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You've probably heard
these before, and you will without a doubt hear them again as
much as we bowlers like giving advice.
Any one of these alone is
pretty simple, performing all of them at the same time is another
story.
The idea is for all of these to become automatic so that you
don't have to think about any of them when you start your approach.
This requires lots of practice (see tip #9).
As with any advice, use what you need and discard the rest.
Don't
blame me if they don't help, just send me a check if they put you on
the pro tour!
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#1
Concentration |
I
have concentration listed first because without it, all of the others
will not happen. 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. One thing I do is
wear a watch and count to 4. It's not necessarily the extra time that
helps, but this gives you a familiar object to concentrate on, and it
also improves your "timing". Watch the second hand count 4 ticks, then
move your eyes to your mark as you begin your approach. This will work
providing you don't have to alter the position of your watch arm too
much.
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#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.
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#3
Back Straight |
This is one of the most difficult things to learn how to do
automatically, it seems instinctive to bend over when you set down a
16 pound object, but it is very important to keep your back reasonably
straight for a consistent delivery.
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#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, and not at the snack bar.
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#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.
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#6
Slide Straight |
You
absolutely must maintain your balance 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.
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#7
Follow Through! |
I
had these two words engraved on one of my bowling balls as a constant
reminder. 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.
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#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.
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#9
Practice, Practice, Practice |
And
when you've finished doing this... practice some more.
It's hard to be consistently good at anything, 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!
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#10
Have Fun! |
I
put this in here just in case the other nine do not work. You don't
have to average 200 to have a great time!
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