Date: 20 Sep 2006 14:22:42
From: genob
Subject: New to bowling (the right way..?)
|
Everybody always talks about what the "right way" really means...?
I've been bowling straight down the center of the lane since I was
little. Granted anytime I actually went bowling was with my dad, or
someone's birthday party and some "fun center" type of place.
I always wondered how do those bowlers throw the ball from one side of
the lane to the other, then it, "hooks" back into the pocket...
So about a month ago, I decided (at age 27) that I wanted to learn how
to throw hooks.... I knew the word "hook", I understood that it
involved somehow "twisting" the ball and making it curve around the
lane.
I did a fair amount of research on bowling balls on the internet. They
seem to be selling balls these days like cars... Everyone can get you
300 games... Everyone can hook better than the next... This ball has
a v8 engine built in, that one has 20 inch wheels, this one has
nuclear reactor devastator which renders no lane safe, etc...
I eventually make it into my local pro shop and I say, "I want to
learn how to throw hooks". He says, "Don't spend a zillion dollars on
a ball, here is one that is about $80 bucks". I say, "Cool.. drill
it for me, and if possible can you teach me how to throw it
correctly".
After I get my ball drilled and ready to go, he opens a lane for me
and says, "Go ahead and throw it..". I give it a chuck down the lane,
and it goes perfect straight.
He then tells me to hold it a certain way, and throw it again and do
not twist my wrist. Boom, the hook starts to develop.
Over the next month I practice just about everyday working on
different types of releases that feel comfortable to me. That's the
key, what's "comfortable to me".
What I've learned over the last month of bowling just about everyday
at 4 different places (alternating each day):
The lanes don't dictate your score, you do.
Respect others bowling around you. If they step up to the line before
you, back off and let them go.
Talk to the local veterans, ask them questions, any information is
good information, parse it mentally as you will.
Don't try to do too many things at one time. Focus on simple things
like your release, or aiming.. etc.
The right way for one person may not be the right way for you. Develop
your style and build from there.
Again, try to gain information and learn from those whom have bowled
many more times than you have.
Last, it's a great sport! Have fun with it! Bring your friends,
family, and bowl! You only live once!
My 2 cents,
g
|
