Tough Fundamental Question

[BigEd]

Ok....so I am a 210-215 average bowler who is looking to greatly improve my accuracy. This year the numbers are down because I only bowl one night a week but I have found that my timing is horrible. I use a 4 step approach and every ball I throw is tugged way in. I can feel my body getting way ahead of my hand. So....I decided mid season to completely change my game. Risky I know. So I enlisted the help of two great bowlers that I am close with. The first is my soon to be brother-in-law.

His Stats:

http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=5750&suffix=1183

The other is regarded as one of the, if not the best woman bowler in Indiana. She is my best friend's soon to be fiance! :)

http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=5762&suffix=1799

So enough stat flashing. So they both changed me up to a 5 step approach. I slowed way down both feet and ball speed. I was told by both that Cindy doesn't throw hard but generates power when the ball hit it's break point. So I bought into that since she is very strong in her game. I now follow through much more smoothly and get low to the line. The problem you ask? Well here it comes.......

My old coach is my best bud's dad. We are bowling Tuesday night's together and he has repeatly said that I need to play MY game. I need to work on my game. However, I see it differently. Why wouldn't I want to emulate those who are much better than myself? Why wouldn't I want to strive to be better? After all, whatever they're doing is working and I appreciate any and all advice. So I have taken their advice but I can't help wonder if I am doing the right thing? I have struggled around the low 600's this year. The past 2 weeks I have thrown 655 and 665 with the new method. I feel better. A little more stress on my knee as I don't slide much but that's tolerable. But is it ok to emulate those who are greater bowlers or do I stick to my own style? The obvious (well your scores are better now aren't they?) is not the answer I want. I want personal experiences and whatever advice you have about uniqueness! Thanks guys!

[Jermarace Miller]

Well from my experiences that I have been through its it really though to emulate someone else style to the key. The fact is your body isnt their body and vice versa but you know that already. Other bowlers giving you tips to help your bowling from the style of bowling that they use is not the problem, you need to convert that style into your own style that your body can feel good in. I was told that when part of your body is hurting or there is some stress in your form i.e. your knee you are doing something that your body is not adjusted to. Slowly take your body into that new movement since you do not want to rush into things.

For example I have taken many great bowlers styles that I have seen in my life into mines. Wes Mallot figure 8 swing I have adjusted to mines since he never pulls the ball left. I am not as tall as him so my backswing does not match his but I have adjusted to it in my own way. What I am trying to say it that it is ok to emulate the great bowlers but adjust that style to the comfort zone of your body and mind cause it can hurt you in the long run doing something youre not accustom to.

[pkrplayer]

That is a tough question to answer. You have to go with whateve is most comfortable to you. I have been bowling since I was 5 or 6. When I was old enough to play a hook accurately, my dad started working me with a down and in shot like Anthony and Voss. When the equiptment started to change the game, he had me learn to put some revs on the ball and play a swing shot like the crankers. I have spent many hours over the years learning how to change the axis on the ball to play different lanes and conditions with very limited equipment and many adjustments.

My opinion, it doesn't hurt to have more than one way to roll. I would recommend to learn the different styles with the same approach though, either 4 or 5 step.

[sawmaster]

Well from my experiences that I have been through its it really though to emulate someone else style to the key. The fact is your body isnt their body and vice versa but you know that already. Other bowlers giving you tips to help your bowling from the style of bowling that they use is not the problem, you need to convert that style into your own style that your body can feel good in. I was told that when part of your body is hurting or there is some stress in your form i.e. your knee you are doing something that your body is not adjusted to. Slowly take your body into that new movement since you do not want to rush into things.

For example I have taken many great bowlers styles that I have seen in my life into mines. Wes Mallot figure 8 swing I have adjusted to mines since he never pulls the ball left. I am not as tall as him so my backswing does not match his but I have adjusted to it in my own way. What I am trying to say it that it is ok to emulate the great bowlers but adjust that style to the comfort zone of your body and mind cause it can hurt you in the long run doing something youre not accustom to.

i agree
play your game.
you dont see every1 on the PBA bowling the exact same way, do u? nope.
every1 has their styles, rituals, superstitions, swings, approaches and minds.
just be yourself..
although u shudnt emulate other bowlers..u SHUD learn from them.

[BubbaRay]

Every one is diferent in their style and Physical abilities. Copying someone elses complete style is impossible. Now you can try to incorporate some things into ytour style such and hand position, playing the inside of the ball, arm swing and release. Some of these we are able to adapt into our own styule and some things we just can't. What I would suggest it stick with your own style but try and see if variations improve your game. If they do not and you have trouble physicaly and performance wise, do not go any farther with it. You may wind up doing more harm than good.

[idlehourlegend]

Every one is diferent in their style and Physical abilities. Copying someone elses complete style is impossible. Now you can try to incorporate some things into ytour style such and hand position, playing the inside of the ball, arm swing and release. Some of these we are able to adapt into our own styule and some things we just can't. What I would suggest it stick with your own style but try and see if variations improve your game. If they do not and you have trouble physicaly and performance wise, do not go any farther with it. You may wind up doing more harm than good.

I agree with Bubba here, I throw 2 handed so I know everything about sticking with your own style, I had a lot of people telling me to change but never listened. But I think soon I am going to listen and go to 1 hand soon. I would say to go with whatever one feels better and that you feel you can do your best with.

