Using a wrist protector as a training tool

[zdawg]

Anybody have some tips to avoid becoming reliant on it? We had a two week break between our last league night and tonight so in the interim I've been practicing a LOT and I've mostly been using a Mongoose lifter because my wrist was starting to hurt (I think this might have to do with gripping the ball or maybe trying too hard to put rotation as my hook went away a while back). My goal was simply to help correct my release, keep my wrist from breaking back, and hopefully alleviating some of the wrist pain. But, I ONLY intended for it to be a training tool, not something I would become reliant on.

Well, after practicing with it for two weeks, I tried to bowl the first two games tonight without it and I was back to struggling to get a hook on the ball, some throws were good and others just went straight (and almost every single ball I threw missed the target). SO, the third game I used the Mongoose and bowled my best game of the night, and while it wasn't my best game ever it at least was consistent.

Anybody have any tips on using these devices simply as a training tool, so that I don't become reliant on it? I liken it to when I was a kid and first started a weight training regimen, often times in those days as I was building strength I would use wrist straps to assist my grip when performing heavier than usual lifts - but I always made sure not to become reliant on them so as not to cheat myself out of developing the proper forearm/wrist strength necessary. Eventually I stopped using them altogether.

I want to be able to do this with the Mongoose, the last thing I want to do is become reliant on it, I'm just not sure if/how often it should be used. At the very least I think I'll refrain from using it in practice the day before a league night.

[classygranny]

If you want to use the wrist protector as a training tool, you have to bowl with that mindset. For example, make sure that every shot you are aware and cognizant of your wrist position and "feel" what your wrist is doing. If you just put it on and bowl, then your wrist, as well as your muscle memory will not be in use - this would create a "need" to use the protector at all times. Also, while practicing (or even in league) bowl a few frames with it, keep your awareness high, then remove it a few frames, and then alternate back and forth like that to give you the opportunity to "learn" the muscle memory of a good wrist position. Just my humble opinion...from some experience.

[e-tank]

Seeing all the wrist supporters do is keep you wrist from breaking back, if you keep your wrist cupped or at least straight, youll get the same results as a supporter

[zdawg]

If you want to use the wrist protector as a training tool, you have to bowl with that mindset. For example, make sure that every shot you are aware and cognizant of your wrist position and "feel" what your wrist is doing. If you just put it on and bowl, then your wrist, as well as your muscle memory will not be in use - this would create a "need" to use the protector at all times. Also, while practicing (or even in league) bowl a few frames with it, keep your awareness high, then remove it a few frames, and then alternate back and forth like that to give you the opportunity to "learn" the muscle memory of a good wrist position. Just my humble opinion...from some experience.

You're right, I haven't been cognizant of my wrist when wearing it, so it makes sense. I think I'll mix it up while practicing this week and see what I can figure out.

[zdawg]

Seeing all the wrist supporters do is keep you wrist from breaking back, if you keep your wrist cupped or at least straight, youll get the same results as a supporter

Well the reason I bought this one, is it's supposed to actually force you to lift the ball in addition to keeping your wrist straight, as opposed to just keeping your wrist straight. I've been wary of my release ever since I changed a ton of my mechanics, so I wanted to make sure that my release was consistent.

[e-tank]

Well the reason I bought this one, is it's supposed to actually force you to lift the ball in addition to keeping your wrist straight, as opposed to just keeping your wrist straight. I've been wary of my release ever since I changed a ton of my mechanics, so I wanted to make sure that my release was consistent.

this is just a guess but wouldnt practicing doing that w/o the brace give you the muscle memory and confidence to do it? For example when im not at the lanes and have some free time at home, i practice my approach and release by throwing my ball on my bed.

[dnhoffman]

I do it, recommend the Mongoose Lifter as well.

It doesn't jus brace your wrist e-tank, it has a strap that teaches you to tuck the pinky really helps you use your fingers more...

[e-tank]

I do it, recommend the Mongoose Lifter as well.

It doesn't jus brace your wrist e-tank, it has a strap that teaches you to tuck the pinky really helps you use your fingers more...

ah i see. I had no idea. I was picturing one of those braces that has the metal plate in it that prevents your wrist from breaking. Guess i shouldve done my research haha

[Hammer]

If your wrist breaks back without the wrist support it might be because of two things. First, you just might have a weak wrist. Second, you might be using a ball that is too heavy for you. When I was younger I used a 16# ball. Then when I got older I went to a 15# ball because my wrist would hurt after I bowled my three league games. Now I use a 14# Blue Hammer ball. I find it easier on the wrist and it strikes just as good as my 15# on pocket hits.

[dnhoffman]

ah i see. I had no idea. I was picturing one of those braces that has the metal plate in it that prevents your wrist from breaking. Guess i shouldve done my research haha

Seriously though it's a pretty neat brace, I've been using it with some of my clients learning to bowl fingertip to teach how to "get more finger lift" into their release.