What are the different types of Bowling Styles-Part 2

    There are generally three types of Bowling Styles previously discussed in my Blog Post from 1/10/22. They are "CRANKER", "STROKER", and "TWEENER" styles. How a bowler walks on the approach, the amount of revs placed on the ball, the balls' speed, and a bowlers arm swing, will all determine the kind of bowling style a player has. Today I'll be discussing the style of a "STROKER".

    The most common of the bowling styles is that of the "STROKER" and there are several reasons why. First, there is only a small AXIS TILT at the release, which creates a smaller more gradual hook that's easy to control. This helps a player get a higher percentage of good pocket hits and more spare conversions. Second, this style is very versatile, allowing a bowler to do well on different lane conditions and being able to play from different angles. 

Steps: For a four step approach:

    1-4- Most Strokers start with their stance between the edge of the lane and the 15th board. They walk fairly straight along the approach with a nice slide followed by the release. Unlike the Cranker, the shoulders will be more square to the foul line at all times (although some may open up the shoulders slightly for a little more power if needed), and the backswing is usually no more than shoulder height.

Wrist and Hand Position:

    1. Strokers insert all three fingers into the bowling ball.
    2. Use a straight or only a slight broken wrist position (where the hand is tilted slightly down at the stance). If you
            aren't sure of what these positions look like, check out my Blog Post from 10/4/21.
    3. The THUMB is at the 3:00 position (on the face of a clock) with the fingers at the 12:00 position.
    4. The thumb leaves the ball first followed by the fingers which create a rotating action from behind the ball or from the 
            side of it, and the fingers will have a pulling motion toward the palm.
    5. The thumb finishes up at the 10:00 or 11:00 position at the release and the hand rotation and the lifting of the
            fingers toward the palm, gives the ball low to medium revolutions with an average ball speed of about 17-19 mph.

  
     Strokers depend more on a smooth swing, smooth delivery, and accuracy and the placement of the ball over the
same target, rather than the power of more revolutions doing most the work. They walk straighter along the approach, and the release is at the end of the slide on the last step. Strokers have a more controlled, and consistent style and tend to begin their stance more to the right side of the lane as compared to the Cranker which starts on the left.


    Meet me back here next week when I'll be discussing What are the Different Types of Bowling Styles"-Part 3, the
    "Tweener Style"


Don't forget to do your bowling exercises if you've slacked off a bit.

​Good Luck and High Scoring!!

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