Am an x golfer, so I can understand your theory/s! I have not been playing bowl long, but my game has improved since watching your blogs! Pity you don't have an outside green to show/explain, illustrate your theory's in more detail! Keep up your great blogs, as we would all be lost without a Doctor!!!

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Hi Alan… glad the vids have been of some help for you! I try and use as much analogous material from other sports I’ve played as I can as I find it increases the number of ‘aha’ moments. Golf and curling are two great sports to make the transition from to Bowls. I actually do have an outdoor green available, but find that bowlers get lost in results at the expense of process. I refer to “The Talent Code” from time to as it is an excellent example of coaching process. More on that later, but in the meantime - enjoy this wonderful game of ours!

Thank you for the clear instruction. Explains my sometimes inaccurate bowl delivery.

Brilliant, lucid instruction! I’ve been bowling for many years and had never considered the obvious logic of aligning your bowl and arm with the aiming point rather than your feet. Can’t wait to test this out.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David. It really pays to play and/or watch other sports that required aiming properly, or at least with a method that provides the most consistent chance for success. I used years of golf and curling, both playing and observing, to finally realize I don’t bowl with my foot, and that aligning the bowl might very well be the key to success 😂 . Truthfully, it’s equally important when playing a drive. Looking forward to hearing about your results!

Great to see you back Dan. Been waiting for more advice on the game since your grip video. Really clear instructions. Hoping to see some improvements in my game. Many thanks.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Holly… I got so busy with other projects and volunteering I just never had the block of time I wanted to put everything in order with the videos. Glad you like them and hope they help. I will, sooner than later (I hope), be adding some other series to the channel throughout the year. Always looking for suggestions for specific videos! 😉

Great coaching. Thank you so much.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

7 ай бұрын

You’re more than welcome. Hope it helps you enjoy this great game of ours even more!

Hi from South Africa new bowler.. Thanks a lot. Regards Neil.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Neil, thanks for dropping in! I’m long overdue with finishing and posting these videos and it’s been a method I’ve been teaching for decades - just glad to have some time to get them to the ‘Premier’ stage now. Hope they help in some way. Throughout the series I’m trying to emphasize the need to simplify things, stay relaxed, but maintain focus when you need to.

@GamEmpire1

2 жыл бұрын

Also from south Africa , also new.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

@@GamEmpire1 welcome to a great game!

So glad I found this series, I went to an open day at my local club enjoyed it then on my first evening of practice was bombarded with advice from so many people with one person insisting that I use the claw grip. I am a small framed lady using a 00 size bowl ( have since heard there is a 000) I had to really stretch my fingers this has strained my fingers, wrist, arm and shoulder I am in considerable pain and thought this game wasn't for me. I might just give it another go.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Susan… I hope you stick with this great game. In the 54 years I’ve bowled I’ve come across a lot of ‘experts’. Nobody, myself included, knows everything about bowls - or anything for that matter. When I coach people I let them know that what they are getting is my experience and if it works for them - is comfortable and successful - then stick with it, but I’ll never ever force someone to use my method. I taught for 30 years and all throughout understood all kids learn differently, with some methods more successful than others. I have had bowlers come by for a club fitting and when they ask what they should do when bombarded with advice I let them know their response should be “Thank you, I’ll try that out next time I’m practicing.” And if they keep on insisting, just let them know, “I’ll check with my coach to see what he thinks!” And yes, you can reference “The Delivery Doctor” as your coach. 😂 You could even give them a link to my vids! 😂 so that maybe they’ll leave you and other bowlers alone in future. As per bowls, Taylor has had Quads (0000) and Trips (000) for several years now. Many clubs have these as loaner options and I’d recommend you check to see at your own club for these smaller bowls. If you’re lucky they may even have a set of Quads with the new Extreme grip - sounds like it could be a match for you. Of course, if you choose a Quad be prepared, cuz the same well meaning ‘experts’ who are telling to use the claw grip will also advise you to use a bigger, heavier bowl! 😔 🤷… you could about ‘your new coach’ if you want 😉 All the best - bowls should be for everyone! Would love to hear that you’ve given it another go!

