Expert: - 8/31/2008

Question
QUESTION: Warren,
I have been bowling for around a year (joined a team and currently average 170 after one season). I have a brunswick fury which was drilled conventional but i have just had it redrilled fingertip and my consistency has vanished - I keep missing my mark (which has also changed due to the different grip).
Any ideas?
Thanks
Mike (UK)

ANSWER: Mike,
You purchased a high tech ball and then threw it very mildly.

(Who put a high performance ball in your hands as your FIRST BALL???)

The conventional grip didn't allow aggressive hand action at delivery. Now, with an inconsistent delivery of a finger tip gripped ball, the performance elements of the ball (cover and core) are reacting strongly (or at least stronger).

Isolate your delivery, with practice into a couch (knee against a barrier, like the edge of a couch, swing the ball and release it to achieve the same feel every time) or one step drills at the bowling center (stand 3 or 4 feet from the foul line, swing the ball, push into your slide and release the ball, seeking to deliver the ball consistently). You need to feel the same roll and rotation off your hand, to gain control of the new fit and the more dynamic ball reaction. Don't aim the shots, ignore the ball reaction, concentrate on starting in the same place, concentrate solely on achieving a consistent feel and consistent lay down point.

Thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Warren.
As I have never had any coaching and I bowl it as i see it, you have lost me on 'roll and rotation of the hand'. Can you explain how this is achieved.
Thanks

Answer
Mike,
The concept of "ball position as it rolls off your hand" involves the axis tilt and axis rotation of the ball.

Working with what you do is the easiest path to improvement. You are looking to gain a consistent feel, of the ball, as it rolls off your hand. The position of your hand, arm, wrist, elbow and fingers influence axis tilt and rotation.

Your change in grip (to the fingertip) allows more influence by very minor changes in the delivery of your ball. You need to achieve a "feel" that is comfortable for you, repeatable by you, and helpful/effective.

The ball you use can be, as you've found, very volatile. Achieving consistency with it, assumes consistency of it. As it smoothes out, absorbs oil, rolls on oily or dry lanes, all will complicate the reaction on a bowling lane.

Like trying to control a boom-a-rang influenced by the wind, your execution must BE PERFECT to achieve consistency. You are not executing perfectly, as seen by your loss of "consistency." A less volatile ball will help you get some wiggle room with all the elements you are now trying to control. Work on the consistency you had (with a simpler delivery) with your more complicated performance grip, and you will begin to regain the consistency.

Thanks for your questions.