What Can I Practice in Bowling?-Part 1

   
    When you go to the lanes for practice, I recommend having something specific in mind. Don't just toss the ball out there because there are several things you can work on, and you should practice each for a game or two. Having a more mindful practice session will be a lot more beneficial to you in the long run. 


** Before starting to bowl, I would like you to do a few warm up stretches that you read about in my Blog Post from 5/17/21 and then take your ball and walk up to the lane. Standing at the foul line, just swing it back and forth several times to get the feel of the weight and the ball in your hand.

 Here is a good starting list of things you can do while practicing:

1. Walking up straight-
   Check where your starting point is and after you release the ball, look down at your feet to make
             sure you are close to that board or arrow on the lane at the foul line.

2. Getting the ball out over the intended target-
    You can put a piece of blue painters tape on the board or arrow you want 
             to use (check with the front desk if they will allow that).

3. Get a good lift on the ball, keeping the fingers slightly bent-
     You can also touch your shoulder each time after the ball is 
             released and the follow through with your arm. This will insure that you got a good lift on the ball.

4. Getting your Timing in sync with the footwork and ball release-
    Count your steps and feeling a good rhythm is important".

5. Getting a good LOFT on the ball and trying to hit the same spot on the lane each time-
   You can put a towel out a few feet from the foul line and see if you can land the ball on it each time.

6. Keeping your shoulders as SQUARE to your target as possible. The exception is when you need more power. To
    get more power, you will need more movement and will need to open up the hips and shoulders more.

7. Practicing hitting any pins you may be having trouble with in the league.

8. Keeping your knees FLEXED (slightly bent) at the stance and throughout the walking and release.

  **Using four or five frames for each, you can try getting a strike using the first arrow as your target, then use the second arrow, third, fourth, then the fifth arrow. It will assist you in learning angles. When you start getting more experienced and begin bowling better, you will be able to use your practice sessions more efficiently.

    Another fun exercise when practicing, is to try to leave certain pins standing after throwing your first shot. For instance, try leaving only a ten pin up there on the pin deck, then a 1 pin, or try a 4 pin. It's not as easy as you might think, but it will be a good drill for you so when you do leave one of these pins after your first shot, it may help you better understand what you did wrong!

   
     I recommend going practicing at least one other day a week if you are in one league and preferable 3-4 days apart to get your body accustomed to bowling in this routine. If you're able, it's best to go to the center during the daytime hours when kids are in school. It's not as crowded in the bowling centers as it is on the week ends, and getting lane or two will be easier. Kids get excited and don't wait for you even if you are already set up on the lane.They also gather around each other and don't sit down which are huge distractions. If you can only get there on the week ends, then do practice becoming disciplined in stepping back (even if you are already set up on the lane). You'll bowl better if you do!


Most of all, have fun and don't forget to be patient with yourself. Bowling well takes time and several hours of practice.

Check out my ebook available on Amazon/Kindle--"Let's Rev Up Those Bowling Scores"!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZSMB99G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=P3PQWHFB1WYS&keywords=lets+rev+up+those+bowling+scores&qid=1652035291&sprefix=lets+rev+up+those+bowling+scores%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-2
 

Join me back here next week when I'll be discussing "How Do You Join A Bowling League"? See you then.

Good Luck and high scoring!