The Future of Bowling TWO HANDS!?

[MICHAEL]

Rob, mentioned in a thread that in the future, two handed bowling JUST MIGHT BE the norm, unless the USBC decides at some point to ban it from the sport!

I don't see that happening, so my question is this:

Since it gives you a HUGE advantage, when preformed properly, IS IT being coached on the High School, College level at this point in time?

Are there any coach's that are schooled in this method of bowling?

ITs all about WINNING on the pro level,,,, MONEY,,,, will more Pro's join the Belmonte band wagon?

I would think at this point in time Rash, might think about changing his style of bowling from one hand.. LOL (
SCIENCE has proven that two hands are better then ONE....

IS THERE A MOVEMENT going on that I just don't know about! Should there be one, since it does give a bowler an advantage!

[RobLV1]

There are various resources available for coaches to learn to coach 2-handed bowling. To retain certification status, coaches are required to earn continuing education credits, just as public school teachers are. Two handed is, I believe the style of the future. My only concern is what it is going to do to the bodies of the bowlers who use it, and is it going to limit bowling as a recreational activity for seniors who are unable to continue to use the two handed style into their retirement years.

[Pauley]

I don't necessarily disagree with the statement that two handed is the style of the future, but I don't see it taking over the PBA for a long time. Belmonte is a freak of nature his ability to consistently hit a fraction of a board, adjust/control speed, manipulate release, and superb spare game is not going to be easily copied. I'm not saying it won't happen, but one handed bowling will be the majority of the PBA for quite a while IMHO.

[Aslan]

Ice, I think your premise is slightly "off". You've done a very "non-Iceman" thing and bought into the HYPE.

Facts:

1) 2-handed bowlers make up < 2% of the PBA.
2) The most titles a 2-handed bowler has is 7 (I think). The leader has 47.
3) 2-handed "when done perfectly" provides an advantage. 2-handed when done "imperfectly" (about 98% of bowlers)....results in horrible splits and washouts and sub-poor spare shooting. It has it's advantages (angle to the pocket, carry, etc..) but also has it's DISadvantages.
4) Thumbless bowling never "caught on" except in cosmic bowling by adolescents. 2-handed is exciting for the youngsters just like thumbless was back in the day. But X does not equal Y...it doesn't mean 2-handed will dominate the sport just because it's a new, exciting thing.

As much as I root against it...I don't think the USBC will ban it any more than they "banned" thumbless bowling. It's a way to throw a ball....a legal ball...it sometimes works well...sometimes not. It doesn't provide the CLEAR ADVANTAGE that your premise seems to suggest. Everyone gets excited when Jason Belmonte wins a title...but what about the 98% of the tournaments where he DOESN'T win the title? Why are we "crowning" Belmonte as the 2-handed bowling "savior" while ignoring that Osku and the other 2-handers don't seem to do that well compared to 1-handers??

And Rob makes a valid point...I think 2-handed is suited for younger players that don't have the upper body strength for 1-handed. And as they develop that strength, they get better at 2-handed bowling. But what about when they're 39? 42? 50? 65? 1-handed bowlers have the advantage of longevity. They may need to alter styles...alter releases....maybe even switch hands as they develop knee and elbow problems...or wrist or shoulder problems. But what does a 2-handed bowler do when they injure their back? Switch to 1-handed? After 10-20 years of bowling 2-handed?

Much ado about nothing my friend. Your buddy Jason don't need no 2 hands right? The great vDub and Bowl1820 and Iceman himself don't need no 2 hands?

[Aslan]

I don't necessarily disagree with the statement that two handed is the style of the future, but I don't see it taking over the PBA for a long time. Belmonte is a freak of nature his ability to consistently hit a fraction of a board, adjust/control speed, manipulate release, and superb spare game is not going to be easily copied. I'm not saying it won't happen, but one handed bowling will be the majority of the PBA for quite a while IMHO.

Of the USBC youth bowlers I've personally watched, there will be more and more coming up through the youth/college ranks. But I agree 100% Pauley. People that think 2-handed is inherently going to increase your scores really, really need to actually TRY it. Belmonte makes it look easy...and it's not. It's like the one guy in your league that throws really goofy or thumbless...but every once in awhile has a 276 game and everyone having a bad night thinks, "Maybe I should bowl like him." They convenienently forget that the guy threw a 118 the previous week.

