SolveYourProblem Article
Series: Bowling
Teach Me How To Bowl
How
To Bowl a Strike
A
strike is akin to the Holy Grail in the game of bowling.
It means that a player was able to knock down
the entire set of ten pins with the very first ball. Bowlers
whose score sheets show more “X” notations than any other scoring
are quite coveted within bowling leagues. Of course, some
beginners can knock down ten pins the first time
out, but keep in mind that the measure of a true bowler can
be seen in how often she or he can repeat this feat! To this
end, here are some helpful hints on bowling a strike – again
and again.
First
and foremost, foot placement is vital. You
might be surprised to see just how many bowlers do everything
else right,
only to wonder time and again why they seem to be incapable
of reaching that magic number ten, when in fact their stance
is way off. To ensure that you set yourself up for success,
make sure that – if you are right-handed – your left foot is
aimed directly at the frontal pin. Your right foot is obviously
located to the right of the frontal pin. Some bowlers feel
that this will place them at a disadvantage because they have
a natural tendency to approach the pin with their right foot,
yet this has proven to be a mistake. If you are not certain
about your footwork, ask someone to videotape your approach
to the pins. The odds are good that you will notice that while
your right foot is aiming at the frontal pin, your shoulders
are trying to make up for this stand by twisting – which may
account for some shoulder or back pain.
Once
your stance is proper, the bowling ball should
be held in your right hand in the backward starting position.
The very
step that you will take is with your right foot. As you take
your second step with the left foot, you will need to swing
your arm down. At this point, gravity should be guiding you.
The third step will once again involve your right foot, which
needs to be slid behind the left leg. You are now ready to
deliver the ball. This moment of letting go may be a moment
of truth for those who have not given much thought about how
to release a ball properly.
Novice bowlers make the mistake of releasing the bowl either
too early – usually which the arm is still in the midst of
the movement that brings it forward – while some wait too long,
not releasing it until the upswing has been completed. Both
techniques lead to balls that will most likely not make it
past the mid-lane with any strength left to reach the pins.
Instead, plan on releasing the bowling ball as you begin the
final upward motion. This happens concurrently with the one
foot being slid behind the other. Make sure that your wrist
is straight and that you are poised to deliver the ball over
the foul line. The first digit to leave the ball is the thumb.
Aim for the middle of the lane, and do not take your eyes off
the front pin.
Many bowlers do a great job up to that point, only to lower
their eyes and watch the ball depart. They are unaware that
it is not just their eyes that move, but also their shoulders
and even the upper torso. This, in turn, affects the trajectory
of the ball, and many a gutter ball has seen the light of day
because of this maneuver. Follow these tips, and you will be
able to roll many a strike again and again!
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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