Expert: - 6/22/2008

Question
Male, right handed, age 47, used to bowl in two leagues. I gave up bowling around 7 years ago because after practice or league play, I would develop sharp pain in my left (bending) kneecap. It's possible I was putting stress on the knee due to my 'unique' five-step approach - between steps 2 and 3, I would take a half of a step, kind of like a hop, before resuming my approach. Unfortunately, I picked up this habit when I first started bowing at age 11 and haven't been able to modify or cure it after all these years. Any advice on how to resume bowling (and retrain my approach) without putting so much pressure on my left knee?

Answer
Earl,
You have a medical problem.

Being unable to see your "unique" approach, I have no experience with nor any guess, of the many stresses possible, what might be causing your pain. I'd like to help but without getting eyes on your game, I can't imagine what could be causing the problem.

See a general practitioner to get some idea what could be causing the pain.

Then you need to see a qualified coach to sort out your approach and deal with possible contributing factors. Check the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) website (http://www.ibpsia.com/pros.asp) or United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Coaching site (http://www.bowl.com/coaching/) to find someone close to  you.

Thanks for the question, I hope everything works out so you can continue to enjoy our great sport.