Don't Get Too Steep With Your Bowling Ball Loft

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 4/7/2015; Updated: 3/4/2024

If you are averaging somewhere around 170 and if your ball bounces noticeably when it hits the lane as it exits your hand, it is a signal to don’t get too steep with your bowling ball loft.

When your ball enters the lane surface at too steep of a downward angle after leaving your hand, the ball will bounce more than it should and will adversely affect a consistent skid distance.

To best control your loft distance and your skid length, try and get lower to the lane surface by using your legs.

Make sure you get enough knee flex on your next to last step and with your sliding leg. Using your legs properly will help you get the ball lower to the lane surface when it exits your hand.

The middle portion of your ball should be at or near mid-calf distance from the floor at the moment you release your ball.

Maintain an athletic posture which retains the same spine angle you use when you take your stance on the approach before walking to the line.

Also, key your thumb to release from the ball at or very near the shoelaces of your sliding shoe.

Coupled with the momentum developed from walking to the line and swinging your ball, you can easily propel your ball over the line and use a gradual descent angle as it contacts the lane surface.

Visualize a passenger airliner coming in for a good landing on the runway. If you were aboard that plane, you would surely want a smooth landing and not come down at a steep descent angle and bounce and jar everyone onboard.

A gradual angle of descent when your ball enters the lane surface will help you control skid distance and ultimately control your ball reaction.

It helps to also regulate your ball delivery speed so you can get good control of skid distance in the front end of the lane.

If you think your ball bounces too much when it first contacts the lane surface, double-check your posture as you slide into the line.



Next, make sure you do not hand too long onto the bowling ball so it does not go upward into the air before falling onto the lane.

Get those knees flexed down so you can attain at least a 45 degree angle between your upper leg and your lower leg. Your bowling hand should pass mid-calf below the knee as you slide into the line.

If you are very stiff in the legs or have a physical disability prohibiting you to bend your knees when you slide, then it is recommended to work with an experienced instructor to help you get the best body position you can comfortably assume as you release your ball.