Dick Ritger's Video Tips:

One of the most effective methods of helping you become a better bowler is with the aid of videotape. It doesn’t take long and the results can be beneficial in many ways.

You will need:
·        Camcorder
·        Video tape
·        Piece of bowler’s tape
·        A friend to do the taping
·        VCR to replay your bowling
(a 4-head machine works best to replay in slow motion and stop action)

When taking the pictures there are two views that are easy to take and provide excellent vantage points. That would be from the ball side (right-handed bowler should bowl on the even lane…left-handed bowler on the odd lane). This way you don’t lose your feet behind the ball return.

Some instructors like the front view, but unless you stand on the lane…very dangerous; you can’t get a head on view anyway.

Take four or five video shots from the side making sure to get the entire body all the way to the foul line. Position the cameraperson near the foul line a few lanes away for best results. A few shots of upper body and lower body from the side might also be helpful.

When you finish from the ball side it is time to move behind the bowler for the view from the back. From this angle you should also take four of five shots of the entire body from first step to last…keeping the entire body in the picture frame. Then, do a few of just the feet and a few of the upper body as well.

The next angle to take includes the release, and this can be taken from behind also.

To do this, first put your piece of bowler’s tape on the ball. This will show the exact position of the fingers during the swing and particularly at the release point. Place the tape an inch in front of the finger holes (if someone had their name put on the ball it would usually go in the same place). Place the tape vertically not horizontally as a name might be placed on the ball.

During your filming from behind, use the zoom lens to catch the ball as it passes the ankle and is released on the lane. You will be amazed at how clear the tape is and how easy it is to see what your fingers are doing through the release area.

Now you are ready for your last angle. That would be one from behind and a little off to the ball side of the bowler. Here, you will follow the bowler to the line with the zoom lens and catch the ball as it is released and follow it down the lane. From this angle you can see the revolutions (again the tape helps here) on the ball, the target on the lane that it was delivered over, the ball entering the pocket and the pin carry. Note: For this shot you may have to retake the shot several times until the bowler makes a shot that he/she wants to view.

When you have finished make sure to date the tape and store it for easy access. You should re-tape every couple of months, or when the need arises.  I recommend that you tape yourself…when you are bowling great…when you are struggling…and when you are making a change in your game and want to be sure you are making headway.

Video taping is an inexpensive and effective method to keep your game sharp and move forward in your skill development.