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Few people outside certain scholarly circles had heard the name Robert D. Putnam before 1995. But then this self-described "obscure academic" hit a nerve with a journal article called "Bowling Alone." Suddenly he found himself invited to Camp David, his picture in People magazine, and his thesis at the center of a raging debate. In a nutshell, he argued that civil society was breaking down as Americans became more disconnected from their families, neighbors, communities, and the republic itself. The organizations that gave life to democracy were fraying. Bowling became his driving metaphor. Years ago, he wrote, thousands of people belonged to bowling leagues. Today, however, they're more likely to bowl alone:

Television, two-career families, suburban sprawl, generational changes in values--these and other changes in American society have meant that fewer and fewer of us find that the League of Women Voters, or the United Way, or the Shriners, or the monthly bridge club, or even a Sunday picnic with friends fits the way we have come to live. Our growing social-capital deficit threatens educational performance, safe neighborhoods, equitable tax collection, democratic responsiveness, everyday honesty, and even our health and happiness.

Like defining works from the past, such as The Lonely Crowd and The Affluent Society, and like the works of C. Wright Mills and Betty Friedan, Putnam's Bowling Alone has identified a central crisis at the heart of our society and suggests what we can do. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (78)

A Lonelier Crowd
Robert D. Putnam's BOWLING ALONE provides what is, arguably, the most robust scientific treatment in a single volume of the conversation about friendship and its benefits begun by Aristotle nearly twenty-four centuries ago, a conversation about what has now come to be called `social capital.':

"...how can prosperity be guarded and preserved without friends...And in poverty and in other misfortunes men think friends are the only refuge. It helps the young, too, to keep them from error; it aids older people by ministering to their needs and supplementing the activities that are failing from weakness; those in the prime of life it stimulates to noble action." [And,] "Friendship seems too to hold states together..." (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics).

No less importantly than this Aristotelian connection, Putnam joins earlier 20th Century writers to enlarge Adam Smith's emphasis on the productive effects of `capital.' Smith wrote:

...the produce of a man's own labour can supply but a very small part of his occasional wants. The far greater part of them are supplied by the produce of other men's labour, which he purchases...with the price of the produce of his own...A stock of goods of different kinds, therefore, must be stored up somewhere sufficient to maintain him, and to supply him with the materials and tools of his work... (Introduction to Book II, Wealth of Nations)

BOWLING ALONE demonstrates how this "stock of goods" including the effects of friendship, reciprocity, sympathy, trust, and integrity, become the "materials and tools" fundamental to the health of the community. Thus, emphasizing the productive nature of affiliation, social capital - a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, group participation - gets "saved," in our rolodexes or their hippocampal versions, to be used advantageously another day. Here one notes that, though little emphasized by most contemporary cheerleaders for unfettered Capitalism, Adam Smith, too, emphasized sympathy, rather than petty selfishness, as one of Capitalism's essential ingredients.

Putnam provides a vast array of empirical data documenting the productive effects of friendship and communal action on politics (Chap. 2), community involvement (Chap. 3), religious participation (Chap. 4), workplace association (Chap. 5), informal social activity (Chap. 6) and altruistic activity (Chap. 7). In any of these venues, reciprocity, honesty, and trust compose the yeast for productive social activity (Chap. 8).

Putnam's interpretation of the data convincingly indicates that some generations are equaler than others. Over the half-century leading up to the publication of Putnam's book, the combination of television, suburbanization, the changing nature of work, have been factors in the dwindling of our social "goods." But most significantly, shifts in generational norms (Chaps. 10-15), have resulted in "anticivic contagion," the substantial decline in the activities that generate social capital (Chaps. 2-8), though there are exceptions (Chap. 9). In astonishing geographic detail, Putnam graphs (Figures 80-89) the correlations between social capital and its deficits in American community life, public affairs, volunteerism, sociability and trust (Chaps. 16). These are tied quite demonstrably to costs for education and children's welfare (Chap. 17), safe and productive neighborhoods (Chap. 18), economic prosperity (Chap. 19), health and happiness (Chap 20), and participatory democracy (Chap. 21). In the last two chapters (Chaps. 23, 24) he details what might be done to replenish social capital and "walking the walk" has introduced websites and seminars promoting social capital under the auspices of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Putnam recognizes other earlier uses of the phrase "social capital" with varying degrees of specificity, tracing its earliest use to L. J. Hanifan, a state superintendent of rural schools in 1916:

"good will, fellowship, sympathy, and social intercourse...[result in] an accumulation of social capital which may immediately satisfy [the individuals] needs and which may bear a social potentiality sufficient to the substantial improvement of living conditions in the whole community."

Others who have used the phrase include Jane Jacobs, who applied it to the health of neighborhoods (The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961), and Pierre Bourdieu who emphasized it in the contexts of social competition (The forms of capital. In: John G. Richardson (ed.): Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education. New York: Greenwood Press 1986). But, Putnam goes further than any earlier writer, applying the concept to the communal health of a nation.

