Using the waist along with the kick, the essence of bowling Swinging
In bowling, it’s often said how critical the “kick” is. However, creating a swing by effectively utilizing the waist in conjunction with the kick is even more crucial. This concept requires practical application for a full understanding, but I will try to explain it as simply as possible. It’s difficult to sense the waist movement in bowling because the focus tends to be on the arm and the swing, minimizing any noticeable waist motion. Therefore, effective swinging necessitates separate waist exercises. Let’s take a closer look at how to properly engage the waist.
Inspiration from Baseball Pitching
In baseball, extensive use of the waist is common, and the fundamental mechanism of throwing a ball in baseball is similar to bowling. In baseball, the ball is thrown upwards, while in bowling, it’s the opposite. It’s rare to find pitchers who rely solely on their arms. Utilizing the entire body allows for fast and accurate pitches. The same is true in bowling; using the whole body is necessary for an effective throw. The key in bowling is to generate a large force with a small effort, which means properly using the lower body and waist.
Efficient Swing Through Waist Utilization
Even when bowlers seem to throw effortlessly, you can observe high speed and roll, which results from effectively employing the waist. Without proper waist utilization, the swing speed decreases, and the momentary force diminishes.
The Mistake of Solely Using the Arm After Landing
Many bowlers have a tendency to use only their arm after landing. However, the body must be involved when using the arm. It’s crucial that the body pulls the arm, not the arm pulling by its own force. The arm should follow the lead of the head, legs, waist, and then the hand. Only this sequence can sustain the rhythm of the swing and increase its speed.
Detailed Movements and Practice Method
Remember the sequence: head, legs, waist, hand. When landing, if the head doesn’t lead, the hips won’t be able to move forward. With the head in front, the buttocks will follow. At this time, the distance between the knee and pelvis should be reduced. A large gap indicates insufficient waist engagement.
How can one practice the kick and waist utilization simultaneously? Performing all movements at once can be challenging, so it’s vital to establish the posture through separated movements. Practice stopping after 1 to 3 steps and then work on the final step. During the pause, feel the energy in the right foot. Next, combine the kick and swing. Frequent practice of segmented movements will naturally link the posture. During the kick, it’s important to push the waist forward.
Don’t Forget the Waist Posture, Hips Forward
In the final stance, you need to slightly stand up from the waist. The sensation should be of the hips moving forward, not the knees rising. When the waist stands, you can utilize its power, allowing you to create a powerful swing. Now practice the swing through the key elements of waist utilization and the kick to challenge yourself with a stronger and more accurate bowling approach.