Make The Pressure Bowling Shot

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 2/20/16; Updated: 4/9/2022

Make the pressure bowling shot. Although you might think this article is dedicated to top tier players, it is really applicable to everyone who competes in leagues or tournaments.

Pressure affects every bowler and some are more equipped to perform well when bowling “under the gun” than others just because of experience. Experience does mean a great deal when competing.

For those of you not in the habit of bowling in meaningful competition, however, where you are placed in a situation that matters to teammates, as example, the pressure of having to roll a strike or a good game to contribute to the team effort near or at the end of a league competition can be daunting.

Here are a few simple but proven tips to allow yourself the best chances at making a good shot when bowling under pressure:

*Make your decisions how you wish to deliver your bowling ball and where you are aiming before stepping onto the approach and preparing to bowl.

*Fully commit to your decisions.

*Visualize yourself making a quality shot and the ball tracking to the pocket and striking.

*Take a deep breath and breathe out slowly.

*Relax your arm, neck, and shoulder muscles.

*Make a smooth start to your approach.

*Avoid rushing your shot, especially your steps.

*Keep your upper body as still as possible when you slide and release your bowling ball.

*Retain a good spine angle and posture as you walk and deliver your ball.

*Hold your form after releasing your ball for at least one full second without losing balance nor sight of your aim point on the lane.



Simple tips such as these can make the difference in making good shots or not for bowlers lacking experience bowling in pressure situations.

You can practice pressure bowling. Use visualization techniques to place yourself in the “heat of bowling battle” and calm yourself before delivering a shot.

Make one good shot at a time and avoid thinking too far ahead of the moment.

Next time you face an important situation, make the pressure bowling shot.