And like I've mentioned in a couple other posts...I watched a youth 2-handed bowler in action a couple weeks ago. He shot a DOMINANT 279 game! But in the 2 games leading up to it....I beat him in BOTH....he was all over the place...switching balls like mad...horrible leaves, horrible spare shooting. Impressive to watch. I'll give him that. Once he he hit his groove...impressive. But...he tied for 1st in his division...to a 1-hander. Beat my a** though. I can't throw a 279.

[Mudpuppy]

It doesn't matter to me how people bowl - 1 handed, 2 handed, no handed. What I don't understand is the concept that someday I won't be able to bowl 1 handed? So right now it is legal to bowl 1 or 2 handed but you are saying they won't ban 2 handed but the opposite ban 1 handed? Why?

[zdawg]

My only issue with the 2 handed style is the stance requires bending over at the waist to an extreme, something that in my personal trainer days I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER allow a client to do with any kind of weight in their hands - this is the number one single best way to cause yourself a severe back injury (hence the age old adage "lift with your legs not your back").

That said, bowlers aren't exactly deadlifting 500 pounds so the risk of injury is more of a repetitive stress thing that will happen over time - I would be shocked if Belmonte is still able to bend and move around as he does now in another 10 years (he's still in his 20's I believe).

Also, while he's not exactly "fat" you can see he's starting to develop a little extra padding on his belly which naturally adds stress on his back. The kids I see doing it at my alley tend to be little skinny guys without much weight and tend to be very young, so I suppose they can get away with it easier than someone my size but again, in the future they may wish they hadn't if they intend to bowl for decades to come.

But from a philosophical standpoint I have no problem with it, and I'd be shocked if the PBA or anybody else tried to ban it - controversy exists in every sport as they evolve, the old schoolers often feel threatened by something new and unconventional but that is precisely how sports evolve, by people modifying, changing, and introducing radical new ideas.

[MICHAEL]

There are various resources available for coaches to learn to coach 2-handed bowling. To retain certification status, coaches are required to earn continuing education credits, just as public school teachers are. Two handed is, I believe the style of the future. My only concern is what it is going to do to the bodies of the bowlers who use it, and is it going to limit bowling as a recreational activity for seniors who are unable to continue to use the two handed style into their retirement years.

That asnwers one of my questions, Coaches can and do teach this method. I agree, it will probably be the method of the future, (like it or not).

Why, because it give you a huge advantage!

Proof, Look who won Bowler of the year.... and who won the battle recently between Jason and Rash. The two hand wonder form Australia, Mr. plastic bottle cruncher Jason Belmonte! As mentioned by Belmonte, he has beat Rash many times, ( Rash being one of the best one hand bowlers around arguably).

Does he win all his tournaments? NO,, but he is the new boy on the block and does win more money then most I would imagine.

Can he be beat.... SURE,,,, its not a guaranty that your unbeatable, but its all about ODDS, and with the two hand style all experts say the carry it HUGE! Better Carry, more wins, more wins, MORE MONEY!

And that is why I look to this to be the STYLE OF THE FUTURE starting now! Young kids seem to dig it! They like seeing that ball spin at the speed of light!

Now that I know its teachable, and is being taught, we will be seeing a lot more young bowlers turning out in the near future!

What about the seniors,,,, hey,,,, I bowled two 300 games within a 6 month time period with ONE HAND,,,, who has bragging rights,,,, Belmonte,,,, or THE ICEMAN!

One handers will not be left behind,,,, LOL...... two handers do have an advantage not a guaranty of victory!

[dpatrickv]

Facts:

1) 2-handed bowlers make up < 2% of the PBA.
2) The most titles a 2-handed bowler has is 7 (I think). The leader has 47.
3) 2-handed "when done perfectly" provides an advantage. 2-handed when done "imperfectly" (about 98% of bowlers)....results in horrible splits and washouts and sub-poor spare shooting. It has it's advantages (angle to the pocket, carry, etc..) but also has it's DISadvantages.
4) Thumbless bowling never "caught on" except in cosmic bowling by adolescents. 2-handed is exciting for the youngsters just like thumbless was back in the day. But X does not equal Y...it doesn't mean 2-handed will dominate the sport just because it's a new, exciting thing.

