I think a key to good balance at the line is having the right timing. I used to struggle because I had perfect timing (slide foot and ball at line at the same moment). Once I started delaying my swing, my slide foot got to the line first, allowing me to establish balance, then the swing shortly followed thereafter.
Yes. I struggle with this too, even knowing it, sometimes I rush my swing trying to create power. Tip 2 should help me a lot so my swing can be just after I get to the foul line so I good and balanced release could be made
Do this. Step and push the ball away directly down the line of intended play. That starts the arc down the correct path. Pretend your arm is the pendulum on a grandfather clock. Push the ball Away until your arm is fully extended, let the ball fall which begins the arc. On the down arc, keep your body position in balance. Then project your release AND your finish directly at the target line . Upon release your shoulders should be square to the lane/foul line.
First and foremost, the bowler needs to put on more weight The ratio of bowler to ball is 200 : 16 For this bowler who is feather weight, his ball should have been 6 pounds Remember boys, dont let the ball control you. You have full control over your balls
Chris got lucky 3 times in a row. He didn't hit the pocket on the first shot but luckily still had enough energy to blast all the pins on the right of his ball down. His second and third shots were also completely different. The second shot being a much sharper curve with the third shot being a much straighter ball. We saw how when he got outside with his shot on the second ball the lane was much drier allowing it to recover and come into the pocket. On the third ball it's much straighter and we can see how the ball glides much longer before reacting and curving in. Missing a little right or left on both the second and third ball are the difference between hitting the strike or not. Consistently throwing the same shot allows a bowler to learn how the lanes are oiled and adjust properly so their ball does what they want it too and the pins react consistently. 3 strikes are great, but you can only muscle out so many before you have to rely on technique over strength.
As an alternate argument to Brentser, when practicing or changing specific aspects of technique you ignore the results to a certain extent. Depending on how much you change someone's technique, you will probably see worse results because their muscle memory is for what it used to be. But at the end of the day, you might do well with a flawed technique, but there will be limits you run into with what you can do with it vs a more sound technique.
Tip #2 is what I'm struggling with most personally. Experienced it first hand in league earlier today. Once I got my release in check and stopped muscling the hell out of the ball, 222 in the third. 188/167 in the 2nd/1st. Night and day difference. #1 focus of mine currently. RELAXED RELEASE. Good video Darren. Forwarded it to my league mate who was going through it today. Gonna help him for sure.
Love videos like these! For the last few years I've been in a rut. Trying to get out of it, slowly but surely. Not able to practice as much as I used to. Love these informative videos and love the channel!
IMPECCABLY preseented. Not just the what and the how, but the WHY behind each. The only thing I would add is to take video of yourself whenever possible, especially in the smartphone age when we're carrying cameras anyway. When you're in a practice session, go back and replay each delivery and see if you're actually doing what you THINK you're doing. Like Darren said, reality doesn't always match what we envision. Great content, Darren.
Ok awesome I'm 0 for 3 on all of these, but I know for a fact my worse one us tip #2 I absolutely 100% Muscle my swing really hard, Squeeze the ball at the bottom with my Thumb. Like you said when I try and relax my swing I feel like I'm going to drop it. I have averaged about 210 this way for years but how much better could I have been when I was younger or even now if I could master that release. Definitely 3 things I'm going to really work on in summer league. Awesome content. Will let you know in September if there is a difference:)
First step to fixing something is to admit you have a problem so you made a great first step. A lot of people think no I don't have an issue with that and wonder why they aren't improving.
I went through a bad stretch and wasn’t throwing it smooth. Took video of myself and saw my swing was way behind me. Started to make my backswing feel like it was way out to the left (i’m a lefty) and it got my smooth release back. Similar to your first tip, but just i focused more on the backswing instead of the pushaway. I feel like everybody learns differently so we can take different approaches to the same idea! Another great video Darren!
@@CozyGen i just found something to prop my phone on the table behind the lane and tried to put it directly behind where I was on the approach so I could see my backswing direction. That’s how I noticed how far right my backswing was going causing the inconsistency and forced me to come around the ball more instead of underneath it
Yay! I got #3. 😂 definitely just a house shot bowler but I always find myself telling people all three of those tips. Good to know to straighten out your swing is to over exaggerate the push away. Very cool. For tip 2 I found that using a tennis ball in a grocery bag and try to swing it without it bouncing back and forth helped me loosen up my swing and think, “let gravity take over”.
Im watching every single video of yours and I’m starting to feel like a good player even i haven’t played bowling for a years. Will use all the tips and your other videos to dominate my friends next time i play. Cheers for quality content, keep it up bro! ❤
Balance is my biggest issue. I tend to fall off to the right after every shot. In the back of my mind I knew it didn't help me, but having Darren talk about it brings it back to the surface for me and I'm going to work on that. Nice simple tips to follow.
Tip #1: 👍. Swing behind the back big issue. Corrective action is crossover step synchronized with the take away. The ball should be dropping down in the right leg slot. Tip #2: Loose from the top 🔝. The downswing should be effortlessly. Tip #3: Balance at the foul line. Good footwork combined with right spine tilt and proper employment of the balance arm is how shot posting is achieved. Great video Darren!
I throw so hard that I physically have to slow down my down swing to slow myself down to 15-16 mph. Also hold the ball on my hip so I don't have as big of a swing lol. Otherwise I'm throwing 18-19 and ball won't move at all
I'm loving the content Darren. I would say the best bowling advice I have ever had would be getting a better approach, release, and ball speed for throwing a consistent line.
