When played correctly, bowling can be a great way to kick back, relax and have fun with friends – with the bonus of offering a workout with every game!
The key to success in this sport comes from honing and perfecting your technique, starting with learning how to hold a bowling ball properly.
Whether you are new to bowling or 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 two balls rolled at one time, and each roll is made by aiming at a target called the “pins” that lies just off-center between the two ends of the lane.
Each bowler must keep track of their score, which is done by keeping a count of the number of pins knocked down during each frame; in many new bowling alleys, this is an electronic scoring system.
The Bowler’s Body
Regarding bowling, three main body parts are involved: the arm, the hand, and the foot.
The arm controls the ball’s motion when released from the hand, while the hand holds it throughout its trajectory.
Finally, the foot provides the balance and stability to propel the ball forward.
The Arm
The arm must always be fully extended to throw a bowling ball successfully. This means the elbow should remain straight, and the wrist should be slightly bent.
If the elbow remains locked, 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 throwing process. The rest of the body will struggle if the hand does not perform correctly.
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, ensure the thumb is placed over its seam 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 should face outward toward the floor. This ensures the ball rests comfortably against the hand and keeps the fingers away from the lane’s surface.
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 pins.
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 toward 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 too much.
Once you have achieved these positions, the next step is to relax the knees. This makes the leg muscles less tense, enabling the body to absorb the ball’s impact better.
Once the bowler has mastered these basic steps, they can practice 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.
How To Hold A Bowling Ball
When holding your bowling ball, there are several things that you need to keep in mind.
The most important thing to remember is that the fingers must be kept open and separated evenly. It would be best never to squeeze your fingers together, as this could cause injury.
The second tip is to use your thumb to guide the ball. Make sure 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 can 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, meaning you must roll it down the lane.
To begin, you should take a stance about six inches behind the centerline of the lane. You may want to adjust your posture if standing closer to the foul line.
It would be best to raise your arm behind you while keeping your elbow slightly bent. To achieve maximum power, you should keep your wrist loose and relaxed.
Bring your arm towards the front, releasing the ball immediately.
As soon as you release the ball, it would be best to swing your arm forward again immediately. 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!
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?
- 350 Bowling Team Names: Funny, Best, Dirty & Cool Ideas - July 25, 2023
- How To Bowl A Strike With A Straight Ball: Your Step-By-Step Guide - June 30, 2022
- What To Do With Old Bowling Balls - June 30, 2022
