Barry's Bowling Tip'sBowl Like A Pro

Tips for bowling?

I’m a beginner and when I bowl, my hands hurt and I’m not sure if its because I’m not use to it, using too big of a ball or what. I tried an 8 pound ball, but my fingers didn’t fit, the 10 ball wouldn’t stop spinning and so far, the 12 ball, I had the best luck with, but my score was at highest 50-70 and I was wondering…

Maybe you would need to take lessons with your local certified bowling coach and get fitted for your own bowling equipment at a pro shop. I’m not certified to give lessons, but my experience is based upon bowling as a professional and in scratch leagues/tournaments. It’s up to the bowler to listen and grasp advice at their own risk of gaining bad habits, but here goes…

1. Relax at the approach and quickly visualize what you want to do when releasing the ball based on how it reacted during practice.

2. Start your approach by addressing the ball at whatever height from high to low depending on your style and ball speed, then begin your 1st step with pushoff.

3. On your 2nd step, your backswing should start and be smooth with your arm parallel to your body and swinging straignt like a pendulum. (some bowlers use a “figure eight” swing, inside-out or tend to “chicken wing”, which are bad habits to some and successful for a few…..)

4. When moving the ball forward before your release, you can either have your hand cupped around the ball for more revolutions/hook or a relaxed grip with less revs and a straighter trajectory as a result.

5. At the time of release, an release further up the lane will make the ball react quicker and a lofted release will guarantee further distance down lane before hitting the breakpoint. (also, the way your bowling ball is drilled, it’s coverstock and core shape/density can determine how it reacts on the lane and further information can come from your driller)

6. After release, your arm and sliding foot should be aimed at your target or breakpoint and hand ending up like you just shook someone’s hand.

7. If all basics are followed, enjoy your strike! If not, practice and experimentation helps a lot. Also, learning muscle memory is a must so that your approach, delivery and release will be the same most every time. Bowling is not a sport easily mastered because it’s much like golf due to changes in oil patterns and possibly the way you physically and mentally feel on any given day.

Good luck!

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