Expert: - 4/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Warren- the site wouldn't let me reply again....

I traditionally drift right 4-5 boards which has always bothered me...so when I started the short step....I also practiced crossing my first step over in frontof my slide foot...the short step helped, but this cross step has confused my approach mechanics, and I am still drifting...so now I still at a puzzle as to why I drift..I will work on the straight step tonight...practicign with the spare to decrease the margin for error and to test whether I'll be happy with this weight and drilling...

I will work on my specs for you...I'm out of town right now so I'll send it next week. Thanks again...you are a beacon of light in my confused daze....:)

ANSWER: Art,
Ok talk to you soon.

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

QUESTION: Hello Warren-

I had one 5 game practice session this weekend with the 15 and my newest fit...My goal for this session was to test the fit, ensure I could be comfortable with the rotation of the ball off my hand, achieve a clean release with my thumb, and most importantly keep my swing free and smooth. I didn't concentrate on my drift much but made sure I had a short first step and that my release was in unison with my slide finish.  For the first two games I was extremely uncomfortable and just couldn't get a smooth feeling( although my thumb feel and release was excellent all session)....it probably didn't help that I was using a polyester ball on about 70 units of oil 8 to 8, with allot of open bowling carry down. I also remembered why I had returned to 16lb equipment a couple years ago after trying 15's for a few months...it really messed up my timing...and at that time I was always late with the ball and my swing was 80% muscled...Now that I have about a 90% free swing I was pretty confident that I could make it work this time....so, at the start of the third game I changed my setup position ala Wes Malott and focused on one of John Jowdy's favorite drills the over/under, and viola it was like someone had turned a switch...my swing was free, my approach was smooth,and my release and post was beautiful....I still need to work on getting more rotation but I think I might have stumbled into a cure to my issues...My goal tomorrow now is to try this new setup with the 16's and see if I can achieve the same feel...if not, I will officially move to 15's and stay there...I'll report back tomorrow on what I find and will complete "art's grip" for you...which is very impressive I might add....thak again for all of your help...Art

ANSWER: Art,
Your welcome. Nice work.

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

QUESTION: Quick Report...practiced 2 games with a 16 today and was only comfortable the first few shots and became late  again (track over thumb) and couldn't find any consistency...I will use the 16's tomorrow in league and see how that goes..at this point whatever is causing me to get tight after I warmup might not be related to the weight...not sure though...

Answer
Art,
Late timing can be traced to heavier equipment. How much slower do you feel you are throwing the ball?

Placing the ball into the swing from a slightly lower setup, will lower the backswing a little and maybe get things back in time. Good luck.