MO'S CORNER

February 2004

Better Balance Alignment -- Your Head Position

Did you ever wonder why the 10-pin (7-pin for left-handers) has a tendency to just stand and stare back at you after you think you've rolled a good shot?  Are you curious about how to create those extra few revolutions? Do you feel awkward at the line?  Is repeating shots sometimes really difficult?  Or do you get some physical discomfort after just a few games?

This month's tip may not alleviate all of your problems, but it should provide a visual perspective of how to overcome some of these obstacles that currently hamper your scoring capability.  It's amazing what we think we look like at the foul line, so let's start to implant some visuals.

First and foremost, we MUST maintain a semblance of balance during our finish.  Ever hear the saying - "Don't Fall of the Shot?"  Well what it means in the most simplest of terms is that you've lost your balance and the results will most likely be less than satisfactory as the ball rolls down the lane.  So how should we look at the foul line?

Rear view for right-handers, front view for left-handers

Holding your balance until the ball hits the pins is a good check for balance, and allows for biofeedback (a good learning tool).  Until this becomes second nature, try to avoid "running out the shot."  There will be time to celebrate at a later date, but for now let's stay focused on good balance techniques.

The next two pictures provide a visual of how yesterday's traditional techniques compare to today's modern game.  Notice the difference is the body positions, especially the head, hip, shoulder, and feet alignments.

Rear view for right-handers, front view for left-handers

Let's take it one step further and present the body position starting with the stance, going to the release, and finally the finish.  The key point in this series of pictures is the relationship of the head over the ball and the spread of your feet as a base.

The Traditional Game

The Modern Game

Now that we know what we should look like at the foul line, here are a few pointers to help achieve this position.

If possible, try taking a video camera (family, friend, pro shop instructor) to your next practice session.  It's true that a picture is worth a thousand words.  If all else fails, find a spot in your house (or apartment) where you can place a mirror (or have access to one) that will allow you to walk towards it in practicing this tip.  Go so far as to put a line (tape, string, or anything that can help generate a vertical image) on the mirror to see how your body aligns at the finish.  But PLEASE don't use a bowling ball with this practice tip.  In fact all you need is to practice the body position.

Wrap-up