The concept of social capital, and particularly Putnam's rendering of it, is not without its critics whose objections are on semantic, philosophical, empirical and policy terms. Andy Blunden objects to its quantification and to the causal ambiguity of correlations that Putnam uses to support his inferences, though I think Putnam does not dismiss the likelihood of hidden variables that might be influencing the more apparent ones. The eminent sociologist Alejandro Portes takes up similar issues (Social Capital: Its Origins and Applications in Modern Sociology, Annu. Rev. Sociol. 1998. 24:1.24), though, in fairness, his critique was on Putnam's earlier work in this area and BOWLING ALONE effectively addresses some of them. Theda Skocpol tellingly argues that Putnam's approach essentially blames the victim (cf. Unraveling From Above, The American Prospect no. 25 (March-April 1996): 20-25.).

The critiques notwithstanding, Putnam's work has been enormously influential even beyond the halls of academe, insinuating itself into state of the union addresses (Clinton, 1995) and the current presidential campaign (bridging v. bonding capital). For more specifics about how social capital has interrelated effects up and down the conceptual ladder from the genome to community life see A. R. Cellura's The Genomic Environment and Niche-Experience(Cedar Springs Press, 2006).

Remembering De Tocqueville
In reviewing Putnam's work it is important to remember that the discourse about social capital not only educates as to the health of individuals and societies but also as to the health of political systems. De Tocqueville marveled at Americans' as joiners because he correctly theorized that intermediate organizations are crucial for the healthy working of modern democracies. Thus the evidence that Americans are joining fewer organizations should also cause us to question the health of American democracy.
The recent acceptance by large swaths of the American public that torture is an acceptable method in defending democracy shows a kind of extremism not far removed from that of Nazi Germany where again intermediate organizations are said to have been were few and opened the way for mass organizations and the state to isolate the individual and place him/her one on one with the demagogue and his mass party.
Differences with Germany's caseare enormous of course yet evidence that democracy is not in a healthy state should make us ask questions. It is in this light that Putnam's work takes an even greater significance.

Sad Truth About Our Society
The American people are more socially isolated than ever due to the increasing amount of television watching, the way our cities are designed and the way that each generation is getting more and more disengaged in American public life. There are other factors that contribute but these are the main ones.

A properly socially cohesive society will do better in terms of crime, our government, the economy, education ect. He mentions that street gangs form from a lack of social capital in the neightbor hoods and that the gangs form as a way of making up for it.

The apathy leads not only to mental but physical illness. Putname takes you on a journey filled with many graphs that give substance and proof to what he is saying.

Recommended for the thinking citizen
This work is both scholarly and yet accessible to the average citizen.Putman documents in considerable detail the cultural trend in the U.S. away from civic organizations both formal and informal. The collection of research over many decades is quite amazing. Yet this data is presented in an understandable way with graphs and summary descriptions. The conclusion is what anyone of a certain age already knows and that is people are less social today than decades ago.One illumination for me is how that social isolation results in negative effects in areas such as crime, prosperity, education, government and even health. This appears to be well documented and is not just "shooting from the hip".
There are a few deficiencies in this book however. First, the "cause" of this phenomena as "generational "succession" is a good observation but not a cause.Why is generational succession occurring?The arguments are incomplete. Secondly, the sub-title "...Revival of the American Community" is never really presented. The solutions to the problem (if it is indeed a problem) are the weak part of the book. Taking lessons from the "gilded age" and the turn of the 20th century don't seem to connect with me.
In summary, I think this is an important book but is only the beginning of the discussion. From an individual perspective, there are still plenty of social groups to become involved with and they are not that hard to find. Let this book turn the light inward upon ourselves. We are relational creatures. Let's take the initiative, turn the TV off and become involved. By the way, despite today's over-the-top rhetoric, the church is alive and is a welcoming place. Come and get connected.

A exhaustive work calls for a long review (sorry)
I greatly respect what Dr. Putnam is trying to do with this book; so I want to be charitable in my review. I purchased this book because I have recently felt a bit `disconnected' from society personally. I wanted to do some evaluation of my own experience vs. his presentation of mass changes in social trends. To put it simply: Am I `bowling alone' because of ME or because of some greater social trends in America I happen to be living through?

My review is long because this is a very `dense' work, as another review put it. The book is greatly bolstered with supporting statistics (ad infinitum, it seems). I realize that there is virtue in supporting your thesis with hard quantifiable numbers. I wish more would do that. The conflict or down side of that is - that statistical presentation is frankly... boring. So this is not an entertaining or fast read; it's not a page-turner. It certainly is not literary bubble-gum. This is a full academic social study presented to the general populace.

However, his efforts and objective is wonderful, and to be lauded. One has to respect that. There is some humor peppered here and there. It would be great if he could put his statistical data off in some kind of sidebar and separate it out from anecdote, examples and generalities - to make the reading a little smoother. I confess I found myself skipping over some statistics just to get his real point. The hard statistics and whatever examples he presents are all mashed together in the same paragraph.

He does a great job of staying quite neutral with respect to political, social or religious ideologies and groups. Thankfully, the writer is not an alarmist. Except for the thought that this trend is dangerous, he has largely left out his own feelings with some excellent academic objectivity. [I wish more academics would do THAT!] He avoids nostalgia and emotion, simply making a case for the decline and revival of American social connectedness (stated as `social capital'). It's just that he goes through a GREAT deal of statistics to do so. There's even a graphic chart depicting how often people observe stop signs vs. glide through the intersection - down through the decades! It's called, `The Changing Observance of Stop Signs' (page 143). At times he digresses into tangents that have minor bearing on social connectedness, in my opinion. This lengthens the book a bit, but that point is minor.

