Life can be way too complex sometimes. Bowling is one of those places where it can quickly overwhelm you if you let it! It seems that we often look at all the things involved and forget the big picture. If you let the little things take over, the sport becomes a chore instead of something you enjoy.
Everything from your stance, to delivery, to timing do play a huge part. You just have to practice those things individually, then let it come together as a whole. If you spend all your time thinking about what pin placement or the “new” hookmaster9000 coming out, you will never get the basics down. Same goes for the guy that just goes out to shoot strikes, and gets angry and resets when any pins are left standing. Spares are a huge part of the game, and must be practiced!
Hammer the basics in, then it becomes muscle memory that comes naturally. Use your strengths as a foundation for building the rest of the game. I found a great related article that pertains to many things, we work at… Mostly to keep our “brand” desireable during these slow times ahead. It’s how Apple’s Steve Jobs makes things simple and effective How to Ride the Recession the Steve Jobs Way
Good stuff to keep in mind not just as a bowler, but as a member of the working society of this world.
Please release me, let me go…. Ok, enough sappy 70′s music! Unless you are into doing the Machuga Flop, releasing the bowling ball is key to a good game. Unfortunately, mine was extremely inconsistent.
I found a great practice idea, that has really helped me in my off time. You just need a mattress, as low to the ground as possible. I used just the top part of my spare bedroom one. Lay it down with plenty of cushion against the wall. Practice doing 1 or 2 step releases, paying attention to your follow through, and wrist position. Before long, muscle memory will start to learn, and it will start to feel like a normal movement. You can practice with all the different wrist variations, as well as side vs forward roll releases. A lighter bowling ball is easier to practice with, but I use my standard 15 lb league favorite (Brunswick Fury Pearl, benchmark ball).
If you have room for it, a full approach is ideal. I can’t quite get there upstairs. Perhaps I can build a small approach with ball catch pit, to satisfy some off-lane practice. Everything you do to build a consistent delivery seems to help the game. The more you can NOT think about it, the better you will bowl!!