Checklist For Beginner Bowlers

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 2/6/2013; Updated: 7/21/2021

If you are a beginner bowler learning to bowl, there are a few tips which will help you develop good bowling skills and have some fun.


 This 10 step checklist will help you develop basic bowling fundamentals:  

1. When first setting up on the approach in preparation to bowl, lean forward slightly so the front portion of your shoulders are positioned directly over your knee caps. Check that your bowling shoulder is no more than an inch or so lower than your non-bowling shoulder. Maintain this upper body position all the way through your approach and delivery of the ball.


2. In your stance position, hold the bowling ball with the center of the ball positioned in front of your bowling shoulder and about waist high (or as high as is comfortable). Keep your bowling hand underneath the ball. Use your non-bowling hand to help balance and support the weight of the ball until you move the ball into your swing.


3. Flex your knees slightly during your set up and maintain this amount of knee flex while walking to the foul line to deliver your bowling ball.


4. Your weight should be distributed fairly evenly over both bowling shoes but with a bit more weight on the foot not used in your first step of the approach.


5. An even tempo with your footwork is important in making a consistent approach. Make a smooth start with the first two steps so you do not hurry the final two steps. If you are right handed, begin with the right foot and use 4 evenly paced walking steps with the final step being a smooth sliding step.


6. Keep your head and upper body from making unnecessary movements while walking to the foul line.


7. Begin the movement of the ball into the arm swing cycle by extending your bowling arm fully in the direction of your sighting target. This movement should occur slightly ahead of taking your first step.


8. Make a free, smooth and uncontrolled back-swing along your target path allowing the ball to reach shoulder level or slightly higher. The ball should be directly behind your shoulder at the completion of the back swing.



9. The forward swing should move downward and under your shoulder while keeping your bowling arm very close to your body. Your ball should pass no closer than an inch or so of the ankle of your sliding foot to avoid hitting your ankle.


10. After the release, the forward swing motion (known as the “follow-through”) should also maintain a target orientation. Your bowling arm should “follow-through” high enough to allow the elbow of your bowling arm to attain shoulder height or higher each and every delivery.


 No checklist can teach someone new to the game how to bowl, but these 10 tips can organize a process to follow when making a bowling approach. If you are new to the game and wish to learn the basic fundamentals of bowling, it is recommended you seek coaching from an experienced bowling instructor.
Properly developing the important fundamentals of the game from the onset will shorten the time it takes to become a good bowler.