Nice golf swing!

@TheDeliveryDoctor

4 ай бұрын

😂 it’s been a real work in progress over the years - mostly, and early on, due to a complete lack of a downswing. I took some lessons from a pro who tried to bend me into positions my body did not naturally go - in an attempt to correct a wicked reverse C : then, after separating two ribs back in 2002 with a vicious hack out of tall fescue during a match, I switched to the Stack and Tilt method, which made swinging a club tolerable - not pain-free - but tolerable, and with that swing I was able to play with more accuracy, less pain and was able to maintain between a 5 and 7 handicap. Yup - I had a follow through, cuz then stack and tilt also coincidentally restricted by unwieldy backswing. Having played numerous sports over the years I’ve collected other muscle and joint injuries, with wrist and elbow tendinitis being just a few, lingering ones. At one point a couple of years ago I couldn’t lift a club with my left arm - but wasn’t willing to give up the game - so I ‘found’ the one plane swing and have adapted that after following @toddgraves here on KZread University 😉. Within months my accuracy had improved even more, and I notched my first hole in one. I continue to tweak my golf swing and one day hope to have it become as natural as my bowls delivery is to me. Both methods rely very little on a backswing, and instead take advantage of our own body’s forward movement and culminate in a complete follow through. Bottom line is: we can and should constantly be looking for a system of movements that incorporates a simplicity of motion that can produce consistency, reliability, and adaptability to the ever changing condition of our bodies from day to day. I’ve got a series of videos forthcoming (soon) that will show how simple modifications to the method I demonstrate throughout this series can be made to ensure that those who claim they “can’t get that low” will be able to deliver a smooth bowl each and every time. Now if I could only find a putting stroke that I can rely on and be happy with!!

Excellent … great to have you back with world of information

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks SAM. This one was the longest of the series, but I always feel it's important to draw upon experiences from other sports - especially those that many bowlers have also enjoyed - to demonstrate a point.

Greatings from Australia, where the official coaching manual prescribes the incorrect method. You only have to watch top national and international players to quickly realise that is not what they do. Instead they use the method you describe. I have heard this referred to as using a shooters stance, which also aids balance and stability, therefore facilitating consistency of delivery. Very helpful video that furthered my understanding of this often neglected or little understood area of bowls coaching.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Hi Kenmare - I've been involved with all aspects of the coaching program here in Canada - since 1982. While developing the first re-write of our level 1 manual back in the early '80's (came into the program while it was half way through the funding cycle) we quickly realized the grip they had already written back into the manual was not the one we were advocating. Unfortunately we were told we could write it into the next revision - only after the level 2 and 3 were completed - so decades away! Instead we tried to promote this grip as the new grip in our curriculum - but coaches being coaches - they continued to teach their way! While I was coaching chair, and competing internationally I found it interesting just how much our association borrowed from other coaching associations - only to find out that were doing the same - borrowing from ours. I can see where many of the exercises I developed. while National Coach in the 90's have been promoted (with a different name) in other programs, by other coaches. Good to see it in use anyway. I would rather call the stance I teach a Natural Stance than a shooter since as the shooter stance, from my observation involves the back foot purposely placed behind the bowling side foot - leading to more movement. I believe less movement is better movement in most cases - but - whatever works and can lead to consistency is what we should use. I use the same principle in Golf and Curling.

@kenmare16

Жыл бұрын

@@TheDeliveryDoctor Like I suspect many watching I only recently took up bowls late in life after involvent in many other sports. What l have found is compared to those other sports in bowls there is little scientific method to ensure accuracy and consistency. Which is what makes this video series so valuable. I only wish it had been available sooner so I could have avoided all the frustration. I particularly like your emphasis on efficient economical movement. Thanks Dan.

A very good coach and attitude. I wish could meet him.

