Bowling Average Raiser Tips

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 11/8/2012; Updated: 8/17/2021

If you are a relatively new bowler or one who is experienced but is still averaging 160 or less, then there are a few tips you can follow to work on raising your scores.


1. The first tip is improving your spare shooting. There are numerous spare systems which can help you develop a technique of aligning to any spare you might leave. These systems are taught by successful coaches throughout the world. Many times, the simplest system works best.


Try using a system whereby you may roll the same speed as with your strike ball delivery so your muscles in your arm and legs are conditioned to repeating consistent deliveries. Regulating your bowling ball speed is an important key to accuracy.


It is a good idea to use a spare ball, usually a plastic coverstock, which minimizes surface friction and hook when rolling at the corner pin spares, particularly the ten pin for right handed bowlers and the seven pin for left handed bowlers.


2. The next key is to identify your initial strike alignment and target the pocket. If your ability to get lined up to the pocket increases, your percentage of pocket hits also soars. Getting lined up quickly guarantees fewer difficult spares to shoot and you will get more strikes.


 Getting lined up to the pocket is an essential component for any bowler wishing to gain high scores. When you hit the pocket often, the spares you leave become easier to convert. Missing the pocket or missing the head pin altogether leads to an assortment of awkward leaves on the pin deck.


3. The final key to raising your average is to sharpen your physical game skills. Work on the important fundamentals of your game. Improving your ability to release your bowling ball consistently to the pocket will enable you to get more strikes, leave fewer splits or difficult spare pin-formations, and will guide you in making decisions when to change bowling balls or make angle adjustments when the lane conditions change.



Check your set-up position, shoulder and hip alignment, work on the temp and direction of your footwork. Practice your arm-swing using a matching tempo as with your feet. Keep your head and shoulders still while walking to the foul line. Release your ball toward your sighting target and continue your follow-through motion to a full follow-through position. Hold your form at the line until your ball passes your down lane target.

It is no secret that the more you practice using an organized system for spare shooting, strike alignment and adjustments, and your physical game, you will raise your bowling average.


There remains one final consideration which most of you will categorically reject. Take bowling lessons from an experienced bowling instructor.


 In almost every case, it is like pulling teeth to get bowlers to spend a little money on coaching to help shorten the waiting time in attaining higher bowling scores. It is always a recommended procedure in any sport to take lessons with the objective of sharpening your skills.
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