Every time a bowler throws their first ball in a frame, there is ONE hope in the forefront of his mind, “Please let it be a STRIKE!”
Knocking down all ten pins with a single bowl is the best possible outcome and the goal to which all bowlers aspire. We all experience “beginners luck” at first, but then seem to lose sight of whatever we did to make it happen.
We all admire the bowler who can get multiple strikes in a game. Thankfully, there are bowling tips and techniques you can learn to replicate that magic moment, and start bowling strike over and over again!
Where do you begin?
Right where you stand. Literally. The fundamental to your bowling success is where you place your foot. Even if you do everything else in the right way, if your feet are not where they need to be, the ball won’t go where it needs to either!
Are you right or left handed? For left-handers, aim your right second toe at the 1-pin. For right-handers, aim your left second toe at the 1-pin. It may feel odd at first, but make no mistake…it works! Watch the foot placement of pro bowlers and you’ll see they do it too.
Keeping your proper foot pointed at the front pin allows your shoulders to relax and square up with the foul line, making the ball more likely to go where you want it to.
Step up to the swing
You now know where to begin. Let’s talk about where we’re going…to your first intentional strike. Cradle your ball and retract your arm. You’re just four steps away from bowling your first strike ball! If you are right handed, step with your right foot, then with your left foot. As you step with the left foot your ball arcs downward. Take your third step with your right foot as the force of the ball lifts your arm upwards. Releasing the ball and use your left leg as a counterweight to keep your balance.
Release the ball
It’s crucial to let go of the ball at the proper time. If you release too soon, your ball will probably start rolling early and it won’t have sufficiency energy to knock the pins down. If you release on the upswing, you’re likely to divot the lane at worst, and roll into the gutter at best. The most appropriate time to release the ball is just as centrifugal force starts to guide the ball upward. You’ll feel it in your hand as gravity begins to pull at the weight of the ball. Be sure your wrist is straight and relaxed and that you’re aiming for the strike zone (the little “x” on the lane in between the arrows).
Following through
As you release the ball, remember to NOT look at it. Your eyes should remain fixed on your target and your arm should continue its upward arc even after releasing the ball. It happens all too often when a new bowler pulls his arm back quickly and watches the ball, only to have it roll off course. You definitely don't want that happen to you! Where your eyes are looking is usually where your shoulders and feet are facing. And we know that to bowl a strike, they all need to be facing forward!
By following these simple bowling techniques, you’ll start bowling strikes more consistenly. You will amaze your friends and make the competition disappointed. You can stand proud knowing that you have mastered the skills required to bowl a strike again and again!
