Product Description
Although there are countless instructional books on how to bowl, there aren't any that tell you something much more important--how to correct what you're doing wrong. Through the expertise of former Professional Bowlers Association superstar Mike Durbin, From Gutterballs to Strikes provides bowlers of all levels with quick tips and solutions for correcting 101 of the most common bowling errors. Knowing how to correct mistakes is a vital part of any athletic endeavor; that's why coaches serve such a crucial role. But with the exception of top-level players, few bowlers have the benefit of personal coaching. This book lets Mike Durbin serve as your very own bowling coach. Your game will improve quickly and dramatically with his easy-to-follow corrections to bowling's 101 most common errors--from bad foot position to poor timing to improper arm swing. Mike Durbin is the only bowler to have won the sport's crown jewel, the Tournament of Champions, on three occasions. A 14-time PBA Tour champion, he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1984. Durbin now serves as a commentator for ESPN's coverage of the PGA Tour. Dan Herbst is the author of eight sports-instruction books, including Bowling 200+, Bowl Like a Pro, and Bowling 300. He has written articles for Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and Bowlers Journal, among other publications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Fixing Problems isn't easy unless you know what to look for.
As an avid bowler who is looking to improve my game, sometimes it takes going back to the basics to rediscover what is at fault.While the title of "From Gutterballs to Strikes" might be a bit of an inflated boast, there is a wealth of information within these pages.

No, it isn't for beginners -- the book is a diagnostic tool, not a traditional training manual.The stories he tells are dated to a time when he was first a touring pro and then a commentator for television covering the tour.Some might say that part of the problem is that his examples/advise was for a time when polyester and urethane balls were the norm versus the current lineups of resin balls.But fundimentals never go out of style, and if you're serious about improving your game - this book reminds you of the little things that take away from your game.I will say that this book along with John Jowdy's "Bowling Execution" makes the best 2 book combo for any 'serious' bowler.What one doesn't cover, the other will.Although the two philosophies differ on a few key points (to-MAY-to vs. to-MAH-to), the two books compliment each other well.

Furthermore, the joys of the internet means that you can read the book, and since he gives specific example about what to look for - and which professionals model the 'correct' or 'exception' to his advise, you can head to youtube and see both the examples as well as Durbin doing promos / average builders from his time as a pba color commentator.

Excellent Correcting Manual
My wife bought me this book for Christmas and it took me a few weeks before I picked it up and read it.Boy, what a great Christmas gift!This book has helped me correct most of the mistakes I made naturally and now I am consistently obtaining scores of 200+, I was rolling a 153 average before I started to apply the techniques described.

This book isn't really written for the beginning bowler, which I found refreshing and suited me perfectly.

But still throwing gutterballs
Purchased this for my wife for obvious reasons.She is enjoying it and says it is informative.Results?Will have to wait a bit longer.

Definitely not recommended:(
Most of the people that previously reviewed this book gave it a good rating and that's ok.I found the section on how to practice informative but for the most part the author just rants about topics that are of no importance to the reader.I read Bowling Fundamentals before reading and there is no comparison between the two.Again there a couple of sections that are ok but for the most part this book is poorly written.He should have just written a how to instead of listing 101 most common mistakes that he thinks people make, don't waste your money on this book.

Gutterballs - Strickes Review
Step by step with pictures for the beginner as well as the intermediate bowler.I have improved my recent consistancey with the timing & release sectiions.Well worth the time & money to analzye your current bowling techniques. ... Read more

Product Description
Throw strikes, not gutter balls. Bowling: Steps to Success provides expert instruction and 66 drills to help you learn and master all the basic skills.

By following the book’s sequential lessons and studying the 145 illustrations, you’ll learn how to perform each skill andanalyze and correct errors. The drills come with performance goals and a list of key points to remember, and often include instructions for increasing or decreasing the level of difficulty.

Part of the highly popular Steps to Success Activity Series, this book will help to enrich your skills and confidence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

a big step forward
As a bowling player since 1996, now aged 62, i'm still trying to progress. I would like to add at least 10 pins on my 175 average. In this book I have found many suggestions to play a better bowling. As a coach for a team of young bowlers aged from 14 to 18, i am going to reconsider my methods. A good value.

