How to Keep Your Palm Up in Bowling

Keeping your palm up in bowling refers to the position of your hand and arm during your swing. When you release the ball, if your hand is not in the palm up position the ball is not going to move in a forward direction straight down the lane. In more advanced bowling you will use this to your advantage but when learning a basic bowling swing, you want to learn to send the ball straight down the lane. These tips will help you keep your palm up but above all you need to put in time practicing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice without a ball to begin. This may seem counter-intuitive at first but learning proper form is going to be easier without the weight of the ball in your hand.

    • 2

      Stand about three feet back from the foul line, imaginary ball in hand. Hold the ball with your arm at a right angle, elbow against your side. Your hand is palm up directly under the ball.

    • 3

      Swing your arm behind you, then slide the foot opposite your bowling arm forward and your other foot behind you as you swing the ball down and release it onto the lane. It's a lot to think about all at once so break it down and practice slowly until you can put it all together in one smooth motion. Once the basic movement isn't taking all your concentration, you can begin to think about your hand position.

    • 4

      Focus down the lane at the arrows as you release the ball. This is a key point. Don't look at the ball, at your feet or the guy on the next lane over. Look down the lane where you are aiming your throw.

    • 5

      Follow through. As you are looking down the lane, imagine that after you release the ball your hand is going to stretch all the way down the lane and touch the spot where you want the ball to go. Your arm should be extended with the palm facing up, fingers reaching toward the pins. This is essentially how you aim your throw. If you release the ball and then realize that your arm is pointing off to the side, most likely you are going to end up with your ball in the gutter.

    • 6

      Focus on your palm. If you have all the other elements of the swing going but you still are having trouble keeping the palm up, think about your palm itself as you release the ball. Remember, you began your swing in the palm up position and it needs to end in that position. When you do this with a ball, release the ball thumb first, then fingers. This should reinforce the fact that if you are in the correct position, your thumb is directly over your fingers.

    • 7

      Add the ball. When you are comfortable with your swing it is time to practice with a ball. It will feel different with the weight but remember everything you practiced and do it the same way. Soon your muscle memory will have it down and you won't need to think about every detail as you take your throw.