The Delivery Doctor is a by-product of the imagination of Dan as he strives to bring bowlers worldwide tips, techniques and even new products to make the game of bowls even more enjoyable than it already is.
Great advice, but I wonder how well it works on some of the ultra slow greens we have in the UK.
@TheDeliveryDoctor10 күн бұрын
@@malcolmrothery9861 hi Malcolm. It will work equally as well in the UK. The basic motion remains the same - the focal point will no doubt be further down the draw line. We have many greens here in Canada that could be considered slow, at best! This delivery can also be adapted for the faster greens, as well as short mat, albeit on short mat I would tend to stand less upright, and in most cases the initial step would end up being shorter. Keep in mind in this delivery the length of the step is not purposeful. Rather it is a result of the focal point and forward motion throughout the delivery.
@user-qs3ls4jm5k14 күн бұрын
Very helpful
@TheDeliveryDoctor14 күн бұрын
@@user-qs3ls4jm5k thanks Joan. If you ever have questions, just drop them here and I’ll try to assist asap.
@richardbarrett410427 күн бұрын
My dear friend, we have spoken in the past, about various aspects regarding bowls. One question that seems to erk me is the cradle grip, and when you bring your hand forward, to deliver the bowl it seems as if you have to overcompensate turning your wrist around to deliver the bow with a straight arm. With the claw grip, the bowl leaves the hand smoothly. So my question is should the bowl be ever so slightly cocked with the cradle grip? You have my home mail, and we agreed to chat some, so get in touch. Richard.
@dominicgriffiths166Ай бұрын
Thank you
@Tonysnookerfan31Ай бұрын
Hello I need help my worst habit of mine is sometimes I flick when I deliver that’s why sometimes my bowls are short. Could you help me get out of that. And sometimes when I deliver I run with the bowl lol 😂 or get up quickly
@Tonysnookerfan312 ай бұрын
Sometimes I’m too short by 2 or 3 yards something I must be doing wrong in the delivery or the stance
@TheDeliveryDoctor2 ай бұрын
Possibly nothing wrong with your stance or delivery… quick question would be - where are you looking when you are bowling ie what is your focal point. This could vary anywhere between: - a point on the bank - the skips foot - the bend point of path of your bowl - a spot between 3/5 and 2/3 of the way up the path of the bowl - a spot on the path of the bowl but somewhat closer to you than the bend point of the bowl I’m not an advocate of either of the first two, and will rather work with bowlers who use either of the later 3 focal points. I’ll try and get a video our sooner than later on tips for controlling and adjusting distances, but making slight changes to focal points 3 through 5 should, with practice, provide you with what you need to make even small length adjustments. There are other reasons for coming up short, but without seeing one’s delivery it is difficult to determine the exact root cause of delivering bowls short of intended distance. - too low a stance - lack of focus - trying to be too precise (yes, this can be a problem), which often leads to short, not long bowls - height at which one stands - lack of purposeful practice
@Tonysnookerfan312 ай бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctor I have ADHD sometimes it’s hard to concentrate sometimes plus Im left handed I find sometimes on my backhand arm doesn’t delivery straight sometimes it swings out sometimes it’s annoying how can I stop my arm doing that?
@TheDeliveryDoctor2 ай бұрын
@@Tonysnookerfan31 hi Tony. Concentration is an often overworked piece of advice. Some ‘experienced’ bowlers tell new (and older bowlers alike) that they have to concentrate more. In fact I suggest they concentrate less. Case in point. I have played games at the international level that have lasted over fours hours, followed by an abbreviated 15 minute lunch, followed by another 4+ hour game. I defy anyone to tell me they concentrated for all 8.5 hours. I believe you need only concentrate from the time you pick up your bowl to the time you deliver it… basically the length of time of the delivery sequence I demonstrate here. So, maybe 3 to 5 seconds. Sure I have to know what the shot is that I will be playing, but the true concentration comes with determination of the two essential ingredients for success in bowls - line and length! The rest of the time - try and relax and have some fun! It will make you better prepared for your brief moments of concentration. As per your question of the backhand divergence - would really need to see your delivery but, in the videos I advocate staying down long enough in your follow through (all it takes is a couple of seconds) to verify you have delivered your bowl on the intended path, and that your follow through (palm up) is in line with your bowl in transit and your point of aim? Have you tried repeating your delivery action in front of a mirror (without a bowl 😬). Put a post it on the mirror, using it as your point of aim, then repeat your delivery sequence until you have successfully finished with your hand, palm up, in line with the post it note. This would represent your ‘perfect’ delivery - something your muscle memory will eventually be able to take to the green.
@Tonysnookerfan312 ай бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctorI think because I’m short sometimes mostly because I get up tad abit quick while I’m delivering people say I’ve got a good delivery :) I’ve got Hensilitte tiger 🐅 bowls size 3H mega grip :)
@TheDeliveryDoctor2 ай бұрын
@@Tonysnookerfan31 that’s a good sign that people comment positively on your delivery! I’m not exactly a giant myself 😆 and notwithstanding numerous sports injuries, have been able to maintain a repeatable, reliable delivery over 55 years in the game. Follow through has always been a forte - and goes a long way to keeping concentration just long enough to both play the shot, and self-evaluate the execution of the shot, whether it be a good shot or… not so good!
@user-ck1vy7hx2j2 ай бұрын
I just like your easy action but for people like myself who can't get that low because of an old back injury it becomes some what difficult to do this action.
@TheDeliveryDoctor2 ай бұрын
I understand completely… however there are times when my ‘runners’ knees, baseball hammies, and/or sciatic back act up and I don’t look anything like my videos either. I do have a modification I use in those cases, allowing me to deliver a smooth bowl with the same delivery sequence - the only difference being I don’t get nearly as low. … hope to get by a busy part of our biz and have the video available by the end of the month.
@1960ceramic3 ай бұрын
I have joined a bowling club for the first time, and, as a retired teacher, I am really enjoying your videos. I am learning a lot, and I get where you are going with each lesson because I play golf and darts! LOL! Thanks for the inspiration. Hopefully your tips will help me do well in a couple of days when I go out for the first time! Cheers!
@TheDeliveryDoctor3 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed the vids… and congrat’s on joining a great game! I got my first outdoor swings of the year in tonight before supper - sure beats nicking the ceiling tiles in my ‘studio’ 😆 As a teacher I always tried to bring in relevant, and sometimes not so apparently relevant examples to help students make connections. With bowls, I’ve found the easiest way to make connections is relating to other sports that bowlers have played. All the best! Dan
@davidjengland47263 ай бұрын
How do the bowls come back? Person or ramp or..?
@TheDeliveryDoctor3 ай бұрын
😂 good question, David! I’d like to claim it’s just a bit of magic 🪄 - but it’s not. In fact it’s something I built into my demo and indoor training area a number of years ago. It allows me to practice any type of shot, from draw to drive without fear of damaging anything, or anyone else in the room. I plan on a short video to showcase this setup in the near future. Becoming a better bowler is about process not outcome. Outcome is a result of improving the process and this small space setup will let you concentrate on your process 💯 % Hopefully I can get this video, and a few others, produced very soon!
@MrBrianhanchett3 ай бұрын
I can’t wait for the uk season to start so I can get these lessons working, thanks I know where I’ve been going wrong
@TheDeliveryDoctor3 ай бұрын
You and a lot of us in Canada too. We had some gorgeous weather about 3 weeks ago. It had us polishing our bowls, cleaning our golf club faces - and for the past 10 days we’ve awakened to snow - melt - snow - melt. Hoping this morning’s dump here was the last of it til next December!
@MrBrianhanchett3 ай бұрын
Where is lesson 2 I loved the simplicity of this teaching vid
@TheDeliveryDoctor3 ай бұрын
Thanks Brian. The second vid in the series is my PreStance video - an often overlooked component of the delivery sequence, but one of the most important of any sequence that involves sending an object from one location to another - think golf, darts, even racquet sports. Or, for those who still go - to any fall fair where tossing objects at or on other objects results in a win or a loss, a hit or a miss!
@alancarlyon3404 ай бұрын
Hi Doc, Would it be illegal to tape your two middle fingers together while playing comp/s?
