Bowling Back Breakers

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 9/3/14; Updated: 4/13/21



If you are a relatively new bowler or one who is trying to progress in the game, there are a few bowling back breakers prohibiting progress in the game.


 In any athletic endeavor there are always a few things which can derail your path to improvement.
Here are a few back breakers you must try and avoid:

   1. Sticky approaches - Check the approach sliding areas by making practice slides before delivering your first shot of each session on the lanes. Check the corner sliding areas of the lanes you are set to bowl on to ensure you do not stick (or slip) and fall or foul by stepping over the foul line during competition.


2. Warm up deliveries - Don’t throw your ball too fast before warming up properly. Make the first few deliveries when warming up at a much slower speed than your normal operating ball speed. It is important to work up to your full ball speed than try and heave the ball your first deliveries. Establish a good tempo by warming up to the task.


3. Expect the unexpected - Do not assume you can play the lanes the same way you are accustomed to playing. Lane conditions can vary for a variety of reasons. Use your favorite bowling ball to warm up and to read the lane conditions and then keep an open mind to make adjustments in your initial strike ball alignment. Remember, your feet are not nailed to the approach. It is OK to move your alignment positioning to match with your delivery style and with the lane conditions.


4. Don’t be bashful to move - Once lane conditions change from the amount of linage accumulated by all the bowlers rolling shots on the same lanes during competition, make an assessment of how much you need to adjust and then trust your decision. Knowing how to adjust and which adjustments from your bag of tricks are the most likely to be successful and then implementing the adjustment is a key in making real progress as a player.



5. Speed kills - Avoid getting too fast with your steps when you get excited in competition. Trying to force your delivery and hurrying your swing and your steps is a sure way to begin making errant shots. Develop a constant tempo to use throughout your session on the lanes.


6. Rifle your shots at spares - If you are prone to throwing your ball harder at spares than you routinely do at strike deliveries, then expect problems converting spares. The corner pin spares are crucial to pick up and if you try and heave the ball faster than you can control the direction of the shot, you invite accuracy problems. Use a spare ball to reduce unexpected hook and use your best ball speed where you can control your shot, particularly at corner pin spares.
It is no secret that the more you practice, the more familiarized you become with the tricks of the trade. Avoid these back breakers listed above and work on your game in a proactive way.


 To best know your game, get out and practice as often as time and money permit. Practice your spares more than strikes. Cutting down on the amount of open frames you record in a typical three game league session, as example, will help you raise your average.
If you have any concerns about aspects of your game, consult an experienced bowling instructor.