I was actually thinking about learning to slide because of possible wear and tear on the knees but I do like the fact that taking the tackiness of the approaches out of play is just one less variable to worry about.
For what it's worth, I used to slide until I got new shoes that don't slide. I used to take motrin due to knee pains. Now I don't have to take motrin. It is better for my knee to plant. Plus it helped get my average up.
@@juniorraw interesting. I’ve always wondered which is better for someone. Perhaps everyone’s different. I have a friend that slides a good 6-12 inches and I am a hard heel planter. I’ve always found that im more stable at the foul line if I can remain under control of my body with planting.
I used to plant my foot, but then I started encountering tendon pain in my knee. I had to get rid of the habit and slide. It has really helped get rid of the knee pain
Get in the squat rack and do lunges in the gym. It will strengthen your lower body and you won’t feel it all in your knee. Zero knee pain because I control the plant with the surrounding muscles.
I plant when bowling. I used to slide when I was younger, but then got into an accident that tore my ACL. Every time I tried to slide while it was torn, my knee would buckle, so I switched to planting. Got the ACL replaced a decade later and by then, I am comfortable with planting as it gives me stability.
My first tournament years ago, I stuck. Bought a shoe slider, now I don’t bowl without it. If I run across a house with slick approaches I just remove my slider. I do know how to plant, I just rather slide.
Planting since the 1980s and heavy squatter and I run ultras, and zero knee issues. My worst knee issues was my last season of basketball in my late 20s and had strains in both patella tendons. Agree sliding is just another bs variable that occurs all the way to PBA telecasts.
#TeamPlanters -- I plant for the same reason I shoot plastic ball at spares -- take the lane / condition / approaches out of play - consistent every time / every center.
Same here. Bowled a tournament a few years ago in my home center and the AC was out, humidity off the charts. No one could slide. From that point on, I decided to just change my slide sole to a traction sole and never looked back.
I can do both. I try to slide but if I stick ill plant for the rest of the night. Not that difficult with a little practice. Ball speed does go up a little with planting usually
I'm an two-hand player, and after watching your video, I decided to give it a try today. I adjusted my stance to be a bit more forward while aiming, reduced the distance between steps while walking, and stopped sliding on the last step. It was obvious that my balance was more centered, the final step was more stable, and I could use more power. Thank you so much for making this video; it solved the instability issue I've had during the last step for the past year.
I went from sliding to planting to now sliding a little bit. Plus I have bad knees because of my floating knee caps but now with my little slide it works better . I still plant here and there but not as much. If the approaches are new and no slide I move my feet and swing to accommodate for the plant and do the same way with the little slide.
Like you I too switched to planting as I had a short approach as it was and also like you, I found that switching centers, or even pair to pair or lane to lane the approaches were different. So, switching to planting was an easy transition for me. I have had my plant knee replaced before i switched but since my approach is short and I too am slow with my feet it's not too hard on my plant knee.
coming from field sports (rugby) , we don't wanna slide, or slip. so it feels natural to me planting, despite people telling me I "need" to slide to be a better bowler. edit: the worst feeling is when you plant, and suddenly you slide/slip for some reason, it's scary and messes with your for the rest of the match.
Absolutely. Why would you EVER want to slide (any longer than 1-2 inches, anyways) in ANY other athletic endeavor? And yet we got "coaches" out here saying that sliding is more athletic. To those I say read some biomechanics: It isn't, never was, never will BE. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you need to slide to be a better bowler. Tell them to go back to 1977, when being "square with your shoulders" was also being preached. It's 2024; time to be ATHLETIC. If I become a coach (and I plan to get my USBC bronze in 2025), the first thing I'm teaching is either how to slide properly (1-2 inches at the longest) or how to plant. I'll even attempt to pull a Joe Slowinski and create a brand out of it: LTP (Learn to Plant)
I don't slide either. In fact, I changed my slide on my SST8's so I can plant. I know if I slide I'll yank the ball. Not sure why but it's just how mechanics are in my wonky game. If I plant it's more fluid.
I’ve always slid until recently. It was rare, but I would have slide issues like sticky lanes or lanes too dry. Typically I can notice it early and adjust accordingly before league starts, but other times I wouldn’t expect it and it would either throw my shot off or worse, I’d face plant into the lane. I was always told planting is hard on the knee, but I wondered how that was any different than an NBA player or NFL player doing a dead plant at full speed. A month ago, I figured I’d give it a try. Did a practice session doing it then tried it at league. Let’s say it went well! 257 high game and 631 series for the night (both PRs!). I’ve been planting ever since and what I find surprising is that I don’t feel any stress on my knee. In fact, I feel less stress on my knee which I found odd. I did check a video of myself, and found that my knee is moving even after the ball has been released which I’m sure has something to do with it (my knee will stay still from the start of the slide till after the release).
JUST STarted AFTER 55+YEARS LAYOFF. DON'T REMEMBER IF I SLID OR PLANTED BUT I AM PLANTING NOW BUT I HAVE SLOW AND SHORT APPROACH. 4 STEP. NO STRESS OM MY KNEE.
The centers that I bowl in still use real wood on the approaches. And I've never had issues with sliding. Nor have I ever heard anyone else complain. Those synthetic approaches are so sensitive to everything.
