BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Hannah620 on June 10, 2016, 08:00:50 PM
-
I am on the junior varsity bowling team at my school and I am not very good at bowling and never got put in any of the games, so I would like advice or tips to bowl better if possible.
I used to bowl with a 9 pound bowling ball, but my grandmother just got me a bowling ball for my birthday, my coach said if we were to get our own bowling ball it would have to be at least 10 pounds so my grandma got me a 10 pound bowling ball and I used it for the first time last week after I got it and the highest score I got was an 84.
I was never that good with the 9 pound bowling ball either though, but the highest score I ever got was maybe a 113.
Please just comment any tips or advice for me.
-
It is very difficult to give any kind of tip or advice based on what you posted.
See a good coach to get you started with the basics and to ensure that you have a properly fitted bowling ball. When you have the money to invest in bowling, make sure you buy a good pair of bowling shoes, ones where you can change/adjust the soles and/or heels to properly match the approaches and your style.
You can find some good tips from a coach at http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm
-
Welcome to the fun world of bowling. Lots of good and bad information is online just like any sport. May want to try getting some help with a good coach locally.
http://webservices.bowl.com/USBCFindA/Home/Coach
-
I'm guessing that you're in high school? Assuming that you're a teenager, are there any junior bowling programs in your area? If you join a junior club, they should have coaches there that can at least teach you the basics and can participate every week.
-
It is very difficult to give any kind of tip or advice based on what you posted.
See a good coach to get you started with the basics and to ensure that you have a properly fitted bowling ball. When you have the money to invest in bowling, make sure you buy a good pair of bowling shoes, ones where you can change/adjust the soles and/or heels to properly match the approaches and your style.
You can find some good tips from a coach at http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm
Well, I already have a bowling ball and the shoes.
-
I'm guessing that you're in high school? Assuming that you're a teenager, are there any junior bowling programs in your area? If you join a junior club, they should have coaches there that can at least teach you the basics and can participate every week.
I don't think so.
-
I finally got several videos of myself bowling and posted it to youtube -- check it out ---> https://youtu.be/XcwVkfcoNdQ -- You can comment on the video, or reply back here.
P.S. check the description of the video on youtube. I added my scores.
-
If the high school has a bowling program, are there also coaches for the bowling team? Are there organized practice sessions for the team in which you can participate and receive some guidance? It surprises me there would be a bowling team at the high school with no coaching support at all.
-
If you want to just bowl and have fun, don't worry about doing anything and just do what makes it fun for you.
If you want to be more competitive, I'm pretty sure we'd all suggest you need someone with coaching experience to help you in person.
There are videos on YouTube that can help you by providing information and showing how certain things should be done. But it would be most beneficial if you had a coach to help you and make sure you are doing things correctly
-
If the high school has a bowling program, are there also coaches for the bowling team? Are there organized practice sessions for the team in which you can participate and receive some guidance? It surprises me there would be a bowling team at the high school with no coaching support at all.
We have a coach for the bowling team at school. The thing is, is that we haven't practiced over the summer because he said he would text everyone when he's available to practice with everyone. But he also focuses more on the people who play really good, mostly during the varsity games, but then again that would make sense so he could help them out during competition.
-
If you want to just bowl and have fun, don't worry about doing anything and just do what makes it fun for you.
If you want to be more competitive, I'm pretty sure we'd all suggest you need someone with coaching experience to help you in person.
There are videos on YouTube that can help you by providing information and showing how certain things should be done. But it would be most beneficial if you had a coach to help you and make sure you are doing things correctly
Well, I would like to be on the varsity team and actually get in a game and succeed because I enjoy bowling. I am just asking for tips that could possibly help me without coaching, considering I can't have a coach near me every time I bowl. And many people asked for me to provide a video of my bowling because that would help them be able to give me advice or tips and I finally had the ability to record several videos of myself, so I added them all together and uploaded it to youtube.
-
If the high school has a bowling program, are there also coaches for the bowling team? Are there organized practice sessions for the team in which you can participate and receive some guidance? It surprises me there would be a bowling team at the high school with no coaching support at all.
