If you’re an avid bowler, you’re probably working hard to become better at your game. Practice makes perfect so chances are you’re at Round1 as often as you can. But if your busy schedule does not allow you to go to the alley a few times a week, there are drills you can do at home (or even in your office) to help you practice.
These drills help improve your swing, footwork, release and aim among other things. But before getting started with the drills, you should review the fundamentals of bowling technique so you’ll know exactly which component to focus your efforts on.
Fundamentals of a Good Bowling Technique
When it comes to improving your skills at bowling, you need to keep in mind a few important things:
Approach
A good bowling approach makes you a better bowler overall. With a great approach, you can expect higher bowling scores. So basically, your approach is how you approach the foul line.
Then there’s the matter of how you hold the ball. The correct ball hold sets the tone for your game so make sure you know the hole position of the ball and angle it correctly as it leaves your hand.
The next key component is your swing. Your swing slot (the path of your swing) is where you rely on gravity to achieve the tempo for the perfect ball speed and angle.
And finally, the release. You first need to master proper gripping to achieve a great release. Once you are confident with your grip, you can then work on perfecting your release.
Now that we have discussed the fundamentals, it’s time to get started with the drills. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Athletic Approach Drill
For this drill the focus is your posture during your approach. Flex your knees slightly so you don’t stand completely straight. Keep your head upright and still, particularly when you release the ball.
2. Footwork Timing Drill
If you’re a beginner, practice a 4-step approach. Be sure to pace your footsteps consistently. Do a slow count during the approach so you take one second for each step. Avoid hurrying on the last 2 steps.
3. Swing Start Drill
In a 4-step approach, steadily move the ball outward from a down position before the first step. Again just like your steps, avoid rushing your swing. Practice free-flowing motion with very little arm tension.
4. Swing Path Drill
Focus on your sighting target for your swing path and swing the ball back and forth along a specific path in the direction of your target. Then, follow through with your elbow behind the ball along the sighting path.
5. Foul Line Drill
Focus only on your hold at the foul line (do this 10x) until the ball goes through your sighting target. Develop this habit so you have a disciplined attitude toward your form.
6. Blind Bowling Drill
When you are bowling you need to consistently keep an eye on your target so you can achieve accuracy. However, for practice drills concentrate on maintaining good form rather than aiming.
7. Kneeling Drill
This will help you develop a more natural swing and improve your balance. Isolate your swing movements by kneeling. Then roll the ball toward the target.
8. At-Home Release Balance Drill
Stand in front of a mirror (full length) so you can practice your release. Use the same form you usually have on the final step of your approach. The focus here should be your balance, which is important if you want to hit your targets accurately and powerfully.
Check out the free swing drill here:
