Please help me with my awful approach/swing

[TidalKnight]

Today I was playing particularly badly. I tried to focus on my approach and swing but boo it looked bad. I can tell I started my backswing way too late (2nd or 3rd step not counting the first half) and for some reason my arm looks like it's going back to the left.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3kViOPDWMU

[bullred]

Tidal, for a beginner your footsteps and approach speed look ok.   One thing that's hurting you is the raising of the ball from waist high to over your head.  You are starting fairly in time but you are taking a whole step raising up the ball.   If thats a light ball, go get a 15-16

 

Start with the ball waist high, push away and slightly down  not up.   Start the pushaway when your right heel hits the floor.  

 

Start right now  rolling the ball off your hand not grabbing and throwing. 

 

3 good rules.

#1    walk at your normal walking speed

#2    roll the ball off your hand, don't throw it

#3    look for a little balance at the line.   Quit slinging everything around    When you roll the ball, freeze for a second or two.      good luck

[dizzyfugu]

What bullred mentioned. I also have the impression that the ball you use is either too light or does not fit properly, because you seem to hang onto it very long. A poor fit makes you grip the ball too tightly, and this messes up you timing and robs you any chance for a smooth and relaxed swing and release. I suppose that's also the reason why you tend to pull your arm in front of you when yopu let the ball finally go.

 

Another suggestion I'd make is to try to bend your knees a bit (more). You tend to stand upright, which makes you bend over when you release the ball. This will also kill potential leverage you can impart on the ball and might also be the reason why you pull the pendulum in front of you and throw the ball leftward. Maybe try to keep you knees flexed and you body's CG further aft, standing and walking as if you were about to sit down. Keep your upper body upright while doing so, and let the ball pendulum dictate your stance. You neither have to run to the foul line nor use force in your release - timing and balance is the key for a proper and repeatable release.

 

Good luck, keep it up

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
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