Expert: - 7/26/2009

Question
I am afraid to slide b/c I think I might fall into the lane. I am a very clumsy individual. I notice I have severe hip pain after bowling &im told it b/c I. don't slide...is that true? What the best technique to slide & what can I do to prevent hip pain? (When I go bowling it usually 3hrs straight @ a time)$1 a game lol!

Answer
Wendy,
Do you have your own shoes? That helps with consistency. Universal soles will limit how much power you developed in the slide.

If your forward momentum is abruptly stopped, you would typically feel it in your knee, or thigh, not hip/side. But you maybe using some muscles, you don't use much, twisting to burn off some momentum or using more of your body/muscles controlling the ball. Better you slide even if only a little.

Do you have your own ball? Is the pain new to your bowling? You can teach yourself to slide using a one step technique, but I'm a fan of having some experience observe your practice and workouts. To limit the possibility of overdoing or incorrectly attempting something we discuss.

A one step drill is performed 4-5 feet back from the fouline. You set-up similarly to the set-up at the beginning of your approach, slide foot forward slightly more. Swing the ball as you would through your approach but don't move. Wait for the ball to get to it's highest point in your backswing then along with the momentum of the ball swinging down push into your slide and release the ball as normal. By isolating just the slide, it will help you get a feel for how much you'll slide. Work the technique until it feels fluid, and you've maximized the slide.

The one step will often uncover fit issues. When you're concentrating on the swing and slide you'll forget about a death grip on the ball and sometimes drop it. If it happens or feels like it might, have the fit checked by your local IBPSIA pro shop.

Thanks for the question. Take things very slow and work up to the push and slide.