Every time a bowler throws their first ball in a frame, there is ONE hope in the forefront of his mind, “Please let it be a STRIKE!”
Knocking all ten pins down with a single bowl is the best possible outcome and the goal to which all bowlers aspire in every frame. We all experience “beginners luck” at first, but then seem to lose sight of whatever we did to make it happen.
We all look up to the bowler who can get multiple strikes in a game. Thankfully, there are bowling tips and techniques you can learn to replicate that magic moment…and bowl a strike over and over again!
Where do you start?
Right where you stand. Literally. Your foot placement is absolutely fundamental to your success. Even if you do everything else correctly, if your feet are not where they need to be, the ball won’t go where it needs to either!
Are you right or left handed? If you are left handed, aim your right second toe at the 1-pin. If you’re right handed, aim your left second toe at the 1-pin. It may feel odd at first, but make no mistake…it works! Watch the foot placement of pro bowlers and you’ll see they do it too.
Keeping your proper foot aimed at the head pin allows your shoulders to relax and square up with the foul line, making the ball more likely to go where you want it.
Step up to the swing
You now know where your starting point is. Let’s talk about where we’re going…to your first intentional strike. Cradle your ball and retract your arm. You’re just four steps away from bowling your first strike ball! If you are right handed, step with your right foot, then with your left foot. As you step with the left foot your ball arcs downward. Take your third step with your right foot as the force of the ball lifts your arm upwards. Release the ball and use your left leg as a counterweight to maintain your balance.
Releasing the ball
It’s important to release the ball at the proper time. If you release too soon, your ball will likely start rolling early and it won’t have sufficiency energy to knock the pins down. If you release on the upswing, you’re likely to divot the lane at worst, and roll into the gutter at best. The best time to release the ball is just as centrifugal force begins to guide the ball upward. You’ll feel it in your hand as gravity begins to pull at the weight of the ball. Be sure your wrist is straight and relaxed and that you’re aiming for the strike zone (the little “x” on the lane in between the arrows).
Following through
As you let go of the ball, remember to NOT look at it. Your eyes should remain fixed on your target and your arm should continue its upward arc until after the ball has been released. It happens all too often when a novice bowler pulls his arm back rapidly and watches the ball, only to have it roll off course. You definitely don’t want that happen to you! Under normal conditions, where your eyes are looking is where your shoulders and feet are pointing. And we know that to bowl a strike, they all need to be facing forward!
By following these easy to learn techniques, you’ll know how to bowl strikes more consistenly. Your friends will be amazed and the competition disappointed. You can stand proud knowing that you have mastered the skills required to bowl a strike again and again!
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