Slide or Plant?

[Chase]

When I first started bowling, I learned to slide. But, after having 2 REALLY terrible falls at Metro Lanes (Atlanta) last year, I stopped sliding completely... too scared to ever try sliding again. I actually still have a slight pain in my left knee from the fall i took. The Metro center's approaches are very very sticky... So since last summer I have only planted at the foul line.

Lately, I have been seeking to improve my bowling, and the first thing that I noticed that is different than the way I was taught was that I don't slide anymore.

So, I guess my question is, "Is there any advantages to sliding ...over planting at the foul line?" Or does it even matter?

[Martin "BLUFLAME" Seay]

When I was in college, we had a clinic with Richard Shockley. One of the better bowlers asked the same question, because he planted. Richard told him that by sliding you reduce some of the wear and tear on your knee, because there is no give. I used to slide also, until I met up with Metro's approaches. I found I was spending more time in the practice time we get before league starts adjusting my shoe soles, instead of finding the line. I went to a plant, and have never had an approach problem since. I think it gives me a better balanced base personally.

[Don Hemanes (Rhinoman)]

i have been a slider all my life. However; in the last few years I have been experiencing serious back pain (work related) and my slide has cause my back to give out on numerous occasion. Particularly at Metro where I have fallen more than I care to share... I have studied and pratice a plant but it seems that has a harsher effect on my back than sliding. So with that being said, I am still a slider just not so fast.

[Rodney Scott]

I have been a slider for 40 years, when I plant, i find myself launching the ball. I have slowed my approach so that I have as little slide as possible. Also, sliding may be a little better for the knees, but not much. Often when sliping you come to an abrupt halt, bot that is tough on the knee. i will remain a slider though.

[Cedron Johnson]

My knee will not allow me to be a planter so I will be a slider for life. As for the approaches at Metro Lanes, I have had to make my own heal (since I was still unable to slide with a 7 heal). I took an ebonite slide sock and used the material as a new layer on an old heal. This may be extreme for some but has been the ideal solution for me. I can not use it anywhere else so I have given it the name "Metro heal".

Whether planting or sliding is best its a matter of preference. Sliding tends to benefit the stroker style while the planting benefits the cranker style. If you are a tweener, you may get away with either style where planting can generate a higher rev rate.

[Martin "BLUFLAME" Seay]

I totally agree about rev rate. Since I have switched to a plant my revs are alot higher.

[Tariq Shakir]

Chase I find out what is most comfortable, then you should use that style. For me, I like sliding because it takes the stress off my knee and back. Mid-Town is the worst house to slide in.