How Can I Keep From Falling Off My Bowling Shot?

bowlingball.com, Originally Published: 7/5/2015; Updated: 5/9/2022

If you ask how can I keep from falling off my bowling shot, then with a couple of simple fixes you can improve your balance and shotmaking?

Falling off of your shot generally refers to losing balance while sliding into the foul line and having to step across your body with your trail leg to keep from falling after delivering your ball.

Improving your slide step direction is the first fix.

Walk toward the center of your body on your step before your slide and then slide under your chin (the center of your body) which will develop a stable platform when delivering your bowling ball.

If you slide away from your body center in either direction, you will either “hop” after sliding or need to use your trailing leg to support you and prevent falling.

Creating maximum leverage and accuracy is developed by having your forward swing moving very close to your body with your bowling ball narrowly missing your sliding ankle as the ball passes your sliding step.

Your bowling ball will swing under your bowling shoulder missing your sliding ankle by a fraction of an inch.

Maintaining good balance when delivering your bowling ball improves your shot accuracy.

Another “fix” for falling off of your shot is to avoid walking stiff-legged with no knee flex during your approach.

If your knees are flexed just enough so the big muscles of your legs support your body weight while walking to the line, you can easily retain balance when swinging and delivering your bowling ball.

Walking very upright with no knee flex and then trying to bend forward from the waist suddenly while swinging and delivering your bowling ball invites poor balance at the foul line and the possibility of falling off of the shot, particularly if your slide away from the center of your body.



Maintain a reasonable amount of knee flex so your legs feel “springy” and slide under the center of your body with your bowling shoe pointing ahead to the pins.

Allow your trailing leg to sweep smoothly to the opposite side of your body with your shoe remaining in contact with the floor to counter support your body weight as you slide into the foul line.

These simple fixes will help you improve your balance and stop falling off your shot.