Dry - and I'm not talking lane conditions
I agree with one of the reviews that I read here about this book.BORING.Unless you are a robot, do not buy this book.I like lots of detail on the mechanics and science behind the game with illustrations.The book accomplishes this on some fronts by showing the 3021 technique and some other useful tips, but it fails in not showing others.It does not delve enough into the hook release and shooting at strikes + lane conditions.

This book does have a lot of illustrations and it does give you the basics, however, this book focuses mostly on bowling drills.

Bowling Steps to success
I loved it I love bowling. I love getting turkeys every time I bowl. I've not missed an turkeys since I read this book it's my lucky charm and I carry it in my bowling bag.

Review of Bowling: Steps to Success by Robert Strickland
Robert Strickland's book is a great book for the individual wanting to understand the mechanics and technique needed for building a solid bowling swing.There are step-by-step drills provided, along with success testsfor each drill.Having bowled with a poor technique for years, this bookhelped me to see how much I was doing incorrectly, and why my scoring wasso inconsistent.I have applied many of the principles Strickland outlinesto my own bowling technique, such as using a four-step delivery, as well asthe timing of each arm motion with the feet in the swing, and have foundgreater success and consistency in hitting my mark on the lane. Whilevariances will inevitably occur with each bowler (for example, I need tostart with my knees bent more deeply, as I tend to lift my shoulders anddrop the ball at the line, whereas Strickland recommends a more upright"snooty" posture at the outset of the swing), it is a good bookto "review the basics" and check your own technique against.

A good all-round book...
Bob Strickland uses all his experience to write an excellent book covering all aspects of tenpin bowling.Bowling is an extremely difficult sport to master, but Strickland takes the difficult areas (and the easier parts) andmakes them easier to understand.In no other book have I seen so muchdetail given to areas such as the delivery, the release, the psychology,and the all-out approach to the game.However, if there was onediasdvantage to this book, it would have to be the immense amount oftraining drills that it contains.They may be useful for some, but manyinvolve the use of other knowledgable bowlers, or a long bowling session,or the need to bowl in a league.I actually think that some of them shouldbe omitted from the book, and a bit more information about thetechnicalities of the game included.However, I would recommend this bookto anyone looking more seriously into bowling.I would then recommendlooking at "From Gutterballs to Strikes", by Mike Durbin, just toadd a little bit more zip to your game. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn the mental techniques that professional bowlers use to perform their best and build high averages. Focused for Bowling provides proven advice to help you pick up spares more consistently, recover from and avoid slumps, and get more satisfaction from each trip to the alley.

From progressive muscle-relaxation techniques to positive self-talk and focus cues, Focused for Bowling gives you the mental edge that will help you excel in critical frames.

Considered the leading authority on bowling psychology, Dean Hinitz is a regular columnist in Bowling This Month. To pick up your game, pick up this book and see why some of the country’s most elite competitors trust Hinitz to give them the edge they need for more accurate, confident, and consistent performance when the pressure is on! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Focused for Bowling
This book is great for the bowler who has pretty much got the physical bases of bowling down.probably around 190 average on more than one bowling center.It's a great book for the mental aspectof moving into elite bowling.

Keeps you focused.....
If you're a true bowler- and want to learn how to maintain focus on your bowling game, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book for any avg bowler- from beginner , amateur, to pros. Now, I want to bowl and have Dean along my side! :)

Getting focused for bowling
This book is great if you have the technique down but are having problems with the mental parts of bowling. However, it's a good book all around but specializes in the mental part of bowling.

A must have!
This book deals with the mental game of bowling.It evaluates how you are right now and gives you tips on how to prepare for each shot.The book has charts that you can copy and evaluate your where you think you're currently at.After you use the tips it suggests, you can reevaluate yourself in the future to see where you have improved.This book is a must have for the bower that wants to improve their game.I have applied the tips to my game and still continue to improve my overall scores and averages.I find that reading this book will give me a tremendous edge on my opponents when I bowl tournaments.