@TheDeliveryDoctor4 ай бұрын
Hi Alan… good question. That I know of there isn’t anything in the rules to prohibit a bowler from doing this. Golfers do it all the time. I’m not sure in bowls what advantage there would be other than to stop any further injury to the fingers (strains, arthritis) and unless it was two sided tape 😂 I don’t think it would help with gripping the bowl. Having said that, gloves are allowed and they can certainly help with gripping a bowl, especially for those who have very dry hands.
@grahamcull40774 ай бұрын
Nice golf swing!
@TheDeliveryDoctor4 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!!
@RayOrtega4 ай бұрын
Dan, great video! Nice work on the audio;) I'm an avid bowler here in the U.S. and am always talking about follow through, so I can relate! Keep up with great work.
@TheDeliveryDoctor4 ай бұрын
Thanks Ray! Much appreciated. The audio was through my older Sennheiser GW3 with lavs. Not sure why I’ve been on the hunt for the more mobile mics, except that the batteries are such an issue on the old ones. It always 🤔 will they last throughout this shoot or not!? 🤷 Glad to hear from another sound/vid enthusiast who is also an avid bowler. Yup - follow through is the key to most sports, but especially in bowls!
@Scamp6935 ай бұрын
Hiya......can I DM you through Facebook?....or do you have an email address??.....😊
@Scamp6935 ай бұрын
Hiya.....that weather sounds brutal!!......you mentioned working on another video and that got me thinking. All of the videos I have watched of you take place in your bowls shop.....have you made any videos on a rink where you go through the whole process of the bowling technique from mat to jack??....the reason I ask is that my biggest challenge at the moment is with weight control.....finding my line I don't really have too many issues with and I also have a good idea about how the bias works on my Drakes Pride Professional size 4 heavy bowls...... however what often let's me down during a game is my judgement of weight.....I use 'guided imagery ' to visualise the path of my bowl but still sometimes I am way off with my weight control.....is this just down to experience and memory muscle or is there any practice drills that would improve this aspect of my game?....many thanks for your consideration.....Philip😊
@TheDeliveryDoctor5 ай бұрын
Hi Philip Good Question and one that will take more than a paragraph or two here, or even a single video to solve. I can however share why a good deal of my videos will take place in my demo/coaching studio (doubles as our shop too). I am a strong believer that anyone in sports can improve exponentially by following a regimen of practice that emphasizes process over outcome, this what a good coach can teach in a small area should equate to faster results if the process is perfected - rather than using the outcome as an indicator of improvement. (See what I mean by not being able to explain it in one paragraph 😂). I am currently developing an online course and a major component deals with various means of developing both hard and soft skills - both of which are necessary to being able to judge, and practice consistent distance control. I’ll share those here in KZread as well, but they will be general tips as each bowler may have methods of distance control that currently depend on what they bring to the table with respect to their own physical, mental, and bowls related skills set. (Wow, that somehow sounded weird to me 😳). Weird yes, but, just as I teach a standard delivery style, it is, of itself, a starting point from which a coach and athlete can make adjustments according to personal physical limitations. So too with the skills that include both head and body to function together (like distance control). One of the next videos I’ll be releasing soon will demonstrate how I use my delivery technique as a starting point, and how I adjust it for those who perhaps, due to hip, knee, and/or back issues cannot bend as low as I do in my demonstration videos. I’d be interested to know what you consider to be Guided Imagery. I think I know, but if you’d like to chat about it sometime, DM and perhaps we can set something up!
@Scamp6935 ай бұрын
Oh dear......the climate here in south east Spain is just wonderful.....on average around 340 days of sunshine every year....is it Canada where you live?....I was domiciled in the UK so I do not miss at all those cold, dark and rainy days.....take care out there😊
@TheDeliveryDoctor5 ай бұрын
Yes, Canada! Got to visit Portugal in 2017 (Porto, Douro River, And Lisbon area) and Spain in 2018 (Barcelona, San Sebastien, Madrid) and intend to make it back to both countries once we get a few other bucket list destinations out of the way. Btw, I lied about the -4°C this morning - I just checked our thermometer and it says -9°C - so I think I’m staying inside today - maybe work on another long overdue video!
@Scamp6935 ай бұрын
I cant thank you enough for your excellent content......I started playing bowls on an artifical surface in Spain after retirement at the age of 66 , having never even held a bowl in my hand before.......after watching all of your videos I won my clubs Open Championship Singles title in January just short of my 67th birthday. ....frankly I amazed myself when i won the final 21 vs 4😊
@TheDeliveryDoctor5 ай бұрын
Wow @Scamp693 - What a great accomplishment! Makes my heart sing to hear success stories like yours. Where in Spain did you first start bowling? Is that considered your home club now or was it on a vacation visit in Spain where you caught the 'Bowls Bug'?
@Scamp6935 ай бұрын
Hi....I am now a resident in Spain and my home club is in Mojácar where I am a full time member.....I now play in the league too...bowling three times a week as well as some private practice..... I have much to learn yet, however I still feel I have the energy and drive to continue making progress.... thanks again for you brilliant input 😊
@TheDeliveryDoctor5 ай бұрын
@@Scamp693 I’m envious! I woke up early this morning to the sound of a snow plow rumbling,bling along the road. Temps yesterday morning were 15°C and I was hallucinating about the start of the golf season in a few weeks - by late afternoon it had dropped to -4°C and woke up to snow on the ground. A few days from now it’ll be back to +12°C. So yeah, a bit of envy here! Btw… you’re definitely on the right track - with a combo of competition and private practice! Congrats on getting it right so early in your bowls ‘career’! 👏🏻
@toxophillus725 ай бұрын
What does it weigh, thanks.
@TheDeliveryDoctor5 ай бұрын
Hi... sorry about not getting back to you sooner - off on a family visit. The Ubi_Launcher®, including the handle, weighs only 325 grams
@toxophillus725 ай бұрын
Great thanks for the info.
@toxophillus726 ай бұрын
I've recently had a back operation, this device might keep me in the sport for a while longer.
@TheDeliveryDoctor6 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear about your back troubles, but wish you all the best moving forward. We developed our Ubi_Launcher for just the reason you have stated, “keep me in the sport a while longer.” The stick in curling has done exactly that. Many cur,ing clubs would not exist today without the high percentage of curlers who have extended their memberships by adopting the curling stick. We now have over 2000 Ubi_Launcher in play worldwide, many of which are being used to either extend bowling ‘careers’ or to allow those who would not otherwise make it past the first tryout to gain success and stick with this great game of ours. Playing Without Pain - Priceless!
@toxophillus726 ай бұрын
Thanks for the reply, great instructions on how to get the best out of the device. I've enjoyed your other videos, well done.
@TheDeliveryDoctor6 ай бұрын
Thanks for your kind comment. If you have any questions, or need assistance with our Ubi_Launcher simply ask away and I’ll do my best to assist you.
@toxophillus726 ай бұрын
Hi, here's a question . Would you know how the UBI compares to a bowling arm. I imagine the bowling arm takes a lot more practice but would probably get up better on heavier greens ? but what about accuracy ? Thanks for any reply.
