I want to try an experiment. I know there are very few good coaches in the country or at least they are spread pretty thin. Many people simply don’t have access to a good coach. With this in mind I am considering accepting video tapes from bowlers for me to analyze. I would in turn send back a tape that would include my smiling face showing you things on YOUR tape that I think would improve your game. Although I will not promise the production value of the tape I send back to meet the standards of Steven Spielberg, I will promise that the returned tape will be packed with useful information.

I will be the first to admit that I may not be able to help everyone by simply watching the content of a video tape. Although you can get a lot of good information from watching a video tape of someone bowling, it is not nearly as good as seeing them in person. Should I receive a tape in which I believe I am unable help the bowler without seeing them in person, I will return the tape along with any fee I would charge.  

How much would I charge?  I am guessing I would charge about $40 for each tape. This would include the cost of sending the tape back. I would send the bowler’s tape back as well as my instructional tape. I am not sure as of yet the actual price because I expect this to be very time consuming. I know other coaches have done something similar to this and they charge a lot more. They may be more correct about the price than I, but I am willing to at least start out cheap should I decide to do this.

Why 3 guinea pigs?  I am looking for 3 people from this board THAT I HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH OR MET IN PERSON before. I will analyze their video tapes and send back my instructional tape for free. The only cost to the 3 guinea pigs will be the mailing of the video tape (Less than $5 Priority Mail) to me. I will pay to send the tapes back. The 3 guinea pigs must agree to review my instructional tapes and give a complete report back here on this board. Therefore, I want my 3 guinea pigs to be able to at least write in complete sentences and be able to express themselves here on the board. So none of this “I got da tape bak from Ron and it is Da Sht. Or “da tape I got back sucked”.  I am pretty sure that the instructional tapes I send back will be unlike anything other coaches have done. Those that have worked with me know I tend to do things that are very different than other coaches. I also want the 3 reviews to be totally honest. This is one time I don’t want you to play Mr. Nice Guy. I can only make my decision to do this if I am dead sure the bowler will get more than he or she expects for their money.

If you want to be one of my 3 guinea pigs, don’t go grabbing your video camera just yet. Please post here why you want to be one of my guinea pigs and I will pick 3 out of those that post and announce them here along with instructions on how I want you to be video taped.

Ron Clifton
AKA Magic Carpet

Ooo!  Pick me!  Pick me!

hehe

I contacted Kim Adler but that didn't pan out.

My recommendation would be to pick three extremes... top level, mid level and beginner.  Or a cranker, stroker and tweener.

Even if you don't pick me (I'd have to find a video camera) keep me in the loop, I'll post your results on my site.  That could be a interesting read.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com

Thank you for all the responses. I will post soon who my 3 guinea pigs are.
Ron

Ok here are the 3 little pigs
vlor
Doc Hollywood
CountryClubBowler
kendog
mumzie
(OK I fixed the names. I have no idea how I messed them up.)

Yes I know there are more than 3 listed,but I try to always deliver more than I say. I will not try to explain why I picked the ones I did, that would get me into trouble I am sure. I honestly didn't put a lot of deep thought into it. It took so long to choose just because I have been too busy to look at the list.

Ok the 5 people above listen up. Here is what I need you to do.

I am going to assume you are right handed but if not reverse everything.
#1 Make sure you warm up for a game before you start video taping.
    Then place a piece of white bowlers tape on your ball in the very center  of your grip between the fingers and thumb.

#2 Tape a few shots with the camera behind you and about 2 feet to the right of where you will be standing on the approach. The camera needs to be zoomed out enough that I can see you from head to toe all the way to the foul line. In most cases I only need to see 4 or 5 shots to get an idea of your basic game. If you have a cameraman he can follow the ball down the lane to the pins zooming in as it goes.

#3 put the cameraman about 3 lanes down to your right Have the cameraman stand at the foul line and pan as you go to the line. Again I need to see your full body, even the top of your backswing if it is higher than your head.  3 or 4 shots like this will be fine.

#4 I want the cameraman to zoom in on the ball as it leaves your hand and follow the ball all the way through the pins for 4 or 5 shots. If you can, run the shutter speed up on the camera for this one to the 250 to 300 frames per second range. It's ok if the picture turns out a little dark.

Make sure you shoot at your spares so I can see that too.

That covers all the basic stuff. From there you can add anything you like.
For example you could show me shots playing as far right (like the twig) as you can or as deep as you can. Don't be afraid to talk into the camera as you have questions...remember they have sound. Ask all the questions you want except ones like "what is the best ball for me?" I don't do balls for several reasons...plus there is no shortage of ball info on the net.

The tape you send me needs to be ether VHS (recorded at the fast speed) or
Digital mini DV. So if you video tape on some other format camera then dub it to VHS.
(I just edited this post. Before it said something about $40, that was a mistake There is no charge to the chosen ones)

Send the tape to:  
Ron Clifton
313 Tower Circle Dr.
Winston Salem, NC 27107


I want to thank everyone for all the interest. I had no idea so many people would post. I thought I would be lucky to get the 3 I was looking for
I wish I could handle everyone that posted for free but there is just no way.
If anyone has any questions you can post them here or email me at rclifton@triad.rr.com.
Thank you again
Ron Clifton



Edited on 11/26/2003 5:44 PM

How about my 14 year old son?  We have quite a few feet of him in the last high school tourney.  He is a 185+ bowler & is in a slump.  He has had his ball span changed 5 times in the last year due to his growth problems. I suspect from watching him bowl in the last 4 years that it is a timing issue due to his growth. At the local PBA stop here 6 weeks ago the Storm staffers were impressed with his smoothness & dedication to the game for his age.  They were all very very encouraging to him & to keep up the practice.  No he no longer uses Magic Carpet but that may change.

Will do it this weekend, Ron!!
Thanks!!!

Kimbo, I just looked at your website.  You are NOT charging enough.  Your time is worth more than that.  Geeze.  After Christmas I'll purchase a package or two.
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"I don't mind if you don't like my manners. I don't like them myself. They're pretty bad. I grieve over them on long winter evenings."

Thanks Ron! I am going to try and film Tonight. Get you the tape soon. Can't wait.
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kendog
avoids spare shooting at all costs
'speshly 10 pins