We have a coach for the bowling team at school. The thing is, is that we haven't practiced over the summer because he said he would text everyone when he's available to practice with everyone. But he also focuses more on the people who play really good, mostly during the varsity games, but then again that would make sense so he could help them out during competition.
and herein lies the problem. Should the coach help out those who are further well off for the sake of competition and winning as well as prep them for their next stages (they are the next generation of bowlers)...
.. or concentrate on the new bowlers coming in, because they are also the next generation, are enthusiastic about the sport, and are actively seeking and wanting to be coached?
Both have advantages, but personally, I'd give a 40/60 split between the varsity players and the new people, with the bigger chunk going to the newer people. The varsity kids know more of the fundamentals and can pretty much figure out what they need to work on from eachother. But the new people; you don't want to drive them away from the sport due to lack of attention..
Here's an idea. As far as your club/team goes, get hold of your coach, and ask them to do this: If they can get the entire team together (Varsity and JV), get them together for a coaching session. For those on the Varsity team, this would be a great MENTORING (read: peer to peer) session. In other words, the coach can't be in all places coaching you at once. This is where (s)he should depend on the kids on the Varsity team coming down to help out the JV side and get them some coaching or mentoring, especially in the fundamentals you need to get your averages and performance up.
Then when the coach is done with his Varsity side, he should be able to come in and take over from where the mentors left off, or even have them help the coach in the coaching. That way everyone wins: Varsity gets coached, JV gets coached, and the Varsity side helps in the coaching.
Outside of that, the killer right now is that this is the off season for you. With it being summer here, other things in life will take priority. But don't let that stop you from actively seeking any coaching. If your club's coach is USBC certified, then I would definitely go to an alley that may be hosting a summer youth league, perhaps even sign up for that league, but go with the intent that you're looking for a coach to help you in your development. That type of coaching should come with a USBC sponsored youth league, so if you are in one, you should take every advantage of that. From there, you'll get started on your journey.
Last thing: don't ever be afraid to ask questions! That's what the coaches are there for. If something you're learning doesn't look or feel right, ask about it, and and make sure it's right and what you need. The coaches should be looking out for your interests, not theirs.
Hope this helps, and keep posting if you have any other questions!
BL.
-
If the high school has a bowling program, are there also coaches for the bowling team? Are there organized practice sessions for the team in which you can participate and receive some guidance? It surprises me there would be a bowling team at the high school with no coaching support at all.
We have a coach for the bowling team at school. The thing is, is that we haven't practiced over the summer because he said he would text everyone when he's available to practice with everyone. But he also focuses more on the people who play really good, mostly during the varsity games, but then again that would make sense so he could help them out during competition.
and herein lies the problem. Should the coach help out those who are further well off for the sake of competition and winning as well as prep them for their next stages (they are the next generation of bowlers)...
.. or concentrate on the new bowlers coming in, because they are also the next generation, are enthusiastic about the sport, and are actively seeking and wanting to be coached?
Both have advantages, but personally, I'd give a 40/60 split between the varsity players and the new people, with the bigger chunk going to the newer people. The varsity kids know more of the fundamentals and can pretty much figure out what they need to work on from eachother. But the new people; you don't want to drive them away from the sport due to lack of attention..
Here's an idea. As far as your club/team goes, get hold of your coach, and ask them to do this: If they can get the entire team together (Varsity and JV), get them together for a coaching session. For those on the Varsity team, this would be a great MENTORING (read: peer to peer) session. In other words, the coach can't be in all places coaching you at once. This is where (s)he should depend on the kids on the Varsity team coming down to help out the JV side and get them some coaching or mentoring, especially in the fundamentals you need to get your averages and performance up.
Then when the coach is done with his Varsity side, he should be able to come in and take over from where the mentors left off, or even have them help the coach in the coaching. That way everyone wins: Varsity gets coached, JV gets coached, and the Varsity side helps in the coaching.
Outside of that, the killer right now is that this is the off season for you. With it being summer here, other things in life will take priority. But don't let that stop you from actively seeking any coaching. If your club's coach is USBC certified, then I would definitely go to an alley that may be hosting a summer youth league, perhaps even sign up for that league, but go with the intent that you're looking for a coach to help you in your development. That type of coaching should come with a USBC sponsored youth league, so if you are in one, you should take every advantage of that. From there, you'll get started on your journey.