@TheDeliveryDoctor6 ай бұрын
@@toxophillus72 full disclosure. I developed the Ubi_Launcher as an alternative to the bowling arm over 10 yrs ago. We distribute bowls equipment in Canada for a major bowls manufacturer. We also were a local reseller for curling equipment and some gently used golf equipment. I play all 3 sports, although have stepped aside from curling during the Panny. At one time we had the bowling arm in our list of stock items. My opinion on it was, and this is not based on how incredibly long it took to move the devices from our shelf, but more on its method of application. It requires grip strength, a fluid shoulder joint, and the ability to release the bowl at ‘just the right time.’ Imo it is not for people who have arthritis - it is not for anyone who has had rotator cuff injuries or suffers from elbow tendonitis - it is not for someone who could not release a bowl smoothly from a traditional stance when they used that stance. I have witnessed bowlers using the bowling arm who, upon release, the bowls contacts the ground about 8 - 10’ in front of them. And, yes, the turf was flying - and the greenskeeper was crying! On the other hand, no greenskeeper will ever have a reason to cringe when a bowl is delivered with our Ubi_Launcher. The bowl never leaves the surface of the green - ever! At no point during the delivery does the Ubi_Launcher ever come in contact with the surface of the green. Just so, using our Ubi_Launcher does not require grip strength or a backward swinging shoulder rotation - as is necessary with the bowling arm. Using the Ubi_Launcher requires only forward motion (not unlike some methods of traditional delivery). Those who claim there is an advantage with our Ubi_Launcher are correct - the advantage lying in the fact that the bowler who it is intended for no longer has to bowl with the constant pain from their hips, knees, back - and that is the only advantage. The bowler still has to abide by the rules stating the foot (or part of it now) has to be on or above the mat at time of delivery. In curling they still haven’t figured it out. The use of the curling stick has been abused imo. Curlers run out to the hog line and rip missiles down the sheet - at a speed that exceeds even the hardest deliveries of the world’s top curlers. What makes this wrong is that a curler with a slide delivery decelerates as soon as they start their slide and the only method of delivering the rock faster is with extension of their arms as they release the rock - first hand experience as that is exactly how I delivered hits - successfully. On the other hand, too many stick curlers accelerate by running faster towards the hog line (and all too often over it) and then push even harder on release of the rock - missiles - dangerous to all standing at the other end. The point is - those who compare our Ubi_Launcher with the curling stick - which some naysayers do - are completely off-base. Again, The advantage one gets from using our bowls delivery aid is that they can now concentrate on - wait for it - line and length - instead of the pain they feel from their own body parts. As per advantage of one over the other for slower greens, I would remind everyone that my initial promo video was shot on our home green, that had not yet opened for the year and were running around 10 seconds at best 😱, and there was no issue getting the bowl from mat to other end in those conditions. Using the bowling arm would have meant increasing the backswing, and as we all know from watching my delivery sequence for The Draw videos I’m not a fan of the pendulum method being taught in other quarters as it, imo, results in inconsistent, greens damaging deliveries in most cases. This was a rather lengthy, passionate, response, and one that I should probably turn into a video all on its own, as I have heard of one country claiming the Ubi_Launcher does not conform to the rules of the game (utter nonsense) and that it’s downward force can cause damage to the greens (absolute bunk). This same country, I believe, has a vested interest in the bowling arm, and by not sanctioning use (as so many other countries already have) of our Ubi_Launcher they are in essence not being considerate of the needs of all bowlers with varying degrees of infirmity. We are not saying our Ubi_Launcher is the be-all, end-all bowlers delivery aid, rather we believe it to be the best option. Yup, a video will be forthcoming!
@toxophillus726 ай бұрын
Does it scratch the bowls , I use size 3 heavy. Thanks
@TheDeliveryDoctor6 ай бұрын
Hi. We can’t guarantee there will be no scratching as the process of delivery does involve having the bowl rotate during the forward movement. We really haven’t had any complaints about scratching though. I would suggest however that more bowls get scratched when they are tumbled around with other bowls when gathered at the completion of an end using the ‘pushers’. This is especially true when greens have been freshly topdressed, fertilized or at night/rain when dirt and tiny stones will be tumbled with the bowls.
@user-tt3gu2zg2r6 ай бұрын
Hello, I like your instructions. Here in Australia we play fastish greens and synthetics. You are what I would call an arm swinger, you seem to be pretty settled before you swing your arm, so most power is coming from your arms. I have great difficulty on short ends on fast greens. Many thanks.
@TheDeliveryDoctor6 ай бұрын
Indeed, most of your greens are much faster than ours here in Canada. In 1995 I played in the inaugural Mazda Pacific Games at Tweed Heads. We also played Mermaid Beach and Koolongatta. All we’re running in the 16 to 17 second range - absolutely the best greens I have had the privilege of playing on. My delivery motion has fewer moving parts than many on our northern hemisphere greens, and adjustments may have to be made of one is to be successful. On faster greens, or even when playing short mat, which is a similar pace per metre to many of your faster greens I would adapt by bending keens more and starting the bowl at a lower angle. The delivery would still be started with a ‘gravity drop’ but because the bowl starts lower to the ground and is less parallel to the ground it would consequently come out with less force/pace. I should probably do a series showing modifications that can be made for different playing conditions. Btw… I am envious of the greens that you get to play! 😊
@appswizer7 ай бұрын
Great coaching. Thank you so much.
@TheDeliveryDoctor7 ай бұрын
You’re more than welcome. Hope it helps you enjoy this great game of ours even more!
@richardbarrett41047 ай бұрын
This anchoring is ideal for older people with poor knees and hips? Its all very well saying done set the knee, but it helps with balance. Maybe I could politely challenge you to show us all a stance for older people, 65+ with doggy hips and knees without any wobble Doc?
@TheDeliveryDoctor7 ай бұрын
Hi Richard… my comment about the knee is primarily that if we put most of our weight on the forward leg/knee and our intent is to still move forward with that same leg (as a stepping motion) it will mean having to un-anchor ourselves from our initial stance in such a way that it may throw the rest of our body out of alignment (in a parallax sort of way). I’ve enjoyed our conversation online as it has helped me understand where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’d like to get (back) to. Looking forward to checking in with you in the new year! Cheers, Dan
@Rick1198s7 ай бұрын
Hi, I've just started playing bowls, and I kind of know the 'basics', but I've been doing a bit of YT, searching for instruction/tuition to help me develop a decent technique that I can adopt, replicate on a regular basis, and that also produces good results. I've watched all of your vids, in order, and got to apply them today at the club. I must say, I thought I bowled a lot better, and more consistently, than I have in my previous matches, so thank you very much for that 🙏🏻 I still have a lot of work to do, but at least now I have a framework to hang things off.
@TheDeliveryDoctor7 ай бұрын
Hi Rick. I’m so happy to hear that the vids have helped you. Being able to develop a repeatable, reliable technique in any sport x and one that produces consistently good results - is paramount to both total enjoyment and competence. This includes the delivery sequence in bowls. Too many moving parts, or movements, can lead to inconsistencies that canmlead to poor results. Keep in mind, changing ones technique can have its ups and downs, but if we stick with the change after knowing how successful it can be we will enjoy this great game for a lifetime! Again, glad this technique is showing signs of early success for you! 🍻
@petebowls27066 ай бұрын
Any chance of some more vids!
@bigpumpkin229 ай бұрын
I enjoyed this vid, i started playing bowls a month ago, a player has taken me under his wing , he is an advocate of the pendulum/backswing , and a palm grip with a high thumb, And after a couple of outings ,i have been struggling with it, i get one great ball, an average one and two real shitters lol, I have watched a few of your vids and really like your style and will be putting it into practice when i play this coming week, Thank you
@richardbarrett410410 ай бұрын
I do enjoy your video's very much, but would only say older people do tend to have balance issues. So the step forward and down can cause us to wobble, and not deliver the bowl as you would?
@TheDeliveryDoctor10 ай бұрын
Agree completely, and it’s why I have an adaptation to the delivery I show in the series. There is still an element of forward to the adaptive delivery, but not nearly so much down - which, agreeably is the main issue. With the adaptation, the bowl is still delivered smoothly and close to the running surface so that no damage is done to the greens. I’ll try and post the video sooner than later - I hope!
@richardbarrett410410 ай бұрын
Dear Friend. I don't know your age, and it/s not polite to ask,🤐 but you clearly can bend ok. Due to Covid, I missed a few years of bowls and am just coming back. However I'm much weaker in my knees and legs, so do you have a stance for older people with balance knees, and hips problems please? 🤩 Thanks great work my friend.
