How Can I Bowl With A Smooth Slide?

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 2/10/2015; Updated: 3/7/2024

If you ask how can I bowl with a smooth slide, follow a few simple tips and improve your technique.

Set up on the approach with a good amount of knee flex, perhaps one to two inches of flex to bring the big muscles of your legs into play.

Position your upper body over your sliding leg where your shoulders are directly over your kneecaps.

Use a good pair of bowling shoes and avoid cutting corners with shoes providing little sliding stability.

Begin your approach slowly and smoothly building each step slightly in speed as you move to the foul line. Gradually increasing the pace of each step will help you build momentum leading into your final slide step.

Your slide step must move toward the center of your body with your sliding leg supporting the full weight of your body.

Slide into the foul line area with the toe of your sliding bowling shoe pointing toward the pins.

Finish your slide no further than four inches behind the foul line.



The ball of your sliding step contacts the approach floor followed by your entire sliding bowling shoe surface which remains evenly contacting the floor.

Your upper body should remain as still as possible to maintain good balance throughout your slide.

Developing a long bowling slide gives you the best chances at consistently accurate deliveries.

So asking how can I bowl with a smooth slide shows you are interested in good shot-making developed through good balance.