How to Control Bowling Ball Speed

You want to be able to control the speed of your ball to match lane conditions. If the lane is dry you want to speed up your ball, if the lane is oily you want to slow it down. Speed adjustment is done through raising and lowering the starting point of the ball. Therefore you should start with the ball at waist height to determine your average speed.

Instructions

  1. Speed your ball up

    • 1

      Raise the ball 3 to 4 inches from your normal starting position if you need to speed the ball up a little. Raise it 6 to 12 inches from your starting position if the lane is extremely dry or you are trying to make a shot that will require more speed behind it to cause the pins to knock each other over.

    • 2

      Move back on your approach the same distance that you raised your starting position. Raising the ball has increased the distance that the ball needs to travel. To keep your tempo you will probably need increased walk space.

    • 3

      Pick up your tempo. A slow steady approach with your bowling ball is good for average speed, but if you want to increase the speed of the ball increasing the tempo of your approach might help.

    • 4

      Add some muscle. This should only be used as a last resort if the lane is too dry to overcome using the other methods because adding muscle to your bowling swing can compromise accuracy. It is important to not apply muscle to your swing until after the ball has reached its peak in the back swing.

    Slow your ball down

    • 5

      Lower the staring position of the ball 2 to 3 inches from your normal starting position to slow the ball down a little. If the lane is extremely oily lower your ball 8 to 10 inches.

    • 6

      Adjust your approach by moving forward the same distance that you lowered the ball. The ball now has less distance to travel and might complete the swing cycle quicker than it did before.

    • 7

      Bend your knees when bowling. A bent knee stance tends to make a bowler throw a slower moving ball.