Coach’s Corner Tip
Patience
There is a small but noticeable difference between upper intermediate, scratch and elite level players. Elite players exhibit an element of patience to their swings that allows them to repeat shots better than the average scratch player. Let’s discuss how you can achieve patience in your game.
What is patience in the bowling swing and how do I know if I have it? Patience in a bowling swing is the ability to allow the ball to help you swing the ball well rather than forcing the ball into a particular position at any given time in your swing. Patience is the ability to create balance in your swing and wait for the ball to drop down through the bottom of the swing.
A lack of patience is characterized by a swing where you are fighting the weight of the bowling ball throughout the swing. If you pull the ball into the backswing, carry the ball a little higher than you should at the top of the backswing, or force the ball forward through the release point, you have areas in the swing in which you can be more patient.
In the first step of the last 4 steps of your swing, find a rhythm that allows you to start the ball cleanly and smoothly into the swing. This is typically a rounded, backwards “C” motion that allows you to cleanly drop the ball into the swing in such a way that it “propels” your body forward. In other words, the motion of the ball weight dropping into your backswing should not be something that you need to “control” or force to happen. The force of the ball moving into your backswing is something that you can use to create smooth footwork that will ultimately provide power at the end of the swing.
Allow the weight of the ball and your customary cadence to combine to move your forward to the line in a quick, smooth pace. If you try to walk or slow your body down you will again begin to fight the weight of the ball. Trying to force the pace of the backswing will also cause the swing to lose fluidity. Your steps will get faster as your swing progresses – don’t fight it.
As you get to the top of the backswing allow the ball to wait at the top of the backswing. This means that you allow the ball to stop on its own and then begin to descend as you begin your slide step. Forcing the ball to continue up at this point is an aspect of not being patient. This “carrying” of the ball slightly higher into the backswing will result in another forced motion as the ball drops into the downswing.
Wait for the ball to drop through the downswing, primarily from the weight of the ball. While the downswing isn’t completely free from force, you want to feel like the weight of the ball drops down to the release point from its own weight. This may make the downswing feel much slower that you are used to feeling, but this patience to allow the downswing to drop naturally through the release point is one of the biggest factors separating scratch players from elite level players. The motion I’ve described allows the player to make a clean release that is much easier to repeat.
The release is where the action happens, but if you try to make too much happen, you will not be able to repeat shots. This is where the wrist collapses slightly and the ball hits your firm fingertips to create roll on the ball. If you try to close up at this point and tighten the forearm you are actually decreasing the roll on the ball. If the release is forced at this point your rev rate is likely to be inconsistent.
The other thing that happens at the release point is turning early. If you start to rotate before you get to the ankle on the downswing you will lose leverage and power. You need to feel like you keep your hand behind the ball to this point and then allow a slight rotation.
So, here’s your checklist:
1. Drop the ball into the swing smoothly and allow the weight of the ball to propel your body forward,
2. Allow your foot speed to be set by the motion of the ball going back into your swing,
3. Allow for the ball to stop at the top of the swing,
4. Drop down into the slide and wait for the ball to drop from its own weight.
5. Wait to turn the ball until the ball gets to your ankle,
6. Allow wrist to collapse slightly through the release point.
Try these elements and you will start to repeat shots at a higher rate.