Last thing: don't ever be afraid to ask questions! That's what the coaches are there for. If something you're learning doesn't look or feel right, ask about it, and and make sure it's right and what you need. The coaches should be looking out for your interests, not theirs.
Hope this helps, and keep posting if you have any other questions!
BL.
Well, I said he mostly only helps the varsity people when were competing against another school. Before we started competing against other schools, we actually have bowling club where anyone can join to play for fun or practice, and our coach knows who's on the team and I will obviously rejoin next year so he would help everyone during club. And he's also planning to get in contact with everyone to practice this summer and I assume he would help everyone and not just the really good players.
However, on the bright side, I signed up to go to a bowling camp this weekend. It's only two days, but on the sheet where I signed up it said what we were going to do. And it also said that they would check to make sure our bowling ball is the right fit and everything.
But for now I posted a video of my bowling on youtube, to see how people could help over the internet since I can't have a coach every single time I decide I want to go bowling.
-
Hannah, I watched you take several shots on your youtube link. I will comment on one area: your grip. Although I could not actually see you grip the ball, I suspect that your thumbhole is too big---a common problem for most new bowlers and plenty of not-so-new-bowlers. If your thumbhole is too big, you will squeeze with your thumb to keep from dropping the ball. That extra pressure will hurt every part of your shot including the arm swing, release, and ball reaction.
Your thumb fit must be snug but not so tight that you cannot make a clean release. Here is an excellent video that may help you: http://www.usbcbowlingacademy.com/video/bowling-tips-relaxed-bowling-grip-pressure-006865/
Good luck. Bowling can be a great fun sport. Enjoy it!
-
another thing I've also noticed, Hannah, after watching part of your clip. While it can be normal for someone to start their approach so quickly after getting set, I have to wonder..
What target are you looking at? Obviously, it is hard to see that as we are seeing your bowling from behind you, but I'm wondering what target you are trying to hit or aim at when you are delivering your ball. I know that others will chime in here as well, but keeping your ball in play and being consistent about it is something that everyone works on throughout their bowling career. This would mean finding a target on the lane, and trying to hit that target every time.
Another thing to check into is a consistent rhythm in your form, relative to your feet, and balance throughout your approach. For that, with today's lady pros, I'd look at clips of Stefanie Johnson. Watch clips of her, especially her footwork, form throughout her approach, and how balanced she is at the foul line. She, followed by Danielle McEwan, currently best match your form, in a basic 4-step delivery. This will definitely take some coaching, but the sooner you can get your balance and form down as well as hitting your target on the lane, your scores will also go up. Not knowing your age (If you're talking Varsity and JV, I'm also assuming high school), a 9 pound ball may be too light for you. Again, talk to your coach on that and see if you may need something heavier, and work your way up to that.
BL.
-
Again, join a junior bowling league if it's available, and I don't know about where you are at, but here, we have summer sessions going on until the Winter Season starts. There, you can bowl every week and get FREE COACHING.
Looking at the video, first, take your time. It looks like you are grabbing your ball off the ball return, walking to a spot, and rushing to throw it. Set up your feet. Are you standing in a certain place or just standing anywhere? I can't tell, but it doesn't look like you look down at the boards at your feet in the set-up. Look at your target, focus on it. Are your shoulders and hips aligned? It all starts at your set-up.
What are you targeting? For beginners, it's easier to pick a spot at the arrows. Are you hitting your target or close to it? If you're not sure, then watch your ball. Don't expect instant improvement, but practice, practice, practice.
You can also ask your teammates, especially the better ones, and ask them to practice with you and ask them for help if the school coach is not going to help you, especially over the summer break. 8)
-
another thing I've also noticed, Hannah, after watching part of your clip. While it can be normal for someone to start their approach so quickly after getting set, I have to wonder..
What target are you looking at? Obviously, it is hard to see that as we are seeing your bowling from behind you, but I'm wondering what target you are trying to hit or aim at when you are delivering your ball. I know that others will chime in here as well, but keeping your ball in play and being consistent about it is something that everyone works on throughout their bowling career. This would mean finding a target on the lane, and trying to hit that target every time.
