Keeping the Bowling Ball Close to Your Ankle

There are many levels of bowlers, from amateur enthusiasts to those who bowl on a professional level. No matter your level, proper bowling technique will improve your game and better your score. Upon releasing the ball, your stance, leverage and swing will determine the success of your shot. A proper bowling stance and swing involves keeping the bowling ball close to your ankle upon release. This will ensure that you maintain the proper grip on the ball, which will give you more leverage and a powerful shot.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling alley lane
  • Bowling shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rent a lane at a bowling alley so you have time, room and the proper environment in which to practice. Wear bowling shoes, which you can purchase at your local sports store, or rent directly from the bowling alley.

    • 2

      Choose a bowling ball that does not feel too heavy or too light. The finger holes in the ball also must be big enough for your fingers, but not so big that the ball is difficult to grip.

    • 3

      Stand holding the bowling ball centered at your waist. Bend your knees and bend forward slightly. If you are a right-handed, angle your left leg away from your body, keeping most of your weight on the left foot. If you are left-handed, angle your right leg away and keep the weight on the right foot.

    • 4

      Center your hips so they are in line with the path in which you want your ball to travel down the lane. Swing your throwing arm back behind you to gain momentum.

    • 5

      Keeping the ball close to your body, begin aligning the ball with your ankle as momentum causes it to swing forward toward the floor. At this point, your hand will be positioned underneath the ball.

    • 6

      Release the ball as it passes your ankle in a swooping, fluid motion. Your ankle is your guide. Use it to ensure that you don’t release the ball too soon, before you have the proper force and momentum.