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Physical Q&A [1-20] [41-60] [61-80] Brandon October 23, 2004 San Jose CA Walter Ray, I was wondering what the pro's do when they get arm, wrist or just bowling injuries? Do they go to certain specialists, massage, accupuncture, special drillings (pitches, grips). I have been battling an elbow problem for the last 11 years, this summer I reinjured it to where I cannot bowl, its hasn't gotten better and now i'm wondering what I can do to get back on the lanes? Good luck for the 04-05 season. Brandon Hi Brandon, Everybody does something different depending on what the injury is. Sometimes you might need to alter your delivery. If you have had a problem for 11 years, you might need to see a doctor. I know of some bowlers who will bowl with their opposite hand when an injury has made it nearly impossible to bowl. Hang in there. E J October 15, 2004 Scottsdale AZ Dear Walter Ray, I have a 5-board right-eye dominance or perspective variable. In other words I have to look at 10 to have my ball hit my desired target of 15. Short of surgery, do you think there is anything I can do to compensate for this. My physical and mental game is above average. Target shot making may be my toughest challenge. Your input will be appreciated. Respectfully, EJ Edwards Hi EJ, From my observations, most right hand bowlers hit about 2 boards to the left of where they are targeting. Hitting 5 boards left is a bit excessive, but as long as you do it the same every time, then it shouldn't be a problem. You could really work on hitting the target that you are looking at. You might want to try pitching horseshoes to help you on hitting your target. Good luck. Donald July 5, 2004 Ripley MS First off congradulations on another great year of bowling.I am probably one of your biggest fans.I saw you bowling in person the last time you were atMemphis TN.I lost my right index finger due to an accidentle gunshot. I have balls drilled with the middle finger and ring with a half inch gap. My proshop recommends against this.I do this to get more surface in my hand.I you would please send your thoughts and comments.Im 6 foot and 170# in the past I shot down and in.Now Im trying to hook the ball.For a final comment show us this year why you re the GREATEST of all time! Struggling in Mississippi! Hi Donald, I am not a ball driller, but it doesn't sound like a good idea to have such a large spread between your ring and middle finger holes. But if you are comfortable with that and it works, then keep doing it. Good luck. Rebecca June 2, 2004 Fayetteville NC 1) I have been bowling about three years and I have alot of problems with my hand not feeling comfortable in the ball. Since day one, I have had trouble with getting blisters on my thumb. (ALWAYS FRICTION) I have been to so many different drillers and they have worked with me alot but still can't ever get my ball to be comfortable. I know that the ball has to be right so you can keep a consistant shot. We have changed the pitch in my ball to everything that it can be changed to. I was wondering if you can help me figure out how to drill my bowling ball if I tell you my span. (My thumb is at 0 and 1/8 reverse, and that is the most comfortable way so far, but I'm still getting a blister)My blisters was on the outside of the thumb but now it's on the inside. (I don't have friction on the outside anymore at all)What should I do. I am very petite with small hands. I have a XXX (STORM) 14 OZ. I average around 180, and I hope if I can get my ball drilled right where i can throw it without it hurting my thumb after about 5 games, I could probably improve my came alot and stay more consistant because my ball will be comfortable. I am a down and in bowler. Please HELP! I love bowling and it is my dream, I'm always practicing on my game and I'm am very determined to improve my game better and better every day. I would like go on the road and bowl for a living. I am 21 years old and I have a whole life ahead of me that I would like to make the best of and achieve my dream in the process. Also I would like to ask how can I find a sponsor. Thanks Rebecca Hi Rebecca, I am not a ball driller. I really wouldn't have any good advice as how to correct your drilling problem. It sounds like you are doing the right thing in going to different pro shop operators to help with your thumb problem. I would keep asking around to find a pro shop ball driller who can help you to get your ball to fit even better. Finding a sponsor is tough. As of right now I don't have a ball company which is willing to pay me to use their equipment. Best wishes in your bowling. Ryan May 3, 2004 York PA Hi Walter Ray. This Saturday, May 8, my team is in our league championship. But lately my ball, which is a hammer blade by the way, isn't snapping back the way it used to. I think it's because I'm not letting go of it the right way and not getting the right rotation. My friend said I'm turning the ball too soon and getting topspin, I just wanna know how I can correct it before the championship. Please respond with any advice you can A.S.A.P. I don't want to blow this for my team because we worked very hard for this. It would mean a lot to me. Thanks. ~Ryan Hi Ryan, I am sorry that this response wasn’t before your championship match, but it does take a bit of time to answer questions as there is more to it than just my reading your question. If you spin the ball like a top, the ball won’t hook quite as much as if you were able to get good side rotation