Bowling Tips

Some tips to help you master your game -

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The Follow Through. One of the most overlooked errors of bowlers. A consistent release must also have a consistent follow through on the shot, it will maintain a constant in your game. If you release the same way and yet alter the amount of follow through it will affect your ball speed and it's 'break point' on the lane. No follow through usually results in weak hits on the pins and not as much pincarry. Keep that momentum rolling by making sure you follow through on every shot.

Shooting the ten pin. For some it's the easiest pin on the deck, for others it may as well have crazy glue on the bottom. The conversion of this single pin spare is generally a mental problem for most bowlers. Fearing the ten pin will cause uneccessary errors. Just relax, line up for your spare shot and don't think too much about 'what' pin it is. If you have trouble with the ball hooking too much try 'breaking' your wrist ( let it bend 'back' a bit ) it will take some of the hook off your ball.

Footwork. It can make all the difference in your game as well. Developing the footwork to match your bodies natural 'timing' for the game is not as simple as one may think. There are two common types of approach, the four step delivery and the five step delivery. In the four step delivery, the ball is 'pushed away' on the first step, downswing on the second step, reach the height of your backswing in mid third step and the release of the ball should coincide with your slide foots approach to the foul line. During practice pay attention to 'when' the ball comes off your hand, and work at that perfect timing... You'll be glad you did.

One of the most important aspects of your bowling game is your release of the ball. Many times if your grip is not 'comfortable' you will throw a bad shot. If you find the ball slipping off your hand too soon, try either blowing on your fingers or into the thumb hole of the ball. The steam from your breath will give just enough moisture to ensure a better grasp on the ball. If your thumb sticks in the ball too long, try using a little baby powder or rosin to ensure a drier and more smooth release of the ball. If the thumb hole is a bit too big for your finger bowlers tape allows you to insert a piece or two to tighten up the space between your thumb and the hole, and later if your thumb swells a bit you can remove the tape to keep a sure grip on the ball and a more consistent 'feel' to your release.

The first tip is PRACTICE. Take an hour one day this week and head to the lanes. Your game will improve if you have a knowledgable bowler to watch you throw a few frames and help you recognize the weaker points in your approach and delivery of the ball. If you throw a bad ball, they can see what you did wrong, and you can work on correcting the problem. When you are made aware of a dip in your shoulder, the angle of your hand upon release of the ball or a problem in the timing of your delivery, you will conciously try to 'not' make the same mistakes. Be aware of your motions, stop at the foul line and think about your finishing position. Did you follow through the shot? Are your shoulders square to the lane? Did your feet finish too close or too far from the foul line? Minor adjustments to your body position can mean the world of difference to your game. Try it out and see for yourself. Good Luck!

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