About a Proper Bowling Release

You can set yourself perfectly. You can have an ideal approach. Your backswing can be a thing of beauty. But if your release of the bowling ball is awkward or ill-timed, you can forget about knocking down all those pins. Everything must be in sync, but the release is the most important piece of the puzzle.

  1. Significance

    • The release point determines where the ball will go. If it is too early, the ball will not reach the head pin. If it is too late, the ball will overshoot the head pin. One foot to the right or left and you can forget about a strike.

    Types

    • The most typical release for the average amateur bowler is the common underhand release. This is the easiest to master because the ball is released with the palm straight. Professionals, however, use a release that allows them to hook the ball into the pocket. The hook is achieved by a quick, counterclockwise rotation of the hand upon the release for right-handers and a clockwise turn for left-handers.

    Benefits

    • Proper follow-through is critical to an ideal release. Upon release of the ball, the arm should be raised out and forward and pointing toward the pin or pins you are aiming for. This ensures that the ball is heading in the right direction.

    Misconceptions

    • Many believe a significant hook is critical to success in bowling. Many also believe one can't throw a strike unless the ball hits the head pin on the same side the bowler is releasing the ball from. Neither is true. Though the professionals generally throw a hook, amateurs can score consistently between 180 and 200 by throwing straight balls and even hitting the head pin on the opposite side. Consistency, not movement or power, is the key.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Don't underestimate the importance of the mental approach to the proper release. As a bowler prepares to approach the lane, she should picture the head pin or the spare pin or pins in her mind. And when the ball is released, the bowler should picture that pin or pins in her mind. She will then automatically release the ball and follow-through to that pin.