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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