Bowling isn’t as overtly physical as weightlifting or running a marathon, but to succeed as a bowler, you must learn to control your body and movements very carefully. Even subtle changes to your posture and technique can have a big impact on the outcome of a game, for better or worse. So, how can you step up your game and bowl more strikes? Today, we’re going to share some advice on how to improve your bowling balance.
Why is balance important for bowling?
The game of bowling is all about consistency and controlled energy, which makes balance one of the most important elements of the game. Wavering in your stance or being off your center of gravity when you make a throw can change the trajectory of the ball with disastrous results.
How to improve your bowling balance
There are many ways to strengthen your balance skills when bowling, but these tips should get you off to a good start.
Concentrate on your approach
- Keep your knees bent and your torso tilted about 10 or 15 degrees forward as you begin your approach.
- As you move towards the lane, keep some bend in your knees with each step of your approach. By flexing your knees, you’re putting more of your weight onto your leg muscles, which will give you more power in your throw when you finally release the ball.
- Keep your upper body still as you approach, with no unnecessary movement. Focus especially on your head. Just as you would try to keep your head still when balancing a book while walking, you should be keeping your head up, eyes forward, and maintain this posture through your throw.
Make your throw count
- When you throw the ball, your balance leg should move opposite the direction of your bowling arm swing as you move into your slide, staying in contact with the floor to help stabilize your torso and balance out the momentum generated from your swing.
- As you release the ball, keep your sliding shoe in line with the boards of the lane and positioned under your center of gravity to ensure stability when you release the ball.
- Keep your shoulders positioned directly over the knee of your sliding leg, providing stability as you release the ball.
- Continue to keep your head up and your eyes trained on your target. Keep your chin at shoulder level or higher so as not to shift your weight during the throw.
- Don’t forget your follow through! As you swing and release the ball, allow your arm to complete and hold the motion until your ball has traveled down the lane. Hold this final posture for a couple of seconds.
Ready to level up your bowling game? Whether you join us for Cosmic Bowling with friends or enter one of our Staten Island bowling leagues, we hope to see you soon at Rab’s!
It’s good to learn that you should keep your knees bent when bowling to stay balanced. My brother is wanting to get into bowling and he was wondering how he could stay balanced when playing. I’ll be sure to tell him that he should bend his knees when bowling.