From Gutterballs to Strikes: Correcting 101 Common Bowling Errors [Paperback]

Mike Durbin (Author), Dan Herbst (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Although there are countless instructional books on how to bowl, there aren't any that tell you something much more important�how to correct what you're doing wrong. Through the expertise of former Professional Bowlers Association superstar Mike Durbin, From Gutterballs to Strikes provides bowlers of all levels with quick tips and solutions for correcting 101 of the most common bowling errors. Knowing how to correct mistakes is a vital part of any athletic endeavor; that's why coaches serve such a crucial role. But with the exception of top-level players, few bowlers have the benefit of personal coaching. This book lets Mike Durbin serve as your very own bowling coach. Your game will improve quickly and dramatically with his easy-to-follow corrections to bowling's 101 most common errors�from bad foot position to poor timing to improper arm swing. Mike Durbin is the only bowler to have won the sport's crown jewel, the Tournament of Champions, on three occasions. A 14-time PBA Tour champion, he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1984. Durbin now serves as a commentator for ESPN's coverage of the PGA Tour. Dan Herbst is the author of eight sports-instruction books, including Bowling 200+, Bowl Like a Pro, and Bowling 300. He has written articles for Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and Bowlers Journal, among other publications.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mike Durbin is the only bowler to have won the sport's crown jewel, the Tournament of Champions, on three occasions. He has served as a commentator for ESPN and is in the Professional Bowlers Association's Hall of Fame.

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Dan Herbst is the coauthor of Bowling 300. He writes for Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and Bowlers Journal among other publications.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 167 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809230585
• ISBN-13: 978-0809230587
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #989,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Bowling

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real help..., February 2, 2000

By 

Adrian Ragucos - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Gutterballs to Strikes: Correcting 101 Common Bowling Errors (Paperback)

I bowl regularly in an extremely competitve league. During a purple patch, I found my scores dropping from 200 to 140, which isn't good. I decided to get some help from Mike Durbin and his book, and what I got in return was some real help. This book focuses on the common errors that plague any serious bowler, like your pushaway, your timing, and so on. It also contains some extremely helpful tips, which Durbin gives on past experience (any experience from a bowler like Durbin is sure to improve your game), such as wrapping your thumb in a facial tissue and then inserting it into your thumb hole, all to gain a better fit. Although not still at my best, I gained some pinfall, and a little bit more. However, it is best not to buy this book if you are just a recreational bowler, who wants to learn more about the game. It is more of a "2nd time" book; good for those who have a good understanding of the game. I suggest, for beginners, buying "Bowling: Steps To Success", by Bob Strickland.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tips that WILL improve your bowling score, June 22, 2002

By 

Joseph Boone (Irvine, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Gutterballs to Strikes: Correcting 101 Common Bowling Errors (Paperback)

I've never been a particularly apt bowler. At my peak, I struggled to bowl over 140 in a game and more recently as a very occasional bowler it was all I could do to crack 110. After reading this book, I decided to focus on just a few of the most basic issues such as how to hold the ball, how to aim correctly, etc. to see what it would do for me.

The results were dramatic. After struggling for a game to adjust to the new mechanics my score shot up by 40 pins the next game. Even more amazing, I didn't bowl again for 6 months, then went out and shot a 177 which was the best score of my life. If I hadn't tightened up the last 2 frames I would have broken 200.

An essential primer in the fundamental mechanics of bowling, this book is a great resource for recreational or beginning bowlers. Practice what the author preaches and you'll be a much better bowler!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for advancing to the next level, December 17, 2001

By 

Colby May (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Gutterballs to Strikes: Correcting 101 Common Bowling Errors (Paperback)

Let me first say that this is not a book for beginners. As a "conventional" bowler (read: straight) looking to advance to the next level and develop a hook-style of throwing, I've found this book to be quite useful. The photo-illustrations are very helpful, and instructional dialogue is presented in a clear and sometimes amusing fashion. While it won't give the basics to somebody who's never bowled before, it will help the recreational bowler looking to improve his or her game and increase pin average. While I originally expected a book of just "tips" and "fixes", what I got was a complete book that incorporates the 101 mistakes into the big picture. Nice job.