Three Bowling Traps
bowlingball.com,
Originally Posted: 12/20/2014; Updated: 7/27/2022If you are trying to raise your average and are currently hovering in the 140 - 170 range, then watch out for three bowling traps.
Everyone wants useful tips to help their game but so few wish to use the services of a good coach to help improve their skills and avoid these traps.
If there are three things which can actually work against you but are commonly heard as “free advice tips”, then here they are:
1. “Reach out as far as you can” - this old school teaching was to reach out as far as possible instead of just a simple follow-through technique.
Truth is that if you reach out instead of reaching up to the natural extension of your bowling arm, you could pull your balance point forward and lose control when delivering your bowling ball.
The best technique is to reach up, not out. Reaching-up is a clear concept compared to reaching-out because it avoids risking a lunging motion with your upper body at the foul line and a corresponding loss of body balance.
2. “Take very slow bowling steps” - by walking too slowly and pausing between steps breaks down any momentum you can build during your approach. Slow steps generally indicate a late swing timing sequence and can lead to using excessive arm tension when swinging the ball.
Also, your ball speed might suffer slightly forcing you to resort to whipping your hand and arm fiercely to generate enough pure speed.
The best technique is to keep your steps moving smoothly and in tempo while allowing your swing to freely move matching the pace of your steps.
3. “Play the 2nd Arrow” - The ten board, or more commonly referred to as the 2nd arrow, is a good starting aiming point when targeting the pocket because most house conditions establish an oiling pattern which shows a cross lane build-up of oil conditioner near the 2nd arrow edges on both sides of the lanes.
The 2nd arrow is a good place to begin an initial alignment to hit the pocket but it is not a permanent sighting point, however.
Lanes change due to oil breakdown. This breakdown occurs predominantly in the front ends of the lane where the greatest amount of oil conditioner is typically applied to the lane surface and where your bowling ball passes most frequently.
When the lanes breakdown, higher friction areas on the lanes appear and your bowling ball will gain increased traction when rolling through these high friction areas.
An increase in surface friction causes your ball to change its motion as it travels down the lane and playing the 2nd arrow as a primary target will no longer be effective.
Adjustments in your alignment are needed as lanes change. Avoid being stubborn and staying on the 2nd arrow for your strike shots when a new angle of attack is more advantageous.
If you have questions about alignment and targeting, consult an experienced bowling instructor who is familiar with your game and with the local lane conditions.
