Bowl One More Game
Updated 7/13/2020If you want to tune-up your bowling, bowl one more practice game. Don’t bowl for score. Instead of bowling for score, use the additional 20 or so deliveries to work on a key part of your game which might be slipping.
If you are struggling a bit with certain spares when you bowl in competition, then use the extra game of practice to address the issues relating to the spares you struggle with the most. This can help cut down the number of open frames and improve your scores.
You may need work on the 10 pin or 7 pin spares. If so, roll ten consecutive deliveries at that “pest” corner pin and make certain your alignment is right and your sighting target on the lane matches where you slide at the foul line, not where you stand when first setting-up on the approach.
Bowlers too often drift toward the center of the lane when rolling at the ten pin (right handed bowlers) and cut off an effective angle at the spare. Make sure you are aligned properly so your walking path to the line does not prohibit you from rolling your
bowling ball over the sighting target. Get comfortable on the even numbered lanes where the ball return unit may be an issue when you take your stance position.
If you feel one or more areas of your physical game need attention, then use the additional frames to address those challenges. If you think you are walking too rapidly when you bowl in leagues or in tournaments, then work on your pace of footwork.
Count cadence if you must to ensure your
bowling shoe steps are taken uniformly and you allow the same amount of elapsed time for each approach regardless if it's for a strike delivery or a spare delivery.
If your timing is getting late because you suspect you are holding your ball from freely entering into the back swing cycle, then work on getting your supporting hand off of the ball quickly and allowing your ball to swing freely and smoothly into the back swing with no hesitation.
If you think you are turning the ball too early and making too many errant shots, then work on staying behind the ball with your bowling hand and not rotating your bowling fingers until you enter the release zone at the bottom of your forward swing cycle.
If you are losing balance during your approach, check your set-up and make certain you get into an athletic posture before beginning your approach. Maintain good posture as you walk to the line and avoid unneeded head and shoulder movements which might adversely cost you a good delivery.
Practice holding your form at the foul line after delivering your bowling ball until you see the ball pass over your sighting target. We all get anxious to see the results of our delivery well before the ball has a chance to reach the pins. Use the extra frames to work on good balance.
You may have recently gotten a
new bowling ball or perhaps you may have recently resurfaced your existing equipment. Practice deliveries with these bowling balls and make certain you understand how they react when you line up for strikes or for spares. In fact, if you use a spare ball such as a plastic ball, make sure the ball feels right in your hand and you can get the same fluid delivery as you do with your strike ball equipment.
When you practice, leave little to chance. Work on the strong parts of your game so weaknesses dwindle away.
There may be times when rolling one more game of practice will lead to staying for yet another game of practice. If you have the time and money, push yourself to bowl one more game or perhaps another game beyond that so you have plenty of time to work on the keys to your game and to sharpen your bowling skills.
