The Swing If you take a rather heavy object such as a bowling ball and simulate an underhand throwing motion, you'll notice the movement takes a momentum of its own. That is the pendulum principle. It is the essence of what makes a good, consistent swing. If bowlers did not have this "free" energy source, we could hardly get the ball down the lane at all. In terms of weight use a ball that can be swung back and forth freely and comfortably. The ball is too heavy if it makes the wrist flex back or causes the bowling shoulder to drop during the swing. It is too light if you feel you can "manhandle" the ball. The Steps New bowlers are encouraged to use a four step approach. Later, a fifth step may be added. Take each step straight ahead. Simple, walking-type steps in a normal heel-toe manner are the goal. Only the last step, which includes a slide, is different. On the step, the bowling shoe hits the approach with the ball of the foot causing it to glide forward. Then the weight transfers back toward the heel as a means of braking to a stop. The first step should be the shortest. The last step, because it includes the slide, should be the longest. Think of a metronome beating 1-2-3-4 to keep a steady tempo. For right-handers the step sequence is right, let, right, left. Left-handers follow a left, right, left, right pattern.

Putting Swing and Steps Together Taken individually, the swing and the steps are not difficult physical movements. But it is how they operate together that determines whether the bowling approach is pleasant or strained. You need to be in a stable position when releasing the ball but you also want to take advantage of the momentum of your steps. You want all the speed you picked up to be transferred to your ball when you release it onto the lane. So a well-timed release occurs just as the sliding foot comes to a stop. How do you achieve a release point that displays the best combination of stability and momentum? By having the backswing reach its highest point as the next to the last step is completed. From this position both the sliding foot and swinging arm move forward together. When that happens the timing sequence has been effective. The first three steps are taken while the ball moves to its highest point in the backswing. From there you are in position for the downswing, slide and release. The key is getting the ball started with a proper outward movement. In bowling terms this is the "push-away". As the first step is taken the ball moves from its starting position to a point about 12 to 18 inches in front of the body. From there it is ready to proceed into its swing are as the second and third steps are made. The start of the approach is the trigger point of the timing sequence. The push-away must be simple and easy to repeat. Even accomplished bowlers often seek to fine tune their timing. When doing so they concentrate on the first movement of the ball in relation to the steps. Get the first step and the push-away working together. From there the timing process will click into place for the remainder of the approach. Back Back to Home Page • Bowling Alley Equipment