Suffering the Bowler Blues?

Every bowler experiences occasions of lower than expected performance. The four steps to salvation from this malady that are presented in this article refocus attention on the most important facets of a bowler’s performance.

As a coach, I often hear things like:

• I can’t hit my target.
• My timing is just not right.
• My bowling wrist / arm / shoulder ache after bowling.
• I practice five days a week and my game remains the same.

The slumping bowler must focus on weak points and reinforce strengths. To train properly during times of struggle, one must have a checklist that supports change or improvement. My “Salvation Checklist” can get your game back on track fast.  Here it is:

The Salvation Checklist

1. Ball fit – the grip
2. Free swing
3. Nail the start!
4. Get out of the way!

I believe each of you has already been exposed to each of these concepts. Let’s explore them in detail with whys, how-to exercises, and home remedies. I am a firm believer that off-the-lanes and at-home practice which simulates the bowling delivery works effectively and can shorten improvement time. I’ve seen these methods work on countless students. I even saw an example of this at the professional level when I watched Norm Duke win a PBA tournament in Atlanta some years ago. During the television commercial breaks, Norm shadow bowled. He practiced his first three ...