When did the bowling machine become a crucial bit of kit?

15 years ago, most people still scoffed at the idea. "It's crazy. What would be the point?" they said. "We already have human bowlers".

10 years ago there were plenty of machines around and they started to think there was a benefit in having one.

Now every serious club and school has one (or wants one). "We have been using it for years, it's invaluable" they now say.

The Bola is a classic example of how new ideas come in three stages:

1. "This guy's an idiot"
2. "Hmm he might have a point"
3. "We have done it like that for years"

It's not just about equipment either, training methods take just as long to come through the filter. From strength training to the Katchet, we are reluctant to take on new methods until they have been around a while.

But the really successful teams at every level don't wait. They are not ostriches with heads in the sand.

Remarkable people and teams take pride in being the first.

Before Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile mark it was considered beyond the realms of human ability. 4:01 was run several times. Then Bannister proved it could be done and everyone started doing it. But it was too late for everyone else. Bannister had already sealed his name in history.

The question is, would you rather be Roger Bannister or the guy who did it second?

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