Go on and give it a try!

PBA Member since 2007

Another good bowling book
This book also covers a lot of info that bowlers will need when they look to take their game to the next level. ... Read more

Product Description
From The Honeymooners to The Big Lebowski, from The Flintstones to Ed, bowling has rolled right down the middle of American culture like no sport—or even pastime—in the nation’s postwar history. This entertaining, illustrated history illuminates the place that bowling holds in the heart of America, as well as its loftier antecedents and the high-kitsch status all things bowling have recently attained.

Let's Go Bowling! opens a wide cultural angle on the sport, from its alleged origins in ancient Egypt to its move to the United States (and indoors), from its starring role in TV, movies, and music over the past 50 years to the design and architecture of bowling alleys; from the social aspect of the pastime to the heights (and depths) of bowling fashion—the disinfected, two-tone shoes; the multicolored shirts with embroidered names, the glittering custom balls with matching bags.In colorful sidebars, readers will find a primer on bowling etiquette, a brief history of the world’s oldest bowling alley, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
Want to be a better bowler? Sport Psychology Library: Bowling - The Handbook of Bowling Psychology is the guide you need for improving your performance. Esteemed Sport psychologist Dr. Eric Lasser, and legendary coaches Fred Borden and Jeri Edwards, have combined their expertise to create a master teaching guide for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level bowlers. This book is designed to push any bowler to the highest level and enable professionals and elite amateurs to stay there.The Handbook is organized into five sections: preparation for competition, routines before and during competition, keys to peak performance, advanced strategies for tough challenges, and team and family dynamics. Each section details information and concerns most important to the bowler,providing techniques for self-evaluation and the development of specificpsychological strategies necessary for that sound mental game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Very Good Read!!!
I am still currently reading this book and it is very good!If you are a professional bowler or a league bowler this book is essential to build your mental game!It will get you through tough pressure situations and open your mind for things that you either have/have not experienced!I really recommend this book to anyone to kick their bowling up the extra notch!

Mental help for any bowler...
I found the book easy to read and understand. I have applied some of the things I read in the book and found them useful and I feel over time the new approach to bowling will improve to my good.

Great investment
When ever you buy a book containing psychology, you think to say "I knew that!", but this book pinpoints the essens of bowling psychology. I've focused on several things that for sure will make me a better bowler.

very helpful book
I purchased this book to help with my bowling, since as anovice bowler,
I was dismayed by my embarrassing performance when bowling with friends.
I would bowl a strike and then have a string of gutter balls.

I found this book really helpful, not just for bowling, but for achieving excellence
in other sports. I was able to apply the lessons to other challanging areas in my life.

The book gives a comphrehensive overview of this incredibly popular sport.The writers have laid out a step by step mental
plan of action that accounts for most contigencies and can used when someone has to psychologically prepare
onselfto perform at a high level.

The use of acronyms such as RALLY ( react, accept, learn, lean, yes )and the examples
of positive self talk particularly useful.

One of the best bowling books to date
I think this is one of the most up to date and detailed bowling books to date.It dives into the mental game aspect of the game and just helps you with the skills that most bowlers will need to take their game to the next level. ... Read more

Product Description
Master all of the essential skills of bowling to raise your average at the lanes. Bowling: Steps to Success contains in-depth, progressive instruction for each aspect of the game—from grip and stance to footwork and release—so you’ll be throwing strikes consistently in no time.

Build a strong skill base with clear instruction, precise illustrations, and dozens of drills that feature a scoring system to help you gauge your improvement and accelerate your progress. Then learn and practice the tactics of shooting strikes and spares to give you more confidence and success on every frame.

Step up to the line knowing you’ll deliver a well-executed shot with pinpoint accuracy. As part of the Steps to Success Sports Series—with more than 1.5 million copies sold—Bowling: Steps to Success will give you maximum results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Review of Bowling Steps to success
Great book for all bowlers wanting to go to the next level in their game.

