Expert: stevie lange - 2/7/2005

Question
I always seem to be late at the foul line.I have tried early pushaway ,no pushaway still no success.With being late at the foul line when my ball hits the pocket no power.I have left a lot of 5-7 & 8-10 splits.I am confused

Answer
Hi Mike,
Lets break it down, first if you have "early" time, that means that the ball arrives "first " at the foul line, you hit it beyond the leverage point and the ball has no power, d.o.a. , if you will. If you have "late " time , your slide foot stops or plants and the ball is still several inches back  ( this can vary) from your stopped slide foot. I prefer the latter.
Pro's vary this at will depending on the strength of the ball reaction they are trying to create. The desired maximum leverage at the foul line can be obtained when your thumb exits the ball and is released approx. 2-4 inches from your ankle and INTO the lane. A simple test to prove this theory is to put a ball bag right at your side by your non sliding foot. (set it right next to it). now, slowy bend your knees and bend over to pick it up, you should feel very balanced when you do this and it should feel like you are in a very strong position.. now place the bag a foot or so in front of you in line with where it was just at. Now bend over to pick it up, it should feel like you are now off balance, leaning forward and you are using your arms to pick it up rather than the largest muscles in the body , your legs. Leaving a five pin slit is a sure sighn that your ball is hitting weak at the pocket and is deflecting rather than driving thru the pocket. Not knowing a thing about your phisical game , i cant give you an accurate answer to your weak ball problem. the above is where you need to be though, thats a start. however if you want to improve your bowling and fix your timing issue, may i suggesdt some on lane instruction. check your local proshop for a qualified coach in your area and have him give you a watch. If thats not a viable option, may i suggest the library and pick up a few instruction books from authors like Earl Anthony , John Jowdy, Fred Borden. These will give you a primer in to proper set up to a properly timed pushaway. Also check out the site below, its packed full of useful stuff and proper timing. let me know how you make out.
stevie

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/kennmelvin/tTiming.htm