Expert: - 3/19/2008

Question
Hello, I was looking into buying a wrist support to start bowling with.  I have been bowling for 4-5 years now and really feel like I'm topped out at a 170 avg.  My wrist is really weak and I really have to concentrate on trying to stay under the ball, which I still tend to come over a lot.  But this makes me really inconsistent at the line and with my delivery.  One time ball hooks up great with power, and then I start topping over the ball and it has nothing, I wish I could get more consistent, but it seems like the harder I try to lock my wrist and stay under the ball, my concentration decreases at the line because all my focus is how I'm handling that ball, and my hand and wrist get soar easier.  My husband and fellow bowling teammates have really been giving me a lot of slack about my physical control on the ball, along with my ball speed (which is very slow, partially I think because all my energy is being used to stay under the ball) but no matter how hard I try to stay behind the ball.....it still isn't well enough, I bowl with very competive people and would love to take my bowling up to the next level, I know I can avg better.  From what I've read a wrist brace will give me more control under the ball and support at the wrist, and keep me more consistent. I bowl quite often, womens travel league, a league during the week, constantly bowl no-taps every week, and we travel all through Texas bowling tournaments at different houses.  This is my first year to bowl the state open.....which will be in June, so I'm really hoping to improve my skills and game.  So, since we have no pro-shop in the houses where I live by, I need some advice on a wrist support brace......I was looking at the Gadget by storm but wasn't sure, I couldn't find any reviews on it and wasn't sure if it would be the best support.  Do you have any advice, looking to get something soon.

Thanks so much!

Answer
You are looking for a solution to a symptom. You may have fit, equipment or other issues causing the problem(s).

For pure support and simple execution help, I've been a big fan of the Cobra Products brand of supports. It sounds like an adjustable Cobra 3, will help with the issues you mentioned.

But, I'd be concerned with all the effort you expend, your working way to hard to have a comfortable and effortless fit. Teach your body what you want it to do, then let it happen.

Micro managing each shot is a recipe for disaster.

Several things you mention lead me to believe, even without seeing you throw, that a fit change and some coaching might be a better investment. Let me know how things work out.

Thanks for the question.