Thumbs Up
Great book.
Didn't end up reading it but it sure did help to pass the test I had on it.
SMILE!
OPEN BOOK~! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun, Fun, Fun!
This is a wonderful book of humor. As a fan of his blog for a long time I doubt I could NOT like it. Just plain fun! ... Read more

Product Description
A perfect match for the CogLab, Wadsworth's Cognitive Psychology Laboratory, this reader includes 32 articles, each of which corresponds to a demonstration or set of demonstrations in CogLab. Available online or on CD-ROM, CogLab provides an invaluable laboratory component for cognitive psychology classes. This virtual laboratory gives the students a sense of how experiments are conducted and how individual and group data look. The reader complements that goal in providing a historical and theoretical context for the experiments. Each reading is accompanied by an introduction that clarifies some of the fine points of the article and focuses the reader's attention on the important aspects of the article. Following each article, questions for discussion draw both on the reading and on the associated CogLab demonstration. In addition, suggested readings are listed to provide readers a way to find out the most recent thinking and research about the topic. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great first book!
This is an excellent book for beginners, it covers all the basics and is easy to understand. It tells you not just how to bowl, but all about the sport including equipment, types of lanes, scoring, even what pins and balls are made of.

Great for beginning bowler and teenagers
There is some really good information in this book for beginning bowlers; however I recommend it for teenagers wanting to get into the sport.The author and photographer did a good job of putting a lot of photos in the book to demonstrate their points.I would give this book to a kid or teen wanting to get into the sport.If you are an adult wanting to try the sport or looking for fundamental advice then buys Bowling Fundamentals, you'll be happy you did.

Great Starter Book
This book will tell you all the basics of Bowling.It was very instructive with graphics that helped explain some of the terminology that is not readly understood.I recommend it for anyone thinking about the sport to those already playing (like myself).It helped me with understanding the sport better.

Great book for all ages
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner bowler or "an expert" anyone can learn something new from this book.Well written and to the point it truely gives concrete steps to help you be a better bowler.This is a book appropriate for all ages.My children and I all use the techniques Don talks about in the book.It has improved our games all around.I highly recommend it to anyone who loves bowling. ... Read more

Product Description
The fast and easy way to perfect your bowling game

Bowling is an inexpensive date, an affordable night out for the whole family, and a fun hangout activity for kids of all ages. Bowling For Dummies reveals the tips, tricks, and rules of play for this iconic American sport.

While not every player can hope to bowl 300, you can improve your average and show off for friends, family, and bowling league teammates. Bowling For Dummies provides easy-to-understand instructions for improving your bowling game. The expert tips and advice take you through every step of the game, from selecting the right shoes to the proper way to yell, "Strike!"

• Packed with photos and line drawings
• Step-by-step instructions and illustrations included for all techniques
• Covers beginner through more advanced techniques

Whether you're a casual bowler or on a bowling league, the practical, friendly advice in Bowling For Dummies will have you itching to hit the lanes to try out your new skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

This book gets a high score
I stink at bowling, but this book is filled with lots of handy and easy to understand tips and instructions. The emphasis is on FUN although it certainly is chock full of skill building exercises as well.

The photography is terrific and very explicit - it makes the easy instruction even easier to understand.

This is a great book and belongs in every bowling bag in the country!

Chelle Cordero
[...]

Great especially for beginners!
This book says it's "for dummies" but it's really for the beginner or for parents of a child who wants to get involved in bowling. There is humor, too, which keeps it from being a serious textbook. The tips and advanced areas are helpful for the more seasoned bowlers.This would be a great gift for just about anybody!

Very helpful!
I found many tips in this book helpful for improving my game. Worth the money!

Big help to improving my game
This book was great.The pictures were helpful in showing form and the writing was precise.It shows the markings on the lanes which helped me a lot and explained the oils in the wood.Great help!

Exceedingly helpful; worth the money
Bought this the other day - I suck at bowling, and I saw this, and I had a gift card, so I thought, why not?

It's exceptionally helpful. It not only goes through the basic movements and how to improve your game, but the tidbits on the side (the extra information) was faaaantastic. And interesting.