I went bowling for the 1st time In 14 years and the approach at the facility was sticky. I have always been a slider and well with the sticky lane and unable to slide I messed up my knee pretty good. But I was dumb and soldier through and bowled 3 games in total. Through the process I had to adapt quickly to planting and really had to think about it on my approach for every shot. To my surprise I bowled a 198 1st game out. Ended with a 529 series... Alcohol and my sore knee slowed me down in the 2nd 2 games. But like you said in the video did it change your game as for me no it did not I still bowled the same as if I was still sliding and yes this time around it may have hindered my pin count a little bit. Like I said it has 14 years and adjusting to the sticky approach. Also it was my 1st bowling at this particular place. All in all I still had a great time though my knee says otherwise...lol
I've always been a planter. Sliding just felt unnatural. I will say though, if I haven't bowled in awhile, the first couple nights, my thigh will be sore.
Planting is fine as long as you understand the risks to your knee joint you’re doing overtime. I don’t care how long you’ve been bowling it’s just simple biomechanics, but yes everybody is different.
Bottom line is do what is most Comfortable for you! I have a knee replacement on my plant leg and this seems Easier and more stable then releasing while sliding. So easy to lose balance and injure your tendons or ligaments.
Yep everything he said is correct = DON'T slide! I'm the Brooklyn Crusher but you see how he has to still swing his whole body: that's because of 2 things: #1 is to get his leg out of the way & #2 to get the best hand position where is if you use same foot & as hand its all in one motion not 2 like he is doing. with only 1 foot on the ground its a hell of a lot easier same foot same throw hand! I am the Brooklyn Crusher!!
I've never slid. Since i was a kid. I just couldn't maintain balance good enough to be consistent. I plant but a little different than you. But that is just how i bowl.
I might have to try planting honestly, sometimes when I slide my sliding foot comes out from underneath me towards the left. Just afraid of hurting myself mainly cause I have stuck and fell before and it doesn't feel so good.
i agree, it is one less variable, or at least, planting would be for most normal people an easier variable to keep within a safer margin of variability. I actually don't slide becuase of my right knee issues. the long bent knee slides aggravates my knee issues, planting is much more manageable.
When I need to plant, I go to a modified approach. It's technically a 1 step, but I take 2 steps to the side to clear my hips and keep my timing. Most of the time I prefer to slide, as that's just more comfortable for me with how I like to lay the ball down.
I used to be a planter but its just bad on the knees. When i started sliding it was a much cohesive flow for me but my slide is a simple push not even that hard
Update: Tried the Brunsnick hitch step and threw my new Scorpion LF in league tonight. Wow! Had a great night considering I was completely changing my physical game; approach, swing and new ball. 180 avg bowler game 1). 105; game 2). 160; game 3). 235 Because of my rev rate I had to be up against the ball return to get a flush strike. That Scorpion LF has so much more hook than what I was expecting but it was so smooth. Just really, really... r e a l l y... continuous. And the patented Brunsnick approach works so well for me 👍 Now that I am more comfortable with the mechanics I am feeling super confident for next week. Can't wait to get back on the lanes!
Hey BrunsNick. I’m a self taught 2H bowler. Have been trying to fix my approach because my slide causes inconsistency. I know my slide is wrong because I’m self taught but would you recommend learning how to plant vs slide for a 2H bowler? How would I go about it working on planting? Hope you provide some insight. Thank you.
Hi Nick (and community!), do any of you have any tips for working on the change and timing for changing to a plant approach? I have developed nerve damage in my sliding leg that's quite painful when I bowl now, but I have been a slider for 20 years. I'm working on learning to plant with the hopes of relieving that nerve pain. Any tips are appreciated! Thank you!
Hi @BrunsNick and bowlers, talking about Nick's release which seems to have a longer flight time and then thumps the lane maybe 3 yards down; this is different from the release we are taught-to roll off your hand onto the lane with no air-gap or much sound. Did any of you switch to this "mini-loft" release-what is the origin/purpose of this technique or just personal preference...
I’ve always lofted some as I don’t get super low to the ground. It just comes off my hand a little later than most so starts with a little upward trajectory. Most centers do not oil the first 6-12” of the lane so setting the ball down in that spot is a very bad thing. For me, more loft = sharper change of direction down lane.
As someone who has a torn meniscus from bowling. Planting is also a TERRIBLE idea for the longevity of your knees in bowling. Simple physics will tell you that energy has to go somewhere and typically to first weakest point, that point being your knee.
I have never slid. My problems have been when they clean they approaches and they are slick. Every step is an adventure. One thing I noticed from the video - your strike percentage was higher when your foot didn't move after the release. Something I learned from Parker Bohn that's a good tip for those who plant. The ball should pass by without pulling it through and making your foot squirm.
In addition to all the other things I do wrong in the modern game (1960's style Full Roller with ultra low revs and slow ball speed and slow foot speed) I also plant. Just wanted to make sure if I am going to do it wrong I do everything wrong. 😁 But all kidding aside, being a planter is so great. I never have to worry about the approach. I have seen so many people fall flat on their face, or into the lane because they did not slide. Or I have seen bowlers literally afraid to make an approach because they think they might stick. Planting has many benefits is done correctly. Thanks for a great Vid Nick! One thing you didn't mention is the type of shoes that are best for Planters.
I don’t slide either, never have in the 22 years I’ve been bowling. Do you like to leave the sliding pad that comes on the shoe or do you switch it to something like a rubber pad? I tend to carry a rubber pad just in case situations, like resurfaced approaches or something along those lines.
Sliding works for me, so it's one of those things where "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I also learn by watching the pros in tournaments and on TV. I don't recall ever seeing a pro plant his or her foot. Maybe a few do and I just never noticed but it does seem rare. Maybe sliding works for them too? I do bowl in a mixed seniors league and one of the better bowlers in the league is a gal who plants. The good news in this is that everyone should do it the way that works best for them, so plant or slide on, everyone.