@TheDeliveryDoctor10 ай бұрын
Hi Richard… and 😉 no worries about age cuz I have never really considered it an issue. I’ve competed in numerous sports and have injured knees from running and ice hockey, separated ribs in golf, strained an Achilles in a track race (most pain ever), suffer from sciatica, endure wrist tendinitis - to mention just a few. This is also coming up to my 56th years in Bowls. I have had to adapt from a traditional golf swing to the Stack & Tilt and more recently to a One Plane Swing (a la Moe Norman). Each change has allowed me to continue golfing, and I am eager to help people continue bowling by also adapting their deliveries to ever changing circumstances. I switched from a “nose to the ice” tuck curler to a “stick” curler, using an adaptive delivery aid when my sciatic was bothering me and could no longer deliver from the hack. About 8 years ago I developed our Ubi_Launcher, a very popular bowls delivery aid, and while I haven’t used it yet I can see the day when my old injuries will catch up to me and I’ll be “sticking it” in Bowls too. Having said all that, it’s true that when we are away from the game for so long getting back into the groove can be painful. Usually it’s the quads that tighten up - making it hard to ‘get down’ with our deliveries. No matter our age, keeping some semblance of fitness in our core will help, not only for bowls, but in general as well. It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise - some easy squats (use a chair for balance), some skating movements (again using a chair for balance), some simple upper body flexibility stretches (most are now recommending dynamic stretching before static - meaning we don’t hold a stretch the way we were taught to years ago). All should be done in moderation at first, and always with you being the judge as to the level at which you can stretch. It’s not about hurting ourselves. Once we have our bodies tuned up I can then start to work on adaptations to the delivery I show in these videos. I understand that not everyone gets as low as I do (nor do I some days) but I have developed a “tweak” that will allow a bowler to deliver a smooth, controlled bowl that is released very close to the ground - regardless of their knee or hip problems. I will try and get a video posted with this adaptation as it would be easier to follow than a lengthy description of it here (as you can probably tell I tend to get wordy on occasion 😂) Deliveries can also be affected by the surface we play on. I have played in Canada (home), England, Scotland, USA, Hong Kong, and Australia and have experienced outdoor playing conditions from 17 seconds to speeds not much faster than my back yard! Where are you located? Do you know the pace of your greens? Be glad to help if I can.
@Upemm11 ай бұрын
I,m a new player of Crown Green Bowling, thanks for this , I, m having a big problem with my delivery, getting the line right and length wrong or visa versa. I,ll be giving your lessons a try very soon.
@TheDeliveryDoctor11 ай бұрын
I’ll be eager to hear how you make out! If you have any questions drop in the comments with the video they apply to and I’ll be glad to assist. Btw, I’m willing to bet some of your crown greens are flatter than some of our outside rinks here in Canada! 😂
@Upemm11 ай бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctor I,ll let you know know how it goes, but if anyone had said to me 30 years ago “ Hey you will be playing bowls in the rain on a Saturday afternoon “ I would have done more than laughed at them😂
@TheDeliveryDoctor11 ай бұрын
@@Upemm 😂 so true. Although just over 40 years ago I played the last game of the season, a Mixed Triples tournament, last half of the game in a blizzard! They offered us the chance to stop with 4 or 5 ends to go, but we said “when will we get the chance to play in snow again?” and we had a ball! Bowls were picking up the wet snow as they rolled along, leaving discernible trails in their wake. Tournament was in later October, and was appropriately called The Snowbird. Played with my dad and sister, and while we won, it was more because of the playing conditions than the victory that I remember that day!
@alancarlyon3928 Жыл бұрын
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!
@infradig8 Жыл бұрын
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 😂 👻 😉
@ferdinandbehm1018 Жыл бұрын
What will be the foot position for forehand and backhand on mat do you use the center of mat ?
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Hi Ferdinand: As demonstrated in my pre-stance and Stance videos I line the bowl up with the point of aim. As long as the foot (or nowadays a part of it) is on or above the mat at stance and delivery then that is all that matters. I don’t promote l taking a stance by positioning the foot on the mat first. I do however use the entire mat to advantage. Here in Canada we have many greens that are very swingy on one side and rather tight on the other. You will achieve more success by understanding angles and where you line your bowl through the point of aim in your pre-stance. Bowlers who take the same position on the mat will not fare well on greens that are dodgy. I’ll try and get a video done on this aspect of “moving around the mat to your advantage” soon. Visuals are so much better!
@derrickhodgson3 Жыл бұрын
very informative. Thanks
@KevinBlaylock Жыл бұрын
You increased the follow through .
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
It’s actually a natural progression as a result of picking a Point of Aim further down the green, or at least a spot further along the line leading to the point of aim. It’s really all about visualization. Bowls is a game of touch!
@ysf6309 Жыл бұрын
Thank you sir, this helped a bunch. Cheers
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Glad it has helped.
@mauricedebruyn3156 Жыл бұрын
Awsome video
@Tonysnookerfan31 Жыл бұрын
Thanks this has helped alot 😊
@joehurley8199 Жыл бұрын
A brilliant set of coaching ,I wish I could be coached like this to improve.
@ferdinandbehm1018 Жыл бұрын
What is the foot position on mat for forehand and backhand do you use the middle of mat for anchor foot or side of mat eg
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
HI Ferdinand. As per the Pre-Stance, I encourage bowlers to line up their bowl with the point of aim and then move to the mat, taking a comfortable stance such that the bowl is still lined up with the PoA. As long as your foot (or now, a piece of your shoe) is on or above the mat at stance and time of delivery, then you are good to go. A common mistake that is oft taught is to line up the foot first - and this leads, more often than not, to narrow bowls on the forehand. There is no one spot where a bowler should always place their foot. Sounds like I need a video to cover the many different reasons why your foot may be in a different spot on the mat - even in the same end. The green will dictate which line you want your bowl to travel, consequently dictating where your foot will end up. (More in this in a video)
@ferdinandbehm1018 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctor it make sense to line up your arm to point of aim and not the feet
@ferdinandbehm1018 Жыл бұрын
Where is correct POA on the bank ,on the green or parallel with jack there is different opinions on this one?
@goldennuggetinfo8468 Жыл бұрын
Recently turned 37 and have been on the green 6 times. I have joined a club and will be competing. Glad I found these videos before creating bad habits.
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
🤣 Trust me - you can still get into some bad habits, no matter how hard you try not to. It's the constant tweaking, like the constant struggle in golf to get 'just a few more yards' that get us into trouble. In bowls, we tend to do the same thing. What helps, however, is having a solid foundation that you can return to.
@goldennuggetinfo8468 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctor 😂 thank you, I’ll keep that in mind :)
@dadministrator2195 Жыл бұрын
I hope to set up a place to practice lawn bowls at home. Well at least everything up until the release and follow through. I notice in your series of videos, you bowl a bowl and it returns to your foot. Are you able to share how this is done? Kind regards
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Hi Dadministrator! I can, and I will... its one of the video shorts I will be doing soon, but in a nutshell I used some very high quality upholstery foam. It works very well with the draw shots - and yes, I have tested it with full blown drives - and survived! 🤪 More on this in one of the tools of the trade videos coming soon!
@miketrevelyan468 Жыл бұрын
I bought one of these has anyone had a problem with tread snapping. I have after 3rd time of using
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Sorry this had happened Mike! If you are referring to the thread snapping the only way this will happen is if the pole was not fully screwed into the head. We explain this in one of the videos here - how important it is to ensure there is no gas between pole and head, else the thread, as it does in all devices, would become the weakest link. The solution is a relatively easy fix: you will need to remove the broken piece of thread - drill two small holes into the broken thread, insert two smalls screws, use a screwdriver to unwind the broken thread until it is fully removed. A replacement pole can be purchased at any Dollar store for $3 - it is a common broom handle thread and when I checked a few years back there were 3 or 4 options there.
@sakhacares1 Жыл бұрын
The coaching in the series has been very helpful and easy to understand and digest .. Now I am eagerly waiting on line and length and finding the shoulder on the green, controlled shots etc a coaching cession on these subject would be ideal Looking forward to the next video
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Thanks Rajesh, and I'm glad the videos have been helpful. The topics you have suggested are certainly on the drawing board - speaking of which - and considering you mentioned controlled shots 😀 I like to think that every shot we play is with some degree of control. But, yes, I know what you mean by "controlled". One thing I have long taught is that there are really only two shots in the game - the Draw - and the Drive. I will have an introductory video that first explains this Two-Shot concept, and then get into depth with both the line/length question as well as the various draw shots that make up the "control" shots.
@alancarlyon3928 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant, the difference in your 4 deliveries were a further follow threw! Love it!
@alancarlyon3928 Жыл бұрын
I see players lifting their trail leg off the matt on their follow-through - is this allowed, or can I deem a foul has been committed?
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Hi Alan. The rule states that the foot must be on or above the mat at time of delivery so as long as the lifted trail foot is above the mat it is perfectly legal.
@alancarlyon3928 Жыл бұрын
I just love your blogs! I only took up the game of bowls last year! I was not very good with my delivery, the odd one hut the Jack, but I couldn't repeat it! Now after watching your blogs I am more consistent and enjoying the game more! Thank you so much in helping me (and others) in becoming aware in what one is doing when stepping off the mat!
