L atelier du bowling

Straight Arm Swing is the Key to Playing Versatile Angles

In sports like bowling, golf and baseball where a proper arm swing is an absolute necessity if you want to be successful, there can be dozens of points throughout the swing where things can go wrong. Net result? Less than desirable execution or, in a word, a mistake. The reality for many bowlers today is that favorable lane conditions allow bowlers to get away with poor execution and still obtain favorable results. For example, a bowler can still score well on many lane conditions with an outward or open arm swing which sends the ball outside of the intended target because the drier boards on the outside of the lane provide the base of friction which allows the ball to hook back to the pocket. Conversely, a bowler who delivers the ball inside of the intended target often will get a favorable result because a build up of oil in the middle of the lane will cause the ball to continue its slide, failing to hook past the pocket. When you confront more competitive conditions where a flatter oil pattern exists, however, a straight arm swing is critical to maintain accuracy. If you watch closely, you’ll see highly skilled bowlers who are able to vary theirarm swing to create the desired trajectory straight up the boards, an outward “swing shot” or an inward line pointing off the corner of the lane. But skilled players created these important trajectories by adjusting their body positions rather than using their arms only. A professional bowling instructor can help you learn the techniques for adjusting your body positions, but it’s just as important to know what technique to employ in which situation, and that’s decision-making that only comes for years of experience in observing your environment. The key in each case — playing straight up the lane, an inside angle or off the corner is to keep your upper arm close to your body throughout the swing. A close-to-the-body arm position will ensure a straighter, more accurate swing at the point of release. If you need to adjust the direction of the delivery, simply adjust the alignment of your shoulders in relationship to the foul line. If you rely on your arm alone to adjust your swing, your accuracy will suffer.