SERIOUSLY worth the money if you want to improve your game. ... Read more

Product Description
Take to the lanes and enjoy every frame! Bowling Fundamentals teaches as you play. Sequential instructions and accompanying photographs will guide you in proper execution of the game’s essential skills and tactics. All the fundamentals—grip, stance, footwork, arm swing, timing, and release—provide a base for solid technique.

More than XX gamelike activities and drills will speed your learning and improve your performance. You’ll also get great instruction on hitting the pocket, scoring strikes, picking up spares, and boosting your scores.

Bowling Fundamentals is a better way to learn the basics—in less time. With this book, you’ll be rolling strikes right away—and the right way—to a winning game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Good guide for the beginner
My wife and I have taken up bowling.This was a good book for both of us.It refined my technique, improving my score significantly.Wife has also picked up her score too.I would definitely recommend this for the beginner and intermediate bowler.

fundamentals good.
I thought the writer did an excellent job explaining the basics needed for bowling well.The book walked you through equipment, lane set up, targeting, body mechanics, and mindset.It did come up short however, on advance skills and techniques, but a great starting point non-the-less.

Helped quite a bit
When I first bought this book I was a fairly new bowler who struggled to break 100, after reading Michelle's book I now regularly bowl between a 130-150 and have even broken 200 a few times! As a left-handed bowler with a reverse hook it was difficult to find instruction that actually worked for me, but she offered it. Her writing style can be a bit repeatitive at times, but she covers all the different techiniques available to both hands, any hook, and any approach you can think of. I think a bowler at any level could benefit from her advice.

Helpful
Got this for my husband to work on his technique, as he is a semi new bowler.The pictures and descriptions in this book are very helpful.Easy to look at and read, not overwhelming.Would be great, too, if you have ever had your bowling technique video taped so you can compare what is ideal to what you are doing on the lane.

Great book for the basics!!!
A very straight forward and easy to apply approach to bowl well.Well written and easy to read. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Bowling is the most comprehensive and up-to-date bowling-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round bowling-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other bowling book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have you increasing your average by focusing on the endurance, strength, and flexibility needed most by bowlers. By following this guide you will get more speed on your rolls, more pin action, and overall higher scores and success on the lanes.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Weight Training Book
I'm sure this is a good weight training book but it links
very few of the excercises to actual bowling improvement.

More Bodybuilding Type Nonsense
Bowling at the top level requires good physical conditioning and unfortunately this isn't the book to provide that kind of information.Lots of isolation exercises and typical workouts from the bodybuilding era.I'm not sure if they realize most people reading this book aren't on steroids and would benefit more from a general strength and fitness program, more than they would from the program laid out in this book.Overall hugely disappointing and further perpetuating training programs that don't make sense for an athletic population.

Not a bad book
I just got this book and just read the table of contents.The first thing I noticed is that it only has 6 pages on leg exercises.I am becoming a good bowler because 50 percent of bowling has to do with having strong, quick, and flexable legs and knees.Yet he only has 6 pages on the subject of leg exercises and the reccomended exercises with legs.

Another reason why I am starting to get good at bowling is because chest mussles a long with back mussles are very important at bowling.Working on my chest and back mussles will increase my bowling greatly.Having strong chest mussles, good strong Abs, and back mussles is 25 percent of being in good enough shape to be a good bowler.

He has 4 pages of exercises on Chest exercises and 4 pages on Back exercises and 5 pages on Abs.So 75% of what you need to be in shape to be a good bowler he only used 17 pages out of a 64 page book.

Now he does have 4 pages of exercises on Biceps and Forearms Exercises.These exercises are important to being a good bowler.If I had to say about 20% of what you need to be a good bowler.So the book is a total of 64 pages and in 21 pages he has 95 pecent of the exercises that will help you become in shape to be a good bowler.

Having strong shoulders is a very small part in becoming a good bowler.I would say maybe 5 percent.Yet he has 5 pages of exercises on it.The good news is that if you want to know in my opion what exercises you need to due to be in shape for bowling all you have to do is read 26 out of 64 pages of the book.

