1. Once you’ve doubled with Ball No. 1, try to double from the same spot with Ball No. 2. Once you’ve doubled, repeat the exercise with Ball No. 3. Repeat the process until you can throw six strikes in a row using the three balls. Success will require you to change speeds or release to get to the pocket without moving on the approach. The next practice session, pick those three
balls and get lined up with all three. In this drill, you can pick anywhere on the lane for each ball, but your goal is to throw six strikes in a row. You know that you can strike from a par- ticular spot with Ball No. 1. Ball No. 2 hooks more, so you know you need to move the ap- propriate amount on the approach to get to the pocket. This drill will help you understand how each ball in your arsenal reacts, and will teach you how to play different zones on the lane.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS: Click on the video above to get practice tips from Kim Terrell-Kearney.
ish stationary and balanced until the ball hits the pins. Stay down on the shot. This will prevent you from running out the shot or using body English the second the ball leaves your hand, and will encourage good balance and commitment to the shot.
Skill Drills There are several ball motion drills that will help you become a more versatile bowler. The speed drill is great for teaching you how
to adjust to different oil volumes on the lane. Most bowling centers clock your ball speed. Once you’re lined up, throw 10 shots. Note the speed. Then throw 10 shots from the same spot throw-
ing the ball 1 mph slower. Then throw 10 shots 1 mph faster. To get softer, move up on the ap- proach 6 inches and heighten the ball in your stance. To get faster, move your starting spot 6 inches back on the approach and lower the ball in your stance. The value of this drill is that it will allow you to adjust speeds based on the vol- ume. When the volume is heavier you want to get the ball into a roll sooner. The easiest way to do that is to get softer with the shot. Conversely, as the lane breaks down there is more friction, so you need to get the ball further down the lane. Another great versatility drill is to strike from
the same spot using several different balls. If you have three balls, get lined up using Ball No.
19 USBOWLER APRIL 2012
Bonus Points I’m also a fi rm believer that your practice rou- tine should occasionally include work on your mental game and equipment. There are plenty of books out there that will give you a better un- derstanding of the mental approach to sports. Likewise, it’s always good practice to take care of your equipment, whether it’s replacing your in- serts or having the surface of your ball refreshed. Practice isn’t always fun, but it is important if
you want your game to improve. An organized practice routine, even if you only do it a few times a season, will better prepare you to face the vary- ing challenges that will surely be thrown your way in competition. And preparation breeds success. — Kim Terrell-Kearney is
Assistant Head Coach of Team USA and the International Training and
Research Center in Arlington, Texas
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