When played correctly, bowling can be a great way to kick back, relax and have fun with friends – with the added bonus of offering a workout with every game!
The key to success in this sport comes from honing and perfecting your technique, and this starts with learning how to hold the ball properly.
Whether you are brand new to the world of bowling, or simply looking to boost your score with improved technique, read on for everything you need to know about holding a bowling ball properly and watch those strikes fly in!
What Is Bowling?
The basic rules of bowling are simple: bowl a series of ten frames (ten rolls) as quickly as possible.
Each frame consists of six balls rolled at one time, and each roll is made by taking aim at a target called the “pin” that lies just off-center between the two ends of the lane.
Each bowler must keep track of their own score, which is done by keeping a count of the number of pins knocked down during each frame; in many new alleys, this is an electronic scoring system.
The Bowler’s Body
When it comes to bowling, there are three main parts of the body that are involved in the process: the arm, the hand, and the foot.
The arm controls the motion of the ball when it is released from the hand, while the hand holds the ball throughout its trajectory.
Finally, the foot provides the necessary balance and stability needed to propel the ball forward.
The Arm
In order to successfully throw a bowling ball, the arm needs to be fully extended at all times. This means that the elbow should remain straight and the wrist should be slightly bent.
If the elbow remains locked in place, the wrist will not bend enough to release the ball. Instead, the wrist will snap outwards, causing the ball to miss its mark entirely.
In addition, the shoulder joint should always remain relaxed and loose. This allows the arm to move freely and easily, without any unnecessary tension.
The Hand
The hand plays a crucial role in bowling because it holds the ball throughout the entire throwing process. In fact, if the hand does not perform properly, then the rest of the body will struggle to do so as well.
To begin, the fingers should be spread wide apart. This helps to provide more space for the thumb, which acts as a guide for the other fingers.
When gripping your bowling ball, make sure that the thumb is placed over the seam of the ball, rather than under it. This makes it easier to grip the ball securely and prevents the thumb from slipping through the finger holes.
Next, the palm of the hand should face outward towards the floor. This ensures that the ball rests comfortably against the hand, and also keeps the fingers away from the surface of the lane.
Finally, the thumb should be positioned directly above the index finger. This position provides a solid base for the hand to stand upon and helps the fingers to maintain proper alignment.
The Foot
Bowling requires a lot of balance and coordination, especially when attempting to strike the pin.
For this reason, the feet play a vital role in maintaining good posture and providing the necessary stability for the body to function correctly.
The first step in learning how to hold a bowling ball is to ensure that the feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Next, the toes should point downward towards the front of the lane, with the heels facing toward the back of the lane. These positions allow the legs to remain stable and prevent them from moving around too much.
Once you have achieved these positions, the next step is to relax the knees. This allows the leg muscles to become less tense and allows the body to absorb the impact of the ball better.
Once the bowler has mastered these basic steps, he or she can start practicing their form by rolling a few balls down the lane.
As long as the bowler follows these simple instructions, they should find success in striking the pins.
The most important thing to remember is that the fingers must be kept open and separated evenly. You should never squeeze your fingers together, as this could cause injury.
The second tip to follow is to use your thumb to guide the ball. Make sure that you place your thumb over the seam of the bowling ball, instead of underneath it. This way, you will be able to grip the ball securely.
Finally, make sure that your palm faces outward towards the floor. By doing this, you will be able to avoid having any part of your hands come into contact with the lane.
How To Bowl Your Bowling Ball
The next step is to bowl your ball, which means that you will need to roll it down the lane.
To begin, you should take a stance about six inches behind the centerline of the lane. If you are standing closer to the foul line, then you may want to adjust your stance accordingly.
You should then raise your arm straight up behind you while keeping your elbow slightly bent. In order to achieve maximum power, you should keep your wrist loose and relaxed.
Bring your arm through towards the front, releasing the ball at just the right time.
As soon as you release the ball, you should immediately swing your arm forward again. This motion will help propel the ball down the lane, offering greater power and increasing your chances of a strike.
Final Thoughts
One of the main secrets to succeeding in bowling is learning how to hold your ball, improve your stance, and boost your technique -and our easy-to-follow guide will have you bowling perfect strikes in no time!
Hi, I’m Drew Kaufner and I have been a fan of bowling ever since I could walk. I have been competing for just shy of 20 years, and I have picked up an incredible amount of knowledge along the way.
I wanted to create my website to inspire others to pick up their bowling balls and get to their local lanes. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a friendly game of bowling with your friends and family, so what are you waiting for?