I definitely will take some good thoughts with me from this book. (It is this disconnectedness that has largely caused the current great rift between right and left, liberals and conservatives.) It's good to have some light on the phenomena we see in our civic and social circles.
... Read more

Book Description
Take to the lanes and enjoy every frame! Bowling Fundamentals teaches as you play. Sequential instructions and accompanying photographs will guide you in proper execution of the game's essential skills and tactics. All the fundamentals—grip, stance, footwork, arm swing, timing, and release—provide a base for solid technique.

More than XX gamelike activities and drills will speed your learning and improve your performance. You'll also get great instruction on hitting the pocket, scoring strikes, picking up spares, and boosting your scores.

Bowling Fundamentals is a better way to learn the basics—in less time. With this book, you'll be rolling strikes right away—and the right way—to a winning game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Helpful Book
If you've never been taught the basics of bowling and want to brush up and improve your scores, or if you are a beginner, this book is worth reading.The book is pretty short and it is an easy read, although the author is a bit repetative at times.It has easy to follow diagrams that also are helpful.I average in the low 200's and I was able to pick up a few tips that have enabled me to become more consistent.

The Most Informative Bowling Book Available
I ordered three books on bowling and this one by Michelle Mullen is the best of the three.After reading this book I went out and shot games of 199 and 200+, it's the truth.If you want to improve your game or are looking for some good advice then definitely buy this book.I don't recommend buying "From Gutter balls to Strikes" because the author doesn't know how to write a book.He claims to provide you with 101 of the most common mistakes but for the most part it's not good advice.Stick with "Bowling Fundamentals" and you will be fine.

Excellent explanation of the geometry of the game
This is a very good book for beginning bowlers.Detailed charts explain how to adjust the starting position to correct missed shots.There is also a very explanation of the importance of walking a straight line to maintain a correct angle.There are also helpful tips on timing, form, etc. and a chapter on understanding scoring and league terminology.

Great reading must for the starter
This is a great book for both the beginner bowler and a great review for the bowler wanting to increase score. A must read helps a bowler get rid of bad habit that many bowlers pick up over the course of a season of bowling. ... Read more

Book Description
Learn how to bowl your best game from one of the world's top bowling coaches. John Jowdy has coached more than 100 pros, including Mike Aulby, Parker Bohn, Lisa Wagner, and Robin Romeo. In Bowling Execution, he covers every crucial technique.

Jowdy breaks the shot into its components and teaches you how to identify and correct common technical flaws to improve your execution and increase your scores. You'll learn how to

• choose the right ball and adjust effectively to changing lane conditions;

• improve execution, from stance to follow-through, to help you raise your scoring average; and

• master the mental game to help you break out of slumps, practice more effectively, and prepare for critical situations.

You'll also find everything you ever wanted to know about hooking the ball, plus shot-making strategies to help you solve problems on the lanes.

Master the game as pro players have, with John Jowdy as your guide, and soon you will maximize your scores! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Good read with more technical info. than most bowling books.
This book is a good addition to any bowling library.Although I'm always looking for that "magic bullet" on the release, which I did not find here, the book covers most aspects of sound bowling with much technical detail.

Excellent reading
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to improve their score. Great helpful hints and information.

Invaluable
of all the bowling books i've flicked through, Jowdy's was the most contemporary for addressing the advances in today's game, and the content is geared towards bowlers who want to improve upon their existing knowledge and understanding of modern bowling techniques.it is not written for the beginner, and it assumes some prior knowledge to be built upon.i read the book in one sitting, and it consolidated all the info i had been gleaning from various sources on the net and from other bowlers and coaches over the years.As for the content, all the info is there, and the descriptions are sufficient if you can visualise what he is writing about, which isn't difficult with some of the basic drills he explains.Some of the tips in this book are invaluable and it is the first place i go to clarify some element of my game when it goes off the boil.

Biased in every way
What I really didn't like about this book is the constant rambling after starting the topic sentence in a paragraph.Which never concluded any information on the topic.Then instead of going over all the variations of an approach, he makes it quite clear that this should be the method for every bowler.In my opinion bowling involves individuals, and on mans view will not work for every bowler.It would be more helpful if he used his insight in bowling on how to work with the different variations that you can see in bowling.

Everything you shouldn't know.
Unfortunatly this book is very misleading.He often makes statements that go something like this..... Normally you would never use this kind of method and I would avoid it in most circumstances, but this one pro does it all the time, and so does this other guy.He then goes rambling on about all these different things that he just said you should never do and often leaves the basic concept he was addressing with a meager 4 sentences.We all get the idea that bowling involves your own litte variations, but its always based on a solid set of fundementals.I just wish he would have spent more time on the basics then the rare fundamental opposites. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Just what the Bowling Doctor ordered...
Every so often you order something based on its description or a review and that thing winds up being BETTER than you thought it was going to be. This is a case of that scenario right here. Clear, non-technical explanations and instructions, GREAT illustrations and photographs to show what the instructor is talking about, and enough material to allow you to grow in your pursuit of bowling perfection and STILL want to go back and reference this book occasionally. I can't recommend this one enough.

one of the better books...
very informative book with great diagrams and pictures.even though parker is a lefty the book really explains bowling from both hands.one of the better books i have read so far.

