Is Belmo Bowlings Happy Gilmore?

[Brenton_Davy]

Before everyone flames me, please let me explain.

Those who have seen the movie "Happy Gilmore" will remember Adam Sandler playing and ex hockey player who used an "unconventional" technique to generate unheard of power when driving a golf ball and went on to popularise golf amongst a whole new (and admittedly VERY different) demographic. Look at the parallel. Jason uses an unconventional technique to generate hitherto unheard of power from a bowling ball. If I was AMF, OzTenpin, Goldpin, TBA or any other cashed up operator, I would be using this type of angle to promote bowling at a social and competitive level, in other words to MAKE BOWLING COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While I don't propose the type of slovenly dressed, loud mouthed "attitude" displayed in the movie, would this not be an ideal opportunity to bring promotion of the sport out of the 1980's and into this century? Lord knows we need a fresh approach to promoting the sport and whilst Happy Gilmore is a fictional character and our own Belmo is the real deal, the more I think about the concept, the more I feel it would be successful in attracting and keeping more players in the game.

Or am I totally off the track?

 

[KANAFA!]

The way things are at the moment, I seriously dont think it could hurt the sport.

Matt

 

[tonx]

Any volunteers for our Shooter McGavin?

Every feel good story has to have a Villan

 

[akdefl]

well does this mean that if we ever find out who took the shoes, they are the "red lobster" mate of shooters? the one who does his dirty work to bring Happy down?

great post brenton

 

[Spud the sud]

Agreed a very good idea

 

[Deadman Inc]

Definitely an attractive idea, but is it good for the sport having everyone wanting to bowl like Belmo? Then 10-20 years down the track have everybody bowling two-handed. Belmo is unique to the sport and it should be kept that way. No doubt his character and success makes him the poster boy for Tenpin Bowling in Australia but Tenpin Bowling shouldn't be promoted by using his style of bowling.

 

[Brenton_Davy]

Belmo is unique to the sport and it should be kept that way. No doubt his character and success makes him the poster boy for Tenpin Bowling in Australia but Tenpin Bowling shouldn't be promoted by using his style of bowling.

In my opinion that IS PRECISELY WHY HE SHOULD BE PROMOTED as the new face of bowling, he IS unique. Everyone knows what the normal conventional technique looks like and frankly most find it a bit passe, but Belmo is SO different and that is why I used the Happy Gilmore example. It is that point of difference that would bring promotion of our sport out of the 70'/80's and give it a bit of a cool image.

 

[GOSSY17]

I reckon it is a great idea, there would have to be plenty of social bowlers out there that would not bowl again after seeing somebody who bowls the way we deem "text book" and think they could never do it that way so why bother, but by having someone like Belmo promoting the sport everyone could see that you do not have to do everything by the book to be the best in the world.

 

[Stuart Little]

Any volunteers for our Shooter McGavin?
Every feel good story has to have a Villan

Wasn't George's old display name shooter, with a picture of shooter McGavin in it?

 

[xpense]

Great post Brenton.

So the questions are:

a) would any of the companies be willing to sponsor belmo for this

and of course

b) would Belmo be willing to do this.

I think it is a great way to promote the sport. Afterall the sport has changed so much since the 80's but it is still looked upon in the same way. This would show people that you can have a go, no matter what style you choose to use. The thought that so many people would take up this style from seeing Belmo, is already to late. Look in the Junior leagues, look in leagues in general, bolwers are allready trying this out. Why not use it to promote the dying sport we all loved so much

 

[Playa]

Wasn't George's old display name shooter, with a picture of shooter McGavin in it?

Does that mean George paid someone to steal Belmo's shoes at K&K?

"You will not win this one, you JACKASS!!!"

 

[PeterB]

Perhaps he can beat the crap out of John Burgess as well.

 

[STEROID]

Although I agree that Jason brings excitement and would promote the sport more, the question that people should ask themselves before taking up this style is "how long do you want to remain involved in the bowling?"

To my knowledge, Jason has back problems that he deals with every day (I've never asked him this directly so please correct me if I'm wrong) and although it is good for the sport and his career, he may not be bowling for a lifetime due to the "physical toll" his body will take over time. I know a number of players in their 20's and 30's that don't bowl anymore because back in the 80's and 90's they tried to excessively lift and torque the ball without proper body alignment, which caused them wrist and forearm and back shoulder and arm problems.

So yes, I suggest that Jason should be the face of "modern" bowling, but before coaching this style, I would ask the bowler some serious "soul searching" questions about their commitment and longevity to the sport.

Just my thoughts.

Dr. Chris

 

[Brenton_Davy]

So yes, I suggest that Jason should be the face of "modern" bowling, but before coaching this style, I would ask the bowler some serious "soul searching" questions about their commitment and longevity to the sport.

Chris,

Never a truer word spoken and there is a conspicuous lack of coaching material on the 2 handed phenomenon, with only a few snippets being available to anyone wanting to bowl this way. I believe you are correct in relation to Jasons back, however as more advanced coaching and physical conditionig material become available I am sure the occurrence of injury will decrease (just as it has with crankers) to more acceptable and less career threatening levels.

My post is aimed purely at a promotional standpoint. I see hundreds of people no thumbing 6lb houseballs during social play, so the appeal of seeing the ball go coast to coast is not purely the domain of power players and the unique technique that Belmo brings to the table should be utilised as a promotional tool.