@stephensmith8465 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant many thanks.
@alancarlyon3928 Жыл бұрын
Loved this blog Sir - Reason - I have just took up the game and I am told that I need to take a bigger back swing? I am a golfer and know about the follow through in which I do! So after watching your blog, I know feel more confident for this coming season playing bowls! Many thanks!
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Spot on Alan! I too golf, and it wasn't until I got rid of my very long backswing and developed a follow through that I was able to consistently play with a mid single digit Hdcp. The follow through is the thing in pretty much every sport I have played. Bowls is no different. Drives me nuts when I hear the word pendulum used in Bowls! It's a greenskeepers nightmare!
@valerienel2555 Жыл бұрын
Just started this game. Thanks for all your tips and guidance. It helps a lot. ❤
@TheDeliveryDoctor Жыл бұрын
Hey, Valerie! Welcome to the world of bowls - it's a great game, isn't it! Hope some of the tips are working for you. If you have questions feel free to post them and I'll get to them asap. Have Fun!
@alexstruthers7346 Жыл бұрын
@@TheDeliveryDoctor Hi Dan. I have been playing bowls since 1972 and am an advanced coach. In 1997 I produced a 44 page illustrated instructiuon booklet on the delivery action which identified common faults and advice on how to overcome them. Subjects included grip, swing and timing and weight control as well as tactical elements. I think your videos are excellent and will set any aspiring bowler on the road to success. I especially liked the section on the backswing (gravity drop)' and noticed that just before you allow the bowl to drop you hand lifts very slightly to start the natural swing. I have found that on a heavy outdoor green at the start of the season most bowlers tend to 'drag' the bowl backwards and so do not achieve this natural swing which can result in short bowl and strained muscles! In this case I advise to relax the arm 'weigh' the bowl by lifting it about 6 inches gently up and down. When ready to deliver, the arm is extended to about 120 degrees and the bowl lifted about a 12 inches before the bowling arm drops into the natural 'swing'. The shoulders still remain square on delivery and the bowl travels much further with less effort and is more consistent. I look forward to your videos on driving technique. 🙂
Пікірлер
Great advice, but I wonder how well it works on some of the ultra slow greens we have in the UK.
@@malcolmrothery9861 hi Malcolm. It will work equally as well in the UK. The basic motion remains the same - the focal point will no doubt be further down the draw line. We have many greens here in Canada that could be considered slow, at best! This delivery can also be adapted for the faster greens, as well as short mat, albeit on short mat I would tend to stand less upright, and in most cases the initial step would end up being shorter. Keep in mind in this delivery the length of the step is not purposeful. Rather it is a result of the focal point and forward motion throughout the delivery.
Very helpful
@@user-qs3ls4jm5k thanks Joan. If you ever have questions, just drop them here and I’ll try to assist asap.
My dear friend, we have spoken in the past, about various aspects regarding bowls. One question that seems to erk me is the cradle grip, and when you bring your hand forward, to deliver the bowl it seems as if you have to overcompensate turning your wrist around to deliver the bow with a straight arm. With the claw grip, the bowl leaves the hand smoothly. So my question is should the bowl be ever so slightly cocked with the cradle grip? You have my home mail, and we agreed to chat some, so get in touch. Richard.
Thank you
Hello I need help my worst habit of mine is sometimes I flick when I deliver that’s why sometimes my bowls are short. Could you help me get out of that. And sometimes when I deliver I run with the bowl lol 😂 or get up quickly
Sometimes I’m too short by 2 or 3 yards something I must be doing wrong in the delivery or the stance
Possibly nothing wrong with your stance or delivery… quick question would be - where are you looking when you are bowling ie what is your focal point. This could vary anywhere between: - a point on the bank - the skips foot - the bend point of path of your bowl - a spot between 3/5 and 2/3 of the way up the path of the bowl - a spot on the path of the bowl but somewhat closer to you than the bend point of the bowl I’m not an advocate of either of the first two, and will rather work with bowlers who use either of the later 3 focal points. I’ll try and get a video our sooner than later on tips for controlling and adjusting distances, but making slight changes to focal points 3 through 5 should, with practice, provide you with what you need to make even small length adjustments. There are other reasons for coming up short, but without seeing one’s delivery it is difficult to determine the exact root cause of delivering bowls short of intended distance. - too low a stance - lack of focus - trying to be too precise (yes, this can be a problem), which often leads to short, not long bowls - height at which one stands - lack of purposeful practice
@@TheDeliveryDoctor I have ADHD sometimes it’s hard to concentrate sometimes plus Im left handed I find sometimes on my backhand arm doesn’t delivery straight sometimes it swings out sometimes it’s annoying how can I stop my arm doing that?
@@Tonysnookerfan31 hi Tony. Concentration is an often overworked piece of advice. Some ‘experienced’ bowlers tell new (and older bowlers alike) that they have to concentrate more. In fact I suggest they concentrate less. Case in point. I have played games at the international level that have lasted over fours hours, followed by an abbreviated 15 minute lunch, followed by another 4+ hour game. I defy anyone to tell me they concentrated for all 8.5 hours. I believe you need only concentrate from the time you pick up your bowl to the time you deliver it… basically the length of time of the delivery sequence I demonstrate here. So, maybe 3 to 5 seconds. Sure I have to know what the shot is that I will be playing, but the true concentration comes with determination of the two essential ingredients for success in bowls - line and length! The rest of the time - try and relax and have some fun! It will make you better prepared for your brief moments of concentration. As per your question of the backhand divergence - would really need to see your delivery but, in the videos I advocate staying down long enough in your follow through (all it takes is a couple of seconds) to verify you have delivered your bowl on the intended path, and that your follow through (palm up) is in line with your bowl in transit and your point of aim? Have you tried repeating your delivery action in front of a mirror (without a bowl 😬). Put a post it on the mirror, using it as your point of aim, then repeat your delivery sequence until you have successfully finished with your hand, palm up, in line with the post it note. This would represent your ‘perfect’ delivery - something your muscle memory will eventually be able to take to the green.
@@TheDeliveryDoctorI think because I’m short sometimes mostly because I get up tad abit quick while I’m delivering people say I’ve got a good delivery :) I’ve got Hensilitte tiger 🐅 bowls size 3H mega grip :)
@@Tonysnookerfan31 that’s a good sign that people comment positively on your delivery! I’m not exactly a giant myself 😆 and notwithstanding numerous sports injuries, have been able to maintain a repeatable, reliable delivery over 55 years in the game. Follow through has always been a forte - and goes a long way to keeping concentration just long enough to both play the shot, and self-evaluate the execution of the shot, whether it be a good shot or… not so good!
I just like your easy action but for people like myself who can't get that low because of an old back injury it becomes some what difficult to do this action.
I understand completely… however there are times when my ‘runners’ knees, baseball hammies, and/or sciatic back act up and I don’t look anything like my videos either. I do have a modification I use in those cases, allowing me to deliver a smooth bowl with the same delivery sequence - the only difference being I don’t get nearly as low. … hope to get by a busy part of our biz and have the video available by the end of the month.
I have joined a bowling club for the first time, and, as a retired teacher, I am really enjoying your videos. I am learning a lot, and I get where you are going with each lesson because I play golf and darts! LOL! Thanks for the inspiration. Hopefully your tips will help me do well in a couple of days when I go out for the first time! Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed the vids… and congrat’s on joining a great game! I got my first outdoor swings of the year in tonight before supper - sure beats nicking the ceiling tiles in my ‘studio’ 😆 As a teacher I always tried to bring in relevant, and sometimes not so apparently relevant examples to help students make connections. With bowls, I’ve found the easiest way to make connections is relating to other sports that bowlers have played. All the best! Dan
How do the bowls come back? Person or ramp or..?
😂 good question, David! I’d like to claim it’s just a bit of magic 🪄 - but it’s not. In fact it’s something I built into my demo and indoor training area a number of years ago. It allows me to practice any type of shot, from draw to drive without fear of damaging anything, or anyone else in the room. I plan on a short video to showcase this setup in the near future. Becoming a better bowler is about process not outcome. Outcome is a result of improving the process and this small space setup will let you concentrate on your process 💯 % Hopefully I can get this video, and a few others, produced very soon!