Tex McFaden Reviews "How to Master the Game"
As with all things, the key is in the title. This book does a sound job in giving you the fundamental keys to mastering your game. For those looking to perfect their game, look to an established, reputable coach. As with all text books in learning, the basics are given and it is up to you to apply them under the watchful eye of someone who has already ascended to the top. People graduate from programs every day with all the info and skills required to be the best at what they are about to do, but they still train with others who have been doing the same job in order to perfect, mold, tweak what they have learned in the textbooks and classroom.

This book provides illustrations and keys that you need to master your game. What you do with that infomation will determine whether or not you truly master your game.
~Tex McFaden

Parker is awesome
Just saw Parkers book for the first time and it is a great book.The pictures are alone worth the price of the book. Having met Parker is class with a capitol C. Parker is the nicest person you will ever meet. I can see why this book is written so well it does come across as being cocky or do it my way or the highway. I feel this book took time to write and is written very well. Hope you feel the same way as well after you read the book. Keep winning out on tour Parker.

Outstanding photography, Useful insights
Worth the price just for the photographs. Unlike other books on bowling, each of the 160 8-1/2 x 11 pages is in full glossy color (watch out for fingerprints on the paper!), including many excellent photos and graphics. The layout makes it easy to flip through the pages and get a feel for the sport of bowling without even reading the text.

As for the subject matter, this book is also very different. The two best books on bowling that I'm familiar with (Par Bowling and Knowledge is the Key) take a systematic approach. This book reads more like a personal lesson on bowling by Parker Bohn III, along with other top professional bowlers. Of course it is also more up-to-date, focusing on the issues that are important to today's bowlers.

The book's coverage is broad, including equipment, strategy, and the mental game, along with fundamentals and an interesting history of the sport. The section on spare shooting is particularly useful, since it focuses on the hard-and-straight method used by most top players, as opposed to the strikeline-relative approach presented in other books.

The downside is that the discussions do not contain the kind of detail that would be necessary to learn to bowl from the text alone, making this book best suited for intermediate players. Then again, the best way to learn to bowl is from a coach, not a book. Advanced bowlers may learn a few things too, but are probably better served by specialized publications such as "Bowling this Month" magazine.

Finally, this is a must-have for left-handed bowlers. It is the first book I have seen that gives lefties equal treatment in discussions and diagrams, instead of telling southpaws to "just reverse it in their heads" (Parker is a lefty himself).

Bottom line: if you are looking for a textbook on bowling, this is not it. But, if you want to learn about the sport as it is played by the best in the world, buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description
Learn the mental techniques that professional bowlers use to perform their best and build high averages. Focused for Bowling provides proven advice to help you pick up spares more consistently, recover from and avoid slumps, and get more satisfaction from each trip to the alley.

From progressive muscle-relaxation techniques to positive self-talk and focus cues, Focused for Bowling gives you the mental edge that will help you excel in critical frames.

Considered the leading authority on bowling psychology, Dean Hinitz is a regular columnist in Bowling This Month. To pick up your game, pick up this book and see why some of the country's most elite competitors trust Hinitz to give them the edge they need for more accurate, confident, and consistent performance when the pressure is on! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Another good bowling book
This book also covers a lot of info that bowlers will need when they look to take their game to the next level.

It's a Head-Game afterall
Dean Hinitz provides some clear solutions to one of biggest challenges to Scoring Success.

A Must Read
I've attended bowling camp, had lessons, watched videos, regularly read Bowling This Month, have read a dozen books on bowling and this by far is the best.If you're looking for advice on the physical fundamentals of the game this is NOT the book for you, read John Jowdy's Bowling Execution.However, if you have shown signs of having a relatively sound physical game then Focused for Bowling is for you.It emphasizes developing your mental game, which any seasoned bowler will tell you is the key to consistency and success.

Why do some excel in the spotlight and others crack under pressure?Your mental game is the answer.There are many exercises and suggestions in this book that will help you develop a stronger mental game.There is even a section on dealing with slumps.

Two years ago I was developing into a pretty good bowler.I loved the moment of needing a turkey in the tenth to win; and I often delivered.Then I went into a terrible slump.I tried everything, over thought the game, became negative about my ability, and lost my confidence as the anchor of my team.This year I started regaining my old form, but was still inconsistent and found myself thinking too much.The final straw: I missed a seven pin in the tenth that cost us a game.I picked up this book and have been lights-out since.I bowled a 299 and have average a consistent 205 for the past 8 weeks.

Once you understand the physical aspects of the game, you must read Focused for Bowling!!!

focused for Bowling
These are advanced concepts about the game that Hinitz has broken down into the simplest form. Physical talent will only get you so far in any sport, then comes the mental game. Hinitz's approach will help you identify who you are in the game, where you are in the game, and where you want to go...then help you get there! Along with Brian Voss's foreward are helpful comments and views throughout the book of several other top pros. Read, enjoy, bowl better.

Not Bad IF!
If you bowl less than a 240 average, this book isn't really for you.If you need advice on equipment or technique, this book isn't for you.But if you are really good, and are having problems with the mental parts of bowling, this book is perfect.It's not so much a bowling book as a mental guide to sports performance.It's a good book for that reason. ... Read more

Book Description
Most bowlers in the 150-190 average range have developed strong basic skills but are hampered by one or two fundamental flaws that keep them from improving their game. Two-time PBA National Champion Mike Aulby and four-time tournament winner Dave Ferraro reveal their insider tips for analyzing and correcting common mistakes that prevent intermediate bowlers from rolling that coveted 200+ game:

• Converting the toughest spares and "unmakable splits"
• Increasing your strike-shot carry
• Making equipment work for you
• Overcoming the mental pressure of league play to bowl your best

Customer Reviews (13)

On the spot
I have only read the first two chapters but already I have found 5 things that I know I am doing wrong. I couldnt understand why it was happening, but now I know.