Been planting practically my whole life, been squatting heavy (155 to 205 for reps, 215 to 275 for power; one rep max of 355) and running right around 17 miles a week over the last five years or so (since my mid 30s) and have next to ZERO knee pain at 41 and 1/2. If you're in good shape and keep in good shape, you won't get knee pain from planting. SOMETIMES I slide but it isn't much. Just 1-2 inches. If I slide any longer than that, it hurts. Like it SHOULD in ANY athletic endeavor outside of bowling. Eubanks from Hit it Harder made a post about sliding actually putting MORE pressure on your knees if you do it wrong. And if you slide longer than 1-2 inches, you are sliding wrong. And guess what? At LEAST 75% of "competitive" bowlers slide way longer than 1-2 inches. I've seen some bowlers slide a whole FOOT. That will HURT over time. So yeah. Team plant for life. Sliding is for the same crowd who wants you to be "square with the shoulders:" Ultra Boomers who are stuck in 1977.
BrunsNick do you use the less sliding soles on your plant foot? I was actually thinking of just getting the lefty side rubber soles and heels to plant with?
I've been working on planting rather than sliding because I fight severe dizziness 24/7/365, so the more movement (visually and physically) the worse it gets. Do you have any tips for keeping inertia from pulling you forward with the ball (besides just letting go of the ball, obviously) as I tend to get pulled forward, causing off-balance and often an additional unexpected step or half step? Another great video as always, Nick.
@brunsnick thanks for the advice, Nick. I'll try it during league tomorrow. Looking forward to trying my new OG Brunswick Infinity tomorrow, too. With all of your videos and advice, I got a new high of 198 with my Rhino last week. I still haven't figured out how to hook yet, though.
Hey brunsnick, i also encountered inconsistent sliding since i play in a recreational bowling alley. Sometimes theres oil on the approach or sticky gummy bears from kids playing. This video really helped out in what style i should go through when going on the approach.
Added a 6th step to slow my feet down, main adjustment was just not trying to muscle the swing through the release. Get the foot down and then catch it at the flat spot.
I don't think I have EVER slid into the line. My current problem is that I'm going to have to change from a 4 to 5 step approach, as I'm like a FULL STEP from the line.
@@brunsnick My problem I think will be getting timing right. The little coaching I have had I've been told I have good timing. I think a change like this is going to screw Me up.
I could see later in a tournament when you have to move way left that you simply can’t get any speed on the ball and it has got to cost you even with the unlimited balls you have
I had this problem 15 years ago when I was still playing with throwing it two handed and Ye Olde Dexter Ricky shoes were the problem. I was bowling at Red Rock and had no control of my feet and said the same thing you did, "F THIS... WE'RE DONE." Put my street shoes back on and I haven't looked back since...well, maybe a couple times. I did try an S6/H2 shark tooth heel and had to force the slide due to the approach feeling sticky but I haven't since.
I slide a bit, but desire to plant. You said you replace shoes every 5-10 years. That is very good. What type of bowling shoes would you recommend me to buy?
I use to have a medium slide when I was in my early twenties, but after being out of it for nearly 15 years when I got back into bowling. I started planting without thinking about it. My ball speed in up to 17mph from 14 and it's much easier (at least to me) to either increase or decrease my revs now. My average is higher now 203 from then 185.
I used to have a long slide (unusual for a cranker), but back and knee injuries (and age) put a stop to that. I had to take about 3 years off and when I came back, I had to rebuild my entire delivery. 'Staying slow and keeping my body weight centered over my feet was the only way I was able to do it without pain. Because of having to stay slower and more upright, moved my approach from the very back of the approach to in front of the ball return. Because of this shorter and slower delivery, I no longer HAVE a slide. This slowed my ball speed from around 19 mph to 12 mph, but I still have my 400+ revs. Because of this I needed to drop to 14 lb. ball weights and an entire arsenal of plastic balls. BTW: I usually play my plastic on the exact same lines as other bowlers do with their resin balls (sometimes even being deeper than them). I am still working on a more consistent spare shot, as missed spares are my current Achilles Heel, but I have been improving. My biggest issue is balance at the line due to my bad knee (it throws off the precision of my spares more than it affects my strikes).
I have a VERY abrupt slide. I have literally ripped off the entire bottom of my slide shoe several times over the years, which is why I just go with the cheapest Dexter's I can find. A few years ago, I started using a slide sock. It has both prolonged the life of my shoes as well as provided consistency across various lanes in different areas. It is the same regardless of it being summer, winter, humid, dry, rainy... etc.
Thank you for showing this; the last time I bowled league was 24 years ago. At 65, I tried to bowl like I did when I was in my 40's and after the 3rd game, my knee would just hurt for a couple of days. (I was a slider type bowler back then.) I'm going to give this a shot; I just got back into bowling again, starting on 12/31/2023 so in just one month I've bowled 20 times but noticed my knee's hurting and was deflated a bit. This might just give me a boost in a game I nearly forgot I loved.
I started to plant instead of sliding back in 2019 when I had to change arms or instead changing of the hands, now as of 2024 in the last part of winter league position night Monday and last Thursday my avg is at 197.thanks Nick & love your videos
This was another reason why going from 1 to 2H was a major positive change for me. I am FAR less sensitive to the approaches being sticky or slippery. I don't plant although I have a pretty short slide if any. Gone are the days of thumbs sticking in balls or falling from a stick.
