Ball to heavy?

[billf]

I love a 5 step approach BUT went back to 4 after teaching new bowlers. Why? I would spend all day Saturday teaching a 4 then come league that night my footwork would be all messed up.

[DLP]

Well... I didn't wait till Wed. When an opportunity to adopt is presented and the orphan is such a perfect fit, one cannot turn ones back on a homeless bowling ball.

I am doing a 5 step approach. It feels so fluid and so wonderful to me now, I don't know why I wanted this long to try it.
I also got the chance to bowl with a new brace. My mongoose lifter came in. Talk about a major change in how the ball feels.

Then there is "Dippy" (see the pina colada thread).

I feel like crying in joy. The game has not felt THIS good to me since I started. Everything just clicked!

[josheaton16]

I agree a 5 step approach feels more fluid to me as well. I've always used five steps for as long as i can remember but have tried a 4 step and it did not go well!!

[Tampabaybob]

Well... I didn't wait till Wed. When an opportunity to adopt is presented and the orphan is such a perfect fit, one cannot turn ones back on a homeless bowling ball.

I am doing a 5 step approach. It feels so fluid and so wonderful to me now, I don't know why I wanted this long to try it.
I also got the chance to bowl with a new brace. My mongoose lifter came in. Talk about a major change in how the ball feels.

Then there is "Dippy" (see the pina colada thread).

I feel like crying in joy. The game has not felt THIS good to me since I started. Everything just clicked!

Those are the words coaches love to hear. Now you have the equipment, the right mindset, just get out there and put it all together. My crystal ball tells me you'll be breaking your personal best many times this coming year. Good luck, and if you have any questions....fire away !!

[the_halfie]

I've been tossing around the idea of dropping to a lighter ball weight recently from #15 down to #14 and possibly #13.
My reasons are because I am throwing the ball SUPER slow, not that I can help it really as I have ZERO approach (as in I literally get in position, and launch the ball)
and because of that my ball is hooking A LOT! Any opinions, or advice?

[DLP]

AS recommended earlier in one of the threads I started I headed here: http://bowlingknowledge.info/

I used to use a 4 step approach because when I got on the lanes it was what I was most comfortable doing. I started doing the 5 step drill and the Push Away drill from the "Physical Game Drills" on that site. I started working on it for three or four days before heading the lanes. Yes, my first game felt really really weird, but unlike the four step approach I was using, the rhythm and cadence of the 5 step explained in the drills became second nature to me really quick. By my second game it was second nature.

My ball speed increased significantly. The extra step of momentum probably had something to do this as I was advancing forward prior to even letting the ball start to move.

I had been bowling with a 14 and then dropped to a 12 (different grip than the 14), went back up to 14 (an Ebonite Cyclone - a hand me down from my hubby) that I was going to stick with, then had a 12 lb Fridge land in my lap. Well, not in my lap per-se but close enough. Can we say indecisive anyone?

I've put the Cyclone and my original 14 lb TZone aside and am going to stick with the Fringe and a 12 lb Pyramid Path for now.

Good luck halfie!! =)

[the_halfie]

Good stuff DLP, and thank you! I would look into different approaches if I had that option lol. I should've specified earlier as to "why" I don't have an approach lol. I was born without legs, so I plant with my left hand at the line, get my hips situated, grab my ball and swing as much as I can (which isn't much due to clearance issues between me and the ground) with a cupped hand and hope that I hit my intended target. My ball speed is roughly between 8-9 MPH with a 15 lbs ball. At least I don't have to worry about shoes, not sliding, and going over the foul line! =P

[billf]

Use what you have to your advantage. The slower ball speed will let you save money on balls as you won't need to big, expensive hook monster balls.
Motive uses the same core in all their weight of balls so you can go as light as you want and keep the same reaction. Some companies change cores below 14 lbs while others below 12 lbs. Not sure if you have a manufacturer preference.
And for the record, if you're not paying attention, you can still go over the foul line! lol
I would suggest Storm's Super Natural, Natural Pearl or Motiv's Tank. They are allo real good urethane balls which hook somewhat less but also consistently handle over/under, wet/dry conditions well.

[DLP]

On that note ..... I see a guy at the lanes occasionally who is in a wheelchair. If he throws anything over a 12lb bowl his chair moves and changes his release massively. He explained that he couldn't handle anything heavier because of this. He bowls both the para-lympics and the Disabled Vet's games. He modified his chair to have additional grip on the wheels with the brakes, but the sheer momentum of his throw forces movement. There are plenty of ways the game can be adjusted

You need to find what is comfortable for you and once you do, the sky is the limit and you'll become unstoppable!

Do you work with a pro at all? Don't be afraid to ask questions! There are also some pretty inspirational videos on youtube of bowlers with degrees of challenges that they have overcome to go on to become amazing bowlers. My step brother introduced me to a few of the videos because he bowls with the complete use of his right arm due to being born with a deformed right arm.

[the_halfie]

Bill you speak the truth! I actually HAVE tripped the foul line with my short's leggings before when getting setup lol! I do NOT have a manufacture preference as of yet, but I HAVE been looking very strongly towards the Brunswick Slingshot, DV8 Misfit/ Misfit Pearl, and the new DV8 Marauder Mutiny has caught my eye and I will continue keeping a close eye on it. I must admit I haven't even glanced at any of the Motive line, but the Storm line I've seen quite often and theres at least ONE bowler that uses the Storm Natural (I THINK its the Pearl, not 100%).

DLP that's awesome about the bowler in the wheelchair, and about your step brother! I have seen quite a few videos since I started bowling of others doing quite well for themselves despite their "disabilities". If I remember correctly there was a guy in a wheelchair last year who bowled his first 300 game in league play (saw it on the USBC website I believe). I personally don't work with a pro, but I get quite a bit of advice from the bowlers on my league and a lot of the advice is solid I just have to learn to adapt it to MY way of bowling, and other times I just simply haven't found a way (yet).

I bowl sunday mornings in a doubles league, so this weekend I'm going to get a lane before league starts up, and throw a couple of 13 and 14 lbs house balls to get a feel for how I like it. If it feels BETTER and I can keep control, then I'll go ahead and get my next ball in one of those weights. Can't hurt to try right?