Cant wait to read the rest and see how I go on my next league night.

It might be from 1989 and it might still talk about urethane balls, but the basics are still the same.

Looking for technical aide
Book was close, it provided a little technical aide but mostly the author's personal style.

Movin' On Up
My son's scores have been movin' on up.He is having more 200 games and is even a USBC 11 strikes in a row winner. (279 game)Really something to be proud of.I think others will learn some tips too.I think you'll be happy to "spare" some dough for this book.

Trial and Error
The basic message was "trial and error" which, while it may be true, gives the reader no foundation upon which to build. Over and over, the authors related how professionals might approach a certain shot but that we needed to use trial and error to find how we should hit it, rather than to give some solid principle to begin to build our own process.

Your Friend - The Coach
Whenever you are bowling with poor results and cannot figure out the problem, just take this book out of your bowling bag and read "Analyzing Your Flaws" or the chapter on lane conditions. It feels like you're carrying around your bowling guardian angel when in competition.And when you leave the 10 pin, the book says you DO adjust.How you adjust depends on what kind of 10 pin you left: ringing, flat, etc.I LOVE this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Bowling is the most comprehensive and up-to-date bowling-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round bowling-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other bowling book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will have you increasing your average by focusing on the endurance, strength, and flexibility needed most by bowlers. By following this guide you will get more speed on your rolls, more pin action, and overall higher scores and success on the lanes.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not a bad book
I just got this book and just read the table of contents.The first thing I noticed is that it only has 6 pages on leg exercises.I am becoming a good bowler because 50 percent of bowling has to do with having strong, quick, and flexable legs and knees.Yet he only has 6 pages on the subject of leg exercises and the reccomended exercises with legs.

Another reason why I am starting to get good at bowling is because chest mussles a long with back mussles are very important at bowling.Working on my chest and back mussles will increase my bowling greatly.Having strong chest mussles, good strong Abs, and back mussles is 25 percent of being in good enough shape to be a good bowler.

He has 4 pages of exercises on Chest exercises and 4 pages on Back exercises and 5 pages on Abs.So 75% of what you need to be in shape to be a good bowler he only used 17 pages out of a 64 page book.

Now he does have 4 pages of exercises on Biceps and Forearms Exercises.These exercises are important to being a good bowler.If I had to say about 20% of what you need to be a good bowler.So the book is a total of 64 pages and in 21 pages he has 95 pecent of the exercises that will help you become in shape to be a good bowler.

Having strong shoulders is a very small part in becoming a good bowler.I would say maybe 5 percent.Yet he has 5 pages of exercises on it.The good news is that if you want to know in my opion what exercises you need to due to be in shape for bowling all you have to do is read 26 out of 64 pages of the book.

The rest of the book while it will make a great work out program and make you in beter shape.It should not really help you in your bowling game because you are just doing exercises that really don't have to do with mussles that will help in bowling.However if you wanted a general weight lifting book these pages might come in handy.

Was it worth me buying yes because 21 of the pages are really going to help me in my bowling a lot and 5 pages are going to help me in my bowling a little the Shoulder Exercises.Is 21 pages of great help and 5 pages of little help worth 20 bucks?I say yes because it is the only book on Weight Training for Bowling out there.So I would say spend the 20 bucks and read the 21 pages and do those exercises.

Not bad
Not a bad little guide.
BTW it's cheaper to just buy it from the author's website.....just look at the 2nd page of the excerpt.

Tex McFaden's Review of The Ultimate Guide...
It's not only the "ultimate" guide to weight training for bowling, but I think that it's the ONLY guide to weight training for bowlng. Obviously, anyone could build a workout program to strengthen their body, but it's nice to have a resource provided by knowledgeable folks to make it easy for you. This guide provides an easy to ready plan, complete with pictures, to help bowlers improve their strength. The purpose is to help bowlers ultimately improve the explosive quality of the ball in the pocket, from the first roll to the last. This is most critical when bowlers get caught in a long day at competitive meets where they are sure to bowl more than three quick games. The stress of competition can easily tire a competitor physically, so physical fitness is a must. This book walks you through the stretching and the exercises and a rotation plan that uses four different training programs. It's a short, to-the-point book that may be a no-brainer to fitness buffs, but still serves as a handy reference to keep everyone, at any level, focused and fit. The rating is based on the fact that the book accomplishes its stated purpose and meets the expectations that anyone should have for this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Great for beginning bowler and teenagers
There is some really good information in this book for beginning bowlers; however I recommend it for teenagers wanting to get into the sport.The author and photographer did a good job of putting a lot of photos in the book to demonstrate their points.I would give this book to a kid or teen wanting to get into the sport.If you are an adult wanting to try the sport or looking for fundamental advice then buys Bowling Fundamentals, you'll be happy you did.

Great Starter Book
This book will tell you all the basics of Bowling.It was very instructive with graphics that helped explain some of the terminology that is not readly understood.I recommend it for anyone thinking about the sport to those already playing (like myself).It helped me with understanding the sport better.