I'm a half and half .. LOL .. Or I guess you would say I am a short slider. I have tried working on extending my slide a bit but I have a hard time making it consistent.
really like this vid. I've noticed in the past couple years upon changing my entire approach / steps / distance ( much closer now) from the line that I was beginning to plant more than slide. I've been battling a lot of hip problems due to a previous leg injury (slide leg side) and haven't been able to quite bend & balance like I could pre-injury. I've found that a slower, softer and more controlled approach with my feet along with a controlled plant / tiny slide, has actually helped me with not only controlling my shots (accuracy & ball speed) better, but has taken away a lot of my knee & hip pain. plus I don't fight with that "slide / stick anxiety" that I had previously. obviously to each their own but that's why I love this sport so much, there are so many various ways to alter it to fit YOUR particular game and still find success in it. At first I felt like I was breaking a sacred part of the games mechanics but now.....hey, if it works, it works ;)
At 235lbs, 2 handed and planting showed signs of wear quickly. I do a short slide now to help alleviate that somewhat but planting still feels the most natural.
I want to learn how to plant. Any advise. I’m 80 and still averaging 199, but my balance isn’t as good as it once was. My slide isn’t as smooth and consistent as it used to be. I want to plant for many of the reasons you mentioned.
I'm a planter but being one with a quick/fast step the lanes can very well be to slick or sticky and cause inconsistency and even injury...in my way of planting I transfer that stored energy into my swing and any difference with the approach will affect my shot..its pretty rare but it does happen
Good video and you make great points. I prefer sliding, but have switched between planting and sliding over the years. I usually modify my steps based on how tacky or slick the approaches are. Anything to limit the effect. Rarely change soles.
I stopped thinking about my slide and one day recently I realized I had not changed my slide pad in a few years. I had gone to planting without knowing it. I don’t miss sticking on a wet approaches and yes I had gone down the lane face first several times and certainly don’t miss that either. 😂
100% agree! From the midwest about an hour drive from the Mississippi. Between the center differences, humidity and weather swings my sliding was causing more knee issues than planting for me. Wasn't until I realized pretty much every bowler in the area planted or slid very little (even with minimal slide they were always brushing and/or changing slide pads) I changed my timing to not completely plant, but have very little slide. Ideally sliding is better for the knees as it spreads out the force required to stop, but when it turns into sticking sometimes, slipping and falling others, it defeats the purpose. That being said I always start slow in my warmups and my timing works out as I get loose so centers that slide more consistently I will slide a little more, however this isn't a conscience effort at this point, but rather a feel thing.
Love the video Nick. I’m more of a planter myself. I have had my left knee worked on because of 40+ years of bowling. Trained myself to slow my approach.
I was actually thinking about learning to slide because of possible wear and tear on the knees but I do like the fact that taking the tackiness of the approaches out of play is just one less variable to worry about.
For what it's worth, I used to slide until I got new shoes that don't slide. I used to take motrin due to knee pains. Now I don't have to take motrin. It is better for my knee to plant. Plus it helped get my average up.
@@juniorraw interesting. I’ve always wondered which is better for someone. Perhaps everyone’s different. I have a friend that slides a good 6-12 inches and I am a hard heel planter. I’ve always found that im more stable at the foul line if I can remain under control of my body with planting.
@@juniorrawabsolutely not it is 100% worse planting 😂😂😂you don’t know how to bowl whatsoever then
I’m a planter too. Always felt more comfortable and natural. Couldn’t agree more with all your reasons. Brunsnick is the man!
All you reasons you have make sense to me. I would like to see another video on drills and process to change from sliding to planting.
I used to plant my foot, but then I started encountering tendon pain in my knee. I had to get rid of the habit and slide. It has really helped get rid of the knee pain
Get in the squat rack and do lunges in the gym. It will strengthen your lower body and you won’t feel it all in your knee. Zero knee pain because I control the plant with the surrounding muscles.
I plant when bowling. I used to slide when I was younger, but then got into an accident that tore my ACL. Every time I tried to slide while it was torn, my knee would buckle, so I switched to planting. Got the ACL replaced a decade later and by then, I am comfortable with planting as it gives me stability.
I am exactly same ❤
I'm a planter and didn't know it. Here I though I was gonna have to correct my form, now I can defend it. Many thanks for all your bowling insights.
My first tournament years ago, I stuck. Bought a shoe slider, now I don’t bowl without it. If I run across a house with slick approaches I just remove my slider. I do know how to plant, I just rather slide.
Planting since the 1980s and heavy squatter and I run ultras, and zero knee issues. My worst knee issues was my last season of basketball in my late 20s and had strains in both patella tendons. Agree sliding is just another bs variable that occurs all the way to PBA telecasts.
#TeamPlanters -- I plant for the same reason I shoot plastic ball at spares -- take the lane / condition / approaches out of play - consistent every time / every center.
Same here. Bowled a tournament a few years ago in my home center and the AC was out, humidity off the charts. No one could slide. From that point on, I decided to just change my slide sole to a traction sole and never looked back.
I can do both. I try to slide but if I stick ill plant for the rest of the night. Not that difficult with a little practice. Ball speed does go up a little with planting usually
I'm an two-hand player, and after watching your video, I decided to give it a try today. I adjusted my stance to be a bit more forward while aiming, reduced the distance between steps while walking, and stopped sliding on the last step. It was obvious that my balance was more centered, the final step was more stable, and I could use more power. Thank you so much for making this video; it solved the instability issue I've had during the last step for the past year.
