Bowling Tipsby Dick Ritger, Bob Rea or camp staff members
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One of the most effective methods of helping you become a better bowler is with the aid of videotape. It doesn’t take long and the results can be beneficial in many ways. You will need:
When taking the pictures there are two views that are easy to take and provide excellent vantage points. That would be from the ball side (right-handed bowler should bowl on the even lane…left-handed bowler on the odd lane). This way you don’t lose your feet behind the ball return. Some instructors like the front view, but unless you stand on the lane…very dangerous; you can’t get a head on view anyway. Take four or five video shots from the side making sure to get the entire body all the way to the foul line. Position the cameraperson near the foul line a few lanes away for best results. A few shots of upper body and lower body from the side might also be helpful. When you finish from the ball side it is time to move behind the bowler for the view from the back. From this angle you should also take four of five shots of the entire body from first step to last…keeping the entire body in the picture frame. Then, do a few of just the feet and a few of the upper body as well. The next angle to take includes the release, and this can be taken from behind also. To do this, first put your piece of bowler’s tape on the ball. This will show the exact position of the fingers during the swing and particularly at the release point. Place the tape an inch in front of the finger holes (if someone had their name put on the ball it would usually go in the same place). Place the tape vertically not horizontally as a name might be placed on the ball. During your filming from behind, use the zoom lens to catch the ball as it passes the ankle and is released on the lane. You will be amazed at how clear the tape is and how easy it is to see what your fingers are doing through the release area. Now you are ready for your last angle. That would be one from behind and a little off to the ball side of the bowler. Here, you will follow the bowler to the line with the zoom lens and catch the ball as it is released and follow it down the lane. From this angle you can see the revolutions (again the tape helps here) on the ball, the target on the lane that it was delivered over, the ball entering the pocket and the pin carry. Note: For this shot you may have to retake the shot several times until the bowler makes a shot that he/she wants to view. When you have finished make sure to date the tape and store it for easy access. You should re-tape every couple of months, or when the need arises. Video taping is an inexpensive and effective method to keep your game sharp and move forward in your skill development.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/golfonline/instruction/science/firstprize.html It comes out of nowhere…just when you least expect it. It takes control and you are at its mercy? Have you never taken the most smooth and effortless approach, and just at the moment of release…the DARK SIDE prevails? Of what do I speak? You know, when some unknown force causes you to let go of the ball far too late and the hand goes way too far around the ball. The result is a ball off line and/or pathetically weak when it hits the pins. Yes, bowlers, anytime you let go of the ball – follow through and as you look at your bowling hand – you see the back portion of it staring you in the face, you can claim to have seen the ‘dark side’. Overturning the ball is an all too common fault many bowlers experience. If this is a problem for you, here are some potential solutions. The source of the problem may be found in a number of areas.
A fellow bowler once took a series of golf lessons. One of the sessions was entitled; The Sand is Your Friend. Well, I am here to tell you that so is the 10 pin (7 pin for the left handers). Let me start by explaining why I believe leaving the 10 pin is not such a bad situation as some might think. First, the bowler’s primary responsibility is to deliver the first ball of any frame and have it reach the pocket. Strikes are produced most often when the ball enters the pocket. However, it only takes a small change in the release or ball speed to have a ball that is in the pocket leave the 10 pin.The more often you are in the pocket…the more chances to strike, but also more chances on that off delivery to leave the 10 pin. Too often I have seen a bowler carry a couple of strikes and then leave a solid 10. The bowler gets upset that the 10 pin didn’t fall…fusses and fumes….then steps up and misses the spare. In many cases the rest of the game is affected in a negative way. Secondly, there are only ten pins to knock down. On the first ball, if you get nine, you’ve knocked down 90% of the pins. Take a test in school, 90% is usually an ‘A’ or a ‘B’ at the worst; both great grades. Keep a positive frame of mind, step up and convert the spare. Still not a believer? Here are some helpful hints on how to better convert the 10 pin the next time you leave it.
Something to consider that is often ignored, is the need to have an "accessory kit" of some sort in your bowling bag or, as part of your bowling equipment. Let’s look at what might be included in your ‘accessory kit’. Some of this material may need no explanation, some may. You may also have other items that you would include in your ‘kit’.
BEING PREPARED gives you the best opportunity to perform at your highest level.
We have all heard that scenario before, and you may ask, what does that have to do with bowling? If you look at what it signifies to an actor or director on a movie set, you can better get a perspective as to how it pertains to our sport LIGHTS. This means that the time is getting close for a masterful performance by the actors in the scene. All the props are in place and the scene is setup for the perfect 'take'. This is very much like the bowler in the settee area preparing for a delivery. It may mean waiting for the opponent or teammate to take their shot. It may be the time when you focus on what happened on the last delivery on a particular lane, or how the ball felt coming off your hand. As with the actor, you may be seated or standing during this phase. CAMERA. Now the camera begins to whir and the actors assume their places ready for the 'take'. Only time now for a few short cues to make sure the lines are correct, the tone and inflection are appropriate, last touch of makeup and maybe a few deep breaths before it's showtime. In bowling this would be the time when you step up to the ball return and pick up your ball, dry your hand, wipe the ball, visualize your shot...whatever your pre-shot routine is, now is the time for your final dress rehearsal. ACTION! With no hesitation the actors speak their lines and make their moves in accordance with the script. Their style is fluid, automatic and flawless. Here, there is no time for thought, it must just flow. This final performance is the culmination of many hours of practice and numerous dry runs. In bowling we are now on the approach setting our feet and body in the proper alignment to make the desired delivery. Placing our fingers and thumb in the ball for the exact and perfect feel. One more breath, a final visual of the ball's path and then it must be allowed to happen...to flow...go on automatic pilot. Just like the many rehearsals in show biz, if you have rehearsed well during practice, your final performance may be worthy of an academy award! So, the next time you hear LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...you might just be getting ready to make the performance of you bowling life! Best wishes and good bowling.
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