Bowling Blindfolded

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 10/3/2014; Updated: 9/1/2022

Have you ever felt you were bowling so poorly you might as well have been bowling blindfolded?
It can seem like you will never again bowl a good game or series when you are “locked up in jail” when on the lanes.
Here are a couple of tips to get things going in the right direction:
1. Make smooth and well paced steps without rushing the line faster than when you are bowling your best. This technique will re-establish a good tempo.
2. Swing the ball back to the top of your swing swiftly and with no arm tension.
3. Make a smooth transition from the top of the swing downward and to a full follow-through position without turning the ball early. Stay behind the ball as long as possible to avoid rotating the fingers of your bowling hand sooner than needed.
4. Keep your eyes focused on your mark.

5. Avoid putting the “vulcan death grip” on the bowling ball. Squeezing your ball excessively only adds muscle tension and makes your swing struggle maintaining good tempo.
6. Avoid overlooking routine spare shots. Pay full attention to converting spares and doing damage control while you are trying to get your game back on track.
If you have any concerns about aspects of your game, consult an experienced bowling instructor.
Bowling blindfolded can be a temporary metaphor if you focus instead on the key fundamentals important to your game and trust your ability to make good shots.