How to Raise a Bowling Average

You were sure of a strike as you stood at the end of the bowling lane, watched your ball roll down the lane and crash into three pins. No strike. You used the same position and stance as when you rolled previous strikes, and don't understand why the outcome is different. There are many aspects to think about when trying to raise your bowling average. Try a few modifications and watch your bowling average improve overnight.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find the mark to set up your stance. Be aware of the placement of your push-off foot. Your push-off foot is the one you use to begin your approach. Finding this spot may take time and practice as you adjust your body to the lane and to your bowling swing.

    • 2

      Position your arm for the best swing. Keep your elbow in as you swing the bowling ball. If your elbow moves out from your body, the release of the ball changes. Swing your arm like a pendulum. Start with the ball at your chest to set it up. Swing your hips behind you instead of moving in a straight line. This helps increase the consistency of your bowling and eventually improves your average.

    • 3

      Release your ball at the foul line. The lane is 60 feet long and the closer you are when you release the ball, the faster your bowling ball gets to the pins.

    • 4

      Adjust your timing. To shoot consistently with the same results, the timing must be the same for the ball release and your approach. If you move too quickly your feet may get to the foul line before your ball is ready to release. If your swing is not timed correctly you may be ready to release before you get to the foul line. Release your ball in the same place and time every release once you find the appropriate spot.

    • 5

      Allow the swing to do the work for you. Do not try to throw the ball at a target. Instead, push the ball away. The motion of the pendulum carries your ball toward the pins. Follow through with your arm. Allow your arm muscles to develop a muscle memory so the swing is natural.

    • 6

      Angle the ball to hit the pins for a strike. There is a very low percentage of strikes that hit the head pin. If you are right handed, your best chance of getting a strike is to hit the head pin and the three pin. The three pin is just to the right. If you are left handed, hit the gap between the head and the two pin instead. As you hit more strikes your average will make you proud.