QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I am curious as to how the good bowlers keep the bowling ball "super" close to their ankle at the release for leverage? Some even come to close to bumping the ball off the ankle. I have asked several bowlers, some would recommend having the arm pit closed at all times (I am not sure if a loose free swing can be achieved in that way if required to force the armpit to be closed), others would recommend getting the hips out of the way and sliding more to the right (wouldn't this affect balance?). I am bowling a straighter ball instead of hook to get my fundamentals right. Thanks in advance for answering the question.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
ANSWER: Hello Nicholas of Australia, your question concerning releasing the ball near the ankle is truly just as you describe it, maybe an accident waiting to happen. Especially for someone who does not bowl that much. Basically, trying to deliver the ball nearest to the ankle is something that has to be "practiced" over, and over, and over again.
One mistake in judgement with the ball, too much to the inside can really ruin your day if a bowler hits their ankle with the ball turned too much to the inside, and perhaps the wrist to the outside of the ball.
This type of muscle movement, and all muscle movement is "learned." Freely moveable joints all over the body such as the hips, ankles, shoulders, and wrist "have to be trained" to stay in a particular alignment. As time and many practices pass by, you have to challenge yourself to free up a few muscles. This will help you to get close to the ankle and also allow your mind an opportunity to "know" you are not going to hit your ankle, Especially when you attempt to get the ball really close, so you can leverage the shot when needed.
Above all things, a bowler is only as good as the equipment she or he wheels on the lanes most days. No matter what, if you deliver the ball and you are not matching up with the lanes, it doesn't matter how good it looks on the approach.
I specialize in making a bowler consistent at the foul line, so I can depend on a good release. However, teaching that bowler to match up with their arsenal is my claim to fame, so to speak. I have seen great/good bowlers literally "hop" as many as three times to the line and deliver the ball. Fact is, as long as the ball is matched up to the lanes, you can't stop them.
In summary Nicholas, closing the arm pit, getting super close to the ankle, sliding more to the right, having balance, all fall into the realm of the fundamentals of bowling. When you learn to negotiate the approach, you have your physical skills and other bowlers have theirs. Regardless, if it is not something you are "willing" to survive, or fail at on the approach, it may not be something to consider. Some bowlers will practice and catch on. Others may not. Be careful is all I can say because it does take a lot of practice.
-Coach Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great bowling book!)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Coach,
Thank you for your reply, it has been quite informative. I would like to pursue getting the ball as close as possible to my ankle. I am confused by what i have been told. Do I close my armpit all the way for this as a start and focus on timing to get the ball as close as possible to the leg?
Nicholas
Answer
Ask Coach Oatis, www.T
Nicholas, this is a question coaches avoid because we would be putting the bowler at risk. When we recommend anything, we are taking into account the bowler assumes full responsibility for trying to duplicate anything that is discussed.
Just because someone says "try this" it could lead to total disaster! Find a coach in your city who can work with you. If I put it out that the way to do this particular movement is blah, blah, blah, and your release does not lend itself to getting the ball that close to your ankle, you will end up at square one, plus add the possible phobia of hitting your ankle "whenever" you bowl.
One tip would be to truly learn to work the inside of the ball with coaching supervision. This gets your hand to the inside of the bowling ball. (nearest your body) It figures that if your hand is close to your ankle, then the rest of the ball is to the outside of your hand and thumb.
In summary Nicholas, you need eyes on you. Please see if you can get a coach to watch you or video tape you. That way you can examine if it is in your best interest to attempt such a maneuver. By all means, if this is truly your goal, it will take practice as you know. There is the pitfall of hitting your ankle. However, if you succeed, there is the sense of accuracy that may propel you to higher scores.
Best wishes my friend from down under!!! Thank you for your questions.
-Coach Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great bowling book!)
