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REMEMBER, bowling is a game. Leave your cares outside the bowling alley and concentrate on what you're doing.
Not only will you have more fun, but your game will improve as well!
Choose your bowling ball with CARE. Pick a ball that is neither too heavy or too light for you.
It's a good idea to have a ball of your own because it will save you the time and effort of choosing from rental balls at every bowling alley you go to.
Besides, if you like your ball and are comfortable with it, you're more likely to do better at bowling as well!
How you approach the foul line is up to you. Some bowlers use a three step and others use a four or a five.
The four and five step approaches allows the bowler to have more momentum and makes the ball seem lighter.
For a consistent delivery, keep your shoulders SQUARE to the foul line and keep your back STRAIGHT.
At first you might have trouble remembering to do this, but keep reminding yourself, and it will eventually become automatic to you.
Keeping your back straight doesn't mean that you can't bend slightly when you release the ball, but you should bend from your waist and not your back.
When throwing, don't bend your arm or swing it away from your body.
Try to keep it straight and close to your body. It's okay to bend your arm slightly
at the elbow, as long as the inside of your elbow is pointed down the lane.
...to the foul line that is! You should be about six inches from the foul line when you release the ball.
This will life the ball a short distance over the foul line before it touches the lane, allowing it to go farther.
If you release the ball to far from the foul line, it will lose speed before it hits the pins.
Keep your fingers, especially your thumb, RELAXED as you hold the ball.
Don't squeeze your fingers or grip the ball to tightly, or you'll mess up your throw.
This is another good reason to have a ball of your own that fits your fingers properly.
Use finger inserts if the holes on your ball don't fit right.
You should release the ball as it is moving past the ankle of your sliding foot (the foot you take your last step with).
As you slide, you need to bend your knee to get the ball low enough to pass your sliding ankle,
then straighten your knee as your release the ball. This is a difficult movement, but your coordination will improve as you practice.
...to follow through. To check to see if you're following through, freeze your arm after you release the ball.
Your hand should be at the level of your shoulder or higher, and it should face the target.
Keep your eyes on the target at all times. This will keep your head steady and your body properly aligned.
If you're not happy with your game, ask yourself what you might be doing wrong. Analyze your movements.
Whether you're playing or practicing, think about what you're doing. Be aware of your position.
Develop your OWN style. Don't try and copy another bowler. Your game depends on how well you make your movements.
It would also be helpful if you watch the PBA (Professional Bowers Association) on T.V.
Always remember to make time for practice. If you keep practicing you're more likely to do better and improve your game.
Plus, LISTEN to your coach! :)
© Brandi Lynn Carr. All Rights Reserved.