Lopes use new technology to grow their game
By: Zach Melcher/GCU Club Sports Writing Staff
Not your average bowling practice. Story And Photo Courtesy Of GCU.
The Grand Canyon University Bowling teams were allotted the opportunity to train at B3 Performance, a new training facility that combines bowling and technology to offer personal in-depth analysis.
“I hold college bowling close to my heart, and I am so excited that everybody is here,” said B3 Performance co-owner Brandi Calderon. “This is huge for them to have access to the highest level of technology bowling has to offer in terms of targeting, evaluations, and lane play.”
The Lopes were the first college bowling team to hold a training session at B3, and the opportunity is something the Lopes’ Head Bowling Coach Ben Canfield hopes to take advantage of.
“The services and technology they have offers us individualized data that goes beyond what a coach’s eye can see,” said Canfield. “It is so valuable for us to use the tools they have to help us elevate our game.”
Each of the Lopes performed a 10-shot ranking session using a computer system that provides metrics about each shot. The metrics cover accuracy, power, entry angle, and many other useful shot analysis tools. Along with the 10-shot analysis, the Lopes’ bowlers got the chance to work on other aspects of their game, such as shooting spares and other mini-games.
“This was actually my first-time training at a center like this and I really enjoyed it,” said Lopes’ senior Duncan Kesler. “Being able to see exactly what was happening on each throw makes a huge difference in understanding our game.”
After the sessions were completed, the reports were compiled and sent to Canfield to allow him to see precisely what each of his bowlers need to adjust.
“The reports are awesome, because it allows our coach to create individualized practice plans that will help benefit the entire team,” said Kesler. “I absolutely hope this is something the team has the opportunity to do again.”
The Lopes will put the knowledge they gained from their training session to use immediately as the men’s bowling team heads to San Jose, California for the Tony Reyes Memorial Tournament this weekend.