on the ball as if you were tossing a football underhanded. I hope this makes sense to you. If you need professional instruction I am sure that there is a competent coach in your area who can help you. Don March 25, 2004 Truxton NY Hi, I don't know if you would remeber me or not from my previous e-mails,but I have really wokred on getting a little more "power" out of my straight ball,with a lot of success.There are 2 problems that I am running into,1 is physical,it involves me grabbing the ball a little on my follow through,my accuracy is still fine,but I feel like I am tearing my fingers off,especially my ring finger,which has developed calloses on both sides and what appears to be a "blood blister" on my finger tip??????I am throwing the ball much better,without the big uncontrollable hook,but my new things with my hand worries me a little.Is this normal or would you suggest a finger pitch change?I also do not use inserts,I have not found any that feel right on my hand. As always I appreciate you taking your valuable time to help "wannabe's" like myself ...... Thank you Don Hinshaw Truxton,NY p.s.any luck with darker shirts?????? Hi Don, There are many bowlers who develop sores and especially calluses on their fingers and hands. I would talk to your local pro shop and ask them what they would suggest. A slight adjustment on your grip might be in order. If you are bowling a lot more, that would also create those problems. I am not a ball driller, so it would be inappropriate for me to advise anything. We haven't gotten any darker shirts yet. Sorry. Adrian March 20, 2004 Warren MI I have been a fan of yours for a few years. I have been bowling for about 4 years now. The problem I am having is I can shoot High scores but not on the consistent bases. It seems like if I need a strike to win money I alway's leave a ten pin or a split. The thing I admire about you is when the money is on the line you bowl your best. I no this is mostly mental do you have any suggestions? Adrian in Detroit Hi Adrian, Thanks for the compliment, but I don't always bowl well or strike when I need to. If I did I might have 100 titles or more. If you leave a 10 pin or another tap in a crucial situation, you have done your job. Pins don't always cooperate. If you happen to throw a bad shot, try not to dwell on that and next time make the best shot that you can. Remember that it isn't life or death even though it may sometimes feel like it. Christopher March 10, 2004 Gorham ME Dear Walter Ray, I used to weigh 250lbs, but since starting college in the fall of 2003, i've lost 20lbs., and i'm keeping it going. Anyway, since I've started losing weight my average has jumped from a 196 to a 203, I've shot 2 300s (1 practice 1 league), and a 299 (practice). My armswing has become more smooth and looser, and my ball speed has increased. I was wondering, is there a "normal" connection between bowlers losing weight and their game improving? This is my first year of ABC league, and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Thank you for your time, as I know you are quite busy with the World Championship coming up! Thanks Again, Chris Hi Chris, Congratulations on both your good bowling and on your losing weight. I don't know that there is a correlation between losing weight and bowling better, but it would seem that it would make some sense. I do know of some bowlers who lost a lot of weight and then they had to adjust their arm swings due to their hips not being in the way any more. Good luck. Steve March 8, 2004 IA Walter Ray, Im a bowler who is just recovering from a left hip and right forearm opperations. the sad thing about this is i just had my first 300 game 2 weeks before i was injured is there anything u can suggest to help me get back in form? Thanks Steve Kenney Hi Steve, Listen to your doctor. Do your physical therapy. Take your time getting back into bowling. You don't want to re-injure yourself and bowling can be more strenuous than people realize. Robert March 7, 2004 Chicago IL Walter Ray, I am a visually impaired bowler who bowls with BLIND LEAGUE, WE WILL BE BOWLING IN LAS vEGAS IN MAY. WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE ABOUT BOWLING AT THE ORLEANS BOWLING ALLEY? i BOWL MORE OF A STRAIGHT LINE, (RIGHT HANDED) POWER BOWLER Hi Robert, I don't know how they will oil the lanes in Las Vegas. But I would try to bowl there like you do at home. Good luck. William March 4, 2004 Lafayette IN Hi, I want to thankyou again for taking the time to talk to me at the Indy pro-am this week. It was great to see all of the pro-bowlers chat and do some teaching with the am-bowler. I think this is great for the game! How do I train, both physical and mentally for a tourment? Thanks Again for you time it ment a lot to me Bill Conner Hi Bill, Practice is a good way to prepare for any tournament, but in reality bowling in tournaments is the best way. Len February 19, 2004 Scarsdale NY Hi Walter Ray, I have heard it mentioned a couple of times on TV that you have sought out chiropractic care at times. I am considering seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain but am skeptical because I know a lot of people consider them quacks. Do you feel your treatments have been helpful? Hi Len, I think at times, a chiropractor can help with some of the neck and back problems I periodically have. For shoulder pain, I don't know since that hasn't really been a problem for me. DLayman January 25, 2004 Davie FL WRW...congrats on winning your first Masters today!! I had to take some time off 2 years ago due to financial constraints and frustration. There were times in the past that I would experience some elbow pain that went away with time or some Advil. I'm sure you don't remember, but I did cross with you at a regional in New Port Richey back in 99. I do hook the ball quite a bit, but don't suffer from the same style that guys like Bob Vespi fall into. It all seemed natual to me. Earlier this winter, my wife and I decided to try and pick up the game again. Well, my comeback attempt lasted all of 3 weeks because by the end of the night my elbow looked like a bruised football. People had noticed I had started to develop a habit of pulling my armswing back instead of just letting it all flow through. What do you think would be the biggest cause? Time away from the game? Loss of strength? Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Hi Davie, Taking time off might have had a detrimental effect on your bowling arm. For people who don't bowl, when they do go bowling their arms and hands are usually sore. It sounds like it has had even a worse effect for you. You might need to see a doctor or physical therapist. I hope that your problem is temporary. Bryan December 18, 2003 Hondo NM comments: After consistantly bowling in a league, and averaging in the 170's on difficult conditions, I decided to take a brake from bowling due to being tired of bowling from working at a bowling alley. Now I recently started bowling again and everytime I throw the ball, no matter what I try, I roll the ball over the holes and kill the shot. I was just wondering if you have ever heard of this problem before, and if you have any advice on the problem. I would appreciate any reply. Thanks and good luck on tour, Bryan Hi Bryan, It sounds like you not getting your hand to rotate the ball during the release. Imagine that you are trying to toss a football under hand with a nice spiral. That is a similar motion that you want to have when you let go of a bowling ball. Good luck. You might want to ask a local pro for some 'hands on' lessons. They might be able to see better what it is you are doing and help you correct it. Thanks. Jennifer November 24, 2003 Dear Walter Ray Williams Jr., I have a problem with my game and I would like to know if you could be of some assistance. I have been bowling for a long time and have just started to take it seriously. My coaches have been helping me with my follow through and bending my knee but I can't seem to get the hang of it. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Sincerely, Jennifer Hi Jennifer, Changing a part of anybodies game takes a lot of work and practice. Keep practicing what your coaches are telling you and it will soon start to make sense to you and your body will get the hang of it. A good knee bend and follow through are very important for any good bowler. Dave November 20, 2003 Altoona PA Dear Walter Ray: I was wondering if you could help me with a problem that I am having. I seem to be gripping the ball with my thumb and am not able to impart lift or turn properly on the ball. I was wondering if there is anything further as far as techniques or exercises that I can do to relax my thumb therefore giving me a cleaner and more consistent release on the ball. Thank you in advance for your time and help. David Noye Altoona, PA Hi David, I also grip with my thumb. I think it may be more of getting your wrist and hand in a better position at the point of release. I have a lot of trouble trying to release the ball with more revs than I use due to the fact that I keep my wrist very firm through the release. The power players go from a cupped position right before release to a 'broken' wrist position to impart extra rotation on the ball. I lift with my fingers at the point of release, but my thumb does come out earlier than my fingers so that I can get some rotation on the ball. Imagine rotating a football underhand as a similar type of release for a bowling ball. You might want to seek out a local professional instructor to help you. Good luck. Chris November 17, 2003 San Ramon CA Hi Walter Ray, I'm patiently waiting to see you on TV every Sunday .. I'm a big fan of yours. Goodluck! Here is my question. My hands can easily moist and swell after a few games or due to a change in temperature. Because of this I'm having problems on getting my thumb sticking in the thumbhole during my release and this causes me to miss my mark or most of the time gutter balls. I have a particle ball drilled fingertip and i don't know if its a good idea to resize the thumbhole or you could share some insight if you ever experience this problem. Thanks and more power! Chris Hi Chris, Since our hands and thumbs are constantly changing sizes due to the temperature and humidity outside and inside I make sure that my thumb hole is extra big. Then I use tape to make the thumb hole feel tighter. I also use cork on the inside of my thumb hole. I use smooth tape (like electric tape). I will normally start with around 8 pieces of tape. Taking tape in and out is much easier than going to the pro shop to get it refitted during a game. Steven October 31, 2003 Springfield OR Hey Walter Ray, how are you doing thes days.i have a questuon to ask.i'm on my second year on highschool team.i'am a sophmore at springfield high.we do have team.we are one of three best in the district.on my average freshman year waslike an 159.but i have made a lot of practice time for myself.you know kind of get back in the basics a little bit.so i could restep if i