Glad it has helped!
I don’t think I have ever slid. I don’t feel stable doing it. But like you said, it can take a toll on your knee if you stick hard and post your shot.
I went from sliding to planting to now sliding a little bit. Plus I have bad knees because of my floating knee caps but now with my little slide it works better . I still plant here and there but not as much. If the approaches are new and no slide I move my feet and swing to accommodate for the plant and do the same way with the little slide.
Walk on the balls of your feet each day for a week, and see that your knee caps are back to readiness for going up steps, and Sliding.
Like you I too switched to planting as I had a short approach as it was and also like you, I found that switching centers, or even pair to pair or lane to lane the approaches were different. So, switching to planting was an easy transition for me. I have had my plant knee replaced before i switched but since my approach is short and I too am slow with my feet it's not too hard on my plant knee.
coming from field sports (rugby) , we don't wanna slide, or slip.
so it feels natural to me planting, despite people telling me I "need" to slide to be a better bowler.
edit: the worst feeling is when you plant, and suddenly you slide/slip for some reason, it's scary and messes with your for the rest of the match.
Absolutely. Why would you EVER want to slide (any longer than 1-2 inches, anyways) in ANY other athletic endeavor?
And yet we got "coaches" out here saying that sliding is more athletic. To those I say read some biomechanics: It isn't, never was, never will BE. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you need to slide to be a better bowler. Tell them to go back to 1977, when being "square with your shoulders" was also being preached. It's 2024; time to be ATHLETIC.
If I become a coach (and I plan to get my USBC bronze in 2025), the first thing I'm teaching is either how to slide properly (1-2 inches at the longest) or how to plant. I'll even attempt to pull a Joe Slowinski and create a brand out of it: LTP (Learn to Plant)
I don't slide either. In fact, I changed my slide on my SST8's so I can plant. I know if I slide I'll yank the ball. Not sure why but it's just how mechanics are in my wonky game. If I plant it's more fluid.
My dad planted for 30 years, 3 nights a week. He is 75 now and will never walk again because of the severe damage he did to his left knee.
That’s too bad. 😔
I’ve always slid until recently. It was rare, but I would have slide issues like sticky lanes or lanes too dry. Typically I can notice it early and adjust accordingly before league starts, but other times I wouldn’t expect it and it would either throw my shot off or worse, I’d face plant into the lane. I was always told planting is hard on the knee, but I wondered how that was any different than an NBA player or NFL player doing a dead plant at full speed.
A month ago, I figured I’d give it a try. Did a practice session doing it then tried it at league. Let’s say it went well! 257 high game and 631 series for the night (both PRs!). I’ve been planting ever since and what I find surprising is that I don’t feel any stress on my knee. In fact, I feel less stress on my knee which I found odd. I did check a video of myself, and found that my knee is moving even after the ball has been released which I’m sure has something to do with it (my knee will stay still from the start of the slide till after the release).
JUST STarted AFTER 55+YEARS LAYOFF. DON'T REMEMBER IF I SLID OR PLANTED BUT I AM PLANTING NOW BUT I HAVE SLOW AND SHORT APPROACH. 4 STEP. NO STRESS OM MY KNEE.
The centers that I bowl in still use real wood on the approaches. And I've never had issues with sliding. Nor have I ever heard anyone else complain. Those synthetic approaches are so sensitive to everything.
Sliding gives you a longer flat spot.
Yes that’s right.
I went bowling for the 1st time In 14 years and the approach at the facility was sticky. I have always been a slider and well with the sticky lane and unable to slide I messed up my knee pretty good. But I was dumb and soldier through and bowled 3 games in total. Through the process I had to adapt quickly to planting and really had to think about it on my approach for every shot. To my surprise I bowled a 198 1st game out. Ended with a 529 series... Alcohol and my sore knee slowed me down in the 2nd 2 games. But like you said in the video did it change your game as for me no it did not I still bowled the same as if I was still sliding and yes this time around it may have hindered my pin count a little bit. Like I said it has 14 years and adjusting to the sticky approach. Also it was my 1st bowling at this particular place. All in all I still had a great time though my knee says otherwise...lol
I've always been a planter. Sliding just felt unnatural. I will say though, if I haven't bowled in awhile, the first couple nights, my thigh will be sore.
I don't know why, I have always been a six step planter. Everybody's game is just different
Planting is fine as long as you understand the risks to your knee joint you’re doing overtime. I don’t care how long you’ve been bowling it’s just simple biomechanics, but yes everybody is different.
Bottom line is do what is most
Comfortable for you! I have a knee replacement on my plant leg and this seems
Easier and more stable then releasing while sliding. So easy to lose balance and injure your tendons or ligaments.
Yep everything he said is correct = DON'T slide! I'm the Brooklyn Crusher but you see how he has to still swing his whole body: that's because of 2 things: #1 is to get his leg out of the way & #2 to get the best hand position where is if you use same foot & as hand its all in one motion not 2 like he is doing. with only 1 foot on the ground its a hell of a lot easier same foot same throw hand! I am the Brooklyn Crusher!!
I've never slid. Since i was a kid. I just couldn't maintain balance good enough to be consistent. I plant but a little different than you. But that is just how i bowl.
I switched from planting to sliding. My IT band started to absolutely kill me planting.
But its a small slide.