I can’t wait for the uk season to start so I can get these lessons working, thanks I know where I’ve been going wrong
You and a lot of us in Canada too. We had some gorgeous weather about 3 weeks ago. It had us polishing our bowls, cleaning our golf club faces - and for the past 10 days we’ve awakened to snow - melt - snow - melt. Hoping this morning’s dump here was the last of it til next December!
Where is lesson 2 I loved the simplicity of this teaching vid
Thanks Brian. The second vid in the series is my PreStance video - an often overlooked component of the delivery sequence, but one of the most important of any sequence that involves sending an object from one location to another - think golf, darts, even racquet sports. Or, for those who still go - to any fall fair where tossing objects at or on other objects results in a win or a loss, a hit or a miss!
Hi Doc, Would it be illegal to tape your two middle fingers together while playing comp/s?
Hi Alan… good question. That I know of there isn’t anything in the rules to prohibit a bowler from doing this. Golfers do it all the time. I’m not sure in bowls what advantage there would be other than to stop any further injury to the fingers (strains, arthritis) and unless it was two sided tape 😂 I don’t think it would help with gripping the bowl. Having said that, gloves are allowed and they can certainly help with gripping a bowl, especially for those who have very dry hands.
Nice golf swing!
😂 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!!
Dan, great video! Nice work on the audio;) I'm an avid bowler here in the U.S. and am always talking about follow through, so I can relate! Keep up with great work.
Thanks Ray! Much appreciated. The audio was through my older Sennheiser GW3 with lavs. Not sure why I’ve been on the hunt for the more mobile mics, except that the batteries are such an issue on the old ones. It always 🤔 will they last throughout this shoot or not!? 🤷 Glad to hear from another sound/vid enthusiast who is also an avid bowler. Yup - follow through is the key to most sports, but especially in bowls!
Hiya......can I DM you through Facebook?....or do you have an email address??.....😊
Hiya.....that weather sounds brutal!!......you mentioned working on another video and that got me thinking. All of the videos I have watched of you take place in your bowls shop.....have you made any videos on a rink where you go through the whole process of the bowling technique from mat to jack??....the reason I ask is that my biggest challenge at the moment is with weight control.....finding my line I don't really have too many issues with and I also have a good idea about how the bias works on my Drakes Pride Professional size 4 heavy bowls...... however what often let's me down during a game is my judgement of weight.....I use 'guided imagery ' to visualise the path of my bowl but still sometimes I am way off with my weight control.....is this just down to experience and memory muscle or is there any practice drills that would improve this aspect of my game?....many thanks for your consideration.....Philip😊
Hi Philip Good Question and one that will take more than a paragraph or two here, or even a single video to solve. I can however share why a good deal of my videos will take place in my demo/coaching studio (doubles as our shop too). I am a strong believer that anyone in sports can improve exponentially by following a regimen of practice that emphasizes process over outcome, this what a good coach can teach in a small area should equate to faster results if the process is perfected - rather than using the outcome as an indicator of improvement. (See what I mean by not being able to explain it in one paragraph 😂). I am currently developing an online course and a major component deals with various means of developing both hard and soft skills - both of which are necessary to being able to judge, and practice consistent distance control. I’ll share those here in KZread as well, but they will be general tips as each bowler may have methods of distance control that currently depend on what they bring to the table with respect to their own physical, mental, and bowls related skills set. (Wow, that somehow sounded weird to me 😳). Weird yes, but, just as I teach a standard delivery style, it is, of itself, a starting point from which a coach and athlete can make adjustments according to personal physical limitations. So too with the skills that include both head and body to function together (like distance control). One of the next videos I’ll be releasing soon will demonstrate how I use my delivery technique as a starting point, and how I adjust it for those who perhaps, due to hip, knee, and/or back issues cannot bend as low as I do in my demonstration videos. I’d be interested to know what you consider to be Guided Imagery. I think I know, but if you’d like to chat about it sometime, DM and perhaps we can set something up!
Oh dear......the climate here in south east Spain is just wonderful.....on average around 340 days of sunshine every year....is it Canada where you live?....I was domiciled in the UK so I do not miss at all those cold, dark and rainy days.....take care out there😊
Yes, Canada! Got to visit Portugal in 2017 (Porto, Douro River, And Lisbon area) and Spain in 2018 (Barcelona, San Sebastien, Madrid) and intend to make it back to both countries once we get a few other bucket list destinations out of the way. Btw, I lied about the -4°C this morning - I just checked our thermometer and it says -9°C - so I think I’m staying inside today - maybe work on another long overdue video!
I cant thank you enough for your excellent content......I started playing bowls on an artifical surface in Spain after retirement at the age of 66 , having never even held a bowl in my hand before.......after watching all of your videos I won my clubs Open Championship Singles title in January just short of my 67th birthday. ....frankly I amazed myself when i won the final 21 vs 4😊
Wow @Scamp693 - What a great accomplishment! Makes my heart sing to hear success stories like yours. Where in Spain did you first start bowling? Is that considered your home club now or was it on a vacation visit in Spain where you caught the 'Bowls Bug'?
Hi....I am now a resident in Spain and my home club is in Mojácar where I am a full time member.....I now play in the league too...bowling three times a week as well as some private practice..... I have much to learn yet, however I still feel I have the energy and drive to continue making progress.... thanks again for you brilliant input 😊
@@Scamp693 I’m envious! I woke up early this morning to the sound of a snow plow rumbling,bling along the road. Temps yesterday morning were 15°C and I was hallucinating about the start of the golf season in a few weeks - by late afternoon it had dropped to -4°C and woke up to snow on the ground. A few days from now it’ll be back to +12°C. So yeah, a bit of envy here! Btw… you’re definitely on the right track - with a combo of competition and private practice! Congrats on getting it right so early in your bowls ‘career’! 👏🏻
What does it weigh, thanks.
Hi... sorry about not getting back to you sooner - off on a family visit. The Ubi_Launcher®, including the handle, weighs only 325 grams
Great thanks for the info.
I've recently had a back operation, this device might keep me in the sport for a while longer.
Sorry to hear about your back troubles, but wish you all the best moving forward. We developed our Ubi_Launcher for just the reason you have stated, “keep me in the sport a while longer.” The stick in curling has done exactly that. Many cur,ing clubs would not exist today without the high percentage of curlers who have extended their memberships by adopting the curling stick. We now have over 2000 Ubi_Launcher in play worldwide, many of which are being used to either extend bowling ‘careers’ or to allow those who would not otherwise make it past the first tryout to gain success and stick with this great game of ours. Playing Without Pain - Priceless!
Thanks for the reply, great instructions on how to get the best out of the device. I've enjoyed your other videos, well done.
Thanks for your kind comment. If you have any questions, or need assistance with our Ubi_Launcher simply ask away and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Hi, here's a question . Would you know how the UBI compares to a bowling arm. I imagine the bowling arm takes a lot more practice but would probably get up better on heavier greens ? but what about accuracy ? Thanks for any reply.
