Improve Your Bowling Average Scores
Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Wednesday, December 27, 2023 | Updated On: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Boosting Your Bowling Average: Tips for One- and Two-Handed Bowlers
If you’re averaging between 150 and 170, whether you’re a traditional one-handed bowler or a dynamic two-handed bowler, raising your scores comes down to a few key improvements. To boost your bowling average, focus on reducing open frames, increasing your pocket hit percentage, and refining your overall game. This applies to both styles—two-handed bowlers, with their unique power and spin, and one-handed bowlers, relying on precision and consistency—since the fundamentals of success remain the same across techniques.
First, cut down on bad shots. For one-handed bowlers, this might mean strengthening your release and follow-through, while two-handed bowlers should ensure their explosive approach doesn’t sacrifice accuracy. Work on your physical game by practicing repeatable mechanics—two-handers need to harness their torque without losing balance, and one-handers should focus on a smooth, controlled swing. Improving alignment to the pocket and mastering adjustments are critical too. Lane oil shifts fast, so both styles must adapt—two-handed players might tweak their aggressive angles, while one-handers adjust their starting position or target. Finally, become a better spare shooter, as spares are the backbone of a higher average.
Understanding your equipment is another game-changer. Two-handed bowlers often favor balls with high hook potential to maximize their rev rate, while one-handed bowlers might lean toward versatile options for varied conditions. Maintain your bowling ball’s surface—sand it or polish it based on the oil pattern—to match your style to the lanes. Develop a routine to keep your gear in top shape, ensuring consistent reactions whether you’re spinning it with two hands or rolling it with one.
Spare shooting is a universal skill that can make or break your average. Adopt a spare system that suits you—two-handed bowlers might use their natural power to attack corner pins, while one-handers might rely on a straighter plastic ball. Pick one that works on the lane conditions you face most often. Reducing open frames is simple math: the fewer you leave, the higher your score climbs. Practice routine spares like the 7- or 10-pin, but also tackle tougher ones like splits. If consistency eludes you, consult a bowling instructor. They can assess whether your ball choice—high-rev for two-handers or control-oriented for one-handers—helps or hurts your spare game.
Hitting the pocket more often is the golden ticket to raising your average. For two-handed bowlers, this means dialing in their spin to drive through the pins, while one-handers focus on precision to avoid deflection. More pocket hits mean more strikes and easier spares. Start each session with solid initial alignment—two-handers might aim wider to leverage their hook, while one-handers target a tighter line. A strong first game sets the tone. As the oil shifts, make smart adjustments. Move your feet or shift your sight target based on how your ball reacts—two-handed players might slide left to open the lane, while one-handers creep right to stay in the pocket. If alignment feels off, a quick check-in with an instructor can refine your strategy.
Lane conditions evolve during league play. Two-handed bowlers, with their high rev rates, might dry up the lanes faster, while one-handers share the wear with teammates. Either way, the oil pattern changes with every shot, so develop an adjustment system. Watch how your ball behaves—does it hook too early or skid too far?—and adapt. Two-handers might soften their speed, while one-handers adjust their angle. This keeps you in the pocket, giving you the best shot at strikes and manageable spares.
Your physical game ties it all together. Two-handed bowlers need to balance power and control, avoiding wild shots that miss the mark, while one-handers must stay fluid to repeat good shots. Practice builds this foundation—focus on your approach, release, and follow-through. For two-handers, drill footwork to sync with your spin; for one-handers, perfect your timing. Good shots lead to good decisions, so stay sharp in competition. A tuned-up physical game boosts your confidence, whether you’re unleashing a two-handed rip or rolling a textbook one-handed strike.
In summary, dedicate practice time to spares, alignment, and adjustments. Two-handed bowlers should harness their unique style without overcomplicating it, while one-handers refine their precision. Work with an experienced instructor—affordable in most areas—to sharpen these skills. A good coach spots flaws you miss, like over-spin in two-handers or wrist collapse in one-handers, and helps you craft a practice plan. With focus and effort, your scores will climb, and that 150-170 average will soon be a memory.
