Badminton How To Play

I remember the first time I watched Robert Herndon PBA compete - it was during the 2023 PBA Tour Finals, and what struck me wasn't just his impressive 278 game score, but something more subtle about his approach. Much like Guevarra's observation about Barros' 'silent strength' being felt throughout, Herndon possesses this remarkable ability to command the lanes without appearing to exert visible effort. Having studied bowling techniques for over fifteen years, I've come to appreciate that true mastery often lies in these quiet moments of precision rather than flashy displays.

The core of Herndon's technique revolves around what I'd call 'controlled aggression.' His four-step approach lasts exactly 3.2 seconds from start to release, creating this beautiful rhythm that seems to slow down time. I've timed this repeatedly in my analysis sessions, and the consistency is remarkable. His ball speed consistently hovers between 18-19 mph, while his rev rate reaches approximately 375 rpm - numbers that might seem standard until you witness how he modulates them based on lane conditions. What fascinates me personally is how he maintains a 15-degree axis tilt while keeping his shoulder alignment perfectly square to the foul line. I've tried incorporating elements of this into my own game, though I'll admit achieving that level of consistency requires almost monastic dedication.

Herndon's career trajectory offers some fascinating insights into modern professional bowling. Since turning professional in 2015, he's accumulated 14 PBA titles, including that memorable 2021 U.S. Open victory where he converted 92% of his single-pin spares - a statistic that still impresses me whenever I revisit the match footage. His earnings have surpassed $1.2 million, but what's more telling is his 68% match play conversion rate in televised finals. These numbers matter because they reveal a pattern of mental toughness that separates good bowlers from great ones. I've always believed that spare conversion percentage tells you more about a bowler's championship mentality than strike percentage, and Herndon proves this theory beautifully.

The way he reads lane transitions reminds me of a chess grandmaster anticipating moves several turns ahead. During the 2022 World Series of Bowling, I noticed how he made three subtle ball changes within the first eight frames, each adjustment responding to oil pattern breakdown that others hadn't yet detected. This intuitive understanding of lane play demonstrates what Guevarra meant about that mix of technical precision and almost spiritual awareness. Herndon makes you feel the game differently - there's this quiet intensity that permeates the entire bowling center when he's locked in during crucial moments.

What many casual observers miss is Herndon's revolutionary approach to spare shooting. He employs what he calls the '3-6-9 system' with variations I haven't seen elsewhere. Rather than using the standard targeting method, he's developed his own visual markers that account for lane topography in ways that still baffle some of his competitors. I've incorporated elements of his 7-10 split technique into my coaching sessions, though I've modified it to suit amateur bowlers with less wrist strength. His success rate on the 7-10 is approximately 18% - nearly double the tour average of 9.7% - which sounds almost unbelievable until you see him execute it under pressure.

Reflecting on his career highlights, the 2019 PBA Players Championship stands out in my memory. Coming from the elimination bracket, he won seven consecutive matches, averaging 247.3 during that stretch. The way he closed out the final match with three consecutive strikes while facing a clearly deteriorating lane condition showed that rare combination of technical mastery and mental fortitude. It's these moments that make me appreciate bowling as both science and art - the mathematical precision of ball motion meeting the human element of performance under pressure.

Herndon's legacy extends beyond trophies and statistics. He's influenced how an entire generation approaches the sport, particularly in demonstrating that power and finesse aren't mutually exclusive. The 'silent strength' Guevarra described manifests in how Herndon makes extraordinary shots look routine, how he maintains composure during equipment failures, and how he's adapted his game through multiple ball technology revolutions. As someone who's followed bowling's evolution for decades, I consider Herndon's career a masterclass in sustained excellence - proof that in our sport, the quietest strikes often make the loudest impact.