A Slow Bowling Start

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 10/1/2014; Updated: 9/8/2022

Everyone gets off to a slow bowling start from time to time during leagues or tournaments. You just cannot zip away to a fast scoring start each time you bowl. The trick to saving the session is to be patient and focus on making good shots instead of panicking and forcing your swing to try and get strikes.


Slow starts happen but how you respond will determine the outcome.
Here are a few tips to consider the next time you get off slowly in competition and not exactly as planned:

1. It's easy to dwell on poor shots, but it is imperative that you stay focused on the shot you are about to deliver. This not only helps you make a better decision in terms of adjustments and alignment, but it also keeps your emotions in check.

2. After a couple of bad shots most players start speeding up their feet and swing as the frustration mounts. This is a double-edged sword that will dig your hole even deeper.
Take a few deep breaths and check fundamentals like grip, posture, and alignment. The next step is to make smooth and good tempo swings to build up your rhythm and balance.

3. Bowling is a game that can change very quickly for any player. As easy as it is to make a bad swing and deliver a bad shot, it can be just as easy to make the next swing great, hit the pocket, and strike.
Be positive about every shot the outcome. Your next game just might end up being the best ever!

On another note, if your have leveled off in progress with your game, then simply bowl within your abilities and do not force results but rather make good shots and let positive results come your way.
Not to say that you cannot improve with putting in the effort and work to do so, it merely means that you may not be using your skills and techniques to your full advantage during competition, particularly if you are tense and nervous.

Use your resources and bowl within the skill range you have presently developed.
If you are not getting your ball to react right and are missing the pocket continually, then do something else and avoid stubbornness by trying the same thing again - change bowling balls. If you bowling balls, you give yourself a chance to make new, fine-tuning adjustments to hit the pocket again.

Avoid thinking about or working on too many things at one time. Focus instead on your immediate needs, on your physical game and how your bowling ball reacts when you make good shots.

Trust in your skills and use them wisely when it really counts to overcome a slow bowling start.