How to Improve a Bowling Ball's Speed

Speed can make or break your game when bowling. Learning to control your bowling ball's speed is crucial in developing your overall bowling skills (See Reference 1). Improving your bowling ball's speed does not necessarily mean increasing it: it means improving your ability to achieve the appropriate ball speed to match the given conditions of your bowling lane (See Reference 2). With improved control over the speed of your ball, your game will excel whether you are playing on a dry and slow lane or oily and slick lane.

Instructions

  1. Increasing Speed

    • 1

      Hold the ball higher in your stance. The higher the ball starts in your stance the more power you will be able to generate by using the weight of the ball. Start by raising your ball 4 inches above your usual starting stance. Raise your ball 6 to 12 inches above your usual starting stance if you want to further increase your ball's speed.

    • 2

      Increase the distance of your approach 1 inch for every inch you are holding your ball above your usual starting position. This will increase the speed of your approach steps and compensate for the additional power of your new swing.

    • 3

      Apply force from your arm muscles during the downward portion of your swing. Gradually apply more force until you release the ball.

    Decreasing Speed

    • 4

      Hold the ball 4 inches lower in your stance. Lower your ball 6-to-12 inches below your usual starting position if you need to further decrease you ball's speed.

    • 5

      Bend more at your knees in measured increments so that you can recreate the stance if need be. This will further lower the height of the ball and decrease the amount of momentum it will build during your swing.

    • 6

      Decrease the distance of your approach 1 inch for every inch you are holding your ball below your usual starting position.

    • 7

      Let the ball swing naturally with the forces of gravity until you release it. Do not apply any additional force from your arm muscles during your swing.