 

[BELMO]

Although I agree that Jason brings excitement and would promote the sport more, the question that people should ask themselves before taking up this style is "how long do you want to remain involved in the bowling?"
To my knowledge, Jason has back problems that he deals with every day (I've never asked him this directly so please correct me if I'm wrong) and although it is good for the sport and his career, he may not be bowling for a lifetime due to the "physical toll" his body will take over time......
Just my thoughts.
Dr. Chris

Perhaps you should of asked before posting!!!!!!

You are 100% WRONG.

My back is fine, i have no drama to any other part of my body either.
As for how long i have left on my life span in bowling......well its been 22 years so far and no dramas.....except for a broken thumb and pinky i did while playing footy.
Actually after talking with some of the best coaches around the world, they believe that its the most effortless way to create rotation on the ball. Try do what i do to the ball 1 handed then see what happens to the body!!!

The USBC, Kegel and about 5 other coaching entites have asked for me to fly over so they can learn what it is that i do and start teaching it. Using the most advanced video technology and the best coaching staffs in the world, they want to know what goes on in my head while i bowl....little do they know that all that goes on inside my head is re-playing re-runs of "who's the boss" (not giving my secrets up that easy or that cheap)

So i guess if the best coaching staff around the world wants to learn, id say its a sign that its the way of the future!

The reason why some people may experiance pain while bowling 2 handed is simply because they have no idea what they are doing, same as me when i try whacking the ball 1 handed.
Timing is an important part to the cranker and stroker game, 2 handed bowling is no different.
Im sure if you have bad technique and timing with any style, longevity will be a problem.

Todays game has change dramatically, so why wouldnt the style???......but one thing will always stay the same.........who can strike and spare more than anyone else...so far 2 handed bowling seems to be winning in the strike department!

I would love to help bowling in anyway shape or form, i mean i love it and its apart of my life, the better bowling gets around the world (and Australia) the better it is for me and everyone else who loves the game like i do................... so if anyone reads this and wants to "USE" me to showcase 'modern' tenpin bowling, i have 3 words for you.....IM FOR SALE

Jason Belmonte

 

[STEROID]

Jason,

You are right, I should have asked. As I said in my previous post, it was only hear-say, not a direct communication, but thanks for the clarification.

I agree that if you can do it while also maintaining longevity within the sport, more power to you!!! Hopefully we'll see you winning more titles around the world for as long as PBA Champions like Brian Voss did (I believe it was over 3 decades, but not sure).

I also agree that we (coaches) need to understand your style to actually be able to coach it while also helping the person we coach maintain physical stamina and less effort as well. My coaching philosophy has always been to promote a technique that allows the bowler to decrease effort while maintaining efficiency. Your style is one of the best in the world that promotes this philosophy, we just don't know exactly how you do it yet (and you probably don't either). In any case, it would something I'd be interested in learning more about.

I'd also be interested in hearing what you'd have to say about your mental game, especially information around reading oil patterns, adjustments, and equipment match up. But you are right, if I was one of the best in the world, I'd probably keep those secrets tight-lipped as well (at least until you retire). But I did think your World Cup experience post was very interesting!

One thing I learned about you at the 2006 Australian Open (that I admire) is when you said to me in matchplay, "It's all about learning as much as you can against the best in the world." Whether you are a coach, world traveling bowler, or just like to bowl locally, I totally agree.

Thanks for the chat and clarification.

In conclusion, promoting the sport involves educating people about the "Science of Bowling". Talking to people about Bowling Psychology, physics of pin action, ball roll, entry angles and ball motion, as well as style, form and technique. One major difference between Happy Gilmore and Jason is that Jason's style is effective, intriguing and fun to watch (and personally has good stage presence also). All these qualities are bound to attract worldwide attention.

Just my thoughts again.
Dr. Chris

PS... If you can't tell from this post, I have the utmost respect for Jason and what he does!

 

[tonx]

Jason, While you are not experiencing back problems with your technique, I believe Osku is, and has developed quite a strong game one handed as well as his 2 handed delivery to aleviate some of the strain..

This is obviously due to the fact that you have very strong and solid core strength to withstand the extra stress placed on the back during the delivery, while Osku is a little less *mantelligent* in that department....

Even in saying that, it is interesting you mention the Kegel Training centre has asked you to help them in the studies of the delivery. What sort of documentation do they have right now that someone can use to spot, teach, and even convert others to a 2 handed delivery? It would be a huge risk for a coach (and their students) to claim that they are specialists in the 2 handed/no thumb delivery without first knowing all there is to know about it.

You state regularly that you have developed this type of technique from learning from a very very young age. I've seen a couple of people around here look absolutely rediculous attempting to convert for good, and very very few do it and hold a 200 average on anything other than the famous great wall of china. In your opinion, how easy or difficult would it be for a developed bowler to make the switch to 2 hands now?

Thanks for your input so far...

 

[GeorgeF]

I think Jason is Happy so he'd better watch out!

 

[i30girl07]

Dont worry Steroid, I heard the rumor too that Belmo has back problems. Even more so that he has a Physiotherapist that goes to every game because Belmo's back was so bad! I'm not a hundred percent sure but i think i remember it being mention on T.V????
As long as your doing strong Belmo that great! We all now know the truth now!
Cheers to all.

 

[Brenton_Davy]

Even in saying that, it is interesting you mention the Kegel Training centre has asked you to help them in the studies of the delivery. What sort of documentation do they have right now that someone can use to spot, teach, and even convert others to a 2 handed delivery? It would be a huge risk for a coach (and their students) to claim that they are specialists in the 2 handed/no thumb delivery without first knowing all there is to know about it.

Tonx,
The only thing I have seen was posted in the Coaching forum a few days ago

http://www.totalbowling.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=66