@joehurley8199

2 жыл бұрын

Where is the shop in the video.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

As soon as I get my bookkeeping caught up I’ll be hosting a number of live streams - so depending on where you are and time differential a ‘digital meet up’ could very well be in order! 👍🏻

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

@@joehurley8199 Ontario, Canada we just finished our revised showroom and training area 3 days before Covid started - and because we’re still only doing curbside pickup and postal delivery nobody has been here in two years for hands on coaching. Hoping for someday - this year at least!

Wonderful. Really excellent tuition. Appreciate. Thanks

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Roy! I hope to have a few more videos ready to post soon, with one especially geared towards those who perhaps are unable to drop their back foot knee as low as I do, yet will still be able to deliver a smooth bowl - without bouncing it.

Doing the pre step . .two days only more consistent .allways know my line .but pre stance .keeps me findind the line .better. as not using my arm to find line .not mylegs . As was inconsistent .im am good standard. Try ing to get v good .standard. feel pre stance is the aim to get there Gary

very good

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Roy

The shooter's stance has been recommended (and I use it) because it improves balance when stepping forward and improves one's ability to hit one's 'stare point'. What is your 'stare point' using your delivery method? Is it a physically distinct target? You suggest that it is some inconspicuous spot out where the bowl begins its arc. How do you know whether you hit your delivery line precisely? I'm always ready to learn!

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Not sure exactly what you mean by a stare point. POA? Lmk and I’ll do my best to respond.

@clarkeslemon1312

Жыл бұрын

@@TheDeliveryDoctor By stare point I mean the point of aim on the delivery line.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

@@clarkeslemon1312 I thought that might be it but different coaches have some different names for what is essentially the POA. Not sure I’d ever use stare point though, cuz the term staring kind of makes me feel tense, and that would be the last feeling I wanted before delivering a bowl - especially in a crucial situation. Imo the pre-stance is as important in bowls as it is in other sports like golf, or hi jump or… where visualization is a key element to success. While it may seem inconspicuous to an observer, being able to visualize the path of your shot is crucial and needs to be done in the pre-stance, as I have demonstrated in the video. In the series I also emphasize staying down through the follow thorough as this enables you to determine whether you have hit your mark or not. The actual spot itself is only relative as in some countries where the greens are perhaps a little less mottled than our canadian greens, finding an actual spot may be challenging. However, it is not impossible to look further or closer down your visualized line so as to adjust your weight. While coaching the nationals teams here I used a technique that helped understand visualization. I’ll make a video on this technique, but essentially it involves a blindfold during the delivery itself.

Thank you for a great video I am a new bowler and would like to ask you a question. I completely understand and agree with the video however I tend to focus my head and eyes on the aiming point which is normally an object at the end of the green and keep it there while I deliver the bowl . Would I be correct in assuming that by doing this the head and eyes will dictate where the bowl will go

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

The question of where one looks comes up more often than not. I will be posting a video on this however most successful bowlers rarely use something at the other end of the rink for their focal point. The reasons are numerous and a bit too lengthy to describe here, but please keep in mind that line and length are the key ingredients to delivering a successful bowl. When I play a bowler who spot bowls off the bank it is very easy to get them off their line by varying the mat length. Angles will inevitably change rendering their spot useless. The common notion is to pick a spot 3/5 to 2/3 of the way up the line and use that as your focal point. If you are heavy then lessen the distance of your focal point and vice versa. Your alignment, your focal point and your follow through will generally dictate where your bowl will go. I do exercises with the bowlers blind folded. Visualization is a wonderful thing, and after taking an initial ‘sighting’ of your line, drop a blindfold over your eyes and roll your bowl - this is a wonderful visualization practice! Check out the last video in the series as well - hold your follow through for confirmation of whether or not you have picked and followed your line!

Hi from Australia Dan, I am having trouble finding my delivery line, can you help?

