Me bowling advice appreciated

[Amyers]

Here is some background on me I bowled a lot until about 20 years ago left the sport and came back about 6 months ago I will be bowling 2 leagues this summer and I am trying to get my game back. This first video is me one week ago




I noticed that I was starting late on my delivery from it.

[Amyers]

This next video is me from this week sorry not as much on it. But I do believe I was starting my swing earlier




Let me know what you think I have been struggling with pulling my shot to the left here lately and my balance isn't what it should be.

[Blacksox1]

Welcome to the boards Amyers. We have a couple of bowling coaches on site. I am not one of them. Until recently, I coached elite tennis players here in Florida. To me, your swing motion may be starting late. This may be causing you to rush your release, and possibly your footwork as well. I will defer to Rob or MikeW. Also it is nice to have West "By God" Virginia represented here on the board. I played collegiate tennis and bowling there, on scholarship, in the early 80's. Enjoyed almost every minute of it. Once a Mountaineer, you know the saying.

[RobLV1]

Timing is definitely an issue. Pushaway seems to be starting a little bit late, and goes upward as well which makes timing later. The ball should move outward, not upward with the first step. More importantly, you seem to be throwing the ball, rather than rolling the ball. This is a big difference as throwing it actually takes revolutions off of the ball. Just roll it smoothly and let it go. Think of your approach as a dance rather than as a sprint to the foul line.

[Amyers]

Thanks black sox I think there maybe more west Virginians in Florida than in wv sometimes

[Amyers]

I had not noticed the upward movement I wonder if it is there all the time I will work on that. I have had ball speed issues which is why I changed to the faster approach. I will also try to free the swing up and not muscle the ball. I have leagues on Friday maybe able to get a few more shots then if not maybe in practice this weekend.

[RobLV1]

Unfortunately, many bowlers try to increase their ball speed by increasing the speed of their feet in their approach. The feet and the ball must go together. When the foot speed is increased, the timing gets later which ultimately slows the ball down. You are correct in the fact that a muscle-free armswing, along with neutral timing is the most effective way of increasing ball speed. Less muscle = more speed!

[bowl1820]

Hi amyers!

What I noticed is your balance is off at the foul line, notice how you fall off to the right after your release.

You want to be able to "post" the shot (hold your position) after your release the ball.

[Aslan]

you seem to be throwing the ball, rather than rolling the ball.... Think of your approach as a dance rather than as a sprint to the foul line.

This sounds familiar.

This is a big difference as throwing it actually takes revolutions off of the ball. Just roll it smoothly and let it go. Think of your approach as a dance rather than as a sprint to the foul line.

I understand what Rob is saying with this...but I kinda disagree.

I mean, "yes"...if you're using a strong ball...modern balls tend to provide their own hook if you come behind them as is presently taught with modern releases.

BUT...with a "coming up the side" older school release...I PERSONALLY get WAY more REVS by throwing it because my hand is coming from either slightly behind or from a "suitcase" position....so most of the revs are generated in the upward motion.

To get more revs WITHOUT that upward motion...I have to learn to start my release with my hand on the inside so those revs are generated as I come around the ball and release forward (rather than up).

So...I agree with Rob's premise...but I think it assumes a inside hand position, higher end reactive type of ball, and a more modern release. I can say with 120% certainty from video evidence of my own release...that when I used to "throw" it (upward swing)...compared to now...my revs decreased from somewhere around 300-400rpms to 100-200rpms. Sometimes I "accidentally" "chuck it" and the result is a ball with more speed but also more revs and lateral movement. If I'm lucky...that mistaken shot cancels itself out as it starts hooking later but hooks more and I still hit the pocket. But that usually depends on how dry the area is where I make that mistake.

As to advice for the OP...Rob helped me to stop "throwing it" and start rolling it and it seems to be working so...I'll defer to him. It's hard because of your size (from my own experience as well) to get a real "textbook" knee bend that helps facilitate a good roll. Trying to "roll it" versus either drop it or chuck it is difficult for larger folks and folks with knee problems. But "throwing it" is a difficult style to master (believe me...I tried like hell to master it) because it requires a much higher level of accuracy to consistently hit that spot. And as you've mentioned/noticed...with so much upper body torque/motion...you have a greater tendency to pull the shot OR over-compensate and drop it in the gutter.

Try working on rolling it...focusing on hitting a board over and over again. If you can roll it with accuracy...I think you can develop the revs later. Thats what I'm doing. It's frustrating...and it sucks when I can't seem to strike as much as I should hitting that pocket so consistently. BUT...your spare shooting will improve and your average will rise. Or...keep throwing it and see if you can develop a consistent shot that way. It's not impossible...I've seen some really good bowlers loft it 8-10ft and score well. But I think thats a harder road (or I would have stayed on it).

My opinion. (completely non-credentialed)

[RobLV1]

Aslan: Yes, it assumes a modern reactive ball, a hand position on the inside of the ball, and a more modern release. It does so for a reason and that reason is that he left the game about 20 years ago (just about the time that modern bowling balls were introduced), and he "wants to get his game back." If he really wants to get his game back, he will use a modern reactive ball, and learn to keep his hand on the inside of the ball and develop a modern release. Believe me, I admire your tenacity, but for the short time that you have been bowling, you really shouldn't be trying to help others. You have very, very limited experience, and though something works well for you now, I have a hunch that in six months you'll say to yourself, "What the hell was I thinking?" Please give others the benefit of the doubt. You are doing more harm than good. You know me, and I think that you believe that I am honestly trying to help people. Please let me!