How Can I Tune My Bowling Game?

By: bowlingball.com, 3/21/16

If you are a bowler averaging between 140 and 170 and are asking how can I tune my bowling game, then there are methods of doing it during your practice time when scores do not matter?

Here is a sequenced tune-up checklist for your physical game to sharpen your skills:

*Set-Up: Set your spine angle about 10 degrees forward tilt and make sure your bowling shoulder is no more than an inch or so lower than your non-bowling shoulder and faces your sight target.

Maintain a slight amount of knee flex in your set-up. Your weight should be distributed fairly evenly over both bowling shoes with perhaps a bit more weight on the foot not used in the first step of your approach.

*Footwork: Walk lightly and smoothly to the foul line. Avoid digging into the floor and lunging into your slide step. Even if you are a player with relatively fast footwork, do not exceed your usual pace of walking to the foul line.

It is generally best make a smooth start with the first two steps of your approach to set the pace throughout the approach with emphasis on not hurrying the final two steps.

*Balance: Keep your upper body from making unnecessary movements while walking to the foul line.

Keep your head as motionless as possible throughout your approach. Try to maintain a consistent elevation from the floor while you walk to the line so your head does not bounce.

Keep the front portion of your bowling shoulder aligned with your target on the lane as you walk and swing your bowling ball.

*Swing: Work on a consistent trigger to begin your swing cycle. Avoid using too much arm tension forcing the ball to the top of the backswing or to begin your downswing by grabbing at the bowling ball.

Arm tension is a major reason for ineffective swings.

When your bowling hand reaches the top of your backswing, allow gravity to help the ball fall into the downswing motion.

*Release: If you hook the bowling ball, try to rotate the ball as your hand reaches your bowling shoe of your sliding step. You may exit your thumb from the ball prior to your hand reaching the release zone but avoid rotating your fingers until your they arrive at the laces of your sliding shoe.

Regulate the moment of release by keying your thumb to exit the ball at the same relative position each delivery.

*Finish & Focus: Work on holding your form at the line after you release the ball and until your ball passes the targeting arrows.

Focus of your eyes on your sight target until the ball passes the target. Do not diminish the importance of committing to hitting your target.

Consult with an experienced bowling instructor if you are having problems tuning up your game. This tune-up checklist can help you self-monitor your physical game between visits with your coach.

Work on the strengths of your game to sharpen your skills.