1> Can't particularly disagree here. It's a newer style, and hasnt been around for decades like the traditional style has.
2> See #1, two handed hasnt been around that long. For all we know, in 20 years we may see a two hander like Belmonte have 30 or 40 titles.
3> This occurs all across the board. I go to league and see "traditional" bowlers leave horrible splits and miss easy spares. To be that good at something, you must practice...a lot. It does not matter one bit whether it is one or two handed.
4> You would be surprised how many people bowl thumbless, and how many people are actually fairly decent and consistent.

[MICHAEL]

Ice, I think your premise is slightly "off". You've done a very "non-Iceman" thing and bought into the HYPE.

Facts:

1) 2-handed bowlers make up < 2% of the PBA.
2) The most titles a 2-handed bowler has is 7 (I think). The leader has 47.
3) 2-handed "when done perfectly" provides an advantage. 2-handed when done "imperfectly" (about 98% of bowlers)....results in horrible splits and washouts and sub-poor spare shooting. It has it's advantages (angle to the pocket, carry, etc..) but also has it's DISadvantages.
4) Thumbless bowling never "caught on" except in cosmic bowling by adolescents. 2-handed is exciting for the youngsters just like thumbless was back in the day. But X does not equal Y...it doesn't mean 2-handed will dominate the sport just because it's a new, exciting thing.

As much as I root against it...I don't think the USBC will ban it any more than they "banned" thumbless bowling. It's a way to throw a ball....a legal ball...it sometimes works well...sometimes not. It doesn't provide the CLEAR ADVANTAGE that your premise seems to suggest. Everyone gets excited when Jason Belmonte wins a title...but what about the 98% of the tournaments where he DOESN'T win the title? Why are we "crowning" Belmonte as the 2-handed bowling "savior" while ignoring that Osku and the other 2-handers don't seem to do that well compared to 1-handers??

And Rob makes a valid point...I think 2-handed is suited for younger players that don't have the upper body strength for 1-handed. And as they develop that strength, they get better at 2-handed bowling. But what about when they're 39? 42? 50? 65? 1-handed bowlers have the advantage of longevity. They may need to alter styles...alter releases....maybe even switch hands as they develop knee and elbow problems...or wrist or shoulder problems. But what does a 2-handed bowler do when they injure their back? Switch to 1-handed? After 10-20 years of bowling 2-handed?

Much ado about nothing my friend. Your buddy Jason don't need no 2 hands right? The great vDub and Bowl1820 and Iceman himself don't need no 2 hands?

HUMMM where does Iceman Start my good friend from the sunshine state?

1. The Science is not out proving that two handers, can't have the same longevity as one handers, that's a fact, that only time will tell. Hey Iceman works out 5 days a week, and has the strength to crush a bowling ball in the palm of his hands using his sub-0-tempature controlled hands, and raw strength... Getting old, doesn't mean you fall apart!

2. someone mentioned his age,,being 20s,,, I pretty sure its early 30s! I don't see the muscle bone, kinesiology, being as such as that it will give Belmonte a problem, anymore then most one hand bowlers. I swear, I see many,, MANY bowlers that use one hand with braces all over their bodies, knees, back, neck, wrist, forearms you name it! LOL

The key to bowing in the later years is STAYING HEALTHY through exercise, and eating good food! GOOD FOOD, not junk food like most of it out there!

3. Is Jason putting on some weight,,, Yes, I agree, and all bowlers need to watch that! Not because of how it effects your GAME, but how it effects your health and wellbeing!!

I look to see his longevity last as long as anyone eleses,,,if he lives a healthy life style! You may not agree with Iceman, but then what do you know??? I know things...

Did I tell you that I have a time machine, and have gone into the future! Belmonte is bowling two handed into his 70's!! Problem is I will not be around to see it live, but have seen it in the future using my time machine that I made out of a Food Dehydrator for 60 bucks!!