QuestionHello Gary. I am a 30 yr old 220+ avg. bowler who has been bowling pretty much steadily for the past 20+ years. I bowled competitively for a major collegiate team and still take my game seriously, entering in about 10-15 tournaments per year and have worked hard on taking my game to an advanced level, especially on more difficult lane conditions.
Two years ago, due to a combination of family, career, and medical issues...I had to take a leave from the game, and I mean entirely. I literally did not touch a bowling ball or step foot in a center for 26 months. Before this, the longest I had ever gone without bowling was maybe 6 weeks in the past 20 years.
I am now trying to get back in to the game, and have bowled a few times. My muscle memory is still there completely, but I noticed my Timing is horribly off. This is causing me to pull the ball at the line like I've never experienced before. I know it will take practice and stamina to get back in...but I am afraid of picking up bad habits to compensate for my game feeling "off".
Do you have any suggestions or tips for how I can work on my timing?
BTW...I a am power stroker or "tweener" with about 320rpm and 17.5 ball speed. I am comfortable playing very deep and opening up the whole lane, but prefer to focus on tighter angles for shot making discipline.
Thanks for the help!
AnswerHi Jeremy, I truly applaud your dedication to the game. Your confidence is what we all strive for.
Diagnosing your timing issue is the first step back into the competitive arena for sure. You have to decide if you are early or late in your delivery. Figuring out if you have a fit problem that causes you to pull the shot inside your target is paramount. You should also see if you are developing a callous on your thumb or fingers in certain spots. Our fit varies with time and often we forget how to truly clear the thumb when we are away from the game for so long.
In my new book, True Bowler Adjustments, I strongly urge tweeners to seek the assistance of a certified silver or gold coach, along with a certified driller. Timing issues can plague a high-level bowler and send them into the most frustrated state physically and mentally.
I have had dozens of PBA regional players come to Las Vegas to train with me. Most who threw the ball like the wind! OMG!!! However, they were spraying the ball all over the place.
Matching "their" third to the last step for them, is a task that takes an hour or so, but it's well worth the investment. It's awesome to watch a bowler get back into the groove! I cover the steps involved to good timing in my book, and on my website Group Page at Facebook.com.
In summary Jeremy, welcome back to the game you love. Thanks for sharing with me and the rest of the bowling family. It is very extensive to peep out what could be wrong with your timing. Video is an excellent way to take a look at what's going on. I would be happy to look at you.
Overall, you do need "eyes on you" to get the best feedback. Coaching will identify if you are early, late, need posture corrections, fit changes or if you have cadence/tempo issues. In short, it's a lot. Changes are always occurring and we have to keep up with them. In the end, as long as your swing and opposite step come back with each other prior to your power step, it should be all gravy when you deliver the ball. That third step from the last in your delivery will stabilize you and give you the edge.
The best advice any professional coach can give as far as timing goes, is for your first few steps, (no matter how many you take)is for them to be small and balanced so you can build to your preferred tempo, or cadence. Remember Jeremy, timing is a matter of "feel" and consistency. It doesn't have to be perfect. However, as you know, you do have to have "good timing" to be competitive at your level. I have learned to listen to my bowlers. I am sure your instincts are right on track. I hope I was able to point out a few points that may help. Please feel free to contact me at e-mail:
[email protected] for any further assistance, or visit my website.
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