[Young300]

Copying a style from a great bowler is one thing, but taking some visual aspects that can help improve your game. The body and mind learns better when you take visual experiences and try to emulate them in your own way. I agree that you shouldn't change your style to exactly theirs, because more often then not, it wouldn't work with your body, but taking small hints and tweaking them to be your own and allowing your body to modify them to a way that is comfortable is always a good idea. Whenever I am feeling like I am struggling in some aspect I always take a look at Wes Malott, all because I find that he and I have a similar power style, and just looking at the ease that he can swing the ball, generate the power and transfer that to the pins gives me ideas of what I have been doing wrong. Mainly, looking at things in the beginning of the swing, like the pushaway and the foot work that is done within the first two steps.

[Curacao_Dejavu]

there are 2 items, there is the score and there is what you feel comfortable with.
you said yourself that your scores were lower then before and that's why you were seeking help (part of being competitive also) , and they changed some parts of your approach and know your scores are up.
I thow a backup ball and I will keep that till 2012 to se if I can avg 195 like that.
thats my goal.
2 weeks ago I also asked for help and was told to move up and walk slower.
If feels weird but I feel that I am more balanced at the foulline.
One of my idols and the one I watch more on videos is PB III , he has a long 4 step approach with bigger steps. That's what I have incorporated in my style.
i Know my armwsing is different, but I always look around at the other peoples swings and releases and try to emulate them within my style.
I call that copy and paste special.

you mentioned you have a bit more stress at your knees so at the moment I will say that at least the sliding part has to change (back to the old style or maybe just to a shoe with the interchangeble things)

[PASSIONATEBOWLER]

Every one is diferent in their style and Physical abilities. Copying someone elses complete style is impossible. Now you can try to incorporate some things into ytour style such and hand position, playing the inside of the ball, arm swing and release. Some of these we are able to adapt into our own styule and some things we just can't. What I would suggest it stick with your own style but try and see if variations improve your game. If they do not and you have trouble physicaly and performance wise, do not go any farther with it. You may wind up doing more harm than good.

I agree with Bubba's comment. Don't try to copy everything they told you, especially since you mentioned there is stress in your knees. You have to be comfortable in what you're doing. Conversely, like one of the previous Hammer Heads mentioned - sometimes unorthodox styles (i.e., bowlers that use two hands), works well for some folk.

Good luck!

[nite_owl_28]

You need to find "your" game. Otherwise everyone on tour would look the same. Look around the bowling center or even on TV now days, there so many styles from no thumb to two hands, crankers and so on. A guy on my leauge bowled a 300 without using his thumb just 3 weeks ago. Another guy who is in his sixties rolled a 300 lasy year and his ball speed is about 10 or 11mph.

Advice is great but it has to feel right and you need to start getting the hang of it without weeks and weeks of frustration otherwise it may not work for you.

I personally don't use my thumb, last week I bought "The Sauce" had it drilled and rolled a 248, 232, 278.

I can't bowl with my thumb in the ball, I have tried and I can't get near as much hook. It just doesn't feel right to me. Other guys I know can't bowl without their thumb. I would tell people to try it if they want experiment but it doesn't work for very many people. My point is you just need to try a few things and stick with what feels the best to you. Don't worry about hurting someones feeling or trying to emulate the best bowlers if it doesn't work for you.

[Rowdy]

One:Why did the ball speed drop??? The 5 step approach should let you wind up more,therefore more ball speed.

Two:Less slide? Either it's time for new shoes or your upper body is leaning too far forward on the downswing and making you put the brakes on. Only you know the answer to this one.

The "tugging" thing is easy. That's a balance issue. Either you're falling off the shot to the outside just before release or your head is tilted to the outside. Again,only you know the answer to this one,too.

All of this is telling me that you are just a hair off with your timing though.

[bluerrpilot]

Ok....so I am a 210-215 average bowler who is looking to greatly improve my accuracy

The biggest key to repeating shots is your grip and release. Poor grip will cause poor release and more importantly, poor repeatability.

[BigEd]

One:Why did the ball speed drop??? The 5 step approach should let you wind up more,therefore more ball speed.

Two:Less slide? Either it's time for new shoes or your upper body is leaning too far forward on the downswing and making you put the brakes on. Only you know the answer to this one.

The "tugging" thing is easy. That's a balance issue. Either you're falling off the shot to the outside just before release or your head is tilted to the outside. Again,only you know the answer to this one,too.

All of this is telling me that you are just a hair off with your timing though.

1.) I slowed down to try to get more accurate. I throw hard so the thinking was it would tighten my target area.

2.) I never slide. I hate it and I can't do it. I plant my foot.

Here's the new update. After hearing again that I am listening to too many people, I shoot 716 last night! I am sticking with what's working and all of your advice has been GREATLY appreciated! Thanks guys! BTW....changing styles I have now shot 655, 665, 716. I would have to say that I am doing much better!

[Jermarace Miller]

1.) I slowed down to try to get more accurate. I throw hard so the thinking was it would tighten my target area.

2.) I never slide. I hate it and I can't do it. I plant my foot.

Here's the new update. After hearing again that I am listening to too many people, I shoot 716 last night! I am sticking with what's working and all of your advice has been GREATLY appreciated! Thanks guys! BTW....changing styles I have now shot 655, 665, 716. I would have to say that I am doing much better!

ok just remember that your health and safety is more important than a 700 every time. Like I said pain is an indication that your body is doing something its not accustom to doing.