The rest of the book while it will make a great work out program and make you in beter shape.It should not really help you in your bowling game because you are just doing exercises that really don't have to do with mussles that will help in bowling.However if you wanted a general weight lifting book these pages might come in handy.

Was it worth me buying yes because 21 of the pages are really going to help me in my bowling a lot and 5 pages are going to help me in my bowling a little the Shoulder Exercises.Is 21 pages of great help and 5 pages of little help worth 20 bucks?I say yes because it is the only book on Weight Training for Bowling out there.So I would say spend the 20 bucks and read the 21 pages and do those exercises.

Not bad
Not a bad little guide.
BTW it's cheaper to just buy it from the author's website.....just look at the 2nd page of the excerpt.

Tex McFaden's Review of The Ultimate Guide...
It's not only the "ultimate" guide to weight training for bowling, but I think that it's the ONLY guide to weight training for bowlng. Obviously, anyone could build a workout program to strengthen their body, but it's nice to have a resource provided by knowledgeable folks to make it easy for you. This guide provides an easy to ready plan, complete with pictures, to help bowlers improve their strength. The purpose is to help bowlers ultimately improve the explosive quality of the ball in the pocket, from the first roll to the last. This is most critical when bowlers get caught in a long day at competitive meets where they are sure to bowl more than three quick games. The stress of competition can easily tire a competitor physically, so physical fitness is a must. This book walks you through the stretching and the exercises and a rotation plan that uses four different training programs. It's a short, to-the-point book that may be a no-brainer to fitness buffs, but still serves as a handy reference to keep everyone, at any level, focused and fit. The rating is based on the fact that the book accomplishes its stated purpose and meets the expectations that anyone should have for this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The sport's definitive work, from the game's master instructor. In Bowling Execution, legend and PBA Hall of Fame coach John Jowdy shares his expertise on every aspect of the sport, from developing skills to refining techniques for improved consistency.

Bowling Execution will show you how to

• improve each phase of your shot, from stance to follow-through;
• increase the accuracy of your hook;
• incorporate the free armswing for smoother mechanics;
• generate more power behind your shot to create greater pin action;
• analyze lane conditions and adjust your game accordingly; and
• develop strategies for achieving your personal best.

Whether your style is power or finesse, Bowling Execution will raise your game and your scores. It's the bowling resource you will turn to again and again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

NOT recommended for beginners OR experienced bowlers
I should have listened to the bad reviews of this book.But, as a librarian, I trusted this publisher as well-known in the sports fields and wanted to improve my personal game.This book is terrible. It is poorly organized and poorly written.As a bowler with over 40 years' experience, even I did not understand most of the jargon.The "technique" descriptions (grip, stance, target, etc.) did nothing to explain how to implement or execute the technique - and the accompanying images didn't help a single bit.In fact, the whole book seemed like nothing more than a vehicle for the author to drop the names of pro bowlers.Don't purchase this book.

A great teaching book, and relevant to today's evolving conditions
From describing the basics of bowling (armswing, approach, release) to going into some of the more advanced techniques (hand position, equipment, lane play) Mr. Jowdy's book is one of the best out there on the subject IMO.Bowling has evolved a incredible amount since the days of rubber balls and lacquered lanes, and you must have a through knowledge of today's equipment and styles to be successful at a high level.

Advanced bowlers perhaps might get the least out of this book, since if they are averaging 220+ they already have a fairly good grasp on bowling fundamentals, but I do think this book is a MUST have for those below that level.There simply are not many books out there regarding bowling that are as through as Mr. Jowdy's.

I also throughly recommend the companion book, "Focused on Bowling".This book covers the mental game of bowling, which is what higher level average and competition bowling becomes and combining these books with coaching and practice will make you the most complete bowler you can be.