This might not be as "fun" as some of your other videos, but it is probably the most useful. Anyone from a novice to a professional has to pay attention to these three aspects of their physical games for the rest of their bowling careers. You could probably incrementally build on these topics. For example, the second bowler, if he really achieves that loose swing, WILL drop the ball. Then what?
I got #2 and #3 correct off of educated guesses. #1, I did not see before you revealed it. But at the end of this video, I finally understood it. No-thumb bowler here (one hand). This applies to us as well with slighter visual differences.
One thing that's also helping me is to reset myself, mentally. No more thinking that I'm as good as I want to believe I am. Being humble enough to accept that while I was pretty good in 2019, I'm absolutely mediocre today. I ask myself questions like 'do I bowl to be better than my peers, or do I genuinely enjoy the sport like I do baseball?' I see some pretty good follow up tips here by many bowlers but I try and refrain from giving any advice because I've decided that true experts like professional bowlers or coaches that do this for a living are the best sources for this sort of information. Then, I'll take my time to rebuild my game and enjoy the journey. I'm thankful for my day job!!
There are lots of bowling “talker” in the bowling Center 2: yes. I get help from paid coach and lesson. Some fellow bowlers may help me with some of their experience….but only systematic coaching will bring me up gradually 3: basic is everything!
I was 2 for 3 on the tips. For balance at the line when you post up on the shot should you try to hold the pose the whole way or is there like a fine spot where you can just be more relaxed after the ball is cleanly off your hand and rolling down the lane?
In watching the Daren Tang videos I noticed that as part the push away, Daren's arm is straight in that it appears his elbow is locked allowing his arm to remain straight, from the push point where he says to let the ball fall, all the to the top of the back swing. In all the videos I've watch, there has been no mention of locking you elbow during the push away. Think if the arm is bent during push away, there's a natural tendency to bend the elbow which will cause a need to grab the ball on the down instead of letting it fall freely to the top of the back. swing. This grabbing sensation with the bent elbow could be the reason why the ball goes too far to the left during the back swing. Just a thought. Good video love the educational type videos and the league night videos as well.
At 0:30 initially it looks like you’re going to work on his timing from his backswing to his last few steps of the approach. Kinda seems like he’s slightly pulling instead of letting gravity do the work Edited after continuing the video “ah yeah fair” 4:20 I’m guessing is follow through and balance at the foul line Edit: that makes sense.
i did a lot of duck pin bowling and its a lot harder then 10 pin. but its a good way to help get your form down and my games in 10 pin are between 270 and 300. lol when you said hook my ball goes right for the gutter hugs the gutter all they way down till like the last foot and a half to 2 feet then pounds right in the head pin. if i leave anything 90% of the time its a easy pick up whats or if there's anything left.
Thumbs up on educational content. After a long break I've started bowling again. Ive been to the ITRC and have a very straight swing and L5/L6 speed control, but I have a very hard time being consistently balanced. I can stand on one leg on a squishy mat, workout, etc. For those of us out here with inconsistent balance what is the drill?
Hi D.Tang. Love your content. I can definitely tell you have been coached by Jas. I've taken a few lessons with him back when he was giving lessons at the USBC Championships. I have a question for you about tip #1. What would you do if your arm swing bumps out because of physiology? I broke my collar bone when I was 5 and my arm naturally bumps out on my backswing. Keep up the great content.
I think having a looser release is a good tip for me. I don't think I muscle the swing as much but I think there's a lot of tension at the bottom for me. Will try!
The hardest thing I struggle with is I've gotten a lot better bowling two-handed but there's always a bunch of OG's in there either laughing or making fun of it and talking s*** about it that's hard for me to get past
For me, I just discovered that for years I was starting the approach square and center, and just realized now that I've been walking to the right by time I'm at foul lane and I end up pulling ball to the left because I'm physically too far right. Lol. Finally working on that now. Hey, got a question for you. I noticed in one if your vids you hurt your arm in a tournament and ended up using a massager I guess for your right forearm? Getting back to bowling after years of not playing I too recently hurt my right arm bowling. I can bowl but I noticed when I squeeze my right hand thete is a small pain that shoots up to the right elbow. Do you get bowling injuries all the time or do you have any suggestions for fixing these types of issues? I'm just wondering if I strained the muscles or ligaments in the arm. I can use my arm but the minor pain has never gone away.
maybe you can explain the slide on delivery -- I seem to stick consistently with my left foot (right-handed) when delivering the ball, so obviously there's a timing/technique problem but I can't quite nail it down....
Great tips. I definitely have problems being consistent with my approach and my swing, but I am gonna try it with a looser swing and balanced approach.
I was taught to never drop your shoulder as you progress through the swing. Also my ball was drilled based on the type of straight handshake style release I had. Those and a straight path swing allowed me to remain totally relaxed and let the ball do the work. All I had to do was adjust my target mark on the lane to allow the ball to hit the pocked. I could strike on either side of the pocked consistantly.
I think my problem is inconsistency at times and deff balance. I can bowl two to three balls and strike and I’ll know they strike cause everything feels light and easy, but then I’ll take a shot and I physically feel off. I also wanna pay attention to where my arm goes when I pull it back again sometimes I feel like it’s loose and straight but then it won’t hook as much as when it’s all working like a machine
Darren, I hope you can lay off practicing and tournaments until your arm heals. Your one of a minority of bowlers who probably works too hard. This instructional video is outstanding. In my opinion your ability to use your bowling knowledge to instruct other bowlers is underrated.
