L atelier du bowling

Trailing Leg Helps Keep Body On Linefor More Consistent, Accurate Shots

A common malady many league bowlers suffer from is what I like to call “back toe around.” For a right-hander this is when you finish the delivery by swinging your right, or trailing, leg around your body so that the right foot is nearly on the same plane as the left or sliding foot (Photo A). “Back toe around” is a fault which can dramatically affect shot-making ability on challenging lane conditions, when accuracy is at a premium. Excessive leg action as you prepare to deliver the ball causes a right-hander’s body and shoulder to “open-up” or turn to the right at the finish of the delivery. In most cases, this results in the ball being delivered in an outward direction, typically missing right of target, because the shoulder pulls the arm swing out of line. On forgiving lane conditions, you may still hit the pocket despite improper body position that results in missing the target, but when you encounter lane conditions that aren’t as forgiving, you’ll usually pay the price because a ball delivered right of target will not hook back. In addition, improper body position caused by twisting and turning, can cause excessive stress and eventually lower back problems. To establish a body position which results in a straighter, more accurate delivery, you must develop a more stable and comfortable body position at the point of release. At the foul line, your bowling shoulder should be square with the foul line. Your trailing foot should wrap around to a point approximately in line with your spine, where it causes no turning of the upper body (Photo B). Your head and chin should be directly over the knee (within two inches) which will add stability to your trunk area. Keeping your trailing toe on the approach also indicates you’ve got your body in a balanced position for a strong, accurate release (Photos C and D). Developing a stable and square body position will result in a straighter, more accurate body position especially when difficult lane conditions punish mistakes.