Two-handed Bowler Revolutionizing the Sport
May 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under bowling, the latest
Every so often, a sport is changed by a new approach. Dick Fosbury brought the “Fosbury Flop” technique — jumping head-first backwards vs. feet-first forward — to the 1968 Olympics and forever changed the way folks looked at high-jumping technique. Pancho Segura utilized a two-handed forehand in the 1940s to beat more powerful opponents in tennis. And now, bowler Jason Belmonte of Australia could be on the verge of revolutionizing bowling technique with his success bowling two-handed.
With the aid of both hands, Jason is able to generate tremendous spin and speed on the ball. His ball can top 600 revolutions per minute, over 15% faster than most elite professionals and twice as many as some pros. He doesn’t use the thumb hole on the ball at all but compensates for that with his second hand. He’s had the opportunity to fine-tune this “shovel” technique since the age of 2, as his parents own a bowling facility. He won his first trophy at age 4.
In ESPN’s Mary Buckhelt Page 2 column, “”I was probably about 10 years old, [and] my dad took me to a coaching clinic in Sydney held by some of Australia’s best,” Belmonte recalled. “We drove over there and I was so optimistic about the help they would give my game. I remember, during my very first shot, they watched me and they thought I was just mucking around. They came right over to me and told me that it was for real now, and I was like, ‘OK, uh, then I’ll try real hard now.’ I didn’t know what they meant.”
Reviews of his style vary greatly in the bowling world. Critics ask if it is a style that is too hard on the body and the equipment? Some have even challenged its legality. But, others love the excitement and power he brings to the game. Through the wonders of the Internet and Youtube, Jason has even cultivated a set of fans in Bolivia. The national bowling team there has converted to his two-handed style and already view him as a legend. Apparently the technique is working for them as their bowling scores are up significantly.
ENJOY THIS ESPN VIDEO
