Your Target And Your Bowling Ball Path
bowlingball.com,
Originally Posted: 10/6/2013; Updated: 9/13/2021Picking a spot at the bowling arrows makes the targeting process much simpler as opposed to sighting at the pins. It is important to not lose track of your target when bowling in meaningful competition.
However, in bowling this stationary spot on the lane often leads to attention being drawn exclusively toward the ball, with little or no attention paid to the complete ball path and the ultimate target being the pocket.
As a result, there is often an extended pause on the approach as the bowler struggles to pull the trigger and begin walking and swinging the
bowling ball.
This focus on the target is common in other sports, just as a basketball player prepares for a shot or a tennis player reacts to the ball that is coming over the net toward them.
What do bowlers do? Do they stand stationary and let tension creep into their body, or do they begin moving after only a slight stationary body posture check during the stance position?
Lots of thought is placed on the bowling ball and body movements, and subsequently the ‘reaction’ to the target is lost.
The next time you are out playing or practicing, try and flip this the other way around.
Your intention is to get the ball to the pocket or what you have decided to be your target, such as a given spare.
Therefore, you spend the majority of your time locked into the target rather than being fixated on the ball path to that target.
The point here is a concept known as fluidity. Don’t aim on the approach so long as to create body tension before you begin your approach and delivery.
Avoid being so fixed on your spot that you forget that your spot is located along your intended ball path to your ultimate target on the pin deck.
Visualize your intended ball path when aiming on the approach.
Look quickly up and down the lane to visualize your entire ball path just prior to beginning your approach.
Remember, what your mind sees is what your body will react with accordingly.
