L atelier du bowling

Mastering five key components will help you convert more 10 pins

No matter the sport, it's always best to learn proper technique by isolating areas of execution to improve performance. Take golf for example. There are so many components to a proper golf swing that it’s almost impossible to learn them all at once. The best way to learn proper golf technique is to learn one component at a time. The same is true for bowling. Concentrate on one aspect of the game, work to perfect it, then move on to the next technique. In this, the first in a series of tips, we will use this proven concept of “isolation” to focus attention on developing the proper execution techniques in various areas of the sport. To get started, we’re going to isolate the key techniques that will help right handed bowlers improve your confidence in converting the 10 pin spare (the same techniques apply to left-handers in reverse). In subsequent lessons we’ll focus on techniques that help develop a free arm swing and a release that will increase ball/pin reaction while correcting improper release techniques, among other topics. To learn the proper technique in converting the 10 pin, we need to isolate five components. We’ll start with the premise that it’s best to throw the ball in a straight line to eliminate the possibility of unexpected over- and under hooking ball reaction when lanes are either dry or oily.

1 Where to stand on the approach At Dick Ritger Bowling Camps, we position our right-handed students at the far left side of the approach with the left gutter directly in front of them. Body position should be square to the foul line. To ensure a proper stance, you should make sure your right shoulder is lined up with the center of the ball. Once this position has been established, you should then turn your upper body slightly to the right so that the 10 pin, ball and shoulder are all in line.The final stance adjustment to make is to move your feet right or left on the approach until the fourth (middle) arrow comes into alignment with the 10 pin, ball and shoulder line. Once this position has been achieved be sure to look down to see which board the instep of your sliding foot is covering because that is the place you will need to remember as your 10 pin starting position.

2 Where to slide You should then identify where to slide and the rule of thumb here is fairly simple. Your slide can be executed at any of the five boards left of the last left dot at the foul line. Your slide foot will be aligned almost with the left edge of the lane.

3 Where to look during the approach Next, you need to determine where to look down the lane once you start your approach. First look at the dots that are located on the lane about seven feet past the foul line. You want to look two or three boards right of the first dot left of center. If you draw an imaginary line from the dots to the middle arrow it will also align with the 10 pin. Using the dots as a target, but remaining aligned with the middle arrow, allows for a quicker thumb release. That should result in a target that’s easier to hit, creating a slide and target system that ensures accuracy and consistency.

4 Adjusting for ball return If you begin your steps from the back edge of the approach, you may need to make adjustments in your stance position if a ball return becomes a hindrance, limiting where you can stand on the left side of the approach. In this case, the bowler may need to look one or two boards further right at the dots and use a target two or three boards right of the fourth arrow (usually the 17 or 18 board). This adjustment in stance and approach may require you to use a flatter, open-handed release in order to keep the ball on a straight line.

5 Adjust with the ball The other adjustment you may want to make is changing from a reactive or aggressive hooking ball to a harder-surfaced plastic or shiny ball with less hook. Using a ball that hooks less will improve your control and does not require a change in release.