Walking and Bowling

Something I incorporated into my daily walks has begun to help me with my bowling game and I am really looking forward to the next full season. My confidence level is high that I will get into the 220’s average-wise. I wouldn’t be surprised if some honor scores come into the picture over the next eight to nine months. (Albeit, house shot conditions; but, a bowler still has to execute to score.)

Anyway, I remember reading an article about some pros who take their first step and place it directly in from of their other foot in order to, among other things, get their hip out of the way of their arm swing. I can't recall exactly who the author of the article was; but, I feel strongly that it was Joe Slowinski because I read a lot of his articles. (Check him out at his website “bowlingknowledge.info”)

Well, I was watching a song video on youtube of one of my all-time favorite Asian singers, Teresa Teng, and I noticed that she was walking by placing her steps “directly” in front of each other. I also noticed that this made her posture and shoulders erect and straight. (I think that models train to talk that way, but, I’m not sure.)

So, on my very next 3-mile walk, I began concentrating on placing my steps in from of the other and let me tell you, it was not easy! I kept getting off balance and stumbling in my steps; not to mention the muscles in my legs tightening up I kept up with it, though, and it got easier and easier each day. I then noticed that I had to keep my head up as I walked that way and my eyes were focused quite a ways ahead of me.

This got me to thinking about looking at marks (breakpoint sighting, e.g.) further down the lane. I now began looking for points of references 10-feet, 15-feet, 1/2-mile, 1/2-mile ahead of me. (There have been times where I get on a stretch that I try looking for a marker about a mile ahead of me.)

And here’s something interesting that occurs In any event, I kept trying other things and I started improving in my approach and other aspects of my overall game.

Here’s my overall improvements thus far: the three board drift to the right I have always had is gone, my arm swing has begun to get “effortless” and I am able to bowl 10 games with seemingly no effort, my accuracy is improving in that I can see the ball roll over my mark up to 30 feet, and I am posting at the line and holding that post until the ball hits the pins.

Here is my “Choc-List” of my walking and sighting methodology exercises:

1) Walk by placing each set in front directly in front of the other. This helps keep my posture erect and my shoulders straight. This is also building up my leg muscles and knee strength which can only improve my approach and posting.

2) Look at reference markers at varying distances from where you immediately are and walk in a straight line towards them. (You will see a “visible line” directly from the marker back to you.) Try lining up your right and left shoulders, your right and left feet, and the middle of your body to the marker selected. This is helping me with my walking straight on the approach and lining up my shot on the lane and any adjustments that have to be made, I think.

3) I carry a 20 fl oz bottle of water with me (actually, it is an old diet soda bottle) every time I walk. I use it as a weight for practicing my arm swing, holding it out in front of me, and over my shoulder (switching sides) as well as anything I can think of to build up other muscles with regard to my hand, arm, and wrists.

4) Sometimes, I will vary my walking style, i.e., sideways, backwards, and close my eyes for a while. As I think of other variations, I may try them out for short periods. This, I believe, will help me with my overall balance as well as being able to walk in a straight line regardless of the situation I am in.

These things are working for me; however, I cannot promise that they will work for you. As always, I write from the standpoint of giving people ideas based on my experiences, and allowing them to build on their own game.

Another thing, with exercises, it is always suggested that you consult with your doctor before entering into any regimen of your own. This year alone, I have had two physical check-ups and one wellness exam so I feel very confident in doing my physical exercises.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)