Bowling Tips
A few Do`s and Don't from all of you.
First and Foremost
" Practice "
Do flex your knees about an inch or so in the stance. This is one of the best and comfortable positions in the stance. In addition, this helps coordination and alleviates muscular strain and tension in the legs and feet.
Don't constrict your muscles. It's very common to see bowlers who are very rigid and tense in the stance.
Do center your shoulders properly in the stance. A good delivery isn't possible without proper shoulder alignment.
Don`t control the ball with the pads of your fingers and thumb. The ball should be primarily controlled at the inside edges of the holes. The inside edges are found at the point on the rim of the thumb hole where the thumb exits the ball, and along the rim areas of the finger holes that are closest to the thumb hole, which also serve as the exit points for the fingers.
Do keep your grip relaxed throughout the stance and the approach. Squeezing the ball leads to an erratic and non-repetitive release routine. A grip is good only if it eliminates the necessity to squeeze the ball in order to hold it, while allowing for a quick and clean release at the proper instant. Squeezing is brought on by tension or a poorly fitted bowling ball.
Don`t put your thumb into the ball first. If you do, chances are high that it will be inserted too deep or not deep enough, and consequently the depth of your finger insertion will be similarly affected.
Do keep your elbow behind the ball throughout the swing.
Don`t vary the height of your backswing.
Do take your non-sliding step heel-to toe.
Don`t drift strongly. Drifting, which occurs when a bowler fails to walk straight through their approach, is one of the most damaging faults found in bowling, and invites a horde of subsequent errors. To correct a drift, first identify the step or steps that are going out of line. Then mark the approach with tape, thereby applying personal "out of bounds" lines to stay within. If done carefully, a moderate inward drift(to the left for right-handers) of two or three boards can help promote a strong inside-out downswing, resulting in a more forceful rotation on the ball.
Do stay at the line and watch your ball. I see a good number of bowlers, especially women, throw the ball then turn and walk back. You need to watch the ball actually "roll" over your mark, its line of travel and where the ball makes contact with the pins. Now you will be in a better position to make those needed adjustments; moving feet, mark, left or right to bring the ball to the "pocket".
Don`t wait too long to make those adjustments.
Do keep your mind on the present not on the past. I am sure everyone of us at one time or another has got upset at a bad game or frame. Staying upset will not change the past but may affect the next game or frame. It's over, now concentrate on the present.
Don`t throw a dirty ball, they do need cleaning ever once in awhile. Most players clean them before or after bowling.
Remember we all go through slumps, times when we don't know what's wrong. Go back to basics, walk straight and follow through.
Do relax, enjoy the game!
Tips from our Visitors
Joe Furry, Jr.
When I used to instruct I had many a student over correct their starting position. The old rule applies, if you miss left you move left. If you miss right, move right. What I mean by over correction is this. Instead of moving your starting position by a board left or right, try this, I am a lefty so I will speak as such. If I am to deep into the 1/2, I move an inch or two back on the same line. I move forward an inch or two if I am to high. If this fails I move a board left or right. I have found that this simple adjustment has made the difference. Try it, see if it works for you. (date 2-20-2000)
According to Los Angles orthopedic specialist Charles T. Resnick, serious bowlers and even those who bowl occasionally are among those vulnerable to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. DR. Resnick recommends the following:
- Avoid jerking your wrists while bringing the ball back.
- Take longer breaks between frames to allow your hands, wrists, and arms time to relax.
- Regularly stretch your fingers and wrists to reduce the likelihood of developing muscle problems and tendon problems.
- Choose a lighter ball. This will reduce the amount of stress placed on your hands and wrists.
- Make sure sure the finger grips you use allow you to grasp the ball comfortably and firmly.
Remember, if you know of any tips that might help some struggling bowler, please let me know.
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