My bowling roots run deep. I had the same bowling-alley birthday party we all had at age 8. But unlike you, I just … kept bowling. I joined a league in the fourth grade and was on my varsity bowling team in high school—which is actually a whole thing in Michigan.
But it doesn’t take all that much commitment to learn how to bowl. You just have to hit the lanes more than the one (or two) times per year that you do now, spend a smidge more money, and accept that this seemingly simple, fun sport has its nuances. And hey, figuring out those complexities makes the game way more entertaining.
The feeling of the ball hitting the pins, and hearing and seeing them fall down, is deeply gratifying. We’ve all felt that instantaneous reward—it’s about control and chaos. You’re the reason that ball is traveling down that lane, at that speed, hitting the pins in that way. And the action occurs so far away from where it started, seeing as bowling lanes are about 60 feet long from the foul line to the center of the head pin. In that way, it’s like throwing a water balloon, or shooting a clay pigeon.
Dr. Dean Hinitz, sports psychologist for Team USA bowling, says the satisfaction of bowling, the ball rolling down the lane and crashing against the pins, boils down to four factors: experience of mastery, sense of autonomy, purpose, and relatedness to others.
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1. Athletic Approach Drill
The Athletic Approach Drill is great for practicing steady movements and posture. Before you roll the ball toward its target, you should stand with your feet apart and your knees slightly flexed. Keep your head upright, and square your shoulders towards the intended target. Practicing this stance will help you learn how to keep your upper body movements steady.
2. Footwork Timing Drill
Footwork is key when it comes to knocking those pins down. You should use your natural stride when preparing to roll the ball. Start by stepping with your right foot if you are right-handed and your left foot if you are left-handed. Take a few steps over and over until you feel comfortable.
As you are taking your steps, you should also be thinking about the pace at which you are walking. Keep a consistent pace while taking those four or five steps to keep you from hurrying into your swing. Some people like to count to four or five when they are taking their steps because it helps them to keep a beat while walking.
3. Swing Start Drill
The swing before you roll the bowling ball is crucial to where and how the ball rolls down the lane. You can practice your swing by first taking four or five steps forward. After taking two to three steps, stick your arm straight out while holding the bowling ball. After extending your arm, swing it behind you like you are getting ready to roll it down the lane.
If you are practicing at home, it might also help to set up something you can use as a target, such as a water bottle or a speaker. Be sure to keep your eyes on the target and your shoulders squared while you practice your starting swing.
4. Swing Path Drill
The next step to perfecting your bowling game is to practice your swing. Your swing will determine where the ball will land and which path it will follow as it rolls down the lane.
Stand with your shoulders squared forward and look at your intended target. While you are looking at your target, practice your swing by moving your arm back and forth while pointing your ball towards its intended target. Start with your arm behind you, and swing it forward until the ball rests farther than your elbow and forearm.
5. Hold At The Foul Line Drill
For this drill, you will need patience. Start by holding yourself in an upright position at the foul line. Hold the ball in your bowling hand and practice swinging it back and forth at least ten times. This will help you build a disciplined attitude toward keeping your form rigid and straight.