It should literally be natural. You can practice this without a ball. Find the comfortable position to start your step from, then naturally start to take steps and swing your arm back simultaneously. Once you find where your release is as you slide forward, it should be about the same every shot unless you have to adjust for a dry lane and move forward or something. I actually start with my left foot forward, with my right foot directly behind it (you have to have good balance here). I take 3 total steps (1 short then 2 long) then glide to the foul line. My left foot moves forward a small amount, my right foot makes a full step but the ball is starting its upward (backwards) movement and i sort of make a little 'hop' during this phase, the ball goes all the way back (like a pendulum) and then its swinging directly forward and fully out as my left foot takes a full step and glides with my momentum to the line. Then my right foot 'swings' across behind me and actually marks up the lane a lot (and wears my shoes down lol). My shot is very unique, but its very smooth and looks impressive even if I dont always bowl above 200. When I'm on though I can bowl a 700-800 series. I bowl mostly unlimited on Fridays so the lanes tend to be dry a lot and I have to play a few to adjust quite a bit. Then again, what I described might sound absurd and doesnt work for you at all.. 😅
I was having trouble getting the thumb out of my ball, now that I got a new ball, I had the thumb hole drilled centered with the finger holes and ovaled, it has helped get the thumb out smoother.
More instructional videos please. i like the ball reviews and watching you bowl in different events but if I can learn something I can apply to my game that would be the bee's knees.
0:32: his form is pretty good. He either needs a ball designed to hook a little more, or he needs to move one board to the right while throwing over the same mark.
Thank you! I haven't bowled in 4 years. Last week, I did terrible with a 145 average. Watched this video a few hours before the bowling league, and I bowled a 170 average.
Amazing video! Thanks Darren! The only question I’d have is does tip #1 - Keep your ball behind your head - apply to two handed bowlers? If not, what would be the two handed equivalent for tip #1?
What about the ball itself, how can I figure out where the holes should be drilled for the best possible strike ball (fingertip grip, using middle and ring finger, righty)?
Something I noticed with Aden is that he starts his back swing decent, straight arm, but when he gets to his forward swing, he bends his arm, which is a clear sign of muscling the ball. You even notice this with Chris, although his arm bend is much more subtle. It lead me to believe you were going to do a double tip on not muscling the ball. I would say that I believe that for Aden, if he muscled the ball less, he would probably find himself much more balanced as well. But then you said that he's been trying to get more power behind the ball so it made sense you would focus on balance as he's still learning to get power to the ball.
First gut has great form. His feet should be much further right for the lack of revs. Or he can make his target more right to hit the breakpoint sooner.
Great video Darren and although it's been about 10+ years since I have bowled, I was able to see the flaws with each bowler before the question was answered. It's nothing to brag about that my best game in was 187 and that was just using a Columbia 300 White Dot beginner ball and I never did get to continue bowling because travel to/from the nearest lanes is a pain in the ass. It would be cool to start bowling again, but I would probably have to use some lighter weight house balls, to try and at least learn some basics of learning to hook the ball, even though they are really just made for straight bowling for soares, etc.
With the last kid, what about the way he like I don’t know how to explain it other than it looks like he like picks up the bowl towards the end of his swing and then shoves it out there. Is that alright?
I really didn't have a clue at first. The 2nd guy's arm looked too stiff but, I'm not sure that's what you meant by "more loose". With Aden, I thought he looked a little awkward before you said anything but, again, I'm not sure that's what you meant by "better balance". Good tips. Thanks
2:02 Except when making an adjustment. It's very easy for me to go through the nose after 2 pinning, or throw a shot too hard after going high and 2-8 or bucket. Many people have a tendency to overcompensate, so I disagree with this piece.
@8:29 this term you use "push". What is push? I hear it often, like it someone gets a spare, I see "push". You said something about making an effort to push shot at the line. Please elaborate. I appreciate your patience.
I have not bowled much in my life. But I have been bowling a lot the last couple months. I have watched many videos but I cannot get my ball to hook at all!
Having Darren teach these guys is so underrated. I would give anything to have Darren fix my crazy no thumb crazy shot. No one has seen what I do and weirdly it works most times. XD
I bowled in club with a teacher. He also learn me about balance. When you walk forward, and dont feel the balance perfect, it is better to dont throw the ball, and try again. Also walk to the arrow you shot after. and a straight swing back and forward. No need to swing the ball behind the back. Also when i run training 5 or 10 km before i went to bowling. I play a lots better. It increase the focus a lots, also drink a lots of water. Coffee or drink / food with sugar makes it more difficult to make a perfect swing. :)
Watch the best approach to increase ball speed. I have tried backing up on lane to increase my approach speed . I’m still hitting my marks, I just can’t get the ball down the lane any faster . Any tips ?
My biggest key to getting better is do the thing you want to work on before you go out there. Then remember that feeling and focus on repeating it. Eventually it will become muscle memory after a few games.
Biggest issue I have is back swing. I don’t have a very high back swing because of bad shoulders. I’m sure that is affecting my ball speed. How do I increase ball speed without being able to increase back swing. I don’t thing my back swing comes above my hips at all. Any advise
At 5:10, Chris there looks like he's throwing his arm across his chest. Idk if he's aiming at the very last second on the release. I can't possibly bowl like that but he get a very nice strike, so I really don't know the deal there.