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Coby there won’t be enough room here to really go over ‘finding line’ as there are so many variables. Having played in the inaugural Mazda Pacific Games at Tweed Heads in 1985 as well as at our host club, Coolongatta, as well at Mermaid Beach for a test match and then later at Kahibah with Darby Ross when we visited him after the games (met Darby at the 84 Gateway Masters) I am entirely convinced you have the best greens in the World in Australian. Making adjustments actually meant something on your greens whether it was adding weight or fixing line. Heaven! It was however a different experience as back then we had much wider drawing bowls, and the ones I went with were beyond wide - so much so that there were times I could not play a side because it would have meant going through a short end being played on an adjoining rink!! At times my bowl would be coming into the head, would pass behind the jack and come out 6’ the other side, and 3‘ short of the jack. My manager did not allow me to change bowls (too silly) as he said I ‘knew my bowls’. Yeah, right, but I only knew my bowls on our 11 - 12 second greens - not on the 16 - 17 seconds we played on there. It cost us a medal. Opportunity spoiled. The point of that wee story is that the bowls you use can make a difference. Many top athletes visualize what they are going to do. It’s not all just mechanics. Having proper repeatable mechanics are essential to success, mainly because those are things you can do with your 10,000 reps to gain mastery. However visualization of the arc your bowl takes will greatly enhance both your length and line. Visualization + Focus! I use examples of basketball players shooting 3’s & free throws, high jumpers visualizing their run-up to the bar, the focus of a dart player - all have focus - which is, imo, goes hand in hand with visualization. I have found many bowlers just step on the mat and while they may seem to be focusing on something I sometimes think all they’re hoping for is to get the right bias - no real focus! So - back to your question - which, as a coach, and not having watched you play - I would ask several questions. - are you consistently narrow or wide? - do you always stand in the same place on the mat for each delivered bowl? - are you properly aligned to your point of aim? - what pace of green are you playing on, and, are there some pace of greens you are better on than others? - what model of bowl are you using - and is it regarded as a narrow, normal or wide drawing bowl? - do you follow the line of other bowlers? (hint - don’t : more on that in a video!) - do your line issues occur when the mat set at different lengths - ie do you suffer from being offline most when the mat is set at the hog line? That latter is an easy fix as I find most bowlers who use something on the bank to pick their line are pooched when the mat is placed further up from the standard 6’ (sorry, 2 metres 😉) from the ditch. They don’t seem to realize how acutely the angle has changed from mat to ‘bank spot’ when the mat is placed further up the rink. I’m obviously not a believer in using the bank to choose line - (caveat) unless you always play from a mat always set at the same starting position, and even then only using it for initial reference. In Canada, and I dare say, many bowling countries it is easier to visualize a spot 3/5ths to 2/3rds of the way up the green and use that as a reference point. We have many spots to choose from! Having been a greenskeeper backs in the 70’s while attending Univ I can bravely say, without risk of offending other greenskeepers, that our greens have more than their fair share of visible imperfections to use as a guide. Finding and using these spots can benefit your consistency of line and assist with visualizing the path your bowl will take. The faster the green, the closer that spot will be for me to use as a guide - and from which I can visualize the path. Same goes in golf - especially when putting a particularly wide sweeping, sidewinding putt - similar to the one that Tony Finau drained on the 18th at the Canadian Open yesterday, and that Rory McIlroy drained earlier in the round. Both required visualization - focus. Again, so many variables come into play when choosing line, all of which may or may not have a different ‘fix’. The key is to only change one thing at a time (of those listed above). If I change more than one thing how would I know which one was the right fix. Sometimes it takes a combo of tweaks.

Grip video 1 is not posted to you channel, it goes straight from 0 to 2.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Garett. It should be in the playlist. The grip video was from about 7 years ago, and with the number of views it already had I didn’t want to recreate it or touch it in any way. Lmk if it still doesn’t appear and I’ll look into it from my end again.

