Analysis of the Modern 10-Pin Bowling Swing and Release 2 by Dean Champ

This video was made using slow motion footage to analyse the modern 10-Pin Bowling swing and release. Areas of analysis are the starting position, crossover steps, the pivot step, balance at the line, the timing spot, dropping the ball inside, and generating power - which shows how the pro bowlers create high rev rates.
Bowlers featured include Wes Malott, Mike Fagan, Pete Weber, Bill O'Neill, Tommy Jones, Dom Barrett, Kelly Kulick, Jason Belmonte, Sean Rash, EJ Tackett, Missy Parkin, Osku Palermaa, Chris Barnes, Amleto Monacelli, Mika Koivuniemi, Diandra Asbaty, Chris Loschetter, Dan MacLelland, Diana Zavjalova, Cho Young-Seon and more...
Thanks to coaches Patrick Birtig, Jim Merrell, Mark Baker and Brian Voss and also a big thanks to Jani (jantukan channel) and others for uploading great HD footage.
Please Note: This video was created as a free resource intended for education and promoting the sport of 10-pin bowling, but it is not to be downloaded from KZbin or reproduced without permission. I make no money from this video.
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use."

[@kidman2505]

I've watched both Analysis videos over and over throughout the course of their releases. This is one of the best resources around for bowling in general.

[@rodneyhinson4137]

I have Bowled for years and never considered all the small adjustments that can greatly improve my Bowling. These videos are etched in my mind and I find myself returning for reassurance. Thanks to the Pros and these video's. Very thorough. ...

[@1953nagarjuna]

I don't know how I haven't seen this video until now. It's one of the best bowling videos I've ever seen and a magnificent analysis of the modern bowling style. And the musical accompaniment is absolutely perfect! Thank you, Dean, for this extraordinary production and contribution to bowling instruction!

[@deanchamp]

Glad you appreciated it!

[@20alphabet]

Hardly

[@frankfacts6207]

Does anyobe know who create the music?

[@seniorbowler2276]

Dean, really great analogies you have shown. Have learned a lot from them. My spare shooting has really improved, plus, I am getting my old power strike back. Thanks very much.

[@paulbuschow1669]

No doubt, well-done Mr. Champ! I re-visit this video when I feel like I am drifting from key behaviors that shape better bowlers. You created a great reference that I wish I had in 1984 when this journey began for me at Highland Lanes in Austin, TX.

[@eduardopaniagua9477]

I'm a bowling coach down in Mexico city and your videos are a great help to demostrate the right technic to the people I coach, thanks and keep on whit this great job !!

[@20alphabet]

*_BUILD THAT WALL!_* *_BUILD THAT WALL!_* *_BUILD THAT WALL!_*

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@20alphabet Shut up, you idiot.

[@11SEXMACHINE]

One of the best videos on KZbin. The best edited, etc... bowling video easily. I learned more in this 13 min video than alm the other bowling videos combined. Thanks for the effort.

[@drwisdom1]

The quality of this video cannot be understated. These are the secrets of bowling that can only be revealed by deep analysis and powerful video technology.

[@oivaoptikko]

Thanks Dean! Amazing accurate analysis for the tenpin bowling, absolutely great job!

[@leahp.316]

I second that! Thanks so much, Dean!

[@robinstumpf1431]

Wow this video is GOLD! It silently has almost ever technique I've learned wrapped in this video. It definitely helps learning all these tips first. And then watching this video. But this video can almost be a standalone pro lesson if you watch closely.

[@markbishop9743]

Wonderfully done. I could watch this 10 times and learn something new every time

[@strifeclare]

Very well done, I'm sure I'll be watching this several times to help my game. Can't wait for the next part!

[@villavids2785]

Excellent video! Got my son into bowling and we’re using this video as an example of the techniques. So much Better then how try explaining!

[@rander9485]

I have learned so much from watching your videos and it has greatly improved my game. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them!

[@rander9485]

Already are.

[@lowlifevl]

Thank you Dean! New to this sport. Definitely learned a ton from an outside observation and direct perspective within my game.

