I posted an article on The Perfect Strike a year ago (2009/02/22). I believe what I have for you today will benefit many bowlers who always lament leaving pin 10 standing.

LEAVING THE 10 PIN: A Close Examination

Most of the time when a good shot is thrown into the pocket, we anticipate a strike. This does not always happen. Your first thought could be you were just unlucky. Let me tell you this…luck has very little to do with it. The two diagrams I’ve drawn for you will explain exactly what has actually taken place.

You are looking at the ball hitting the pocket at a 60-ft distance. The ball could have struck the head pin slightly heavy (diagram A) or it could have struck the head pin slightly light (diagram B). Of course there’s always the question of the ball’s angle of entry to consider.

Ponder the above scenario. If you wish, you can leave me your comments on my Facebook Page (ABC To Bowling).

To all the fathers out there, HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Jonathan

I would like to continue my last posting with an additional tip that should improve your scores.

TWO-STEP DRILL

- Accelerated Power Step -

The two-step drill is an integral part of a bowler’s bio-mechanical functions in the process of developing the power step. Besides acquiring good swing timing, the two-step drill also acts as a catalyst to developing an accelerated swing…a knowledge that is so advantageous in today’s modern power play.

HOW TO PRACTISE THE TWO-STEP DRILL

Start by positioning yourself about 4-5 feet from the foul line.

Place your feet in the staggered starting stance, with the take-off foot (right leg for right handed bowler) about 3-4” further back.

Hold ball stationary by the side of the body. Extend balance arm to 8-9 o’clock.

Begin by pushing the ball forward. During the backward downswing, take a small step forward with the take-off leg.

When the ball reaches the apex of the backswing, you should be in the set ‘pro’ posture and your body weight should be centered on your take-off leg.

NOW you are in the power zone. With your take-off leg, push forward strongly to drive into the slide with your sliding leg…as you accelerate the forward swing.

The result will be a higher ball speed with higher rev rates.

Practise this drill until you achieve the desired results.

I would once again stress that your Basic Fundamentals are the building blocks for a solid game. Once you get them right, learning new things become a breeze.

Look out for more bowling tips in the weeks to come. Till then…have a blast on the lanes!

If you are not a fan yet, go to the link on the top right of this page to join my Facebook Page (ABC To Bowling) to connect with me. Exciting things coming up soon.

Jonathan

 It’s been a while since I last posted some bowling tips. I was recently reminded of this by a bowler. So today, I would like to focus on a drill that will help you to produce more consistent results.

THE BALANCE LINE DRILL
- Your Finish Position & Pendulum Swing -

Let’s start with your BODY POSITION.

1. Begin with the in-step of your sliding foot on the middle dot at the foul line. Bend your body forward so that your toe, knee and shoulder are above each other in a balanced line through your body.

2. Develop a deep knee-bend with the balance leg, while you develop a straight waist bend to get your shoulders above the knee. The trailing leg should be stretched back slightly.

3. The toe of the trailing leg should be UP ON THE APPROACH or should be turned over on its side. The trailing leg should be OFF TO THE SIDE to provide for balance. (About 45 degrees, creating a triangular base). Keep your body weight OFF THE BACK FOOT.

4. Your non-bowling arm should be stretched out parallel to your body between 8.00 and 9.00 o’clock for balance and counter resistance.

Now, let’s discuss the DRILL TECHNIQUE.

1. Begin by building the correct balance line at the foul line.
2. Do five swings starting with the ball motionless at the side.
3. Start the drill with the backward motion of the ball by pulling gently, and relax.

Swing # 1: Gently pull back and relax, let the ball swing freely.
Swing # 2: INCREASE the backward pull more, relax, let the ball swing freely.
Swing # 3: INCREASE the backward pull EVEN more, relax, let ball swing freely, and release the ball on this third swing
Swing # 4: Arm swing back, and relax.
Swing # 5: Arm swing back, and relax.

The 4th and 5th swings after the ball has been released are to determine if you can maintain your balance position (if you lose your balance, it indicates that you have pushed or pulled the ball and have not created a FREE PENDULUM SWING).

All swings must be the same, especially the 3rd one, where the ball is released.

Work on this drill and see if your consistency improves after a while. You can check out more FUNDAMENTAL TIPS here:

http://www.abc2bowlingstrikes-spares.com/special_offer.php

http://www.abc2bowlingstrikes-spares.com/special_offer_all.php

If you have any coaching queries, feel free to contact me at abc2bowling@gmail.com

Have a great day on the lanes…

Jonathan