Put The Bowling Pocket In Your Pocket
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Originally Posted: 12/17/14; Updated: 4/2/21If you really want to improve your game and are just getting serious about bowling, then it is time to put the bowling pocket in your pocket.
Aligning to the pocket and then adjusting as needed when the lane conditions change are the real keys to good scoring.
As you may know, the center of the pocket is located on the 17.5 board on the pin deck, about two boards inches from the center of the head pin spot.
A solid pocket hit for right handed bowlers is one in which the bowling ball contacts the head pin first and then contacts the 3 pin next. With a modest hook delivery, the ball will continue past the head pin and 3 pin and contact the 5 pin next followed by the 9 pin.
Left handed bowlers must contact the head pin and 2 pin to hit the pocket then contacting the 5 pin and 8 pin with a modest hook delivery.
Hitting the pocket gives you the best chance at getting a strike.
When you do not get a strike when you hit the pocket, you generally get a nine pin count and leave a relatively easy spare to convert.
Adjustments in initial alignment will be needed when a ball is delivered accurately toward your selected target but does not end up solidly impacting the pocket.
The “rule of thumb” for a right handed bowler is if you miss the pocket to the right, adjust your feet to the right. If you miss to the left, then move your feet to the left. The opposite works for left handed bowlers.
Do not make alignment adjustments based on a poor delivery. If you roll the ball over your sighting spot on the lane and miss the pocket, then an adjustment will help.
If you miss your spot on the lane, then you may not need to reposition your alignment on the approach but rather simply make a better shot next frame.
The amount of positioning adjustment on the approach for missing the pocket from your initial alignment, either to the left or to the right, depends on how far you missed the pocket.
If you feel you missed a solid pocket hit by about 5 boards, then adjust 5 boards on the approach and perhaps only half of that many boards at your sighting target on the lane.
Improving your spare shooting techniques will also help your scores. Fill frames (avoid open frames) and watch your scores rise.
Using a simple alignment system any coach can help you develop is the best method of gaining positive results when learning the game.
Improving your scores begins with a reliable alignment technique and hitting the pocket consistently.
If you have challenges in gaining good alignment and hitting the pocket, it is sensible to use the services of experienced bowling instructors to help you with your pocket alignment strategy.
