Bowling Execution

Rating:
Summary: Very, Very Disappointing
Review: Jowdy may be a great teacher in person, but he is not a good explainer in print. His description of his "over and under drill," which he calls "one of the most effective keys to initiating a free armswing" and "a system I developed that has benefited many of my students, past and present," is described only in two brief, poorly written passages on different pages. In the first description, Jowdy says, "The drill is simple. It involves two imaginary bars. One imaginary bar is at the starting point and one is at the release point. Place one imaginary bar about four to six inches above the starting ball position. Push the ball over this bar, disengage all muscles in the forearm, and let the ball descend and swing with its own gravitational force. The under aspect of the over and under drill involves releasing under the other bar 12 inches above the foul line." That's it. The second description of the drill, in a shaded box on the following page, is different, though equally sketchy. This time, a second person is involved, there are no imaginary bars, and the ball descends but doesn't swing: "The over and under drill was the foundation for my coaching session with [professional bowler David] Ozio. I began by placing my fingers on his arm at the shoulder joint. I placed my right palm about 20 to 24 inches in a direct line of his right shoulder. I instructed him to hit my palm with the pushaway, relax all the muscles in his forearm, and let the ball descend from its own weight. We repeated this exercise several times until he sensed the flowing sensation of the ball from his shoulder." This drill is central to Jowdy's main instructional idea (the "free armswing"), yet there are no photographs or drawings of the drill, and no step-by-step instructions for performing it.
This shortcoming is characteristic of the entire book. Most of the photographs are unilluminating - almost all were shot head-on, so that arm and leg positions are confusingly foreshortened. Jowdy writes as though he assumes his readers already know what he's talking about and merely need to be reminded of whatever it was he told them during their most recent lesson.


Rating:
Summary: This book is a must
Review: I bought this book 6 months ago and it helped me to improve my game to an 185 average. It is a must for every bowler who wants to have great fundamentals in bowling. I am a league player, and now I am working to take my game to the next level (over 190) and I keep reviewing this book. Good luck.

Rating:
Summary: This book is a must
Review: I bought this book 6 months ago and it helped me to improve my game to an 185 average. It is a must for every bowler who wants to have great fundamentals in bowling. I am a league player, and now I am working to take my game to the next level (over 190) and I keep reviewing this book. Good luck.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read Book to Improve
Review: I purchased this book after missing the second cut in a tournament that I roll in every year. John Jowdy's reputation speaks for itself. After reading the first four chapters on the free armswing, leverage point, hand grips and follow through, I bowled my first ever 700 series in league play (I currently have a yearbook average of 175)and I broke my personal best score twice in the same week (269 followed by 278 two nights later). Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who is serious about improving their game must buy this book

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read Book to Improve
Review: I purchased this book after missing the second cut in a tournament that I roll in every year. John Jowdy's reputation speaks for itself. After reading the first four chapters on the free armswing, leverage point, hand grips and follow through, I bowled my first ever 700 series in league play (I currently have a yearbook average of 175)and I broke my personal best score twice in the same week (269 followed by 278 two nights later). Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who is serious about improving their game must buy this book

Rating:
Summary: the bowling god speaks
Review: I read the book in one sitting. My first impression was that the game is just not this simple. then I read the book again more carefully and made notes where my game was out of whack. I went to a local house and tried two major changes; and threw the ball better than I have in years, if not ever. Part of John's genius is his unique ability to capture just the essential elements of his sport, but then to describe the common deviations and their effects such that you can discover your problems. I guess the game IS that simple to John.

Rating:
Summary: No more gutter balls
Review: I was doing ok in the sport but then I met John one rainy day in LA and he was like a phantom watching me ruin my life. He suggested something simple that changed my game. "Step 2 boards over and don't force the ball down the lane."
I shot a 270 that day and got to see the magical turkey dance across the screen several times. Thanks John, you are a life saver.

Rating:
Summary: FOR BEGINNERS AND PROS
Review: John Jowdy is well-known as a master bowling guru to many professional bowlers. When a PBA or PWBA member has needed assistance in elevating his or her game, John Jowdy has done so with proven results. John Jowdy is the familiar gentleman sitting with a foot long cigar in the first row of many televised matches watching, many time, his students. Therefore, Mr. Jowdy come to this book with much credibility. Many, but not all, bowling books are either too elemental for the intermediate or better bowler, or are filled with outdated information. Mr. Jowdy has bridged the gap between beginners and the better, experienced bowler with this book.
For example, I guess I would be considered a better than average league bowler with a 215 average. The night before my last league night, I read the chapters regarding the free armswing and the outward, rather than upward, follow-through, and put it into practice. The following night, I bowled a 299 game with a total of 16 strikes in a row over 2 games.
I would recommend this book if you are serious about improving your game.