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Author Topic: Hitting My Mark  (Read 4022 times)

abcarr

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Hitting My Mark
« on: December 11, 2014, 09:38:33 AM »
A little over a month ago I had a used Roto Grip Theory drilled that had been completely plugged and resurfaced.  So when I went to get it drilled the driller came out onto the lanes and watched me throw several balls.  During the time that he watched me he said that my game was fudamentally solid but that consistantly hitting my mark was definitely my weak point, which is something I already knew.  Since then, and mostly by accident, I've figured out something that has definitely helped increase my accuracy.  Instead of looking at the mark/board that I want to hit, I look about three boards to the left  of that spot.  (I'm right handed.)  I won't say that I hit my mark every time, but the percetage is way up.  And I know that it was just practice, but putting this method to the test I've thrown 11 games (with three diferent balls) and I've had two games in the 160s, a 256, 245 and the others have been in the 190s to low 200s.  So something is working!!   

So I was just wondering if this is an issue others  have had a problem with and did this same method work for you, or am I just wierd and this solution is unique to me.
Thanks!! 
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

 

SVstar34

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2014, 09:45:42 AM »
I think it's a possibility that you have one eye that is far more dominant than the other which can lead to that problem or you might be drifting in your approach

JustRico

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2014, 10:17:17 AM »
Most bowlers target the outside of the bowling ball vs actually where the bowling ball is on the lane
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Gene J Kanak

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2014, 10:21:58 AM »
I agree with SVstar34. It sounds like an issue of drifting and/or eye dominance. The great thing is, if you've pinpointed the amount that you need to account for, you should have a lot of success going off of that assuming you follow that same pattern every time.

MrNickRo

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2014, 10:28:08 AM »
Most bowlers target the outside of the bowling ball vs actually where the bowling ball is on the lane

So if a righty were playin '15', they would watch for the right side of the ball to go over the arrow on 15? 

I'm not sure why I've never heard of this, but it's really interesting. I've been looking for something to shake up lately, so maybe I'll try this tonight.

abcarr

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2014, 10:31:40 AM »
Most bowlers target the outside of the bowling ball vs actually where the bowling ball is on the lane

Not sure I really understand what you're saying.  Are you saying they line up the outside (so for a right-hander, the right side) of the ball with their mark??

Thanks!!
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

JustRico

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2014, 10:44:40 AM »
Because if body position the eye looks on the outside of the bowling ball than the actual center where the ball is contacting the lane surface
Some bowlers do the opposite looking on the inside but very few bowlers actually know where the ball is contacting the lane
Co-author of BowlTec's END GAMES ~ A Bowler's COMPLETE Guide to Bowling; Head Games ~ the MENTAL approach to bowling (and sports) & (r)eVolve
...where knowledge creates striking results...
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MrNickRo

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2014, 10:46:33 AM »
... very few bowlers actually know where the ball is contacting the lane

This is interesting.  I've always watched where the ball contacts the lane for targeting.

abcarr

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2014, 10:54:56 AM »
... very few bowlers actually know where the ball is contacting the lane

This is interesting.  I've always watched where the ball contacts the lane for targeting.

Not sure where my ball is contacting the lane, but I do know that it is a few boards to the left of where I'm actually aiming, so by the time it reaches the first set of arrows (my aiming point) the ball is crossing my mark.  Hopefully....... 
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

tuckinfenpin

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #9 on: December 11, 2014, 11:11:20 AM »
Whatever works for you. Whether it is an eye dominate issue or inconsistent approach that was corrected. Main thing is that you have confidence with it and stick to it, not overthink.

I urge you while you seem to be happy with your results to go practice a couple more games. But take mental or physical notes on where you start on the approach, and where you are when you release the ball at the line.

I had been in a funk converting 10 pins, until one of my teammates said it looked as if I were drifting while trying to convert them. He was right! I mentally attempted not to drift when throwing at them and began converting again.

Personally I know I drift about one board to my non dominate side during a regular shot. I have a baseline that if I am +/- 2 either way I may need to address it.

abcarr

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2014, 11:36:09 AM »
Thanks for the replies/input.  Not sure about an eye dominance issue, but I do know that at one point I had a drifting problem.  Teammates on the summer league pointed it out to me.  They notice that from where I was lined up, by the time I hit the line and released my ball I had drifted about 5 boards to the right.  So that's something I  worked on to correct and still have to think about to make sure I don't do it.  So whether I'm still drifting (maybe not as much though) and don't realize it,   at least I've figured out how to compensate for it.  And I'm curious now to see where I'm releasing the ball compared to where I start out at.

Thanks again!!
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

Artimust

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Re: Hitting My Mark
« Reply #11 on: December 11, 2014, 03:47:35 PM »
I have had the same problem and noticed that I would throw 1 to 2 boards left of where i'm aiming for, consistently.  I tried targeting my eyes 1 to 2 boards right and I would hit my target more often.  I don't drift and usually within 1 board. 

I watch where my ball actually makes contact with the lane, so that would be the bottom center.