QuestionMy son is 12 and currently averages 154 in league. At what age do you recommend him going from conventional to fingertip grip. I don't want to him to hurt his hand if he wants to go to fingertip to early.
Also, what is the best way for him to get out of a slump he has been in lately. Seems that we all go through this stage once and awhile.
Thanks
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Big Daddy Don, I get this question from parents all the time. Thanks for asking. Since you and I know our children are constantly growing, it should be an easy transition to fingertips now as long as "you" keep an eye on him and his bowling. What I mean by that is, as he adjust to the new feel you have to watch for rubs on the thumb or any injury "he" may or may not mention. Particularly if he throws the ball and walks back off the line and shakes his hand, looks at it, feels it, flexes it as if he is stretching or exercising it....All these signs can indicate there is a problem.
Furthermore, what you might do by going to fingertips is move that slump aside a little. It doesn't take much to mess up a bowler. Change the oil pattern, or you get a change in the temperature of the lanes, they grow a little, or they begin spinning the ball when they use to throw it pretty straight, or vise versa.
It is not easy to train the hand and arm to do what you want when you begin to bowl. Especially, if the language of bowling is telling the bowler to let the ball swing free. Trained coaches will train the hand to deliver the ball first, then work to free up the "swing" later as the youth or adult bowler progresses.
In summary Don, although I have no idea how your son releases the ball, "back up bowler, 3/4 roll, spinning, two handed, or just a straight ball release," one thing for sure, "he" is pretty good! Increasing the "feel" for the ball is always a good thing. It will allow him to generate a few more revs and carry a little more "hit" or rolling energy, to the pins perhaps.
Also, a slump often occurs when something changes! Sometimes, making a change of your own, will eliminate the "sump'n" that changed and allow the bowler to start fresh and refocus their energy! It will be exciting for your son. Just remember to keep and eye on his non-verbals, should you see things that I mentioned above going on. Also, if you are not able to be there with your son, talk to him and ensure he knows to mention to you if he is having a problem with the fit or release. Most issues can be resolved with a little beveling or a slight turn of a finger insert if you should use them.
Thanks Don for your question! I am excited for your son. Thank you for being there for him and concerned. I deeply appreciate the support you give your son. It makes our coaching efforts a little easier when bowlers continue to progress.
By-the-way, I highly recommend you get my new bowling book to help your son along with his bowling. You will love it, and so will he.
- Coach Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
