Better Reaction, Better Results By Learning to ROLL the Ball

Summary

This video explains the difference between rolling and throwing a bowling ball and teaches a step-by-step method to develop a true roll. Focusing on a coiled-to-uncoiled wrist motion, the presenter demonstrates drills using light balls, palms, and no-thumb releases to build the correct muscle memory. Key points include keeping a short, relaxed swing, ensuring a snug thumb fit, avoiding chicken-winging or over-twisting the hand, and progressing from no-step drills to one-step and full approaches only after the roll feels automatic. The emphasis is on technique practice — not score — with repetition, video review, and patience to improve consistency and power through the pins.

Takeaways

• 😀 A snug fit on the thumb hole is essential to avoid wrist strain and maintain control over the ball.
• 😀 The fundamental technique for bowling involves a coil and uncoil motion, where the wrist and elbow play a key role in the action.
• 😀 Practicing the coil and uncoil motion should be the first step before adding more complexity, such as incorporating steps or targeting.
• 😀 A relaxed wrist is crucial for executing a smooth flick or whip-like motion to generate ball rotation.
• 😀 A beginner should focus on short, controlled swings before progressing to longer, more powerful motions.
• 😀 Don't worry about where the ball goes during practice; focus on perfecting the form and wrist action first.
• 😀 It's important to practice with different ball weights to understand how the ball reacts and adjust your technique accordingly.
• 😀 Once the basic coil-uncoil motion feels natural, you can begin adding steps and refining your approach.
• 😀 Practice hundreds of repetitions to make the technique feel natural, so you no longer need to think about it during your approach.
• 😀 Progressing to more advanced techniques requires mastering the basics first, like wrist control and the coil-uncoil motion.
• 😀 Tracking your own practice through video recordings can help you identify when your form breaks down and when you are ready to move forward.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video in terms of bowling technique?

The primary focus is on the wrist and thumb movements necessary for effective bowling, specifically the coil and uncoil technique that helps generate proper ball rotation and control.

Why is a snug-fitting thumb crucial when practicing this technique?

A snug-fitting thumb is essential to avoid straining your wrist and forearm. If the thumb hole is too loose, it could cause unnecessary tension, affecting the ability to properly execute the coil and uncoil motion.

What is the significance of the 'coil and uncoil' motion in bowling?

The coil and uncoil motion creates the necessary wrist action to generate revolutions and ball rotation. It helps in controlling the ball's movement, allowing for better accuracy and power.

What should a bowler do if they are struggling with the technique?

If struggling, it's recommended to scale back and focus on basic movements like coil and uncoil without worrying about advanced steps or targeting. Practicing these basic movements until they feel natural is key before progressing.

How does the video suggest incorporating advanced techniques into the practice routine?

The video advises starting with the basic coil and uncoil motion and then gradually adding more complexity, such as wrist flicks and more precise targeting. Advanced techniques should not be rushed and should be developed only after mastering the basics.

What role does wrist relaxation play in the technique?

Relaxing the wrist is crucial as it allows for the proper uncoiling motion without tension. This relaxed wrist action helps the ball rotate naturally and with more control, leading to smoother throws.

What should a bowler do if they are not able to generate enough power or spin?

The bowler should focus on practicing a short coil-uncoil motion with a relaxed wrist, ensuring that the ball rolls end over end. With consistent practice, they can increase the intensity of the coil-uncoil motion to generate more power and spin.

Why is it important to practice without focusing on where the ball lands?

Focusing on the ball's placement and results (like hitting the gutter) during practice is not recommended. The goal is to concentrate on the technique—the wrist motion, the ball rotation, and overall control—rather than immediate success or failure.

What does the video suggest about using steps in bowling practice?

The video suggests that you should first focus on mastering the coil-uncoil motion before introducing steps. Once the basic technique becomes natural, then you can incorporate your steps and work on refining your targeting.

What is the recommended approach to progressing in bowling practice according to the video?

The recommended approach is to practice the coil and uncoil technique until it feels natural. Only then should you gradually incorporate steps and targeting. It's important to record yourself and ensure that the technique is correct before advancing to more complex movements.