@garethhall1476

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheDeliveryDoctor kzread.info/dash/bejne/k6J51Jtmp7zagpM.html that one....I was looking for something published at the same time, all good thanks.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

@@garethhall1476 😂 that was the original intent - to publish them all back with The Grip. Life gets in the way on occasion - or two! 😊

Hi Dan. Bruno here from New Zealand. My club coach told me years ago that there is no difference in delivery between forehand and backhand. It seems logical but I seem to struggle with consistency with forehand. I'd be interested in your thoughts.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno. While the technique might basically be the same from forehand to backhand, even as I demonstrate in the videos, there are a number of factors than can cause some duress with one’s forehand. In no specific order: - body alignment and forward step on forehand often tends to be inside the intended line, thus the delivery of a narrow bowl, - eye dominance - do you know if you are right or left eye dominant? - we tend to clear our hips more on the backhand and have a straighter follow through than on the forehand - on forehand, bowlers struggle because they tend to pull their delivery arm across their body - the bowl sits better in the hand on the backhand than it does on the forehand. Check it out, but don’t blame me if this haunts you, as it did me over 45 years ago, when you find out the bowl naturally sits in the hand on an angle that naturally results in a narrow delivery. It got so bad I wouldn’t play anything but backhands for months! Since cured! - misalignment of body at stance - see the pre-stance video for what I believe is the best method to achieving consistency in line. Without knowing exactly what results you are unhappy with on the forehand, or seeing your delivery, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason, but often these are some of the more prevalent causes

@infradig8

Жыл бұрын

@@TheDeliveryDoctor Thanks for replying, Dan. These are great points and food for thought. I'm right eye dominant. I do tend to be narrow on f/h and find myself 'over-compensating' sometimes and consequently end up with wobbly bowls. I think this is mainly to avoid arm/hip contact which rarely occurs b/h. The hand angle never occurred to me, but now you mention it! I think the main problem is mental ie 'haunting myself' as you put it. I'll check out more of your videos. Many thanks again.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

@@infradig8 😂 I think I need to put together a quick video on “the haunting”. It’s one of those things that we never really see - until we see it - then we can’t get it out of our heads! There are some bowlers who will only bowl backhand due to their lack of success on the forehand. This ‘malady’ hits all levels of bowlers. The problem is they don’t know what is causing the forehand wobbles, or constant barrage of narrow bowls on the forehand. So, without identifying the problem it becomes very difficult to come up with a solution - a solution that isn’t going to totally mess up what might otherwise be a perfectly useful delivery. Yup, I need to get another video together on this one!

@infradig8

Жыл бұрын

I was just thinking...if I played f/h with an 'identical' delivery of backhand, I would have to step forward with my right foot and bowl with my left arm. Which is actually backhand again! I'm overthinking again (the haunting...)

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

@@infradig8 😂 👻 😉

Meant finding my line with arm .not legs

@TheDeliveryDoctor

2 жыл бұрын

Gotcha… figured that… when in doubt blame auto-correct - works for me! 😊

Although I love your videos there is no way in hell as a lead would I be asking what the skip wants me to bowl, 2nd and third yes but as a Lead I bowl my best side, but just my opinion, cheer’s.

@TheDeliveryDoctor

Жыл бұрын

Hi Robbie. I don’t disagree. However I think what you are referring to there was a routine that I encourage for relatively new bowlers. Imo, it’s important to step away from the mat, just as a good golfer steps away from the ball when needing to reload for a different shot. In fact, with experienced bowlers, and those who play with me I always let my leads know their bowls are their own. I mean, both sides are wide open - so why should I dictate what side to play! In pairs my call for my leads is always “first two bowls are your own” - and possibly the third as well if things haven’t gone according to Hoyle. A team has to have strategies for various situations, whether it be general beginning, middle and end games, or bowl specific. Ie with me I want to “own the back” and getting that done earlier than later is best. Every team will have their own strategies and game plans, but yeah, once the players are a bit more experienced and they know what is expected there doesn’t have to be any instruction going on. The game is long enough as it is sometimes!

@robbiegreen769

Жыл бұрын

@@TheDeliveryDoctor cheer’s Dan , appreciate your reply and look forward to another video, I’m about to start my 2nd year this summer, will be using your advice, cheer’s again .