October 2005 - Interview with Bowling This Month

October 1st, 2005:

Reprinted with permission from Bowling This Month, Vol. 12, #10, October, 2005 "Demystifying Camps & Clinics: Part I: "In our surveys and research, we have found that many bowlers have misconceptions about what to expect when attending a bowling camp or clinic. We arranged for "embedded reporters" to attend as many as we could find this summer and fall and report back to us. We bring you the first round of reports from the field."

Clinic: Average Builder with Aleta Sill & Michelle Mullen.

Location: Country Lanes, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Dates: July 11-13, 2005

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: $325

Website: www.yourbowlingcoach.com

Reporter: Richard Warren, of Flint, Michigan is a 45-year-old right-handed bowler. A former power player who has become, with age, more of a stroker, Richard has a high average of 210 and competes in leagues and some tournaments.

I've never attended a bowling camp (but I have had many lessons). I was the oldest bowler there. More than half of the bowlers were in their mid-to-early teens. They treated every bowler the same, with the same hands-on coaching. -

Michelle and Aleta took a video of each bowler (side and back view) on the first day. The video clearly showed what we needed to work on. This was an excellent tool to improve on form. In my case, improper balance and raring up at the line, combined with very late timing were identified as the culprits for my inconsistency. -

The solution for me was to get the ball moving a little sooner at the beginning of the swing. This greatly improved my kneebend and balance at the line. Also, I was pushing the ball up a little too much and not as fart out as I needed. -

As we were watching the video, each student was told how he was going to improve and what areas to attach (push ball away earlier, slower feet, etc.). I noticed improvement in the timing of every student at the camp. Some people needed just minor work with their game and some needed to learn or relearn all the basics. We also were vidtotaped at the end of the camps and could see the improvement four ourselves. -

I really liked the way they set up the days activities. We bowled, then had a classroom meeting, then bowled until lunch. After lunch, we bowled again, then an afternoon classroom meeting. Four lanes were set up with longer oil patterns and a sport shot for the more advanced bowlers. These conditions were very difficult. The other lanes were set up with easier patterns. I went down to those lanes once in a while, just to get some confidence back. The lessons of the more advanced bowlers were half about technique (timing, pushaway, etc.) and half shotmaking (where to play the lanes). Everyone's ball fit was checked and necessary adjustments made. We toured the pro shop, operated by Lisa Bishop, where we learned the functions of the different machines. -

I wouldn't change a thing out the camp. I might suggest not having any pins in the machines while students work on their technique. This might be less distracting and allow us to focus more on timing and fundamentals. All in all, it was fun and hard work. It was work that everyone needed. I would recommend this camp to anyone of any age and or skill.

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