You've probably
heard these before, and you will without a doubt hear
them again as much as we bowlers like giving advice. Any one
of these alone is pretty simple, performing all of them at
the same time is another story. The idea is for all of these
to become automatic so that you don't have to think about
any of them when you start your approach... This requires
lots of practice (see tip #9).
As with any advice, use what you need and discard the rest.
Don't blame me if they don't help, just send me a check if
they put you on the pro tour!
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#1 Concentration |
I have
concentration listed first because without it, all of the
others will not happen. Distractions, problems at home,
school, or work, discomfort (such as tight clothing), and
many other things contribute to you losing concentration at
that last second. One thing I do is wear a watch and count
to 4. It's not necessarily the extra time that helps, but
this gives you a familiar object to concentrate on, and it
also improves your "timing". Watch the second hand count 4
ticks, then move your eyes to your mark as you begin your
approach. This will work providing you don't have to alter
the position of your watch arm too much.
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#2 Shoulders Square |
For consistent
deliveries, keep your shoulders square to the foul line at
all times. A "dropped" shoulder can send the ball wide every
time. This often happens when you rush your approach.
Maintain a moderate approach speed and be aware of your
shoulders during delivery.
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#3 Back Straight |
This is one of
the most difficult things to learn how to do automatically,
it seems instinctive to bend over when you set down a 16
pound object, but it is very important to keep your back
reasonably straight for a consistent delivery.
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#4 Arm Straight And Near Body |
Bending your
arm at the elbow and swinging it away from your body are
main contributors to an inconsistent game. A slight bend at
the elbow to obtain lift is alright, as long as the inside
of your elbow is pointing down your lane, and not at the
snack bar.
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#5 Knee Bent |
It might seem
natural to begin your slide with a bent knee, then
straighten it as you release the ball. Although this will
get you more lift, it's just one more thing you have to get
perfect for consistent bowling. Stay down at the foul line
for higher scores.
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#6 Slide Straight |
You absolutely
must maintain your balance for proper ball delivery. In
order for this to happen, you have to keep your approach and
slide perpendicular to the foul line at all times.
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#7 Follow Through! |
I had these two
words engraved on one of my bowling balls as a constant
reminder. This is probably the single largest contributor to
consecutive poor releases. It's not hard to bowl an entire
game before you realize that you are not following through.
Freeze your arm after release and check it's position after
your ball crosses over the mark, it should be about head
high with your thumb pointing over it's own shoulder.
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#8 Watch Your Ball Cross The Mark |
It doesn't
matter whether you focus on a mark, or on an area of the
lane, as long as you focus on something. "Hold that pose"
until your ball crosses over that mark, this will ensure
that you are not rushing out of your approach.
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#9 Practice, Practice, Practice |
And when you've
finished doing this... practice some more.
It's hard to be consistently good at anything, if you only
do it once a week. Get a friend to watch your approach, or
if possible, set up a video camera. You'll be surprised at
what you see!
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#10 Have Fun! |
I put this in
here just in case the other nine do not work. You don't have
to average 200 to have a great time!
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