September 18, 2001 - Interview with ALETA SILL by Bowling Press Pro September 18th, 2001:
BPP: You recently stopped by the Kegel Training Center in between PWBA tour stops. What did you do there?
ALETA: We'll, we (Michelle Mullen and I) purchased the DIGITAL COACH and stopped by to pick it up and receive our training on how to utilize all its features.
BPP: What is the DIGITAL COACH?
ALETA: It is a state-of-the-art video analysis system that allows bowlers to see themselves and make changes to their game a lot easier.
BPP: Easier?
ALETA: Yes, easier. In fact, it is the same system that the pros use to see themselves when they get help with their games down at the Kegel Training Center in Sebring, FL.
BPP: How does it make it easier?
ALETA: Well, you get to see yourself bowl. We can split screen shots, either "before and after," or compare one's form to the form of a professional who demonstrates the technique we are trying to achieve. I've heard it said that "a picture is worth 1000 words," well, that is how this system works to help bowlers improve quickly.
BPP: What features does it have that you can use to help a bowler?
ALETA: During the video analysis, we have an entire pallet of on screen drawing tools to illustrate the recommended changes each bowler. We can split screen them and give them instant feedback as they work through the changes they are making in their technique. We can also isolate and analyze a certain part of the body. There is also a microphone to do a voice over. Video tapes are also available.
BPP: It sounds very elaborate; is it easy to use?
ALETA: That is the awesome part. It can do so many things and not only is it user friendly for us coaches, but it is easy for bowler's to see and understand what they need to change to improve. Making changes becomes easier for any bowler.
BPP: Is it a tool you plan to use for only high average bowlers?
ALETA: Absolutely not. This makes it easier for bowlers of all levels to improve their game. That is why we purchased it. We are developing a coaching program in the Detroit area. We are dedicated to help all bowlers, of any level, who want to bowl better.
BPP: Will you be using the DIGITAL COACH in private lessons or clinics?
ALETA: Both. It is effective tool in either scenario. We are going to take a break from the tour and introduce it in an upcoming clinic October 13 or 14 at Sterling Lanes on the east side of Detroit [Interested bowlers can call 810-979-5200]. And then we will be providing private lessons on that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15th, 16th &17th at both Skore Lanes and Westland Bowl on the west side of Detroit. [Interested bowlers can contact Bowler's Aid Pro Shops to sign up. For lessons at Westland Bowl, Oct 17th, the number is 734-729-4747. For lessons at Skore Lanes, October 15th & 16th, call 313-295-
2695.] We are very excited about using the DIGITAL COACH and we feel that bowlers will be excited about it, too!
BPP: Does one lesson make a difference, or a series of lessons?
ALETA: We have seen one lesson make a difference, but when someone takes a series of lessons, we really see a change. It is because we can monitor them weekly and keep them on their changes. Sometimes bowlers think they are practicing just like they bowled in the lesson, but because of their old muscle memory, they are not fully making the change. While they are moving in the right direction, seeing them each week, for a few weeks, really helps us keep their change current so that they really see a difference in how they bowl.
MICHELLE: We get that question every day when bowlers inquire about setting up time with us. Often, a single lesson can make a difference, especially if there is one thing that will make a big difference for you. But it depends on the bowler and how they accept the change and how well they maintain what we worked on. That is something we are not able to control. We do see the most concrete changes in bowlers who take a series of lessons, let's say weekly or so, because we are able to stay on top of the changes, and move forward
from lesson to lesson, and really help their game take better shape. But people have differing priorities regarding their commitments to work on their games and their use of time and money, so everybody approaches it differently. And bowlers who take a lesson and see that they can improve learn to approach it differently. I know that given what I see, when I take golf lessons (and God knows I need them!) I will take a series of them so that I can really improve my game. But, I will practice, too!
BPP: How important is practice to a bowler's success in making changes to their game?
ALETA: Practice is the key to repetition. When I take a lesson, I work on what we worked on in practice. It helps me really incorporate the change in my game sooner, than later.
MICHELLE: Well, like we were talking about before, repetition is the key. We work on that in a lesson to get a better feel for the changes. But practicing is the key to making the change and getting comfortable sooner. We have that old muscle memory to overcome and practice is the best way to do that. We do give you drills and things that you can do at home to accelerate your change(s). We do understand that life is demanding on our time and finding time is one of the biggest obstacles to practicing. But, when bowlers decide they want to bowl better, they usually find that they can make the time to throw 3 games or so of practice in between lessons. More is even better. The ideal situation is to take a series of lessons on a weekly basis, say 5 or so, and practice at least once in between them. You will see your game take shape. Some sooner than others; but when it comes together, it is so worth it.
BPP: When you work with a bowler, do you work on what they decide they need, or what you think they need?
ALETA: Well, at first we talk with the bowler to get an idea of what they are thinking. Then we will take a video that really tells us where we need to work. The Bowler's Map software has really helped us see things, and it really helps our students see what needs to be worked on with our guidance. We have a library of pros and other students who have mastered the desired techniques and we can split screen them so that you can really see the difference. That picture makes such a difference, especially for people who are more visual. We guide you by doing an analysis and then we coach you into your changes to help you bowl better.
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