Kyle's push off neglected the foot. He didn't take his first step until after the ball was dropping. Chris ended his approach way short of the foul line. Aiden's balance at the release point was very shaky. I'm not sure about his elbow bend at release either. Seems like it would be hard to repeat that motion every time.
Yes! The elbow bend. I couldn’t figure out how to explain it in my comment, but it’s almost like. He is picking the ball up at the end of his swing and then shoving the bowl out instead of rolling it. Looks wild.
With Aiden, I’m more concerned about his grip and wrist muscling the ball than his balance. He is ice cream scooping the bejesus out of the ball and coming out of it really late. Releasing the ball more cleanly would help his balance.
With the first bowler, I noticed he has his pinkie finger curled. This little bit affects stability and balance within the hand from my past experience. For me it was also a sign I was muscling up too much. Do you feel this has noticeable impact?
I not no pro I shoot curved like this sense I first started bowling feels natural I’ve hit the 10/7 split like only 5 times out of maybe 150 games in my life time with these solid provided plastic bowling lane balls I keep getting this shot any tips positioning lane position Am right handed I understand I need to hit the left pin perfectly on its edge with a solid left spin to lift the pin up as I shooters left am just asking because some times it feels like a fluke
Do you have any tips for bringing the backswing 'higher'? My arm ends up aligning with my thigh and going further back than that just feels uncomfortable
1650 sat 24th....if you're at southpoint I have a league team on Monday nights we all need help ...2 gals 2 guys. My anchor man has a 210 avg, I started with a 200 avg not holding it tho....when are you avail to look us over? Anchor man throws too hard. Girls are newbies, I'm old n full of injuries struggling to be consistent ....we all need coaching a bit.....thanks!
#1 Let the ball work for you. Bowling is kinetic. We don't need crazy speed and revs. Average speed and good placement will make the pins come alive while preserving the body. I love throwing a low speed house ball off the one board and clear the deck time and time again.
I think I have trouble squeezing the ball especially on my down swing. Don't want to keep doing that but haven't figured out how to remedy that. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You could say there's a general standard in bowling. But what counts the most is hitting the pocket and striking. I've been able to muster 18 strikes in a row, so I must be doing something right. See you in Las Vegas during the next coming senior tournament.
#3 needs to go more down and in. I had a great shot and balance because I needed right knee surgery and it would often pop out when it touched the lane swinging behind me to post my shot
Watching Chris' lack of follow through on the first shot and then crossing his body on the second, I'm reminded of how many of today's pros do the same. Pros used to finish on the swing side of their bodies, above their heads, with the same exact hand positon every time...but not anymore. Why has this changed?
Saw them all, but Chris needs to get the ball moving in his first step of a 4 step approach. His swing is so compact because he tries to bring the ball back and forth in only three steps and forces him to over muscle the ball.
I think a key to good balance at the line is having the right timing. I used to struggle because I had perfect timing (slide foot and ball at line at the same moment). Once I started delaying my swing, my slide foot got to the line first, allowing me to establish balance, then the swing shortly followed thereafter.
Yes. I struggle with this too, even knowing it, sometimes I rush my swing trying to create power. Tip 2 should help me a lot so my swing can be just after I get to the foul line so I good and balanced release could be made
Do this. Step and push the ball away directly down the line of intended play. That starts the arc down the correct path. Pretend your arm is the pendulum on a grandfather clock. Push the ball Away until your arm is fully extended, let the ball fall which begins the arc. On the down arc, keep your body position in balance. Then project your release AND your finish directly at the target line . Upon release your shoulders should be square to the lane/foul line.
First and foremost, the bowler needs to put on more weight
The ratio of bowler to ball is 200 : 16
For this bowler who is feather weight, his ball should have been 6 pounds
Remember boys, dont let the ball control you. You have full control over your balls
@@xijinpig7978Try telling EJ Tackett that
“Chris struggles with consistency”
Chris: hits 3 strikes in a row
Chris got lucky 3 times in a row. He didn't hit the pocket on the first shot but luckily still had enough energy to blast all the pins on the right of his ball down.
His second and third shots were also completely different. The second shot being a much sharper curve with the third shot being a much straighter ball. We saw how when he got outside with his shot on the second ball the lane was much drier allowing it to recover and come into the pocket.
On the third ball it's much straighter and we can see how the ball glides much longer before reacting and curving in. Missing a little right or left on both the second and third ball are the difference between hitting the strike or not.
Consistently throwing the same shot allows a bowler to learn how the lanes are oiled and adjust properly so their ball does what they want it too and the pins react consistently.
3 strikes are great, but you can only muscle out so many before you have to rely on technique over strength.
That; my friend. Is a turkey
@@Brentster56I agree with you, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that every strike is going to be the same.
@@Brentster56I also agree but I do not think it was luck, it may not be consistency but it was either chance or skill, not luck
As an alternate argument to Brentser, when practicing or changing specific aspects of technique you ignore the results to a certain extent. Depending on how much you change someone's technique, you will probably see worse results because their muscle memory is for what it used to be. But at the end of the day, you might do well with a flawed technique, but there will be limits you run into with what you can do with it vs a more sound technique.
Tip #2 is what I'm struggling with most personally. Experienced it first hand in league earlier today. Once I got my release in check and stopped muscling the hell out of the ball, 222 in the third. 188/167 in the 2nd/1st. Night and day difference.