[@donarms]

Great job! A big thank you to everyone involved!

[@Inquire703]

I thought your first video on was the best. But this one trumps that one. Best one eva. Excellent job. I will be viewing several times a week to step my bowling game UP! Thanks you!

[@user-lz3qd7ts9m]

literally the most helpful video when learning basics of bowling. Thank you.

[@user-yl2pf7wo8f]

It's so useful when I teach my friend bowling. I can tell them what I mean easily by your videos. Thanks for your videos.

[@Brogers97]

Awesome video. So stoked to see this after the first part. Keep up the great work.

[@jasonpeters2212]

Fantastic video , there some things that can't be taught or explained , but this video was informative encouraging and an eye opener for me . Thanks for posting . Thanks dean . Hope you enjoyed New Zealand when you were here .

[@scherer321]

This video helped me realize I needed to cross over on my 1st step. I just bowled a 675 series and won some cash. thank you

[@sirhcortsac5082]

this is an excellent follow up on the first video! i hope you realize what a tremendous learning tool your videos have been :)

[@Bullitt3309]

Well done. The explanations with the video makes it easy to understand the techniques and the why as well. +10000 internets to you!

[@kennethcollins6418]

This is an awesome video...! I have been looking for some material on how to get a better swing on my approach and this video did more than that. I feel like I was taught by the pros just off this video!! Great work!

[@patrickk8001]

Great job. Thank you for Part 2. :) Great start into the week

[@jeffreyseylerkwrealty3730]

I come back to this video time and time again. While there is so much to pick up on from this and the first video, no matter what I am working on, I know I will find something of value from each. Superb job on the editing and narration.

[@deanchamp]

Thanks Jeff. I haven't actually watched this myself for a few years now, but I put a lot if work into it originally. Glad you are still finding it helpful.

[@geog1388]

You are the man "DAWG"!!! This video cleared up a few things I am doing wrong.

[@timcerami9281]

Love these!!! Thanks for putting this together!

[@MrJgravley]

The best video that explains and shows very important tools.

[@stangtrax]

thank you finally a video helping me understand more about the feet position in comparison to there target arrow with release.

[@brantleysasseen3126]

I found this insightful and helpful. Here's hoping it informs my own game a little!

[@dangriffiths1392]

Best technique video I've seen by a mile. Probably best viewed by those who already have a handle on the game, otherwise there's a lot to take in and a lot of somewhat conflicting technique among the pros for whom each is obviously very effective... But man, what a fricken great video!!!! Thanks, Dean!

[@barrsteve7347]

As a beginner, lots to unpack here. Baby steps are in order. One thing at a time. Good explanation of a complex movement.

[@CraftyVegetarian13]

My favorite to watch especially when I start going into my slumps.

[@teabaggervance8]

Eat a steak if you feel droopy

[@katiej5051]

Me too!!

[@Popsplace42]

Most helpful video I’ve found yet for building your swing.

[@robbiebennett7012]

This was eye opening. Especially when they said that pros generate power with their elbows out then snapping them straight. That was shocking and I need to try this. I have had a problem with my elbow outside for a while trying to get it in. Time to experiment!

[@johnnyhudson4749]

Honestly I despise the changes the modern equipment has forced on us. When I was a kid in the fifties the best bowlers took a LOW backswing and played a full roller down the line and in. Now I'm in my seventies and no way I'm going to break my arm trying to crank it like these guys. HOWEVER I'll give you this. Great analysis. No talk. Just watch. I'm very impressed by the sequences on balance at the line. Best instructional video I've ever seen.