Another thing to check into is a consistent rhythm in your form, relative to your feet, and balance throughout your approach. For that, with today's lady pros, I'd look at clips of Stefanie Johnson. Watch clips of her, especially her footwork, form throughout her approach, and how balanced she is at the foul line. She, followed by Danielle McEwan, currently best match your form, in a basic 4-step delivery. This will definitely take some coaching, but the sooner you can get your balance and form down as well as hitting your target on the lane, your scores will also go up. Not knowing your age (If you're talking Varsity and JV, I'm also assuming high school), a 9 pound ball may be too light for you. Again, talk to your coach on that and see if you may need something heavier, and work your way up to that.
BL.
I usually aim for the middle arrow or one to the left of it or in between. I am 17 years old. Also, I am going to a bowling camp this weekend and on the paper to sign up, it said that they would help to make sure our bowling balls are the righ fit.
-
I usually aim for the middle arrow or one to the left of it or in between.
Good. You're looking at a target on the lane instead of only at the pins. It is the target on the lane, when your ball comes off right, that gets your ball into a roll. Yes, there is a lot more going on than just that, but as long as you're looking at a target instead of just going straight for the pins, you're on your way.
I am 17 years old. Also, I am going to a bowling camp this weekend and on the paper to sign up, it said that they would help to make sure our bowling balls are the righ fit.
Glad to see that you're going to this camp. While we all know that you are already at this level, I'll just say it again just for affirmation: Be open to the suggestions the coaches give you. If they are doing their job (and to be honest, if they are USBC Certified, you should be able to check their credentials at bowl.com), they should be able to dissect your game to its minute levels, and help you to build it up to where you can be competitive. But it will all start with you and going into the camp with an open mind. But also with that, you'll need to tell them what you want your end result to be. If you want to be as competitive as your Varsity team, tell them that, so they'll know how much they should help you and what you need to work on.
At 17, they may say that a 9-pound ball is definitely too light, and give you recommendations on what you should have. They may even have something for you to try while you're there. If not and they do recommend a heavier ball, ask them which ones you should go for, type of grip (conventional, fingertip, etc.) and take that info to your local pro shop. With that info, you'll know what to get and get it fit for you.
There's plenty to go off of here, and I know the info may be overwhelming, but it will definitely pay off in the end, especially if you are wanting to do this (which you are).
Keep us up to date on how you're doing!
BL.
-
I usually aim for the middle arrow or one to the left of it or in between.
Good. You're looking at a target on the lane instead of only at the pins. It is the target on the lane, when your ball comes off right, that gets your ball into a roll. Yes, there is a lot more going on than just that, but as long as you're looking at a target instead of just going straight for the pins, you're on your way.
I am 17 years old. Also, I am going to a bowling camp this weekend and on the paper to sign up, it said that they would help to make sure our bowling balls are the righ fit.
Glad to see that you're going to this camp. While we all know that you are already at this level, I'll just say it again just for affirmation: Be open to the suggestions the coaches give you. If they are doing their job (and to be honest, if they are USBC Certified, you should be able to check their credentials at bowl.com), they should be able to dissect your game to its minute levels, and help you to build it up to where you can be competitive. But it will all start with you and going into the camp with an open mind. But also with that, you'll need to tell them what you want your end result to be. If you want to be as competitive as your Varsity team, tell them that, so they'll know how much they should help you and what you need to work on.
At 17, they may say that a 9-pound ball is definitely too light, and give you recommendations on what you should have. They may even have something for you to try while you're there. If not and they do recommend a heavier ball, ask them which ones you should go for, type of grip (conventional, fingertip, etc.) and take that info to your local pro shop. With that info, you'll know what to get and get it fit for you.
There's plenty to go off of here, and I know the info may be overwhelming, but it will definitely pay off in the end, especially if you are wanting to do this (which you are).
Keep us up to date on how you're doing!
BL.
I agree. I only hope that the 10 pound ball my grandmother bought me for my birthday is the right fit for me and is the weight I need, considering my grandmother just bought me the ball and I would hate to get a new one. However, the pro bowling shop I purchased my bowling ball and everything happens to be in the bowling alley that we going to for bowling camp. But I don't think I would buy a new one so soon.