#1 focus of mine currently. RELAXED RELEASE.
Good video Darren. Forwarded it to my league mate who was going through it today. Gonna help him for sure.
Love videos like these! For the last few years I've been in a rut. Trying to get out of it, slowly but surely. Not able to practice as much as I used to. Love these informative videos and love the channel!
IMPECCABLY preseented. Not just the what and the how, but the WHY behind each.
The only thing I would add is to take video of yourself whenever possible, especially in the smartphone age when we're carrying cameras anyway.
When you're in a practice session, go back and replay each delivery and see if you're actually doing what you THINK you're doing. Like Darren said, reality doesn't always match what we envision.
Great content, Darren.
Ok awesome I'm 0 for 3 on all of these, but I know for a fact my worse one us tip #2 I absolutely 100% Muscle my swing really hard, Squeeze the ball at the bottom with my Thumb. Like you said when I try and relax my swing I feel like I'm going to drop it. I have averaged about 210 this way for years but how much better could I have been when I was younger or even now if I could master that release. Definitely 3 things I'm going to really work on in summer league. Awesome content. Will let you know in September if there is a difference:)
First step to fixing something is to admit you have a problem so you made a great first step. A lot of people think no I don't have an issue with that and wonder why they aren't improving.
I went through a bad stretch and wasn’t throwing it smooth. Took video of myself and saw my swing was way behind me. Started to make my backswing feel like it was way out to the left (i’m a lefty) and it got my smooth release back. Similar to your first tip, but just i focused more on the backswing instead of the pushaway. I feel like everybody learns differently so we can take different approaches to the same idea! Another great video Darren!
Where did you put the camera to record yourself? I am definitely interested in trying this
Nice to hear from a fellow lefty
@@CozyGen i just found something to prop my phone on the table behind the lane and tried to put it directly behind where I was on the approach so I could see my backswing direction. That’s how I noticed how far right my backswing was going causing the inconsistency and forced me to come around the ball more instead of underneath it
Yay! I got #3. 😂 definitely just a house shot bowler but I always find myself telling people all three of those tips. Good to know to straighten out your swing is to over exaggerate the push away. Very cool. For tip 2 I found that using a tennis ball in a grocery bag and try to swing it without it bouncing back and forth helped me loosen up my swing and think, “let gravity take over”.
There are exceptional players, but most of us need to heed basic physics: where we put a ball in the backswing determines most of what follows.
Tip number 1: stoping thinking I’m a professional 😂
Las Vegas scouts are not watching for potential talent
Not funny
@@starry-dazed thank you good news bear
Gotta start somewhere
But even as a pro and a newb be humble
Thank you for the important tips Darren. I'm always looking for essential ways to improve my game so I'd love to see more videos like this.
I'm guessing that unlike me, they also bowl a little more frequently than once every 15 years or so.
Yup
Yeah. I know the far apart.
I do about once a monty
I do every Tuesday and Thursday that I have school for I’m in a high school bowling league
Im watching every single video of yours and I’m starting to feel like a good player even i haven’t played bowling for a years. Will use all the tips and your other videos to dominate my friends next time i play. Cheers for quality content, keep it up bro! ❤
Balance is my biggest issue. I tend to fall off to the right after every shot. In the back of my mind I knew it didn't help me, but having Darren talk about it brings it back to the surface for me and I'm going to work on that. Nice simple tips to follow.
I bowl better after a couple of hits. Nice and relaxed.
I have the same issue with that when I open my angles a ton
볼링 초보가 유심히 살펴야 할 3가지를 잘 집어주셨네요. 1.백스윙이 과도하게 사이드로 빠지지 않고 2. 공을 제일 아래점에서 복숭아뼈에서 최대한 부드럽게 릴리즈 해주며 3. 몸의 벨런스를 최대한 안정적으로 유지할 것.
고마워요 데런🫡
Tip #1: 👍. Swing behind the back big issue. Corrective action is crossover step synchronized with the take away. The ball should be dropping down in the right leg slot.
Tip #2: Loose from the top 🔝. The downswing should be effortlessly.
Tip #3: Balance at the foul line. Good footwork combined with right spine tilt and proper employment of the balance arm is how shot posting is achieved.
Great video Darren!
I throw so hard that I physically have to slow down my down swing to slow myself down to 15-16 mph. Also hold the ball on my hip so I don't have as big of a swing lol. Otherwise I'm throwing 18-19 and ball won't move at all
Also, there is a huge risk of injury for speed bowlers who swing all the way back.
I'm loving the content Darren. I would say the best bowling advice I have ever had would be getting a better approach, release, and ball speed for throwing a consistent line.
This was a great video! All 3 of these tips will help me in my game a lot. I appreciate the simplicity in which it was explained and demonstrated!
Me when I saw Darren Tang posted a video: That basketball vid can wait but this can’t
Nailed all 3, without rewinding or slowing down the video. It helps that I'm working on these (or working with my son).
🍪
This might not be as "fun" as some of your other videos, but it is probably the most useful. Anyone from a novice to a professional has to pay attention to these three aspects of their physical games for the rest of their bowling careers. You could probably incrementally build on these topics. For example, the second bowler, if he really achieves that loose swing, WILL drop the ball. Then what?
If the ball drops, he has a bad fit. And I’m willing to bet 99% of bowlers have a bad fit.