@@toxophillus72 full disclosure. I developed the Ubi_Launcher as an alternative to the bowling arm over 10 yrs ago. We distribute bowls equipment in Canada for a major bowls manufacturer. We also were a local reseller for curling equipment and some gently used golf equipment. I play all 3 sports, although have stepped aside from curling during the Panny. At one time we had the bowling arm in our list of stock items. My opinion on it was, and this is not based on how incredibly long it took to move the devices from our shelf, but more on its method of application. It requires grip strength, a fluid shoulder joint, and the ability to release the bowl at ‘just the right time.’ Imo it is not for people who have arthritis - it is not for anyone who has had rotator cuff injuries or suffers from elbow tendonitis - it is not for someone who could not release a bowl smoothly from a traditional stance when they used that stance. I have witnessed bowlers using the bowling arm who, upon release, the bowls contacts the ground about 8 - 10’ in front of them. And, yes, the turf was flying - and the greenskeeper was crying! On the other hand, no greenskeeper will ever have a reason to cringe when a bowl is delivered with our Ubi_Launcher. The bowl never leaves the surface of the green - ever! At no point during the delivery does the Ubi_Launcher ever come in contact with the surface of the green. Just so, using our Ubi_Launcher does not require grip strength or a backward swinging shoulder rotation - as is necessary with the bowling arm. Using the Ubi_Launcher requires only forward motion (not unlike some methods of traditional delivery). Those who claim there is an advantage with our Ubi_Launcher are correct - the advantage lying in the fact that the bowler who it is intended for no longer has to bowl with the constant pain from their hips, knees, back - and that is the only advantage. The bowler still has to abide by the rules stating the foot (or part of it now) has to be on or above the mat at time of delivery. In curling they still haven’t figured it out. The use of the curling stick has been abused imo. Curlers run out to the hog line and rip missiles down the sheet - at a speed that exceeds even the hardest deliveries of the world’s top curlers. What makes this wrong is that a curler with a slide delivery decelerates as soon as they start their slide and the only method of delivering the rock faster is with extension of their arms as they release the rock - first hand experience as that is exactly how I delivered hits - successfully. On the other hand, too many stick curlers accelerate by running faster towards the hog line (and all too often over it) and then push even harder on release of the rock - missiles - dangerous to all standing at the other end. The point is - those who compare our Ubi_Launcher with the curling stick - which some naysayers do - are completely off-base. Again, The advantage one gets from using our bowls delivery aid is that they can now concentrate on - wait for it - line and length - instead of the pain they feel from their own body parts. As per advantage of one over the other for slower greens, I would remind everyone that my initial promo video was shot on our home green, that had not yet opened for the year and were running around 10 seconds at best 😱, and there was no issue getting the bowl from mat to other end in those conditions. Using the bowling arm would have meant increasing the backswing, and as we all know from watching my delivery sequence for The Draw videos I’m not a fan of the pendulum method being taught in other quarters as it, imo, results in inconsistent, greens damaging deliveries in most cases. This was a rather lengthy, passionate, response, and one that I should probably turn into a video all on its own, as I have heard of one country claiming the Ubi_Launcher does not conform to the rules of the game (utter nonsense) and that it’s downward force can cause damage to the greens (absolute bunk). This same country, I believe, has a vested interest in the bowling arm, and by not sanctioning use (as so many other countries already have) of our Ubi_Launcher they are in essence not being considerate of the needs of all bowlers with varying degrees of infirmity. We are not saying our Ubi_Launcher is the be-all, end-all bowlers delivery aid, rather we believe it to be the best option. Yup, a video will be forthcoming!
Does it scratch the bowls , I use size 3 heavy. Thanks
Hi. We can’t guarantee there will be no scratching as the process of delivery does involve having the bowl rotate during the forward movement. We really haven’t had any complaints about scratching though. I would suggest however that more bowls get scratched when they are tumbled around with other bowls when gathered at the completion of an end using the ‘pushers’. This is especially true when greens have been freshly topdressed, fertilized or at night/rain when dirt and tiny stones will be tumbled with the bowls.
Hello, I like your instructions. Here in Australia we play fastish greens and synthetics. You are what I would call an arm swinger, you seem to be pretty settled before you swing your arm, so most power is coming from your arms. I have great difficulty on short ends on fast greens. Many thanks.
Indeed, most of your greens are much faster than ours here in Canada. In 1995 I played in the inaugural Mazda Pacific Games at Tweed Heads. We also played Mermaid Beach and Koolongatta. All we’re running in the 16 to 17 second range - absolutely the best greens I have had the privilege of playing on. My delivery motion has fewer moving parts than many on our northern hemisphere greens, and adjustments may have to be made of one is to be successful. On faster greens, or even when playing short mat, which is a similar pace per metre to many of your faster greens I would adapt by bending keens more and starting the bowl at a lower angle. The delivery would still be started with a ‘gravity drop’ but because the bowl starts lower to the ground and is less parallel to the ground it would consequently come out with less force/pace. I should probably do a series showing modifications that can be made for different playing conditions. Btw… I am envious of the greens that you get to play! 😊
Great coaching. Thank you so much.
You’re more than welcome. Hope it helps you enjoy this great game of ours even more!
This anchoring is ideal for older people with poor knees and hips? Its all very well saying done set the knee, but it helps with balance. Maybe I could politely challenge you to show us all a stance for older people, 65+ with doggy hips and knees without any wobble Doc?
Hi Richard… my comment about the knee is primarily that if we put most of our weight on the forward leg/knee and our intent is to still move forward with that same leg (as a stepping motion) it will mean having to un-anchor ourselves from our initial stance in such a way that it may throw the rest of our body out of alignment (in a parallax sort of way). I’ve enjoyed our conversation online as it has helped me understand where you’ve been, where you’re at, and where you’d like to get (back) to. Looking forward to checking in with you in the new year! Cheers, Dan
Hi, I've just started playing bowls, and I kind of know the 'basics', but I've been doing a bit of YT, searching for instruction/tuition to help me develop a decent technique that I can adopt, replicate on a regular basis, and that also produces good results. I've watched all of your vids, in order, and got to apply them today at the club. I must say, I thought I bowled a lot better, and more consistently, than I have in my previous matches, so thank you very much for that 🙏🏻 I still have a lot of work to do, but at least now I have a framework to hang things off.
Hi Rick. I’m so happy to hear that the vids have helped you. Being able to develop a repeatable, reliable technique in any sport x and one that produces consistently good results - is paramount to both total enjoyment and competence. This includes the delivery sequence in bowls. Too many moving parts, or movements, can lead to inconsistencies that canmlead to poor results. Keep in mind, changing ones technique can have its ups and downs, but if we stick with the change after knowing how successful it can be we will enjoy this great game for a lifetime! Again, glad this technique is showing signs of early success for you! 🍻
Any chance of some more vids!
I enjoyed this vid, i started playing bowls a month ago, a player has taken me under his wing , he is an advocate of the pendulum/backswing , and a palm grip with a high thumb, And after a couple of outings ,i have been struggling with it, i get one great ball, an average one and two real shitters lol, I have watched a few of your vids and really like your style and will be putting it into practice when i play this coming week, Thank you
I do enjoy your video's very much, but would only say older people do tend to have balance issues. So the step forward and down can cause us to wobble, and not deliver the bowl as you would?
Agree completely, and it’s why I have an adaptation to the delivery I show in the series. There is still an element of forward to the adaptive delivery, but not nearly so much down - which, agreeably is the main issue. With the adaptation, the bowl is still delivered smoothly and close to the running surface so that no damage is done to the greens. I’ll try and post the video sooner than later - I hope!
Dear Friend. I don't know your age, and it/s not polite to ask,🤐 but you clearly can bend ok. Due to Covid, I missed a few years of bowls and am just coming back. However I'm much weaker in my knees and legs, so do you have a stance for older people with balance knees, and hips problems please? 🤩 Thanks great work my friend.
Hi Richard… and 😉 no worries about age cuz I have never really considered it an issue. I’ve competed in numerous sports and have injured knees from running and ice hockey, separated ribs in golf, strained an Achilles in a track race (most pain ever), suffer from sciatica, endure wrist tendinitis - to mention just a few. This is also coming up to my 56th years in Bowls. I have had to adapt from a traditional golf swing to the Stack & Tilt and more recently to a One Plane Swing (a la Moe Norman). Each change has allowed me to continue golfing, and I am eager to help people continue bowling by also adapting their deliveries to ever changing circumstances. I switched from a “nose to the ice” tuck curler to a “stick” curler, using an adaptive delivery aid when my sciatic was bothering me and could no longer deliver from the hack. About 8 years ago I developed our Ubi_Launcher, a very popular bowls delivery aid, and while I haven’t used it yet I can see the day when my old injuries will catch up to me and I’ll be “sticking it” in Bowls too. Having said all that, it’s true that when we are away from the game for so long getting back into the groove can be painful. Usually it’s the quads that tighten up - making it hard to ‘get down’ with our deliveries. No matter our age, keeping some semblance of fitness in our core will help, not only for bowls, but in general as well. It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise - some easy squats (use a chair for balance), some skating movements (again using a chair for balance), some simple upper body flexibility stretches (most are now recommending dynamic stretching before static - meaning we don’t hold a stretch the way we were taught to years ago). All should be done in moderation at first, and always with you being the judge as to the level at which you can stretch. It’s not about hurting ourselves. Once we have our bodies tuned up I can then start to work on adaptations to the delivery I show in these videos. I understand that not everyone gets as low as I do (nor do I some days) but I have developed a “tweak” that will allow a bowler to deliver a smooth, controlled bowl that is released very close to the ground - regardless of their knee or hip problems. I will try and get a video posted with this adaptation as it would be easier to follow than a lengthy description of it here (as you can probably tell I tend to get wordy on occasion 😂) Deliveries can also be affected by the surface we play on. I have played in Canada (home), England, Scotland, USA, Hong Kong, and Australia and have experienced outdoor playing conditions from 17 seconds to speeds not much faster than my back yard! Where are you located? Do you know the pace of your greens? Be glad to help if I can.