Written by the man who coaches champions.
There is no doubt that this book does not beling on the bookshelves of every serious bowler.It belongs, dog eared, marked up, pages worn to the feel of silk, in a bowlers bag -- able to be referenced during down time to refresh the mind and concentration.Jowdy is recognized as one of the greatest coaches ever, and is a fantastic communicator of his ideas and teachings.His style appears to have been tempered by the editor though, who seems to be a tad fond of the 'copy and paste' function - where anytime 3 specific people are mentioned, by the middle of the book you know exactly what the next 5 sentences will say. But that's really my only disenchantment of the book

The book is filled with pictures and examples that feature many of the current PBA tour's best bowlers.Jowdy also when he explains the various styles a bowler can adopt within a section of his/her game, he also provides names of PBA bowlers who also follow that style -- presumeably so that the serious student can go to youtube and type in the name and watch those bowlers in action.

On a personal note, there were finer concepts in my own game that I was struggling with -- couldn't quite wrap my head around them no matter how much I watched videos or read about them.Jowdy's book provided me with several "A-ha" moments that caused those concepts to click in my head -- and soon thereafter in my game as well.A solid book that is highly recommended.

Fundamentals
This book is a good read with more technical information than the other two that I purchased and a good addition to my growing collection. I definately recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their average.

Satisfied (minus delivery issue) customer
I have 2 complaints. 1 about the delivery , the other one is about the condition of the book.
I understand that amazon has no influence about the delivery. I chose usps as my delivery carrier, somehow they delivered the packaga at the wrong address.It took 2 additional weeks to sort things out and they I has the book in my possesion.
The condition of the book is ok, I think they do not sell this item often, so at the side of the book there were some dust spots, most were easily removed, there is still 1-2 spots left that I have to be more carefull with on the removal process.

Minus the delivery issue I am satisfied with the whole process,

Leopold ... Read more

Product Description
This striking look at the "everybody" sport of bowling includes a wealth of photos that spare no detail. Shoes, signs, shirts, scorecards, trophies, and more--an endless assortment of tacky and trendy gear and souvenirs is punctuated by trivia, celebrity quotes, and entertaining bowling anecdotes. 155 photos, 125 in color. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

bowling book
This book is very good for someone just starting to bowl.It gives alot of
good advice on how to bowl. What you will need and so on.

Recommended for would-be bowlers
The author takes the effort to filter out the technical junks that might confuse new bowlers or people who are interested to take up the sports. All you need to know to get started is there. But it's a little pricey for a thin paperback.

Great starting off point
I have always enjoyed bowling, but never had any training. I am joining a league, and want to bowl better. This book taught me a lot. I practiced the "shadow bowling" technique at home, and on my next outing to the lanes - I improved my average by 40! (from a 150 to a 194)

Great book for anyone new to bowling
This is what every non-fiction book should be.Brief, to-the-point, and effective.And this book is very brief.You may probably be able to read it in a half hour and then head straight to the alley and practice.This book is very clear and provides easy-to-follow pictures, too. I understand everything the author is trying to say.Lastly, this book is effective because I followed its exact instructions and I'm able to bowl with a nice hook, something I always wanted to know how to do.Although you won't be able to learn more advanced skills or more fancier hooks, this is not suppose to be a comprehensive guide to bowling.

So THAT'S How Its Done
This book lived up to its promise.I am brand new to the 'real' way to bowl, and I found this book very helpful.The format is great.I think that the book would do any newcomer some good.There is a style to Werner's writing that can only be termed 'relaxed.'I am trying to develop what I have learned from this book.It is a great springboard into the sport. ... Read more

Product Description
The most definitive guide to the sport of bowling, this book is sure to take your game and your average to the next level.

Parker Bohn III, the 1999 Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year, clearly explains everything you need to know in order to shoot your maximum potential--from equipment, mental preparation, and practice regimens to stroke lines, spare conversions, and strategies for different lane conditions. Written for the beginner as well as the advanced bowler, the book features more than thirty detailed computer-generated lane diagrams that show the best paths to the pocket for both left and right-handers. Plus, a preface richly illustrated with vintage photos takes a fascinating look back at how the game came to be one of America's most-loved pastimes and how it is fast gaining popularity around the world.