Great tips, Darren! I look forward to future instructional videos to help us get better! Wishing you continued success!
No
I got #2 and #3 correct off of educated guesses. #1, I did not see before you revealed it. But at the end of this video, I finally understood it. No-thumb bowler here (one hand). This applies to us as well with slighter visual differences.
One thing that's also helping me is to reset myself, mentally. No more thinking that I'm as good as I want to believe I am. Being humble enough to accept that while I was pretty good in 2019, I'm absolutely mediocre today. I ask myself questions like 'do I bowl to be better than my peers, or do I genuinely enjoy the sport like I do baseball?' I see some pretty good follow up tips here by many bowlers but I try and refrain from giving any advice because I've decided that true experts like professional bowlers or coaches that do this for a living are the best sources for this sort of information. Then, I'll take my time to rebuild my game and enjoy the journey. I'm thankful for my day job!!
There are lots of bowling “talker” in the bowling Center
2: yes. I get help from paid coach and lesson.
Some fellow bowlers may help me with some of their experience….but only systematic coaching will bring me up gradually
3: basic is everything!
Bowling in pajamas is crazy
Thank you
Modern society. That's what people wear in public now a days.
Me I would do it
Maybe he thought he was going golfing? 😂
I don’t see whats wrong with it. Pajamas are nice and loose, comfortable. It’s no different than wearing gym shorts.
Kyle looks pissed that you are talking while he is trying to bowl at 3:10 haha great vids. Makes me want to pick up bowling again.
I was 2 for 3 on the tips. For balance at the line when you post up on the shot should you try to hold the pose the whole way or is there like a fine spot where you can just be more relaxed after the ball is cleanly off your hand and rolling down the lane?
In watching the Daren Tang videos I noticed that as part the push away, Daren's arm is straight in that it appears his elbow is locked allowing his arm to remain straight, from the push point where he says to let the ball fall, all the to the top of the back swing. In all the videos I've watch, there has been no mention of locking you elbow during the push away.
Think if the arm is bent during push away, there's a natural tendency to bend the elbow which will cause a need to grab the ball on the down instead of letting it fall freely to the top of the back.
swing. This grabbing sensation with the bent elbow could be the reason why the ball goes too far to the left during the back swing. Just a thought. Good video love the educational type videos and the league night videos as well.
At 0:30 initially it looks like you’re going to work on his timing from his backswing to his last few steps of the approach. Kinda seems like he’s slightly pulling instead of letting gravity do the work
Edited after continuing the video “ah yeah fair”
4:20 I’m guessing is follow through and balance at the foul line Edit: that makes sense.
i did a lot of duck pin bowling and its a lot harder then 10 pin. but its a good way to help get your form down and my games in 10 pin are between 270 and 300. lol when you said hook my ball goes right for the gutter hugs the gutter all they way down till like the last foot and a half to 2 feet then pounds right in the head pin. if i leave anything 90% of the time its a easy pick up whats or if there's anything left.
Thumbs up on educational content. After a long break I've started bowling again. Ive been to the ITRC and have a very straight swing and L5/L6 speed control, but I have a very hard time being consistently balanced. I can stand on one leg on a squishy mat, workout, etc. For those of us out here with inconsistent balance what is the drill?
Hi D.Tang. Love your content. I can definitely tell you have been coached by Jas. I've taken a few lessons with him back when he was giving lessons at the USBC Championships.
I have a question for you about tip #1. What would you do if your arm swing bumps out because of physiology? I broke my collar bone when I was 5 and my arm naturally bumps out on my backswing. Keep up the great content.
I think having a looser release is a good tip for me. I don't think I muscle the swing as much but I think there's a lot of tension at the bottom for me. Will try!
LET ‘ER DAANNGGGLLLEEEE!!!
Great video. Definitely some things that I need to work on this week.
You’re my favorite bowler on YT and I’be dreamed for a long you to start making this kind of content! You’re making me so happy DT ❤🎉
Great tips! Definitely helps to be reminded and conscious of these things.
The hardest thing I struggle with is I've gotten a lot better bowling two-handed but there's always a bunch of OG's in there either laughing or making fun of it and talking s*** about it that's hard for me to get past
For me, I just discovered that for years I was starting the approach square and center, and just realized now that I've been walking to the right by time I'm at foul lane and I end up pulling ball to the left because I'm physically too far right. Lol. Finally working on that now. Hey, got a question for you. I noticed in one if your vids you hurt your arm in a tournament and ended up using a massager I guess for your right forearm? Getting back to bowling after years of not playing I too recently hurt my right arm bowling. I can bowl but I noticed when I squeeze my right hand thete is a small pain that shoots up to the right elbow. Do you get bowling injuries all the time or do you have any suggestions for fixing these types of issues? I'm just wondering if I strained the muscles or ligaments in the arm. I can use my arm but the minor pain has never gone away.
maybe you can explain the slide on delivery -- I seem to stick consistently with my left foot (right-handed) when delivering the ball, so obviously there's a timing/technique problem but I can't quite nail it down....
You are a great mentor! More educational videos please. ❤
Tang gang
Great tips. I definitely have problems being consistent with my approach and my swing, but I am gonna try it with a looser swing and balanced approach.
I was taught to never drop your shoulder as you progress through the swing. Also my ball was drilled based on the type of straight handshake style release I had. Those and a straight path swing allowed me to remain totally relaxed and let the ball do the work. All I had to do was adjust my target mark on the lane to allow the ball to hit the pocked. I could strike on either side of the pocked consistantly.
