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Author Topic: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)  (Read 4225 times)

xrayjay

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The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« on: May 25, 2015, 01:23:33 PM »
I got to see him for a private session this weekend and it was a great experience. I've seen many coaches, which many of them are great in their ways too, but he diagnosed a few things - minor tweaks in my game which I feel good about. And explained why this and that happens and/or results in.

After seeing me bowl, the first thing he said to me was, "you're very close" and proceeded doing his thing as a coach. He showed me video of different angles of my approach and dissected my game one foot at a time. I was able to grasp the details he provided me and my goal now is to apply them.

Results don't come over night, but when I did do it right, the results were proof that it can be done. From the start of my swing, to ball motion, and most importantly, my hand staying behind the ball without him telling me to stay behind the ball. I was told to stay behind the ball, lead with finger and/or elbow from past coaches, but it wasn't a fix. I still came around the ball often. He explained why I turn my hand early and what areas I need to improve - without him telling me "stay behind the ball".

Overall, a great session. Likewise, he's very friendly like I knew him already. He even gave me tips and advice about this weekends Disney vacation. Just an informative session which I can take back home with me.
 
Does a round object have sides? I say yes, pizza has triangles..

aka addik since 2003

 

spencerwatts

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2015, 02:19:02 PM »
Sounds like Mark Baker's really grown up in many ways from his brash surfer boy-jock bravado from back in the day. Like he even said, who would have ever thought he would become a premiere coach in the sport of bowling? At his peak among contemporaries like Randy Pedersen, Marshall Holman, or David Ozio, his game would have never translated into anything worth drawing upon for coaching purposes. But to his credit he knows bowling. That's all that really matters. 
« Last Edit: May 25, 2015, 03:48:54 PM by spencerwatts »
Ball speed avg. (18.25 mph)
Rev rate avg. (400-428 rpm)
Still refusing to accept AARP eligibility and membership cards

Steven

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2015, 02:52:55 PM »
I've taken a few lessons from Baker. For the most part, xrayjay hit it. 
 
I'd recommend that for anyone considering a private lesson, get a copy of his instructional CD and watch it a few times first. Your one-on-one session will be more productive.

xrayjay

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2015, 07:00:36 PM »
I've taken a few lessons from Baker. For the most part, xrayjay hit it. 
 
I'd recommend that for anyone considering a private lesson, get a copy of his instructional CD and watch it a few times first. Your one-on-one session will be more productive.

+1 I've read his book twice prior to this session. I also purchased his DVD as well which arrives tomorrow.

Does a round object have sides? I say yes, pizza has triangles..

aka addik since 2003

itsallaboutme

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2015, 07:02:08 PM »
Did he look at you when he was talking to you?

xrayjay

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2015, 07:44:30 PM »
Hehehe...yes he did. he was glued at my game, on the approach and around the sette. He didn't go off topic, just focused on coaching. He didn't talk 1000 mph like someone had mentioned too.
Does a round object have sides? I say yes, pizza has triangles..

aka addik since 2003

Buckwild

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2015, 08:38:21 PM »
What was his analysis on why you turn your hand early?

xrayjay

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2015, 01:02:07 PM »
What was his analysis on why you turn your hand early?

I was doing some "dipping and raising" in parts of my approach. In the first part of my swing I dropped my shoulder as my ball reached the lowest part of the swing. which made me help the ball up in the backswing, or muscle it. On video it's very sutble in normal speed. But, in slow motion it's clear to see.

The other part was my hips. I was taught to "get down' as I slide when i was a youth. When I was younger through my early 30's I had a deep knee bend. Now with weight gain and age, I'm assuming, I was sliding down and up at the foul line instead of being level with my hips. Again, video showed this. I also looked at videos I have of myself already and at times I "stood up" early on one leg. It doesn't help too that I weight more than I ever did in my life, standing on one leg.



Does a round object have sides? I say yes, pizza has triangles..

aka addik since 2003

Buckwild

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2015, 06:44:05 AM »
Thanks! I tend to do that with my upper body (dipping and raising) too. Trying to keep that quiet and keep the bowling shoulder down through the approach. Hope your lesson turns you into the best bowler you can be!

xrayjay

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Re: The Bakes experience (Mark Baker)
« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2015, 11:19:45 AM »
Thanks! I tend to do that with my upper body (dipping and raising) too. Trying to keep that quiet and keep the bowling shoulder down through the approach. Hope your lesson turns you into the best bowler you can be!

Thanks I'll try - stuck at low 200's. Maybe if I put in practice once a week that will change...hehehe   

If you haven't, get the DVD "the system". I watched it last night and there are 10 things to look for which he refers to as "hall of fame" positions. A check list if you will when comparing your game to these 4 HOF in his video that closely matches your style.

It is well made and easy to follow. There are pros and league bowlers in his video, which I found to my liking. Also, I have other videos at home and they are all good, but I think this video is much better. The other DVD is geared more towards a particular type of style. This video is for everyone.

Does a round object have sides? I say yes, pizza has triangles..

aka addik since 2003