[@marbleman52]

Johnny....I was born in 1952 so I'm not too far behind you..LOL.! I started bowling in 4th or 5th grade...and I and a few of my male friends were almost always on a league. We lived in a small farming town so we had just a small bowling alley...maybe 10 lanes..?? I sure had a lot of fun. We didn't have any fancy or 'scientific' ball handling techniques; I bowled mostly a straight ball and I think that my friends did too. but I was a pretty good bowler and I worked up to about a 140 average...not bad for an untrained elementary kid. Our little team even went to State finals one year...that was fun. I was always good at picking up spares...not all of them but most. We had to keep our own scores....good math practice..Ha..! I remember when I finally got my own ball & shoes...boy was I proud of that...made bowling a lot easier. I hadn't bowled in very many years, but recently I took my 11 yr. "young" Grand-Daughter bowling. Wow...my worn out lower back really hurt and was very stiff as I swung the ball...hadn't expected that...made me realize that I wasn't young & healthy like I used to be. I hope that you can enjoy your bowling...lots of happy memories for me.

[@hughscot]

An excellent video for anyone who wants to improve their game.

[@renaiclayton7628]

Fantastic video!!! Great information. Well done. 👍👍

[@eclayton7248]

Another great vid! Keep up the great work!

[@lt48lee]

Thanks 4 uploading, great job...very very helpful.....

[@kentrainer7831]

Love this video. Not someone telling me how to improve but showing me how to improve,

[@djyhet]

Thank you so much for making this video .. i learned a lot of strategy on this video ...

[@ryanswanson2178]

These videos are awesome!

[@megamanteamprotoman3]

thank you for uploading this

[@JNPNM]

Awesome videos !! thx for your compilation

[@matthewfears5064]

Fantastic job sir.

[@AthleticBowling]

Awesome work putting this video together! There is a lot of hard work putting this video here, I hope everyone could appreciate that! Thank you for sharing and let's keep supporting our sport together. :)

[@rosaliegandara3536]

Excellent information on this video.

[@devonbradford9217]

This was outstanding

[@basmanalkassab789]

wonderful explanation , thanks

[@tch632]

And to think, I used to get made fun of when I was a kid about my 'bent elbow - snap release' style back in the late 80's, early 90's. I was just ahead of the times. #still-a-cranker

[@AthleticBowling]

I was born a cranker too! You certainly were ahead of times my friend!

[@djbigsmooth]

Excellent work.

[@ebocortex]

Wow I have learned more now and i can implement some of these into my bowling game. I never knew bowlers did not have a straight line step when winding up upon release. They also swing the ball very high on their approach which if those are anything over 14 pounds than that is impressive. I might have to follow these and change one thing at a time. The only other thing is learning where you want your ball to be at release and where it needs to end up mid-lane prior to the ball breaking to strike. I know it all differs on the types of balls you use which would get complicated with all the layouts you can have on a given ball. This part is complicated and probably takes lots of practice to get to where you can just run up and strike at any given opportunity.

[@succanproduce]

awesome pt 2 keep em comin

[@rr2418]

Great video! Although I'm from the old school it's always interesting to see how the power is generated this day and age. Brian Voss, David Ozio, and to be honest some of the women pros are the ones that I look at. These people suit my game the most.

[@joebertucci813]

rr2418 Won pro am with Brian Voss as a kid. 😎 Ironically it was long distance but I was at his home house, Don Carter's Boca Raton. I agree about the ladies. Though Pete Weber is a damn legend, his delivery is not nearly as pretty as Kelly Kulick. New bowlers should try and look like her. Its easy to duplicate proper fundamentals. 😎

[@andrewhubbard88]

Awesome video! As a beginner, this was not only interesting but also informative.

[@deanchamp]

Glad it helped!

[@mariiwa3769]

Your this video is wonderful! thank you for sharing for me!

[@fredchow]

brilliant background music and also the editing

[@20alphabet]

Not!

[@pantydropper1937]

Great Job Sir

[@mattgordon1977]

Great video!

[@Heat_Seeker01]

thank you for this video its awesome!

[@rebornnum1fan]

love your videos! thanks

[@Highway69theoriginal]

Thanks Dean!

[@asrafulalam-ih7mc]

This video is helping me a lot

[@user-zi3hz4vc1k]

This video is awesome!

[@jeffbear3075]

I'm"old school" as well as an "old guy" and I really like Kelly Kulicks game.It seems the most natural and unforced and she still gets a ton of power.If I could roll like her I'd be totally satisfied.But I've always wished I could roll like Amleto.I love that follow through.And for new guys.E.J.Tackett really gets through the ball.Lots of revs for such a little guy.