I,m a new player of Crown Green Bowling, thanks for this , I, m having a big problem with my delivery, getting the line right and length wrong or visa versa. I,ll be giving your lessons a try very soon.
I’ll be eager to hear how you make out! If you have any questions drop in the comments with the video they apply to and I’ll be glad to assist. Btw, I’m willing to bet some of your crown greens are flatter than some of our outside rinks here in Canada! 😂
@@TheDeliveryDoctor I,ll let you know know how it goes, but if anyone had said to me 30 years ago “ Hey you will be playing bowls in the rain on a Saturday afternoon “ I would have done more than laughed at them😂
@@Upemm 😂 so true. Although just over 40 years ago I played the last game of the season, a Mixed Triples tournament, last half of the game in a blizzard! They offered us the chance to stop with 4 or 5 ends to go, but we said “when will we get the chance to play in snow again?” and we had a ball! Bowls were picking up the wet snow as they rolled along, leaving discernible trails in their wake. Tournament was in later October, and was appropriately called The Snowbird. Played with my dad and sister, and while we won, it was more because of the playing conditions than the victory that I remember that day!
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!!!
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!
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.
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
@@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.
@@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!
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...)
@@infradig8 😂 👻 😉
What will be the foot position for forehand and backhand on mat do you use the center of mat ?
Hi Ferdinand: As demonstrated in my pre-stance and Stance videos I line the bowl up with the point of aim. As long as the foot (or nowadays a part of it) is on or above the mat at stance and delivery then that is all that matters. I don’t promote l taking a stance by positioning the foot on the mat first. I do however use the entire mat to advantage. Here in Canada we have many greens that are very swingy on one side and rather tight on the other. You will achieve more success by understanding angles and where you line your bowl through the point of aim in your pre-stance. Bowlers who take the same position on the mat will not fare well on greens that are dodgy. I’ll try and get a video done on this aspect of “moving around the mat to your advantage” soon. Visuals are so much better!
very informative. Thanks
You increased the follow through .
It’s actually a natural progression as a result of picking a Point of Aim further down the green, or at least a spot further along the line leading to the point of aim. It’s really all about visualization. Bowls is a game of touch!
Thank you sir, this helped a bunch. Cheers
Glad it has helped.
Awsome video
Thanks this has helped alot 😊
A brilliant set of coaching ,I wish I could be coached like this to improve.
What is the foot position on mat for forehand and backhand do you use the middle of mat for anchor foot or side of mat eg
HI Ferdinand. As per the Pre-Stance, I encourage bowlers to line up their bowl with the point of aim and then move to the mat, taking a comfortable stance such that the bowl is still lined up with the PoA. As long as your foot (or now, a piece of your shoe) is on or above the mat at stance and time of delivery, then you are good to go. A common mistake that is oft taught is to line up the foot first - and this leads, more often than not, to narrow bowls on the forehand. There is no one spot where a bowler should always place their foot. Sounds like I need a video to cover the many different reasons why your foot may be in a different spot on the mat - even in the same end. The green will dictate which line you want your bowl to travel, consequently dictating where your foot will end up. (More in this in a video)
@@TheDeliveryDoctor it make sense to line up your arm to point of aim and not the feet
Where is correct POA on the bank ,on the green or parallel with jack there is different opinions on this one?
Recently turned 37 and have been on the green 6 times. I have joined a club and will be competing. Glad I found these videos before creating bad habits.
🤣 Trust me - you can still get into some bad habits, no matter how hard you try not to. It's the constant tweaking, like the constant struggle in golf to get 'just a few more yards' that get us into trouble. In bowls, we tend to do the same thing. What helps, however, is having a solid foundation that you can return to.
@@TheDeliveryDoctor 😂 thank you, I’ll keep that in mind :)
I hope to set up a place to practice lawn bowls at home. Well at least everything up until the release and follow through. I notice in your series of videos, you bowl a bowl and it returns to your foot. Are you able to share how this is done? Kind regards
Hi Dadministrator! I can, and I will... its one of the video shorts I will be doing soon, but in a nutshell I used some very high quality upholstery foam. It works very well with the draw shots - and yes, I have tested it with full blown drives - and survived! 🤪 More on this in one of the tools of the trade videos coming soon!
I bought one of these has anyone had a problem with tread snapping. I have after 3rd time of using
Sorry this had happened Mike! If you are referring to the thread snapping the only way this will happen is if the pole was not fully screwed into the head. We explain this in one of the videos here - how important it is to ensure there is no gas between pole and head, else the thread, as it does in all devices, would become the weakest link. The solution is a relatively easy fix: you will need to remove the broken piece of thread - drill two small holes into the broken thread, insert two smalls screws, use a screwdriver to unwind the broken thread until it is fully removed. A replacement pole can be purchased at any Dollar store for $3 - it is a common broom handle thread and when I checked a few years back there were 3 or 4 options there.
The coaching in the series has been very helpful and easy to understand and digest .. Now I am eagerly waiting on line and length and finding the shoulder on the green, controlled shots etc a coaching cession on these subject would be ideal Looking forward to the next video
Thanks Rajesh, and I'm glad the videos have been helpful. The topics you have suggested are certainly on the drawing board - speaking of which - and considering you mentioned controlled shots 😀 I like to think that every shot we play is with some degree of control. But, yes, I know what you mean by "controlled". One thing I have long taught is that there are really only two shots in the game - the Draw - and the Drive. I will have an introductory video that first explains this Two-Shot concept, and then get into depth with both the line/length question as well as the various draw shots that make up the "control" shots.
Brilliant, the difference in your 4 deliveries were a further follow threw! Love it!
I see players lifting their trail leg off the matt on their follow-through - is this allowed, or can I deem a foul has been committed?
Hi Alan. The rule states that the foot must be on or above the mat at time of delivery so as long as the lifted trail foot is above the mat it is perfectly legal.
I just love your blogs! I only took up the game of bowls last year! I was not very good with my delivery, the odd one hut the Jack, but I couldn't repeat it! Now after watching your blogs I am more consistent and enjoying the game more! Thank you so much in helping me (and others) in becoming aware in what one is doing when stepping off the mat!
Brilliant many thanks.
Loved this blog Sir - Reason - I have just took up the game and I am told that I need to take a bigger back swing? I am a golfer and know about the follow through in which I do! So after watching your blog, I know feel more confident for this coming season playing bowls! Many thanks!
Spot on Alan! I too golf, and it wasn't until I got rid of my very long backswing and developed a follow through that I was able to consistently play with a mid single digit Hdcp. The follow through is the thing in pretty much every sport I have played. Bowls is no different. Drives me nuts when I hear the word pendulum used in Bowls! It's a greenskeepers nightmare!
Just started this game. Thanks for all your tips and guidance. It helps a lot. ❤
Hey, Valerie! Welcome to the world of bowls - it's a great game, isn't it! Hope some of the tips are working for you. If you have questions feel free to post them and I'll get to them asap. Have Fun!
@@TheDeliveryDoctor Hi Dan. I have been playing bowls since 1972 and am an advanced coach. In 1997 I produced a 44 page illustrated instructiuon booklet on the delivery action which identified common faults and advice on how to overcome them. Subjects included grip, swing and timing and weight control as well as tactical elements. I think your videos are excellent and will set any aspiring bowler on the road to success. I especially liked the section on the backswing (gravity drop)' and noticed that just before you allow the bowl to drop you hand lifts very slightly to start the natural swing. I have found that on a heavy outdoor green at the start of the season most bowlers tend to 'drag' the bowl backwards and so do not achieve this natural swing which can result in short bowl and strained muscles! In this case I advise to relax the arm 'weigh' the bowl by lifting it about 6 inches gently up and down. When ready to deliver, the arm is extended to about 120 degrees and the bowl lifted about a 12 inches before the bowling arm drops into the natural 'swing'. The shoulders still remain square on delivery and the bowl travels much further with less effort and is more consistent. I look forward to your videos on driving technique. 🙂