QuestionI have just had back surgery for stenosis. Is there a bowling technique that will allow me to bowl in a straight position without twisting?
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Terri, now you know that no expert in their right mind is going to recommend that you play hockey pucks with push sticks, let alone go bowling after back surgery! :-)
Being a surgical x-ray tech, I do understand your doctor went in and "cleaned up" the area where the "narrowing" was, or shored up your spine somehow to prevent pain, as much as possible.
Caution has to be followed to the letter when it comes to our sport of bowling because, quiet frankly...it's unnatural to do what we love to do!
When you have back surgery on any level, doctors are going through massive muscles and tissues. These are primary muscles and tissues that in seconds have to respond. The approach can be very dangerous! Imagine sticking, or your foot slides out from under you quickly, and you have to catch your balance. Those muscles in your back and body get stressed, to the maximum, in an instant! Some with enough force to snap a bone when pushed to the limit.
Provided you have been cleared by your doctor to resume activities, (including bowling), a coach "not necessarily in their right mind" (might) suggest that you alter your delivery so that it would be more supportive, as you release your bowling ball out onto the lanes.
Since I am in my right mind I am not recommending that you do anything I am about to write, just so we are very clear.
However, I will share with you my experience with bowlers who were determined to get back to the game they loved, along with their physicians blessings....
I have worked with dozens or injured bowlers. Many who were wheelchair bounded or returning from back surgery. The unique nature of delivering the ball and keeping the trail leg more to the 6 or 7 o'clock position behind you will always afford the most stable stance, after you deliver the ball on the approach.
I compare it to having the balance of a boxer in the ring as he/she is bouncing, front to back. When a bowler delivers the ball off their slide foot, they will recoil back onto the ball of their trail leg foot, if it is "behind them."
The trail leg "foot and heel," will often form a 45 degree angle to the floor. The ball of the foot, which is at the base of the big toe, will support the potential recoil of your body weight along with your legs.
This will evenly distribute and balance the body. Much like finishing your delivery and release, only to end up in a runner's starting position.
The hamstrings and the quads of both legs will work to steady the bowler, and will allow the maximum balance achievable after release.
Naturally, this delivery will have to be tempered with a "slower" tempo, cadence, or pace until you are comfortable delivering the ball, and then balancing yourself at the line. Believe it or not, this slower delivery may afford you an opportunity to increase the leveraging of your release. You will also find that your timing may improve significantly if you have had problems in that area.
In the beginning scores are not the priority, reduced pain and lessening the chance of injury is the priority. Reducing overall stress throughout the body will help any bowler relax. Relaxation can be achieved, if the bowler knows they are going to be balanced at the foul line, after their release.
In summary Terri, if you have been cleared by your doctor to return to bowling, you may want to consider changing your approach or delivery somewhat. Think of doing it for the "longevity sake" of the sport. Although it may slow you down somewhat to learn to finish your approach with your trail leg more to the rear of you, at the 6 o'clock or 7 o'clock position, behind you,(right handed bowlers). You will immediately notice you will have great balance.
To practice how you should look when you finish your delivery, simply assume a balanced runner's starting position. You can do this with both arms hanging down at first just to get the feel of the back foot supporting you. You have to find that proper spacing and ensure you are on the ball of the trail leg foot. Just remember to take it very slow.
My number one verbiage to bowlers, "when you are trying to learn one thing, sump'n else is going to suffer!"
The goal is to avoid creating more pain or injury to yourself. Terri I believe you are a True Bowler. You wanted to know if there was something you could do. You have to answer that for yourself as you know, by continuing to investigate all your options.
I really appreciate the question. Perhaps this will be one of several options you will try that may get you back into the game. Other suggestions include using lighter ball, less steps in your delivery, forward rolling the ball instead of trying to spin it, using a plastic or urethane ball or other entry level ball, and decreasing the surface of your bowling ball to make it slick or glassy like for increased ball travel. All of these additional suggestions would require less effort on your part to get the ball down the lane. Overall positioning the trail leg behind you will allow your hips to remain more parallel to the foul line or your shoulders. I know this is not easy for you. I truly wish you the best of luck with your bowling. :-) Be well and bowl well!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
