Performing all of them at the same time is another story. The idea is to
practice each so that they become automatic. You shouldn't have to think
about any of them when you start your approach... This requires lots of
practice.Ten Tips
You've probably heard these
before, and you will without a doubt hear them again as much as we
bowlers like giving advice. Each one of these alone is pretty simple.
Performing all of them at the same time is another story. The idea is to
practice each so that they become automatic. You shouldn't have to think
about any of them when you start your approach... This requires lots of
practice.
| 1. Concentration |
| Without concentration all of the
other steps are useless. Distractions, problems at home, school, or
work, discomfort (such as tight clothing), and many other things contribute
to you losing concentration at that last second. Try counting mentally
in your head from 1 to 3 (for 3 step approach bowlers). Then
synchronize your counting with your approach. Doing this helps you
focus on bowling and helps your timing.
|
| 2. Shoulders Square |
| For consistent deliveries, keep your
shoulders square to the foul line at all times. A "dropped" shoulder
can send the ball wide every time. This often happens when you rush
your approach. Maintain a moderate approach speed and be aware of your
shoulders during delivery.
|
| 3. Back Straight |
| This is one of the most difficult
things to learn how to do automatically. It seems natural to bend over
when you set down a 3 1/2 pound object but it's very important to keep your
back reasonably straight for a consistent delivery.
|
| 4. Arm Straight And Near Body |
| Bending your arm at the elbow and
swinging it away from your body are main contributors to an inconsistent
game. A slight bend at the elbow to obtain lift is alright, as long as
the inside of your elbow is pointing down your lane.
|
| 5. Knee Bent |
| It might seem natural to begin your
slide with a bent knee, then straighten it as you release the ball.
Although this will get you more lift, it's just one more thing you have to
get perfect for consistent bowling. Stay down at the foul line for
higher scores.
|
| 6. Slide Straight |
| Maintaining your balance is
necessary for proper ball delivery. In order for this to happen, you
have to keep your approach and slide perpendicular to the foul line at all
times.
|
| 7. Follow Through |
| This is probably the single largest
contributor to consecutive poor releases. It's not hard to bowl an
entire game before you realize that you are not following through.
Freeze your arm after release and check it's position after your ball
crosses over the mark, it should be about head high with your thumb pointing
over it's own shoulder.
|
| 8. Watch Your Ball Cross The Mark |
| It doesn't matter whether you focus
on a mark, or on an area of the lane, as long as you focus on something.
"Hold that pose" until your ball crosses over that mark, this will ensure
that you are not rushing out of your approach.
|
| 9. Practice, Practice, Practice |
| And when you've finished doing
this... practice some more. It's hard to be consistently good at
anything, especially if you only do it once a week. Get a friend to
watch your approach, or if possible, set up a video camera. You'll be
surprised at what you see.
|
| 10. Have Fun! |
| I put this in here just in case the other nine don't work. You don't have to average 200 or higher to have a great time! |