I might have to try planting honestly, sometimes when I slide my sliding foot comes out from underneath me towards the left. Just afraid of hurting myself mainly cause I have stuck and fell before and it doesn't feel so good.
i agree, it is one less variable, or at least, planting would be for most normal people an easier variable to keep within a safer margin of variability. I actually don't slide becuase of my right knee issues. the long bent knee slides aggravates my knee issues, planting is much more manageable.
I adopted planting cuz of the humidity in Florida keeps the approach sticky.
I have had both hips replaced, so I can't slide or finish correctly. I just swing it 😂
When I need to plant, I go to a modified approach. It's technically a 1 step, but I take 2 steps to the side to clear my hips and keep my timing. Most of the time I prefer to slide, as that's just more comfortable for me with how I like to lay the ball down.
I don't slide. I also don't speed to the approach. I did have to on timing. Plus with having big arms and a two handed bowler.
I have slow feet and a stutter step. Therefore, I'm considering learning to plant.
I messed around with it today, and it seemed like one variable I deleted, I like it
Im right 2 handed and i plant aswell for very similar reasons
To be honest i found it easier on my doggy knee😂
2 centers where I live and the fact shot at the one I had never bowled at 8 almost fell, subconsciously I planted after that
I used to be a planter but its just bad on the knees. When i started sliding it was a much cohesive flow for me but my slide is a simple push not even that hard
How about not doing a walking approach and setting up right at the line?
I don’t slide at all I 45 been bowling for 31 years
Update: Tried the Brunsnick hitch step and threw my new Scorpion LF in league tonight. Wow! Had a great night considering I was completely changing my physical game; approach, swing and new ball. 180 avg bowler game 1). 105; game 2). 160; game 3). 235
Because of my rev rate I had to be up against the ball return to get a flush strike. That Scorpion LF has so much more hook than what I was expecting but it was so smooth. Just really, really... r e a l l y... continuous.
And the patented Brunsnick approach works so well for me 👍 Now that I am more comfortable with the mechanics I am feeling super confident for next week. Can't wait to get back on the lanes!
That’s awesome! You caught on quick!
I seem to get much better ball speed by sliding. So I slide or I become way too rev dominate.
Hey BrunsNick. I’m a self taught 2H bowler. Have been trying to fix my approach because my slide causes inconsistency. I know my slide is wrong because I’m self taught but would you recommend learning how to plant vs slide for a 2H bowler? How would I go about it working on planting? Hope you provide some insight. Thank you.
Heel Toe, start slow and work your speed up until you can get the timing right and make sure planting doesn’t hurt.
Hi Nick (and community!), do any of you have any tips for working on the change and timing for changing to a plant approach? I have developed nerve damage in my sliding leg that's quite painful when I bowl now, but I have been a slider for 20 years. I'm working on learning to plant with the hopes of relieving that nerve pain. Any tips are appreciated! Thank you!
Take it slow and easy to start. You’ll find your timing as you practice.
I busted my ass a few months ago at league because someone had spilled soda on the approach. Haven't slid since.
Ouch! Sorry man
Hi @BrunsNick and bowlers, talking about Nick's release which seems to have a longer flight time and then thumps the lane maybe 3 yards down; this is different from the release we are taught-to roll off your hand onto the lane with no air-gap or much sound. Did any of you switch to this "mini-loft" release-what is the origin/purpose of this technique or just personal preference...
I’ve always lofted some as I don’t get super low to the ground. It just comes off my hand a little later than most so starts with a little upward trajectory. Most centers do not oil the first 6-12” of the lane so setting the ball down in that spot is a very bad thing. For me, more loft = sharper change of direction down lane.
You're game moving from California to Michigan.
What type of shoes are used to planting.
Any type really. Easiest with interchangeable bottoms
Thanks
As someone who has a torn meniscus from bowling. Planting is also a TERRIBLE idea for the longevity of your knees in bowling. Simple physics will tell you that energy has to go somewhere and typically to first weakest point, that point being your knee.
What’s the difference between planting in bowling and planting in basketball though? This is much lower impact.
I have never slid. My problems have been when they clean they approaches and they are slick. Every step is an adventure.
One thing I noticed from the video - your strike percentage was higher when your foot didn't move after the release. Something I learned from Parker Bohn that's a good tip for those who plant. The ball should pass by without pulling it through and making your foot squirm.
Got warmed up. First video of the day, but you’re right, balance is key to good shots.
What do you wear to plant? I'm currently trying an 8 and one of the Brunswick Black Rubber Heel. Thanks!
I wear Brunswick #2 sole and ridged heel
In addition to all the other things I do wrong in the modern game (1960's style Full Roller with ultra low revs and slow ball speed and slow foot speed) I also plant.
Just wanted to make sure if I am going to do it wrong I do everything wrong. 😁
But all kidding aside, being a planter is so great. I never have to worry about the approach. I have seen so many people fall flat on their face, or into the lane because they did not slide.
Or I have seen bowlers literally afraid to make an approach because they think they might stick. Planting has many benefits is done correctly.
Thanks for a great Vid Nick! One thing you didn't mention is the type of shoes that are best for Planters.
I don’t slide either, never have in the 22 years I’ve been bowling. Do you like to leave the sliding pad that comes on the shoe or do you switch it to something like a rubber pad? I tend to carry a rubber pad just in case situations, like resurfaced approaches or something along those lines.
I haven’t ran into an issue where my #2 sole wasn’t sticky enough for planting. It hardly ever wears out. Never brush it either.
