It's Bowling Post Time

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 7/30/17; Updated 10/7/2020

It’s bowling post time. If you have heard the term “post” at the foul line in bowling circles you should know it refers to being in a balanced position during your slide and release of the bowling ball.

In order to make sure you are well balanced and in a good posture position during your slide and release movements, post at the foul line and hold your finish form for a second or two without moving.

If you are not in a good body position when releasing your ball, you likely cannot hold your form at the foul line. This typically looks like "hopping" at the foul line or "falling off your shot". 

Balance is an important key in improving your game. Start by checking your posture in your stance and at the foul line after delivering your ball.

The critical moment to be in good form is as you enter your step before your slide step, also know as your power step.

At this point, you should already be in your release posture so all you need do is slide and complete your swing.

In short, retain good balance throughout your sliding step movements and when releasing the ball.

Use flexed knees with a slight upper body forward tilt so your shoulders are aligned directly above your knee caps as you enter your step before your slide and then retain that same spine angle during your slide step and when releasing your ball.

Eliminate any up and down bouncing movements leading into your final two steps.

A solid post position means your trail leg (balance leg) sweeps to the opposite side of your body from where your ball swings during your slide step and remains in contact with the approach floor.

This leg sweeping movement stabilizes your body as your slide distance increases in length during the sliding process.

This leg sweeping movements makes room for your arm swing path to be uninterrupted.

In the post position, your shoulders should be aligned directly above your knees to produce full support of your body weight with your slide leg.

The final post position includes sliding under the center of your body mass for balance and stability.

Your swing must complete to a full follow-through position where your bowling arm elbow reaches shoulder height or higher after the bowling ball is delivered.

It also includes your swing finishing high and toward your bowling ball delivery path angle (your aim point on the lane).

To simplify your body movements in getting into a solid post position involves two important factors, approach tempo and your spine angle tilt. Tilt your upper body forward (perhaps 10 or 15 degrees of spine angle tilt) in your stance position and keep it in the same posture throughout your approach and post position. Walk at comfortable pace of steps and match your steps to your swing cycle tempo. Hold your form as you slide and release your ball. If you want to improve your shot making skills, it’s bowling post time.

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