at. If your head bobbles (so will your eyes) and you have more of a chance of missing that target. Try it guys...
bring a book to bowling !! LOL

[aussiedave]

Hi all!

When I bowl I have a very low backswing. I've tried to bring it higher but it always feels forced. Any tips on a getting a higher backswing? Your help is appreciated.

Thanks

My backswing is lower than yours by at least 9 inches.
I don't worry to much about the backswing as I know to get mine up higher I would have to turn slightly sideways - the right shoulder going back, left going forward - to get more height. I assume you want this to generate more speed? You can try it, but it will present more problems like timing if you get too much. You will definitely have to work on it if you go that route or do it gradually in stages.
It can also make you drop the shoulder if you are not careful - keep those shoulders square on to the pins and experiment with axis you will be surprised how much more pace you can generate with little axis.
ad.

[Tampabaybob]

Casey..... The league I bowl in, a 32 team league, has many high average bowlers. And by that I mean, probably 2/3 of the league is over 200 and probably 1/3 over 210. Two of the guys that are consistently well over 220 (both lefties) have a backswing comparable to yours. I wish I had a video of them to show you, and have you understand the relationship of having a good, non-forced backswing. To watch these guys in action, is amazing. Very slow, low, and accurate as hell. As one poster put it, leave the backswing alone and work on other aspects of your game. The first thing that comes to mind with me is your accuracy. You need to be able to hit a gnats *** at the arrows and do it consistently. When that happens, your backswing thoughts will be a thing of the past ! Good luck, let us know how you're progressing.

[J Anderson]

Casey..... The league I bowl in, a 32 team league, has many high average bowlers. And by that I mean, probably 2/3 of the league is over 200 and probably 1/3 over 210. Two of the guys that are consistently well over 220 (both lefties) have a backswing comparable to yours. I wish I had a video of them to show you, and have you understand the relationship of having a good, non-forced backswing. To watch these guys in action, is amazing. Very slow, low, and accurate as hell. As one poster put it, leave the backswing alone and work on other aspects of your game. The first thing that comes to mind with me is your accuracy. You need to be able to hit a gnats *** at the arrows and do it consistently. When that happens, your backswing thoughts will be a thing of the past ! Good luck, let us know how you're progressing.

Ah ha, if I could only see a gnat's *** at the arrows

[Tampabaybob]

John......LOL..... you get my drift !!

[billf]

Well, it's a toss up based in preference really. The modern power game calls for a higher back swing, dropped shoulder and turned torso to generate a biomechanically efficient power swing. High speed and high rev players are not as accurate but then they don't have to be either as the increase makes for a larger margin of error.

The classic, accurate bowlers take years and years to develop their game. It's one reason most of them didn't win on tour much until they were in their mid-30s. The power players of today are winning multiple titles before they are 30. It's one reason coaches of this style are so popular at the moment.

The shoulder joint has more abillity to extend to the side than to the rear. Watch players like Sean Rash, Tommy Jones and Dan McClelland. They all start with their ball side shoulder lower and behind the balance shoulder. Then the torso rotates to allow the arm to come up high, stay inside the ball and unleash the release later than classic players turning/uncupping viciously just beyond the slide ankle. It's the easiest and most efficient way to generate the leverage needed for that power.
Joe Slowinski is a Gold level coach who has been teaching this style for years and years. A steady contributor to Bowling This Month magazine all his findings, articles and teachings can be found at www.bowlingknowledge.info
He is very passionate about the sport and will help other coaches and players without hesitation.

[Tihomir]

@JCasey1992. Contact a coach. I reccomend Joe Slowinski, because he helped me with my timing, from 4 to 5 steps, he helped me with my balance arm position and he has a lot of theoretical knowledge that includes lane play, targeting, mental game and ball motion, all things that are key for one to be consistent. The only thing I don't do from what he said are the drills because I tire easily and at times have a backache. What I saw from the video, you should first work on timing - from 3 to at least 4 steps so that you have time to get the ball into the swing.

[J Anderson]

@JCasey1992. Contact a coach. I reccomend Joe Slowinski, because he helped me with my timing, from 4 to 5 steps, he helped me with my balance arm position and he has a lot of theoretical knowledge that includes lane play, targeting, mental game and ball motion, all things that are key for one to be consistent. The only thing I don't do from what he said are the drills because I tire easily and at times have a backache. What I saw from the video, you should first work on timing - from 3 to at least 4 steps so that you have time to get the ball into the swing.

Not to hijack this thread, but if you're having occasional backaches that are interfering with your bowling, you need to make sure this isn't the start of a serious back problem. Assuming that its not serious you need to start an exercise program that strengthens your core muscles and perhaps increases your endurance so you can do the suggested drills.

[DLP]

Not to hijack this thread, but if you're having occasional backaches that are interfering with your bowling, you need to make sure this isn't the start of a serious back problem. Assuming that its not serious you need to start an exercise program that strengthens your core muscles and perhaps increases your endurance so you can do the suggested drills.

THIS!!!! Listen Trust me!!!