Sliding works for me, so it's one of those things where "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I also learn by watching the pros in tournaments and on TV. I don't
recall ever seeing a pro plant his or her foot. Maybe a few do and I just never noticed but it does seem rare. Maybe sliding works for them too? I do
bowl in a mixed seniors league and one of the better bowlers in the league is a gal who plants. The good news in this is that everyone should do it
the way that works best for them, so plant or slide on, everyone.
BOOG just won yesterday. He is one that plants.
With your six step approach it probably makes it much easier to plant. Did you switch from 4 or 5 steps when you started planting?
Yes, I was always a 5 stepper, sometimes a 4 step for a few.
Cool video talk tech bowling Brunsnick
Been planting practically my whole life, been squatting heavy (155 to 205 for reps, 215 to 275 for power; one rep max of 355) and running right around 17 miles a week over the last five years or so (since my mid 30s) and have next to ZERO knee pain at 41 and 1/2.
If you're in good shape and keep in good shape, you won't get knee pain from planting. SOMETIMES I slide but it isn't much. Just 1-2 inches. If I slide any longer than that, it hurts. Like it SHOULD in ANY athletic endeavor outside of bowling.
Eubanks from Hit it Harder made a post about sliding actually putting MORE pressure on your knees if you do it wrong. And if you slide longer than 1-2 inches, you are sliding wrong. And guess what? At LEAST 75% of "competitive" bowlers slide way longer than 1-2 inches. I've seen some bowlers slide a whole FOOT. That will HURT over time.
So yeah. Team plant for life. Sliding is for the same crowd who wants you to be "square with the shoulders:" Ultra Boomers who are stuck in 1977.
You have given me something to strongly consider.
BrunsNick do you use the less sliding soles on your plant foot? I was actually thinking of just getting the lefty side rubber soles and heels to plant with?
I use the lowest sliding heel and sole. Could go rubber but it’s not a big deal to me.
I’m already rev dominant with average ball speed? Will I lose ball speed? Or slowly get it back once I’m better at it? Or no impact at all.
Depends how fast you get to the line really. Could be the same over time once you get it down.
im plant guy to me sliding is dangerous one slip and bye bye knee
So, what kind of soles pads do you have on your slide/plant foot when planting.. did you change to a rubber heel and front pad, or still felt?
#2 Brunswick Burgundy sole. And blue ridged heel.
Did you have to make your thumb pitch slower because of timing being late?
No.
I’m moving towards not sliding as much. I do like a touch of slide, but less is way more consistent.
What are you currently using on your slide foot?
My knees hurts when I slide I stop no more pain
I've been working on planting rather than sliding because I fight severe dizziness 24/7/365, so the more movement (visually and physically) the worse it gets. Do you have any tips for keeping inertia from pulling you forward with the ball (besides just letting go of the ball, obviously) as I tend to get pulled forward, causing off-balance and often an additional unexpected step or half step? Another great video as always, Nick.
Try to keep your head over your lead foot or slightly behind so that your weight does not shift too far forward.
@brunsnick thanks for the advice, Nick. I'll try it during league tomorrow. Looking forward to trying my new OG Brunswick Infinity tomorrow, too. With all of your videos and advice, I got a new high of 198 with my Rhino last week. I still haven't figured out how to hook yet, though.
What would be your first recommendation to go from sliding to planting as far as how to practice it?
Take it slow and easy until get the timing right and then build up speed.
I'm a planter to its very comfortable for me
Hey brunsnick, i also encountered inconsistent sliding since i play in a recreational bowling alley. Sometimes theres oil on the approach or sticky gummy bears from kids playing. This video really helped out in what style i should go through when going on the approach.
You mentioned in the video that you had to adjust your timing once you started to plant. What was that adjustment you made to help your timing?
Added a 6th step to slow my feet down, main adjustment was just not trying to muscle the swing through the release. Get the foot down and then catch it at the flat spot.
Nice video BrunsNick! What pads do you have on your "slide" foot in order to be sure not to slide?
I use burgundy #2 and ridged heel from Brunswick.
I struggle with balance. Would planting be a possible benefit?
It could yes! It’s just like walking really
I don't think I have EVER slid into the line. My current problem is that I'm going to have to change from a 4 to 5 step approach, as I'm like a FULL STEP from the line.
Hey I take 6. Go for it.
@@brunsnick My problem I think will be getting timing right. The little coaching I have had I've been told I have good timing. I think a change like this is going to screw Me up.
I could see later in a tournament when you have to move way left that you simply can’t get any speed on the ball and it has got to cost you even with the unlimited balls you have
Okaaaay
I had this problem 15 years ago when I was still playing with throwing it two handed and Ye Olde Dexter Ricky shoes were the problem. I was bowling at Red Rock and had no control of my feet and said the same thing you did, "F THIS... WE'RE DONE." Put my street shoes back on and I haven't looked back since...well, maybe a couple times. I did try an S6/H2 shark tooth heel and had to force the slide due to the approach feeling sticky but I haven't since.
I slide a bit, but desire to plant. You said you replace shoes every 5-10 years. That is very good. What type of bowling shoes would you recommend me to buy?
Anything with interchangeable bottoms. 👍🏻
I enjoy watching your video's. They have improved my bowling. Thank you and have a blessed day.
What kind of sole do you use on your left shoe if you're planting? Do you still use a "slide" sole and just plant on it?
#2 Brunswick burgundy sole, the stickiest one.
I use to have a medium slide when I was in my early twenties, but after being out of it for nearly 15 years when I got back into bowling. I started planting without thinking about it. My ball speed in up to 17mph from 14 and it's much easier (at least to me) to either increase or decrease my revs now. My average is higher now 203 from then 185.