Parker Bohn III reveals the secrets to success including:
how to exploit the technology of ball composition and drilling
the basic skid-roll-hook strike shot's trajectory and pin carry
recommended foot positions and targets for splits and spares
how lane conditioner (oil) and its breakdown affect your shots
pro-proven strike line strategies for conquering difficult land conditions
how to pinpoint problems and develop customized practice sessions
pointers for building a rock-solid mental approach
plans for reaching the college, amateur, and pro levels

You'll learn how to achieve perfect form in a skills section with photos showing how to position yourself at each step in the delivery:
starting stance
pushaway
armswing
release
wrist positions
timing
balance

Brunswick pro contributers include all-time favorites and new stars:
Mike Aulby
Chris Barnes
Cindy Coburn-Carroll
Johnny Petraglia
Mark Roth
Kim Terrell
Tammy Turner
... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Disappointing
Disappointing.

I am not sure who the intended audience for this book was.I not sure the authors knew who the intended audience was, either.

I bowled some as a young teenager.I'm in my 50s now and I have started to bowl some again.What I wanted and needed was a book of basic instruction on the proper techniques and strategy of bowling.Having read some of the reviews that is what I thought I was getting.

If I had been able to pick this book up in a bookstore and flip through it I would never have purchased it.

A big portion of the book is the history of bowling, bowling balls, pin boys, pin setting machines, and why there are 10 pins and not 9.It also devotes far too many pages to anecdotes of PBA pros.I wanted instruction.

I work in a technical field and I am used to reading manuals and sometimes obtuse material.I found myself skimming through this book trying to pull out some useful information.

Add to that endless page after page of spare diagrams with little explanation.Lane oil conditions may be where it is at on the pro bowling tour, but by the end of the book I was ready to sell my stock in Crisco.

Bottom line, if you want a good instruction manual save your money.If you want a nice coffee table book buy it.

Bowling Book

This book is mostly for beginners.

I had to get to page 60 before there was any details
for advanced bowlers.

There are little actual pictures for improvement.

Text descriptions are brief.

If your an advanced bowler - there are better books.

A Full Page of a Classic 50's Bowling Bag? Come on!
20% of the book is about bowling history. Another large chunk, about one-fifth, is about bowling equipment. A lot of photos provide no instructional value at all, and seem to be there merely for their aesthetic attribute. Several diagrams do not have any merit as well - do you really need to show a 2-page 3D depiction of the oil pattern in lanes? You're literally halfway through the book and still waiting when that glorious tip on 'how to master the game' will come.

The book's biggest flaw is that it lacks detail about how a bowler can improve his game - majority of the most relevant bowling topics were not really covered in depth. A huge chunk of what's supposed to be instructional material and meaningful diagrams is wasted on trivial topics and images. Also, while conveying his priciples, Bohn never fails to rub in how good he is - how much he scored in a game or so, who he defeated, how bowlers "at his level" play. Do we really have to hear those things?

There's some light though. Towards the middle and the end, the book does give you eligible but far from detailed this-is-how-to-do-it type of advice. It gives a lot of attention on how to adjust to varying lane conditions and how to be flexible during tournament play. The chapter on knocking out spare and splits gives some useful principles and techniques.

If you're buying your first bowling book, I can say Bowling Fundamentals (Sport Fundamental Series) is a better value buy, it only costs half as much while providing very detailed and solid no-nonsense advise.

Solid foundation
The book by Parker Bohn III is a very good book to get for a new bowler, or someone looking to solidify their basics. He discusses all the basics in learning to bowl in a way that is easy to absorb and apply. The more established bowler, will take away less from this book, but it does serve as an excellent reminder. I loaned it to a friend that averages well over 200, and have not gotten it back after 3 weeks. He is using it to troubleshoot his game and to reestablish good habits. I find it very useful to keep my game solid and fundimentally strong.
Overall Parker does a nice job bridging the gap between the beginner and the more advanced bowler. I have a deeper respect for his knowledge of the game, even if he is a lefty. This is solid instructional bowling book.

Bowling for experts
This book was bought as a gift for my partner, who is quite an established bowler. It is apparently very informative (he reads it before every tournament) and is also beautifully laid out. Would make a great coffee table book as well as an instructional text for those serious about the sport.Bowling: How to Master the Game ... Read more