Digi-Trax

Ebonite Digi-Trax is a video analysis program which enables objective (data based) measurements to be derived as it relates to tracking the balls path (from the foul-line to the pins). This is an absolutely spectacular program and it is taking the bowling community by storm. This program is being used by some ball manufactures to measure ball performance. It's being used by others to evaluate everything from the affect of pin position on ball path, to the affect of lane oiling patterns on scoring. The graphs that you see on some of the bowling ball literature are actually created with this type of technology.

The following list shows some (not all) of what Digi-Trax captures:
* Loft Distance
* Lay Down Board
* Launch Angle
* Break Point Board
* Break Point Distance
* Entry Angle
* Ball Speed
* Etc....

I mainly utilize this program to illustrate to bowlers the following concepts:
* Targeting consistency or inconsistency.
* Differences or similarities in ball-paths when comparing multiple balls. This is a great way to illustrate the affect of hand position, pin position, coverstock type, coverstock finish, etc...... and rank these based on their impact on ball-path.
* Illustration of lane play techniques. (Ex. playing down the boards, opening up the lanes, parallel vs. angular adjustments, etc....)

This program is great because it forces the bowler to acknowledge targeting variation. The issue is revealed in black and white. Data-driven and unchallengeable. Students are much more open to addressing their weaknesses when they are shown the errors of their ways using this technology.

My engineering background allows me to deal with the raw data as seen by Digi-Trax. Using this raw data and a bit of statistics, I take this data and convert it into an easily understood performance measure. I then use this performance measure to document proficiency and mastery of various skill sets which are themselves the foundation for success in this game.

In summary, Digi-Trax is the bowling coaches dream. And if your tired of hearing "this ball goes longer......., this ball hooks more....., etc...." with every new ball release. Try your hand at this. Have your delivery or arsenal evaluated to see what's really going on.