BOWLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 68, 22 March 1935, Page 4

BOWLING

YOUNG PLAYERS IMPROVING THEIR GAME VALUABLE ADVICE ' Following a discussion on coaching methods generally between Mr. W. Parkhouse, a Dominion singles champion and coath to the Wellington Bowling Club, and Mr. Norrie Bell, coach to the Hamilton Bowling Club, Mr. Bell has given the Evening Post some reasons to curb the growing tendency among young promising players of trying to ”run before they have learned to walk.” My own experience, writes Mr. Bell, was obtained in what, I now think, must have been a very hard school. I still have a vivid recollection of my first drive and the bitter invectives it drew forth from a good experienced driver, who in very plain and expressive language told me what he thought of me, and predicted, as far as a bowling career was concerned, a bad and sti’eky end. This was after playing for two years, and attaining what I thefught fair proficiency as a drawing player. To the keen players with ambition to excel, it may seem a long road to travel, but between the dead draw and the drive there are enough shots to learn and practice to keep aim busy and interested for years, and then only will he realise that this bowling game, if played as it can and should be, is outdoor billiards indeed. I rather think that the tendency to-day, as compared with 20 or 30 years back, is to overdo the fast work. To my mind the champagne of the game is in those delicate shots just over the draw, to turn a bowl in or out. trail the jack from a few inches to as many feet. The continued practice of these shots where often two or three bowls have to be made use of in turn, will eventually instil such complete confidence that overdoing the drive is very unlikely, and will only be used in its proper place and as a last resort.

I am not writing against driving, but the abuse of it; without it the game would lose half its charm. What sort of play would develop if the drive were barred? Guarding shots, position, bowls and most of the strategy would vanish. The would become a very milk and water proposition. Every shot in the game has its use, in the right hands and at the right time, but the learner cannot do better than concentrate on the draw. I am not prepared to say how long a learner should confine himself to drawing only, as so much depends on the natural ability and mental outlook of the player himself. The ability and experience to discern the correct shot and the determination to play it is not hurriedly acquired. The chances are, if confidence in playing the correct controlled shot is wanting, then a fast shot or drive is resorted to, and that is how, and where, many promising young players, and others not so young, spoil their own careers and never rise above ordinary stock bowlers..

Without all-round ability, good knowledge of the game, and the necessary temperament, one cannot hope to become a successful skip. Others need not be disheartened for' lack of these; good leading can be acquired and is always in demand. There are many over-ambitious players who because they occasionally bring off a fast shot or two often their only qualification, get the idea that skip, and skip only, is their position. It is much better to be a lead or No. 2 in a good rink than third or skip in a poor one. There is no short cut, but a long road of constant. intelligent practice, and the very best is before a mirror and on the green by yourself. First making sure of your hold (not grip) or the correctsized bowl for your hand, your arm action, stance and delivery are right, not a slavish copy, in all respects, of some good player, but suited to your own physique.