Great book for all ages
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner bowler or "an expert" anyone can learn something new from this book.Well written and to the point it truely gives concrete steps to help you be a better bowler.This is a book appropriate for all ages.My children and I all use the techniques Don talks about in the book.It has improved our games all around.I highly recommend it to anyone who loves bowling. ... Read more

Product Description
Bowler's Handbook: A Guide to (almost) Everything in Bowling is a reference and resource to the important elements in bowling with emphasis on bowling instruction from some of the nation's best amateur bowlers -- including women's record holder Karen Rosenburg (878) of Rolla, Mo.,and 75-time perfect game roller Dean Wolf of Reading, Pa. The handbook is also a ready source for National and State bowling records, understanding lane conditions, strategies, USBC rules and bowling's history, equipment, etiquette, special vocabulary and much more. ... Read more

Book Description
Master all of the essential skills of bowling to raise your average at the lanes. Bowling: Steps to Success contains in-depth, progressive instruction for each aspect of the game—from grip and stance to footwork and release—so you'll be throwing strikes consistently in no time.

Build a strong skill base with clear instruction, precise illustrations, and dozens of drills that feature a scoring system to help you gauge your improvement and accelerate your progress. Then learn and practice the tactics of shooting strikes and spares to give you more confidence and success on every frame.

Step up to the line knowing you'll deliver a well-executed shot with pinpoint accuracy. As part of the Steps to Success Sports Series—with more than 1.5 million copies sold—Bowling: Steps to Success will give you maximum results. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great starting off point
I have always enjoyed bowling, but never had any training. I am joining a league, and want to bowl better. This book taught me a lot. I practiced the "shadow bowling" technique at home, and on my next outing to the lanes - I improved my average by 40! (from a 150 to a 194)

Great book for anyone new to bowling
This is what every non-fiction book should be.Brief, to-the-point, and effective.And this book is very brief.You may probably be able to read it in a half hour and then head straight to the alley and practice.This book is very clear and provides easy-to-follow pictures, too. I understand everything the author is trying to say.Lastly, this book is effective because I followed its exact instructions and I'm able to bowl with a nice hook, something I always wanted to know how to do.Although you won't be able to learn more advanced skills or more fancier hooks, this is not suppose to be a comprehensive guide to bowling.

So THAT'S How Its Done
This book lived up to its promise.I am brand new to the 'real' way to bowl, and I found this book very helpful.The format is great.I think that the book would do any newcomer some good.There is a style to Werner's writing that can only be termed 'relaxed.'I am trying to develop what I have learned from this book.It is a great springboard into the sport.

Quite outdated figures and pictures.
Too simple, too brief and quite out-dated figuesand pictures illustration. Anyone buy this book and hopping to learn something out from it will be quite disappointed.

Solid Fundamentals for Beginners or Returners.
When asked to go bowling again, after not having done so in over twenty years, I found my game had simply disappeared. I was a beginner again. This little book, lavishly illustrated, written with wit and humor, put thosepesky little fundamentals back in perspective. Bowling is fun, and Werner'sbook reminds us that it's fun, or should be.

Werner gives a brief historyof the sport, some prominent bowlers which will surprise a number ofpeople, and some solid techniques to get your game back in shape with verylittle effort. He also gives a very useful table of common errors, andsuggested corrections.

But most of all, Doug Werner reminds the readerthat the way to learn to bowl is to go bowling. Read the book, then get outthere and knock `em down.

A bargain at Amazon's price, this book willdelight any beginner, and is invaluable to the rookie or out of practicebowler. Five stars aren't enough. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

MS tool
I had gotten so tired of all the internet information on MS, my brain was burned out. I had stopped reading anything on the subject for quite awhile. But, this book is worth keeping handy with its sensible and knowledgeable information. It also validates in many ways the path I had chosen to manage this horrible disease.

I LOVE this book!
This book was actually recommended to me by my MS Specialist. I'm SO happy he did. Too often, I think people believe everything others tell them about what something might do. This gives actual medical references about studies done with alternatives. It doesn't make bogus claims about what might cure someone. Instead, it offers sound advice about what might help or hurt your body. Not only that, it recommends what amounts of vitamins and other supplements one should take if they are going to use them. I'm a research FREAK and this is by the far the best alternative medicine book I've read. It's also the book I reference back to the most as I'm eager to see what else is possibly out there that can help with my disease.

Great book
This updated book is great for someone with MS or even if you are just interested in CAM.He explains the different methods well even if I don't always agree with everything he says.

Well-researched information
People diagnosed with an incurable disease are too-often targets of terribly unscrupulous or questionable methods of helping or curing them. When conventional medicine cannot cure us it is, to some degree, understandable. Dr. Bowling has put together a well-researched book that briefly discusses CAMs and various therapies, including yoga, tai chi, dietary supplements, vitamins and so forth. Each is briefly described, treatment method discussed, any known scientific research is summarized, side effects noted, practical information listed, and a conclusion and additional reading sources detailed. Dr. Bowling does note that some therapies, while not proven to help those with MS, may seem to help because of the "placebo effect." If it causes no harm, why not try it? However, some of these therapies can be detrimental to those with MS and it is wise to know what those are. This is a book for those who want objective and documented information. Some will claim it is biased against CAMs or undocumented therapies, but I did not find that to be the case. I found it very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

"Without reservation, I highly recommend this book."--Earl Anthony

The single most important factor in bowling strikes consistently is the ability of a bowler to deliver an explosive strike ball, or the "power" ball. The secret of bowling the modern strike ball--the "squeeze" principle, or putting action into or spin on the ball--is explained clearly and simply within these pages.

