Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 10/8/2009

Question
Hi, I have been bowling only for two years. I'm 34, in avg shape. I bowl 10 pin, in Canada. I have in the last few weeks (3-4) developed a sharp throbbing pain in my sliding leg thigh on the outside part of my leg. It gets worse as the night goes on, and continues to hurt for about 2-3 hrs afterwards. Its actually hurting right now and the last time I bowled was yesterday. I'm wondering if there is anything I might be doing wrong with my technique. Or if I could help to rid myself of the pain by doing exercise? Or should I just stop bowling all together? Any advice would be helpful. I really love the sport and don't want to have something like this stop me.

Thank you for your time.

Mike

Answer
Mike,
As usual, I'd recommend first and foremost to see a doctor.

The type and location of the discomfort could be from stopping short on the approach. When the forward momentum of you and your bowling ball comes screeching to a stop at the fouline, there is a lot of pressure pushing forward. If you don't get some relief (and some very helpful leverage# from sliding forward, your body absorbs the energy. Often bowlers will pop up, fall off, twist there feet, all in an effort to bleed off the energy/momentum.

Start by backing up on the approach and give yourself more slide room, so you are not limiting your slide potential.

Next, take a look at the shoes you use. Be sure you can get a little slide from your slide shoe. Using a shoe #steel) brush to eliminate anything causing you to stick or slide less or stuff like Easy or Ultra Slide. Be careful when changing how much or where you slide. Small adjustments could potentially translate into WAY MORE slide. Be very careful. Work slowly and slowly work up to a a full slide.  Let me know if these ideas help. Thanks for your question.