Honest, I'll understand!

Yet another post about my continuing battle to achieve consistency of delivery. Bored with the topic? Switch off here. Honest, I'll understand... getting bored with it myself!


Well, a chance to test out the theory of what's been causing problems with my upright delivery. Two solo sessions, each on a different rink, each of varying jack lengths.

Figured out the issue is I'm trying to step forward and swing my arm simultaneously. Result : loss of length through lack of impetus, and loss of line through instability. It's half-way through the first session before I figure what works....

1. The step forward needs to be really short. The longer it is, the more unstable.
2. The backswing also needs to be as short as possible, almost a push. The longer it is, the more inaccurate.
3. Improve the coordination by counting. For a shortish jack, count 'one' (on the step forward) and 'twoooo' (on the delivery). For a longish jack, count 'one' (on the step forward) and 'two' (on the short backswing) and 'threeee' (on the delivery).
4. Finally, keep the head down at the end of the shot.

The updated graph is shown below. The results were the best I've had in over a year, with 56% and 57% of bowls within three feet of the jack. Unfortunately no major step change. Sure there'll be improvement as the new routine beds in. Written it on a piece of paper to consult before playing in tomorrow evening's B Team league match. Yes... I'm back to the B Team after last week's disaster playing for the A Team!