Bowling Strikes also covers game fundamentals and recent equipment innovations and offers tips and strategies for mastering rhythm and timing, taking advantage of the "angle," converting difficult spares and "impossible" splits, and correcting common errors.

With more than 85 close-up photos and precise step-by-step instructions, plus special advice for the left-handed and senior bowler, this book gives all participants of the sport the confidence to take aim and up their average with ease. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Avoid like the plague

Where do I start?

This bowling technique (the power ball) is most certainly NOT geared to the beginner or intermediate bowler. A hook ball with a medium release (thumb at 11 o'clock position) and a free armswing is more than adequate for all but the most demanding players and playing conditions (at least that was what we were taught at coaching school). The power ball would put excessive strain on the wrist and fingers.

The power ball enters the pocket at 75 to 80 degrees? On which planet does this occur? CAT analysis has shown the pros angle of entry to the pocket at a mere 5 1/2 to 6 degrees, which would be about the maximum achievable without using a rocket-powered ball (currently illegal, I believe).

This is a fairly recent book, yet some of the pictures look like they were taken during the 1950's. What gives?

The spare making suggestions have been rendered obsolete by the 3-6-9 and 2-4-6 spare systems.

The two-page section on advice to seniors was just hilarious (go bowling and make new friends after you retire - wow). Nothing on bowling itself. Bowling does change as you grow older, because the game becomes, physically at least, a bit more difficult, particularly with regards to hand strength/ball weight and knee/leg and back problems. The obvious come to mind - switch to a lighter ball, hold the ball lower in the stance, reduce the length of the steps in the approach.

I would not recommend this book to any of my students at any level. Beginning players should choose Strickland, intermediate players, Kouros.

I wasn't impressed
Bowling Strikes was off to a great start.It jumped right into the mechanics of bowling in good detail.Suddenly, after 30 or 40 pages, it just died.It almost looked like the author became bored and just wantedto throw another hundred pages on to make the book longer.A good portionwas spent displaying almost every possible spare.First of all, with thetitle being Bolwing Strikes, was was there more space dedicated to pickingup spares? I would have rather the author diagnosed precisely whatcaused the spare and options to correct your throw rather then spending apage on how to pick up the 6-9-10!Even stranger, the author assumesyou're advanced enough that you throw a hook, yet spends several pages onettiquette, how to score, and injuries.The first 20 or 30 pages have somehelpful tips, but you're better off spending the money on practice.Bestsuited for someone who just bought a fingertip ball and wants to learn howto hook.

Increasing power and scores.
Ive been bowling for 2 years now and messed about with bowling straight then spinning the ball but my averages were always around 140.Ive had this book for 2 weeks and I now have a comfortable style and bowl 160average (top score 210).The author tells you how to apply spin to theball via the "squeeze"...excellent book and judy is very pretty! Nice one amazon

this book tought me all I know about the game
this book was great. It had all the info you need to know if you want to be a good bowler. all you beginners,this is a must read. It has lots of helpful tips and stratiges from todays top professionals, such as ErnieMcrackin and Roy Munson.All of you beginners out there, I have threewords for you; BUY THIS BOOK!

Will help beginners and intermediates.
Another nice book for beginners to intermediates.I generally find I have the same complaint with most bowling books. Not enough illustrations and drawings of the release. Showing works a lot better than just telling.

There's just not enough useful information here for more advanced bowlers who want to graduate to the 200+ range... ... Read more

Book Description
Throw strikes, not gutter balls. Bowling: Steps to Success provides expert instruction and 66 drills to help you learn and master all the basic skills.

By following the book's sequential lessons and studying the 145 illustrations, you'll learn how to perform each skill andanalyze and correct errors. The drills come with performance goals and a list of key points to remember, and often include instructions for increasing or decreasing the level of difficulty.

Part of the highly popular Steps to Success Activity Series, this book will help to enrich your skills and confidence. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Dry - and I'm not talking lane conditions
I agree with one of the reviews that I read here about this book.BORING.Unless you are a robot, do not buy this book.I like lots of detail on the mechanics and science behind the game with illustrations.The book accomplishes this on some fronts by showing the 3021 technique and some other useful tips, but it fails in not showing others.It does not delve enough into the hook release and shooting at strikes + lane conditions.

This book does have a lot of illustrations and it does give you the basics, however, this book focuses mostly on bowling drills.

Bowling Steps to success
I loved it I love bowling. I love getting turkeys every time I bowl. I've not missed an turkeys since I read this book it's my lucky charm and I carry it in my bowling bag.

