ON A ROLL WITH JON…

 Today we feature Adrian Ang, a member of the Malaysian squad that won the10th World Youth Championships Team Gold in Orlando, USA. As a prelude to the World Youth, Adrian was also part of the Men’s Team that won the Team Gold at the 20th Asian Championships held in Hong Kong. Adrian capped it off by winning the Masters Gold medal as well.

Here are excerpts of Ivy’s interview with Adrian when we caught up with him and Team mate Aaron Kong recently.

Ivy: Congratulations on your recent impressive achievements, Adrian.

Adrian: Thank you.

Ivy: Can you tell me what made you choose Tenpin Bowling instead of some other sport?

Adrian: Like Aaron, my father, Steven Ang, was also a bowler. He used to bring me to the bowling alley. I loved the sport.

Ivy: How old were you when you started bowling?

Adrian: I was 9 years old.

Ivy: What was your most memorable moment as a young bowler?

Adrian: When I first started bowling. I really fell in love with the sport. I became addicted to it…just couldn’t go through one day without bowling!

Ivy: I know it was a long time ago, but can you recall any memorable occasion with Jonathan as your Coach?

Adrian: Yes, of course! It was at one Circuit in Malacca. I was the Top Seed, but had just lost the first match. However, Coach was able to guide me to a second high game of 279 which helped me to eventually clinch the Masters Gold. I will never forget that!

Ivy: What would you say is the most important aspect or stage of bowling that aspiring bowlers should focus on?

Adrian: Definitely their Basics. That is very important.

Ivy: What additional bowling tips would you give to those who wish to emulate your success?

Adrian: You must be willing to make lots of sacrifices. Follow your heart. But most important, you must listen to your Coach…be willing to work with him. To improve, focus on your progress stage by stage.

Ivy: Thank you so much, Adrian, for willing to share your success secrets with the bowling community. Jonathan and I wish you every success in your future endeavours. We know you have a very bright future ahead of you.

Adrian: It has been my pleasure. You are most welcome.

There you have it folks. Golden tips from a young World Youth and Asian Champion. You too can be one if you follow these invaluable tips. You can also have access to the very same Basic Fundamentals at my website: http://www.abc2bowlingstrikes-spares.com. Feel free to check it out.

Till the next post, have fun bowling!

Jonathan

    My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting up with two of my former youth bowlers recently. They had been invited as part of the Team that won the 10th World Youth Championship Team Gold Medal in Orlando,USA, to give away prizes and sign autographs for the Under 12 Category of the Sportexcel Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Junior Circuit.

As their former Coach, I was of course thrilled with their progress and success. And they were gracious enough to accept Ivy’s request to share their success story with the bowling community. Here are excerpts of the interview with Aaron Kong.

Ivy: Aaron, congratulations on your 2-Gold Medal haul. (Aaron also won the World Youth Masters Gold Medal)

Aaron: Thank you.

Ivy: Can you tell me what made you choose Tenpin Bowling instead of some other sport?

Aaron: My dad, Roland Kong, was an ex-National Bowler. He was part of the Team to the 1977 SEA GAMES. He would bring me to the Bowling Alley when I was young and I guess that’s how I developed a love for the sport.

Ivy: How old were you when you started bowling?

Aaron: I think I was about 8-9 years old.

Ivy: What was your most memorable moment as a young bowler?

Aaron: When I was selected into the Single A Youth Development Program!

Ivy: I know it was a long time ago, but can you recall any memorable occasion with Jonathan as your Coach?

Aaron: Of course! I remember one Circuit in Johore. I was really fumbling and struggling with my game. Coach saw me and immediately told me what to do. He helped me to qualify for the Finals. I will always remember and appreciate that.

Ivy: What would you say is the most important aspect or stage of bowling that aspiring bowlers should focus on?

Aaron: Their Basic Fundamentals. That is very very important.

Ivy: What additional bowling tips would you give to those who wish to emulate your success?

Aaron: I would tell them to never give up. They have to be confident they can do well, and they must never be afraid to make changes.

Ivy: Thank you so much, Aaron, for willing to share some of your success secrets. Jonathan and I wish you every success in your bowling career. We know you have an outstanding future ahead of you.

Aaron: My pleasure. You are most welcome.

Well folks, those are golden tips from a World Champion. Stay tuned for another revealing moment with Team mate Adrian Ang in next week’s post.

Enjoy your bowling.

Jonathan

I touched on the principles of a Basic Release last time. To help you visualize your hand and wrist positions in respect to the ‘clock face’, I’ve decided to give you a diagram.

Spend some time practising your release. You will eventually get it to work like clockwork. This will set the tone for you to graduate to more advanced levels of releases.

Enjoy your game.

Jonathan

The failure to deliver a consistent score is almost always the result of improper ball release. This is a technique that should be mastered at the start of learning the sport of tenpin bowling. So today, I’m going to teach you how to do the Basic Release.

HAND AND WRIST POSITIONS

The position of the hand and wrist principally affect how the ball reacts on the lane. Potential energy is ’stored’ for later use by how the hand and wrist are ‘cocked’ in the stance. This energy translates into hook and/or roll potential when it is utilized during ball release. The style of the bowler, the type of shot and the condition of the lane determine whether a lot or very little energy is stored.

There are two components to consider:   

 > Hand position (cocked, straight, uncocked)                                              

 > Wrist position (cupped, straight, broken)

HAND POSITION FOR THE BASIC RELEASE

Imagine that you are invisible. When bowling, a person at the back would be able to see right through you to the bowling ball in your hand.

Now, imagine a clock face positioned around the bowling ball, with 12.00 being straight up towards the ceiling. Use this mental image when we discuss hand position.

The hand position discussed here is the BASIC RELEASE. The basic release provides medium roll and medium hook potential. Continue reading »

There are a few things we have to address before we start throwing balls down the lanes.

Are we appropriately dressed for bowling? I would advise you to dress comfortably in clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Too loose or too tight attire will hamper and restrict fluidity in your movements.

Next, find a ball that fits your hand properly. One that is not too tight or too loose. The rule of thumb is to pick out a ball that’s about 10 % of your body weight. A ball that’s too light or too heavy will affect your swing direction. Advanced bowlers tend to use heavier balls for optimum pin carry.

You have now selected a bowling ball. Get a pair of bowling shoes. Your ordinary day to day wear is not suitable and most bowling alleys disallow anyone without proper bowling shoes to get on the lanes. Get them from the alley. Alternatively, you can get your own equipment, though it is not necessary if you’re just trying to get a feel of the sport.

Time to get those muscles warmed up. Get into some stretching and flexing excercises. These should take about 3-5 minutes. DO NOT START BOWLING until you’ve completed your warm-up routine, otherwise injuries may occur.

Stay tuned for my next posting when I’ll be sharing the benchmark for beginners - The Basic Release.

Jonathan