[@n3tiy0]

Great job bro! I was studying and suddenly I finished in this video but it was worth it! haha I have no idea about bowling but this is good

[@jodichill1744]

Nice...really nice video!!

[@DeedsResearcher]

As a former member of the PBA going back to the 1980s, I cannot say that I endorse the 2-handed method, and would never attempt to teach it to any new bowler. While it is totally legal (as far as I can see!) I believe that with more hands involved it brings into play the possibility of more errors being made by the bowler. And with the notion of both feet leaving the ground, it can bring into question the issue of having a good, balanced, stable delivery.The very hallmark of Earl Anthony's delivery was that it was simple, consistent, and he was always in perfect balance at the foul line. He managed to keep the ball in play under all lane conditions, and was seldom known to make a truly "bad" shot under pressure.

[@Jeon1958able]

DeedsResearcher Well, it's not for everyone I guess. If you're doing good with either of the techniques, I personally don't think there's a need to change it.

[@DeedsResearcher]

Generally speaking, I would agree with that notion. There are some (very few!) bowlers who "pin bowl", that is, they look directly at the pins during their delivery, instead of using the spots on the floor. Clearly, spot bowling gives a bowler a chance to be more consistent than does pin bowling...which relies on "dead reckoning", as such. So if a person is satisfied with bowling 160s and 170s, fine. But if he or she wants to improve upon that, then it may be time to give "spot bowling" an honest try. Obviously, it is easier to throw a basketball into a hoop from 15 feet than it is to try from mid-court. The same applies to spot-bowling versus pin bowling. I just don't like the so-called 2-handed "delivery. It looks more like the person is flinging the ball down the lane, rather than bowling. Perhaps that's the real beauty of the delivery of Earl Anthony: nothing fancy, no wild swinging of the arms, always in balance at the line...and always delivering one good ball after another.

[@manuelf2984]

DeedsResearcher Like most individual sports, whatever suits the bowler whether traditional or two handed doesnt matter. Ive tried bowling two handed for the 1st time and it wasnt easy as I did when I 1st picked up bowling using traditional way. So I guess the 2 handers made the game a bit more interesting and watching Belmonte wins so much, his style deserve a 2nd look.

[@stilltlrforlife]

DeedsResearcher I have to disagree, if you do something a certian way from the beginning, it can be perfected.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

DeedsResearcher the very best two handers are impossible to beat when the lane conditions favor them.... they get carry, power, and angle that us mere mortals just can’t match.

[@rhiannonangell6828]

This is the best workout ebook I think on Unflexal

[@jameslbronsonjr6472]

Love this video

[@jimmiebogan3716]

Awesome 👌🏿 👏🏿 👍🏿

[@asrafulalam-ih7mc]

inspiring video

[@davidpalmateer8226]

Thanks

[@jenisealongi]

really wonderful

[@mraulinaitis]

Who on Earth could have disliked this video???

[@DavesRc]

Mindaugas Raulinaitis some asshole is who would dislike this video. I found it very informative. It was a good look a bunch of different styles all with the same outcome. Some people are just full of hatred and have nothing better to do than try to hurt someone's feelings. I thought it was great and well thought out. Cheers

[@gasser5001]

someone without a thumb?

[@andreshernandeza1712]

"experts"

[@derzeyfang7334]

It be fair the music is shit and sometimes you dislike the Videos so you don’t get any more of them. In your recommendations.

[@Shabercom]

Same people who say bowling is easy and all you have to do is grab an 8 pound house ball and never use your thumb... same idiots.

[@shawnlucas4]

another gread vid, thanks!

[@phillipvazquez284]

Excellent ty

[@dennisstokes1385]

It's all great. Didn't show any videos of arguably the 2 greatest bowlers ever. Earl Anthony and Walter Ray Williams!

[@freedomstar3814]

Me over here watching bowlers , and I have bowled maybe 12 times in my life .... straight down the pipe fastball .... and my 125 score !

