Main Body
2. Fundamentals, Skills & Techniques
Watch this video to see the science behind how a professional bowler bowls: PBA’s Sean Rash.
Starting Location
To determine the starting location to begin your approach, take four and a half steps moving away from the foul line back into the approach area. Turn around and face the pins. This is where you will begin your approach.
In addition to locating how far from the foul line to begin your approach, you also need to determine where to position your feet to the left or right side of the lane. The seven positioning dots should be used as a reference to determine feet positioning. Right-handed bowlers should begin their approach with the big toe of their left foot positioned behind the center dot and left-handed bowlers should begin their approach with the big toe of their right foot positioned behind the center dot.
Stance
Right-handed bowlers should begin their approach with their right foot slightly behind their left foot since the first step will be taken with the right foot. Left-handed bowlers should begin their approach with their left foot slightly behind their right foot since their first step will be taken with the left foot. The feet should be slightly apart, with the toes pointing towards the target.
Hold the ball to the right or left, respectively, in front of the shoulder, using the non-bowling hand to help support the bowl. The ball should be held waist high with the elbow in and close to the hip. Knees should be flexed slightly, with an overall relaxed posture.
Holding the Ball
Choose a ball weight that you can comfortably control, with finger holes that fit comfortably, but are not too tight. Experiment with different weights and grips to find a ball that works best for you.
To determine thumb positioning on your bowling hand, imagine a clock in front of your hand. The thumb and palm pointing straight up is positioned at 12 o’clock. Shift the thumb downward to the left at the 10 o’clock position. Start with this position and maintain it throughout your swing and release as if you are reaching out to shake someone’s hand. This will create a side spin on the ball and a “hook” action towards the end of the roll.
Targeting
The seven positioning arrows (15 feet away) are much closer to the foul line than the pins (60 feet away) and should be used as a reference to aim the ball. If you begin your approach with the big toe of your opposite foot on the center dot, your shoulder (and ball) should line up around the 2nd arrow. This is the arrow second closest to the gutter and where you will aim the ball on your side of the lane.
Four-Step Approach
Please follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoyRbBHXQOA to observe the four-step approach to bowling video clip.