These tips are deferentially beneficial. Your last video with "getting lower to the ground" was a game changer.
I know one thing professional bowlers do that I dont - actually go bowling.
I think my problem is inconsistency at times and deff balance. I can bowl two to three balls and strike and I’ll know they strike cause everything feels light and easy, but then I’ll take a shot and I physically feel off. I also wanna pay attention to where my arm goes when I pull it back again sometimes I feel like it’s loose and straight but then it won’t hook as much as when it’s all working like a machine
Darren, I hope you can lay off practicing and tournaments until your arm heals. Your one of a minority of bowlers who probably works too hard. This instructional video is outstanding. In my opinion your ability to use your bowling knowledge to instruct other bowlers is underrated.
For me the hardest move (or non-move?) is to wait for the ball to drop before the slide. Any tips on how to practice that?
How many steps is your approach?
It should literally be natural. You can practice this without a ball. Find the comfortable position to start your step from, then naturally start to take steps and swing your arm back simultaneously. Once you find where your release is as you slide forward, it should be about the same every shot unless you have to adjust for a dry lane and move forward or something.
I actually start with my left foot forward, with my right foot directly behind it (you have to have good balance here). I take 3 total steps (1 short then 2 long) then glide to the foul line. My left foot moves forward a small amount, my right foot makes a full step but the ball is starting its upward (backwards) movement and i sort of make a little 'hop' during this phase, the ball goes all the way back (like a pendulum) and then its swinging directly forward and fully out as my left foot takes a full step and glides with my momentum to the line. Then my right foot 'swings' across behind me and actually marks up the lane a lot (and wears my shoes down lol). My shot is very unique, but its very smooth and looks impressive even if I dont always bowl above 200. When I'm on though I can bowl a 700-800 series. I bowl mostly unlimited on Fridays so the lanes tend to be dry a lot and I have to play a few to adjust quite a bit.
Then again, what I described might sound absurd and doesnt work for you at all.. 😅
I was having trouble getting the thumb out of my ball, now that I got a new ball, I had the thumb hole drilled centered with the finger holes and ovaled, it has helped get the thumb out smoother.
More instructional videos please. i like the ball reviews and watching you bowl in different events but if I can learn something I can apply to my game that would be the bee's knees.
GREAT video, thank you, love all the tips!
0:32: his form is pretty good. He either needs a ball designed to hook a little more, or he needs to move one board to the right while throwing over the same mark.
When the camera guy said “ what is this blues clues” got me dying in laughter lol😊
I really loved this type of educational video! Very helpful!
Thank you! I haven't bowled in 4 years. Last week, I did terrible with a 145 average. Watched this video a few hours before the bowling league, and I bowled a 170 average.
Great advice. All things my coach always tried to instill as well.
Amazing video! Thanks Darren!
The only question I’d have is does tip #1 - Keep your ball behind your head - apply to two handed bowlers? If not, what would be the two handed equivalent for tip #1?
What about the ball itself, how can I figure out where the holes should be drilled for the best possible strike ball (fingertip grip, using middle and ring finger, righty)?
That will be for another video! Join me on twitch to get answers live
Good tips - thanks. I thought #3 would be timing. His body was way ahead of the ball. It looked like it contributed to balance issues.
Something I noticed with Aden is that he starts his back swing decent, straight arm, but when he gets to his forward swing, he bends his arm, which is a clear sign of muscling the ball. You even notice this with Chris, although his arm bend is much more subtle. It lead me to believe you were going to do a double tip on not muscling the ball. I would say that I believe that for Aden, if he muscled the ball less, he would probably find himself much more balanced as well. But then you said that he's been trying to get more power behind the ball so it made sense you would focus on balance as he's still learning to get power to the ball.
@Darren Tang, do you specifically ask for giants to assist you in these videos or are you really just that short?
First gut has great form. His feet should be much further right for the lack of revs. Or he can make his target more right to hit the breakpoint sooner.
chris is so wicked. I'd definitely want him on my side in a street brawl lmao
also that might be one of the highest balls speeds I've ever seen.
Great video Darren and although it's been about 10+ years since I have bowled, I was able to see the flaws with each bowler before the question was answered.
It's nothing to brag about that my best game in was 187 and that was just using a Columbia 300 White Dot beginner ball and I never did get to continue bowling because travel to/from the nearest lanes is a pain in the ass.
It would be cool to start bowling again, but I would probably have to use some lighter weight house balls, to try and at least learn some basics of learning to hook the ball, even though they are really just made for straight bowling for soares, etc.
With the last kid, what about the way he like I don’t know how to explain it other than it looks like he like picks up the bowl towards the end of his swing and then shoves it out there. Is that alright?
I really didn't have a clue at first. The 2nd guy's arm looked too stiff but, I'm not sure that's what you meant by "more loose".
With Aden, I thought he looked a little awkward before you said anything but, again, I'm not sure that's what you meant by "better balance".
Good tips. Thanks
How do you correct the DOUBLE BOUNCE at release?
2:02 Except when making an adjustment. It's very easy for me to go through the nose after 2 pinning, or throw a shot too hard after going high and 2-8 or bucket. Many people have a tendency to overcompensate, so I disagree with this piece.
Great content as usual. How about improving release and creating more revs in the next video?
