Is it really only four days since I uttered the above words? Seems a day is a long time in bowling! About to embark on the biggest change to my bowling action since I started.
My first delivery used the crouching style. Figured that was good. Minimised every other element of movement so only had to focus on the arm swing. There was a more fundamental reason. An occasional bad back. So additional benefit of the crouch was no bending movement. Used that style ever since without question.
The back problem is a thing of the past. Three years of almost daily plank exercise has solved it. Now up to a three minute plank with back and core muscles Arnold Schwarzenegger would be proud of.
Although I do occasionally get a good line with the crouch position, it's all too often a struggle. Flip-flopped between an aiming point at the end of the rink and something part way up the green. Even when I fix the line, delivering the bowl accurately is a problem. Without consistency, I'll never reach the standard of play longed for.
Playing with the club's seven best players on Sunday got me thinking. They all delivered using an upright stance. Realised it gives them a much better view of an end of rink aiming point. And since their forward body movement means less arm effort to get the bowl up the green, their delivery is much smoother.
Down the club this afternoon to pick up the team availabilty sheet for Thursday's match. Manage to squeeze in a quick six ends. The difference an upright stance makes is amazing!
Stand facing the aiming point. Right hand behind left elbow (I'm left-handed) to encourage straight-arm delivery. Focus on the end of rink aiming point. Imagine the bowl's trajectory. Then one step forward as my left arm backswings. Stoop as the bowl comes through. Release and follow through the arm to the aiming point.
No temptation to swing my arm around. No effort to get down to the far end of the rink. No grounding the bowl to see it end up well short. And best of all, no difficulty hitting the line consistently.
Wonder if I can get a solo practise in tomorrow without upsetting domestic bliss? Would be good... selected to play for the club in the National 2 Rinks second round, and for the National Top Club team!
Down the club this afternoon to pick up the team availabilty sheet for Thursday's match. Manage to squeeze in a quick six ends. The difference an upright stance makes is amazing!
Stand facing the aiming point. Right hand behind left elbow (I'm left-handed) to encourage straight-arm delivery. Focus on the end of rink aiming point. Imagine the bowl's trajectory. Then one step forward as my left arm backswings. Stoop as the bowl comes through. Release and follow through the arm to the aiming point.
No temptation to swing my arm around. No effort to get down to the far end of the rink. No grounding the bowl to see it end up well short. And best of all, no difficulty hitting the line consistently.
Wonder if I can get a solo practise in tomorrow without upsetting domestic bliss? Would be good... selected to play for the club in the National 2 Rinks second round, and for the National Top Club team!
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