[@SuperBobby47]

Hey Dean, I've been bowling for a few years now and from watching this video, I got a couple questions. I've been trying to bowl cranker style like a few the bowlers here but can't do it. How are they able to swing the ball so high over their heads like that? And for a while now, my ball has been over hooking. What can I do to reduce hook?

[@chriso8193]

Nice.

[@TSquared2001]

Great analysis. I'm sure backup bowlers are nowhere to be found

[@billyr1]

Gold

[@shandalove1654]

Great music

[@wr3ckr270]

What happened to the original Soundtrack "Nexus" from Aes Dana?

[@Bobbybones1950]

wow Thankyou

[@-2ss3]

anybody know the name of song playing in the background ( or the artist/DJ?)

[@20alphabet]

Should be Intense Stupidity.

[@ethanzeigler3071]

I noticed that every bowler here uses a twisting motion on their down swing, but I do not recall you mentioning that anywhere, or how that is advantageous to keeping the ball at the side of the hand on the down swing. Personally, I would think that it would give the ball more of a top-like rotation, but that obviously isn't the case here.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Ethan Zeigler just visualize pointing your elbow roughly at your body In your backswing. Upon release, it’s a quick cup and break motion plus the straightening of the elbow that gives that violent power or tween release you see on most of the top modern bowlers. I’m a power stroker, I can’t do it with any consistency, but that’s kinda how you do it. They have some videos on you tube explaining it

[@Sharkblood440]

Best video on Bowling tips yet! Yes, I am in a slump right now. Have an old reactive resin xl that I struggle with on medium to heavy oil conditions. Can get a new storm rocketship for a good price and it's purple! Any opinions? Would like consistent ball motion from start to finish.

[@jaysal6133]

Harry Gottfried hy road or dv8 vandal destroy are good all purpose balls that won't hook off the lanes but will still have a good bite

What does the hand do immediately after the tumb is released?

[@TheMiles426]

T.O.'s Bowling debut at 2:35

[@tyleryoung5040]

Well, I learned that my starting position isn't common amongst pros. I don't use my thumb, and start with my right arm perfectly straight, with the ball down practically resting on my thigh and my left hand resting on top of the ball. I've really only been bowling for about 9 months but I'm getting pretty good. I strike more often than not, but my spare game is really inconsistent. I don't have a spare ball, so I have to use an alley ball. My best so far is a 257, 7/ first frame (it was my first game of the day) then struck all the way to the 10th and opened :( super let down.

[@baseballman74]

Thanks so much ~ now I’m going to rip shirt out~~~

[@yourneck2]

If I had KZbin back in the nineties Ooh who would tell what next level I would of went to....

[@massimilianodisisto75]

The two chapters about generating power are referred only to upper and elite level. No one has ever taught me how to do about this. IMHO

[@le0thelion298]

can you guys explain the process of generating power 1. im trying to learn how to release after bending my arm thanks :)

[@bladeknockingon700]

The important thing is to have a ball that fits really well. After that is figured out generating power should be effortless. What you want to do after bending your arm is to actually unload and release the ball onto the lane. If you keep that arm bent and don't snap it straight in time you are losing two vitals to a good shot. Those two are speed and revs. Ultimately those two will be generated by your footwork, and your wrist and elbow. Notice how I didn't mention the shoulder. High level bowlers throw with the legs not the shoulder.

[@carolyndodson7759]

Dean, I used to have an open, high back swing and cock and uncock in my younger days but I would spin the ball in error too often. Switched to a lower back swing and mild cup to stay behind and under ball but I find that I am loosing accuracy when I uncup. Are there any successful pros that don't cup and uncup as much or is it a must to generate revs. I have a small hand and wrist so rev generation has always been a challenge. Love the videos.

[@deanchamp]

It is important to keep a loose armswing, with a straight swing plane, as using muscle can override the gravity influenced ball path. Timing is a big factor in this too. Being a matched bowler (speed and revs) is more imporant than high revs. 300 rpm is matched with 17mph, 250rpm with 16 mph etc. - measured off the hand.