Review of Bowling: Steps to Success by Robert Strickland
Robert Strickland's book is a great book for the individual wanting to understand the mechanics and technique needed for building a solid bowling swing.There are step-by-step drills provided, along with success testsfor each drill.Having bowled with a poor technique for years, this bookhelped me to see how much I was doing incorrectly, and why my scoring wasso inconsistent.I have applied many of the principles Strickland outlinesto my own bowling technique, such as using a four-step delivery, as well asthe timing of each arm motion with the feet in the swing, and have foundgreater success and consistency in hitting my mark on the lane. Whilevariances will inevitably occur with each bowler (for example, I need tostart with my knees bent more deeply, as I tend to lift my shoulders anddrop the ball at the line, whereas Strickland recommends a more upright"snooty" posture at the outset of the swing), it is a good bookto "review the basics" and check your own technique against.

A good all-round book...
Bob Strickland uses all his experience to write an excellent book covering all aspects of tenpin bowling.Bowling is an extremely difficult sport to master, but Strickland takes the difficult areas (and the easier parts) andmakes them easier to understand.In no other book have I seen so muchdetail given to areas such as the delivery, the release, the psychology,and the all-out approach to the game.However, if there was onediasdvantage to this book, it would have to be the immense amount oftraining drills that it contains.They may be useful for some, but manyinvolve the use of other knowledgable bowlers, or a long bowling session,or the need to bowl in a league.I actually think that some of them shouldbe omitted from the book, and a bit more information about thetechnicalities of the game included.However, I would recommend this bookto anyone looking more seriously into bowling.I would then recommendlooking at "From Gutterballs to Strikes", by Mike Durbin, just toadd a little bit more zip to your game.

do not buy this
i ordered many books on bowling off amazon.com for christmas and this book was horrible compared to the others. if its help with bowling your looking fo, do not buy this. i didnt like the way it was put together at all andwas very boring. definitely go par bowling by tom kouros, that book wasbest! ... Read more

Book Description

Product Description
Want to be a better bowler? Sport Psychology Library: Bowling - The Handbook of Bowling Psychology is the guide you need for improving your performance. Esteemed Sport psychologist Dr. Eric Lasser, and legendary coaches Fred Borden and Jeri Edwards, have combined their expertise to create a master teaching guide for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level bowlers. This book is designed to push any bowler to the highest level and enable professionals and elite amateurs to stay there.The Handbook is organized into five sections: preparation for competition, routines before and during competition, keys to peak performance, advanced strategies for tough challenges, and team and family dynamics. Each section details information and concerns most important to the bowler,providing techniques for self-evaluation and the development of specificpsychological strategies necessary for that sound mental game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Mental help for any bowler...
I found the book easy to read and understand. I have applied some of the things I read in the book and found them useful and I feel over time the new approach to bowling will improve to my good.

Great investment
When ever you buy a book containing psychology, you think to say "I knew that!", but this book pinpoints the essens of bowling psychology. I've focused on several things that for sure will make me a better bowler.

very helpful book
I purchased this book to help with my bowling, since as anovice bowler,
I was dismayed by my embarrassing performance when bowling with friends.
I would bowl a strike and then have a string of gutter balls.

I found this book really helpful, not just for bowling, but for achieving excellence
in other sports. I was able to apply the lessons to other challanging areas in my life.

The book gives a comphrehensive overview of this incredibly popular sport.The writers have laid out a step by step mental
plan of action that accounts for most contigencies and can used when someone has to psychologically prepare
onselfto perform at a high level.

The use of acronyms such as RALLY ( react, accept, learn, lean, yes )and the examples
of positive self talk particularly useful.

One of the best bowling books to date
I think this is one of the most up to date and detailed bowling books to date.It dives into the mental game aspect of the game and just helps you with the skills that most bowlers will need to take their game to the next level.

Not just psychological
Very in depth book on all facets of bowling not just the psychologoical aspects. Has good drills and if the drillsare performed, your average will go up. ... Read more

Product Description
In this exciting new book, Lewis Bowling, an instructor of physical education at North Carolina Central University, combines his experience as a personal trainer and physical fitness specialist with the current thinking about topics such as creatine use, machines versus barbells, and children's training to create a book that is both a practical how-to guide and a scholarly exploration of resistance training.

In addition to detailed pictures and descriptions of proper weight lifting techniques, Bowling has included chapters from two additional resistance training experts. Sonny Falcone, the strength and conditioning coach at Duke University, details parts of the regime used by Duke athletes such as power lifts, agility drills, speed training, and sport-specific exercises. He also discusses the differences between how athletes train and how those interested in health/fitness train. Dr. Terry Todd, a professor at the University of Texas and the leading authority on resistance training history, provides insights into its evolution from the ancient "physical culture" to what is now called the "physical fitness movement."

This book covers resistance training, exercise motivation, special population exercise programs, physiology, kinesiology, exercise prescription, and exercise safety. It will be useful to beginners looking to start an exercise program, experienced athletes, and all those in between. ... Read more

Book Description
For nearly 25 years, Novel & Short Story Writer's Market has been the only resource of its kind exclusively for fiction writers--no other resource provides as many listings devoted specifically to the craft of story. Each entry details what editors are looking for, how much they pay, how soon they respond and how to get in touch with them.

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Any writer writing any kind of fiction needs this essential resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Valuable Tool
Provides the names and addresses every writer needs.Be sure to use the latest edition, however.There's nothing worse than sending a cold manuscript to a nonexistent editor.

A Solid Guide to Fiction Markets
Every year Writer's Digest Books comes out with a new set of guides for writers, each containing updated entries and new articles. This particular guide is directed at fiction writers only; unlike in the more general Writer's Market, here literary journals publishing only poetry and magazines publishing