@8:29 this term you use "push". What is push? I hear it often, like it someone gets a spare, I see "push". You said something about making an effort to push shot at the line. Please elaborate. I appreciate your patience.
I have not bowled much in my life. But I have been bowling a lot the last couple months. I have watched many videos but I cannot get my ball to hook at all!
What a timely video! I'm struggling with all 3 right now.
Having Darren teach these guys is so underrated. I would give anything to have Darren fix my crazy no thumb crazy shot. No one has seen what I do and weirdly it works most times. XD
I bowled in club with a teacher. He also learn me about balance. When you walk forward, and dont feel the balance perfect, it is better to dont throw the ball, and try again. Also walk to the arrow you shot after. and a straight swing back and forward. No need to swing the ball behind the back. Also when i run training 5 or 10 km before i went to bowling. I play a lots better. It increase the focus a lots, also drink a lots of water. Coffee or drink / food with sugar makes it more difficult to make a perfect swing. :)
Watch the best approach to increase ball speed. I have tried backing up on lane to increase my approach speed . I’m still hitting my marks, I just can’t get the ball down the lane any faster . Any tips ?
My biggest key to getting better is do the thing you want to work on before you go out there. Then remember that feeling and focus on repeating it. Eventually it will become muscle memory after a few games.
More vids like this please. This is one of the better videos that Darren has posted.
Biggest issue I have is back swing. I don’t have a very high back swing because of bad shoulders. I’m sure that is affecting my ball speed. How do I increase ball speed without being able to increase back swing. I don’t thing my back swing comes above my hips at all. Any advise
At 5:10, Chris there looks like he's throwing his arm across his chest. Idk if he's aiming at the very last second on the release. I can't possibly bowl like that but he get a very nice strike, so I really don't know the deal there.
Kyle's push off neglected the foot. He didn't take his first step until after the ball was dropping. Chris ended his approach way short of the foul line. Aiden's balance at the release point was very shaky. I'm not sure about his elbow bend at release either. Seems like it would be hard to repeat that motion every time.
Yes! The elbow bend. I couldn’t figure out how to explain it in my comment, but it’s almost like. He is picking the ball up at the end of his swing and then shoving the bowl out instead of rolling it. Looks wild.
Beginning of approach is a push away? Other video clips say don’t push away. Which is right since both coaches are “pros.”?
Wait wait. Is there shirtless man in bacground 😂 2:00
I think you are correct. What in the world is up wit dat?
Clicked on the video as soon as I saw it I love Darren so much.
They’re already really good
Would do you do personal coaching? N how much would you charge? Keep up the great vids thanks
With Aiden, I’m more concerned about his grip and wrist muscling the ball than his balance. He is ice cream scooping the bejesus out of the ball and coming out of it really late. Releasing the ball more cleanly would help his balance.
Fantastic advice! Way to go Coach.
With the first bowler, I noticed he has his pinkie finger curled. This little bit affects stability and balance within the hand from my past experience. For me it was also a sign I was muscling up too much. Do you feel this has noticeable impact?
I not no pro I shoot curved like this sense I first started bowling feels natural I’ve hit the 10/7 split like only 5 times out of maybe 150 games in my life time with these solid provided plastic bowling lane balls I keep getting this shot any tips positioning lane position
Am right handed I understand I need to hit the left pin perfectly on its edge with a solid left spin to lift the pin up as I shooters left am just asking because some times it feels like a fluke
Do you have any tips for bringing the backswing 'higher'? My arm ends up aligning with my thigh and going further back than that just feels uncomfortable
1650 sat 24th....if you're at southpoint I have a league team on Monday nights we all need help ...2 gals 2 guys. My anchor man has a 210 avg, I started with a 200 avg not holding it tho....when are you avail to look us over? Anchor man throws too hard. Girls are newbies, I'm old n full of injuries struggling to be consistent ....we all need coaching a bit.....thanks!
#1 Let the ball work for you.
Bowling is kinetic. We don't need crazy speed and revs. Average speed and good placement will make the pins come alive while preserving the body.
I love throwing a low speed house ball off the one board and clear the deck time and time again.
I think I have trouble squeezing the ball especially on my down swing. Don't want to keep doing that but haven't figured out how to remedy that. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
You could say there's a general standard in bowling.
But what counts the most is hitting the pocket and striking.
I've been able to muster 18 strikes in a row, so I must be doing something right.
See you in Las Vegas during the next coming senior tournament.
yeap subscribed cause Darren made me went back into bowling
Hey Darren...I throw a straight ball and don't hook the ball...do these tips still apply???
#3 needs to go more down and in. I had a great shot and balance because I needed right knee surgery and it would often pop out when it touched the lane swinging behind me to post my shot
Watching Chris' lack of follow through on the first shot and then crossing his body on the second, I'm reminded of how many of today's pros do the same. Pros used to finish on the swing side of their bodies, above their heads, with the same exact hand positon every time...but not anymore. Why has this changed?
thanks! can you do a video on proper fit in the ball? like how tight your fingers and thumb should be in the holes
I live a exit away. I’m upset I missed you there. I’m looking at all the lanes next time would love to run into you and talk bowling 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I’m going to assume these tips work with two-hand bowlers too right.? Or would it just be tips 2 and 3 that work for two-hand bowlers.?
Saw them all, but Chris needs to get the ball moving in his first step of a 4 step approach. His swing is so compact because he tries to bring the ball back and forth in only three steps and forces him to over muscle the ball.