Bare Bones Bowling

I just finished reading this book. I am a 192 league bowler and my expectations were very high given the author's pedigree. This book did not disappoint. This is perhaps the best book on the market for a thorough technical understanding of the modern mechanics of bowling. As brilliant as Voss is as a bowler, I think he may be even better as an author and instructor. His understanding and insights of the mechanics of timing, footwork, and arm swing are indispensable for someone looking to improve their game. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Even 220+ league bowlers may find value in this book. I have read a substantial amount of material regarding bowling and I would also recommend the following items sold on Amazon for bowling: Mark Baker's book "The Game Changer", Fred Borden's book "Bowling: Knowledge is the Key" (a bit dated but still very good), and Norm Duke's dvd "Learn To Bowl Competitively" (note that Norm Duke and Brian Voss are Principals and founders of Next Level Bowling, as well as very good friends).

The author has a great style for keeping my interest. Lots of ideas, but presented in a pleasant and clear way. A lot of what he says is for advanced players. But as a senior and new to bowling, I still found lots of good ideas. I think it helped get me off to a good start. But I don't ever expect to be what the author calls a "power bowler."

Very in-depth and through treatment to bowling principles and styles. I bought this book for 'Bones' the skeleton as I liked the graphic for my visualization practice. Covers more than a new bowler like myself needed but is still a great resource for later. I liked this book much better than 'The game changer'. To compare I would rate this book up there with Bowling Fundamentals, 2nd edition.

I'm 65 and have only been bowling for 7 years. When I started I looked a lot of old bowling videos and noticed that something was different about Brian Voss's swing but I didn't know what. A couple of years later I saw a Youtube video of him giving a clinic and he talked about the concept of walking by the ball. I knew then what made his swing different.I told my coach about his idea of walking by the ball and my coach tried it, liked it so much that he now uses it in his lessons. I got this book last spring because my coach said my push away was weak. I improved so much with Brian's idea of the first step I then worked on my second step ( it had become too short for some reason). I took his advise and looked at my feet when I was practicing. It took some getting use to but it helped tremendously. I think the real key to success with this book is to " feel" what he is trying to get across. He works with the concept of swing being like a pendulum and gives a couple of drills for the first two steps. I can now feel what he is saying with the help of the drills and diagrams in the book. It takes some effort and off lane practice to get the feel. But with the help of a standing mirror and a 5 pound kid's toy bowling ball I've added 25 pins to my average. I know this is long and rambling but I really can't express in words how good this book is. If one wants to improve their game and has the time I highly recommend buying this book. It also helps if one has a coach who is open to Voss's concepts. It makes it that much easier. Bowl good.

This book is a must have for every bowler. It is well written and easy to understand, and I had many "ah hah" moments. This book gives a comprehensive look at the mechanics with the body and the ball that is easy to understand. My husband who has bowled all his life and is advanced found it very useful as well. I will keep returning to this as a reference as I improve my game.

Quoting Brian, "I've always been someone who wants to know why things are as they are." Brian does a fine job of explaining the key elements of the process bowling and the bowling environment. Another quote from Brian, "It is my sincere desire that each and every one of you that read the things I have to say will somehow gain in knowledge about this great sport of bowling". I believe what he set down in print can go a long way towards fulfilling Brian's wishes. Borrowing a thought from Mark Baker, this book can go a long way towards changing people that just bowl into bowlers. And yes, Bowling is a sport. Highly recommended. Knowledge is a treasure that is worthless unless it is shared.

well written and easy to under stand and good art work

Excellent bowling instructional book. Brian Voss does a very good job using his skeletal human graphic to show necessary positions in approach and at the foul line.