I used to have a long slide (unusual for a cranker), but back and knee injuries (and age) put a stop to that. I had to take about 3 years off and when I came back, I had to rebuild my entire delivery. 'Staying slow and keeping my body weight centered over my feet was the only way I was able to do it without pain. Because of having to stay slower and more upright, moved my approach from the very back of the approach to in front of the ball return. Because of this shorter and slower delivery, I no longer HAVE a slide.
This slowed my ball speed from around 19 mph to 12 mph, but I still have my 400+ revs. Because of this I needed to drop to 14 lb. ball weights and an entire arsenal of plastic balls. BTW: I usually play my plastic on the exact same lines as other bowlers do with their resin balls (sometimes even being deeper than them).
I am still working on a more consistent spare shot, as missed spares are my current Achilles Heel, but I have been improving. My biggest issue is balance at the line due to my bad knee (it throws off the precision of my spares more than it affects my strikes).
I don't slide either l don't see the point
I have a VERY abrupt slide. I have literally ripped off the entire bottom of my slide shoe several times over the years, which is why I just go with the cheapest Dexter's I can find. A few years ago, I started using a slide sock. It has both prolonged the life of my shoes as well as provided consistency across various lanes in different areas. It is the same regardless of it being summer, winter, humid, dry, rainy... etc.
Thank you for showing this; the last time I bowled league was 24 years ago. At 65, I tried to bowl like I did when I was in my 40's and after the 3rd game, my knee would just hurt for a couple of days. (I was a slider type bowler back then.) I'm going to give this a shot; I just got back into bowling again, starting on 12/31/2023 so in just one month I've bowled 20 times but noticed my knee's hurting and was deflated a bit. This might just give me a boost in a game I nearly forgot I loved.
I started to plant instead of sliding back in 2019 when I had to change arms or instead changing of the hands, now as of 2024 in the last part of winter league position night Monday and last Thursday my avg is at 197.thanks Nick & love your videos
This was another reason why going from 1 to 2H was a major positive change for me. I am FAR less sensitive to the approaches being sticky or slippery. I don't plant although I have a pretty short slide if any. Gone are the days of thumbs sticking in balls or falling from a stick.
Planting for me as well.
I’m a planter. What sole do you use on your, would be slide foot?
#2 Brunswick burgundy
I'm a half and half .. LOL .. Or I guess you would say I am a short slider. I have tried working on extending my slide a bit but I have a hard time making it consistent.
really like this vid. I've noticed in the past couple years upon changing my entire approach / steps / distance ( much closer now) from the line that I was beginning to plant more than slide. I've been battling a lot of hip problems due to a previous leg injury (slide leg side) and haven't been able to quite bend & balance like I could pre-injury. I've found that a slower, softer and more controlled approach with my feet along with a controlled plant / tiny slide, has actually helped me with not only controlling my shots (accuracy & ball speed) better, but has taken away a lot of my knee & hip pain. plus I don't fight with that "slide / stick anxiety" that I had previously. obviously to each their own but that's why I love this sport so much, there are so many various ways to alter it to fit YOUR particular game and still find success in it. At first I felt like I was breaking a sacred part of the games mechanics but now.....hey, if it works, it works ;)
At 235lbs, 2 handed and planting showed signs of wear quickly. I do a short slide now to help alleviate that somewhat but planting still feels the most natural.
What sole number do you keep on your shoes when planting?
#2. Dark burgundy from Brunswick.
I want to learn how to plant. Any advise. I’m 80 and still averaging 199, but my balance isn’t as good as it once was. My slide isn’t as smooth and consistent as it used to be. I want to plant for many of the reasons you mentioned.
Take it nice and easy to start to see if it even feels natural at all. It’s just a heel toe final step and it’s best not to stomp.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll try it…slowly at first. Mentally, I feel I’m ready. There is inconsistency among approaches. That’s my major concern.
I'm a planter but being one with a quick/fast step the lanes can very well be to slick or sticky and cause inconsistency and even injury...in my way of planting I transfer that stored energy into my swing and any difference with the approach will affect my shot..its pretty rare but it does happen
Yep . Planter here.
Good video and you make great points. I prefer sliding, but have switched between planting and sliding over the years. I usually modify my steps based on how tacky or slick the approaches are. Anything to limit the effect. Rarely change soles.
I stopped thinking about my slide and one day recently I realized I had not changed my slide pad in a few years. I had gone to planting without knowing it. I don’t miss sticking on a wet approaches and yes I had gone down the lane face first several times and certainly don’t miss that either. 😂
That’s the worst!
Yeah well I have yet live it down. My fellow bowlers still laugh about it. Thanks
100% agree! From the midwest about an hour drive from the Mississippi. Between the center differences, humidity and weather swings my sliding was causing more knee issues than planting for me. Wasn't until I realized pretty much every bowler in the area planted or slid very little (even with minimal slide they were always brushing and/or changing slide pads) I changed my timing to not completely plant, but have very little slide. Ideally sliding is better for the knees as it spreads out the force required to stop, but when it turns into sticking sometimes, slipping and falling others, it defeats the purpose. That being said I always start slow in my warmups and my timing works out as I get loose so centers that slide more consistently I will slide a little more, however this isn't a conscience effort at this point, but rather a feel thing.
Ok I’ll listen to this insanity
Love the video Nick. I’m more of a planter myself. I have had my left knee worked on because of 40+ years of bowling. Trained myself to slow my approach.