Targeting and Arm Swing
One of the most common frustrations for league bowlers, even those with years of experience is 'why can't I hit the target I'm aiming toward?'
You might think a simple question like that would have a simple answer but that's not always the case. So let's look at the problem in simple terms and see if you can identify if you are suffering from one of these common mistakes.
There are three main contributors to accuracy in the sport of bowling. Those three aspects of the delivery are; alignment, push away and arm swing and balance.
Alignment refers simply to your starting position on the approach. Having the ball in a comfortable position around waist level, with the bowling elbow at your side and your opposite hand helping to support the weight of the ball are the considerations here. There are variations for different styles but the goal is to be comfortable and having the bowling arm lined up to push forward and swing back with as little lateral movement as possible. The other important thing to consider here is to align your body with the target and target line. In other words, if you are shooting a corner pin you should take a cross-lane approach. This means you are going to set yourself up on the left side of the approach and throw the ball cross-lane toward a ten pin for example. In order to do this properly, you should pivot your feet slightly to the right, toward the ten pin. This allows your shoulders to open up slightly and your body to 'face' the target. Many bowlers always align themselves with the boards on the approach which of course are strictly running straight from the approach to the pins. Keep in mind, there is nothing preventing you from walking across the boards if you are trying to deliver the ball cross-lane or simply left to right. (or right to left for left handed players) Conversely, there are times when it is necessary for the big hook players to throw a straighter trajectory than they are accustomed to and this would necessitate pivoting the feet to align straighter toward the pins. To put it simply, face your target!
Now let's discuss the push away and arm swing. We can again look at this in a most simple manner by keeping in mind that we want to roll the ball over the target we are looking at. "Aim" is a bad word in bowling, try not to aim for your target rather, relax and keep your eye on your target and watch the ball roll over that target. Many of us tense up when we are trying too hard to aim for a target. The best way to hit your target is to allow the ball to swing freely, with as little muscle tension as possible. You achieve this by pushing the ball out in front of your body on a level plane, almost as if you were placing the ball on a table. You then "drop" the ball and allow your arm to swing very naturally and loosely. This will keep your arm straight back and straight forward to the release point. You can then set the ball down just over the foul line and confidently follow through, always keeping your eye on the target. The key is to stay relaxed, it will be much easier to repeat shots when you take your muscles out of play. Just think of your arm and the bowling ball as if it were a pendulum!
Finally and possibly most important is balance. If you are off balance at the foul line it will be nearly impossible to hit the same target shot after shot. Just picture throwing a baseball or darts, keeping your feet under you with proper balance is key. Bowling is no different, it is critical to be nicely balanced at the foul line, even after the ball has been released. If you notice that after you release your ball you are tipping over or stepping to one side or the other, try keeping your weight back, shoulders over your knees as you lower yourself down to release the ball. Poor balance is usually caused by simple things such as walking too fast to the foul line or timing problems. Timing refers to the time that the ball arrives at the release point in relation to the feet. If you start moving the ball too soon, your foot work is accelerated and this will result in bad timing and ultimately being off balance.
It might seem like a lot to think about but if you notice the recurring theme is staying comfortable, relaxed and having a nice lose arm swing. Work on this in practice and see how much it improves your game. If you want more help, come into the pro shop and we'll spend some time on the lanes with you! If you learn a comfortable, lose arm swing you will definitely hit your target more often, bowl better and most of all, have more fun!
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