had made a problem with my bowling.and i'm on nother team as well.so i had fixed the mistakes.now on the highschool team now my average is a 184.so far my games have have been a 171,224,162,163,173,181,and a 218.as you can see that is a real improvment.but I do not know how that is hapining.last year i was on varsity.this year if it all goes right we should have a good year.but the main point of the question was that when you sometimes find a tiny mistake with your bowling.do you ever find the time to go back kind of in the basics,to fix the problum.or do you just wing it and fix it a long the way.when ! you are bowling.well walter ray i do not read anything alot.but when you right I do read with respect and i do like what you have to say writing me back. Hi Steven, When I make a mistake I try to forget about it and go on. If I am making too many mistakes then I will practice and work on my game. I don't normally need to go back to basics, but if I need to work on my game I work on trying to hit my target as often as possible. Good luck and reading isn't such a bad thing. Jason September 11, 2003 Hi, My name is Jason Wunderlich, and I am a, well I would like to think that I am a pretty good Junior bowler, and a huge Walter Ray fan. I remember reading in the past that Walter uses a modified grip because of a pinched nerve in his thumb. I have been having a problem described as a pinched nerve as well, and after a few doctors more confused than ever. I sent this following part to Kim Adler and would like you to forward it to Walter Ray if at all possible, hopefully if he doesn't have any suggestions or would be of any help maybe he would be able to contact some one who does, or give me their contact information. Ok, after I saw you in Altoona, I drilled a ball with the little changes you recommended (mostly to oval by hand) and then bowled with it on the weekend, if felt great, nothing was ever better, but I guess from the lack of bowling in the summer by the middle of the week, it was way too tight, and probably not enough bevel. I think I bowled with it too long before reslugging it and I started to develop what I thought was a pinched nerve. My thumb would go numb at the base of my swing. I then added more bevel and figured it would go away. It stopped bothering me while I was bowling, but when I put any pressure like even grabbing a steering wheel it would get a quick numbness. That type numbness lasted for a while and I stopped bowling practice all together, hoping I fixed the problem and it would go away. I just bowled on the weekends for tournaments. After two weeks with out bowling I went to an orthopedist and he said it was something called gamekeepers thumb, which is a ligament stretched out on the side of your thumb closest to your index finger. This was after telling me my x-rays looked good, but then he was looking at them again and told me that. He told me that I should wear a custom splint that they made for me and not to bowl for three weeks and if it didn't get better then they would do surgery to tighten the ligament. I thought that that was a little hasty and with the quickness to cut me and I wanted a second opinion. I contacted a hand surgeon. After he examined me he told me that it was a condition called "bowlers thumb" and that it would go away with some changes to my equipment, but he did agree that my thumb ligament was a little loose, but he said that it would cause pain and not numbness, and that I should treat the "bowlers thumb". I thought that he knew what he was talking about until he sent me the article that he said would tell me what changes to make and it was the written by someone obviously ignorant of our "sport". It suggested that I only insert my thumb 3/4 way into the ball, to make my hole larger, or "backset" which I would think is reverse pitch. Now I am so lost, I bowled today first time in almost three weeks and the ball felt awful with a lot of bevel (at least for me), it didn't go numb, but it wasn't doing that since the first week. I don't know what to do anymore, and was supposed to bowl on Saturday and Sunday this week and decided to withdraw from the one on Saturday because its going to be on a sport shot. I don't know what to do to alleviate the problem, and I don't know what a good feel is anymore or how to obtain one. Walter Ray, Thank you and hope you have as good of a year as your last. Hi Jason, I did have a problem many years ago when I finished the summer tour and had a similar type of problem with my thumb. I think I pinched some sort of nerve on the inside of my thumb. I didn't bowl for about 3 or 4 weeks as I remember. I have always beveled my thumb quite a bit, but since then, my bevel has become even more. I don't have any problems with my thumb, but sometimes I would feel like I was going to drop the ball, so I went with cork inserts to get a better grip. It sounds like you need to see a pro shop driller in your area who is very good at what he does. He might be able to suggest different pitches or bevel to help you with your problem. I never did need to get my hand operated on, but I don't know if my thumb was as bad as yours. I always like to have my thumb hole quite a bit larger and add tape, so that I can take tape out if my thumb swells or the ball hole shrinks due to weather conditions. I also use a molded thumb insert so that my thumb hole is pretty much the same from ball to ball since I do use so much bevel. Good luck and I hope you solve your problem. Physical Q&A [1-20] [41-60] [61-80] | ||