When bowling, we always try to improve our game, be it consistency, scores or just trying to do possible spares when we don't get a strike. Too often, not getting a strike leads to:

• A bit of frustration
• Questioning the quality of the lanes
• Blaming the pinfall at the bowling lanes
• OR whatever excuses we can come up with

When we think along these lines, we usually get carried away from the things we should be thinking about, and start thinking about 'Quick Fixes' and begin to drastically adjust our way of bowling by changing too many things and making too many adjustments. My view on improving your game is always getting back to the basics and keeping things simple. By this, I mean a few common things most 'spot bowlers' should always be aware of. In this discussion, the reader will be assumed to be a 'spot bowler' as opposed to a 'pin bowler'. A Spot Bowler is one who looks at a target spot/arrow on the lane and tries to roll the ball over it which will correspond to the desired target (headpin/pocket) on the first ball. A Pin Bowler is someone who looks at the pins when bowling.

1. Where do I stand on the approach?
2. Where do I finish my approach at the foul line?
3. How do I hold the ball?
4. Did I follow through?
5. Was my body in proper alignment when I released my ball?
6. Did I hit my intended target/spot?

We should always be thinking about the above six things. Maybe we should ask ourselves, "What I am doing right/wrong and how can I correct my wrongs". The lane and lane conditions are what you are dealt with, just work with it and deal with it the proper way by making the correct adjustments, not blaming the lane and lane conditions for our poor or sub-par bowling. Apart from the few basic points listed above, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to keep the game FUN. Try to enjoy what you are doing and the game will become a lot easier.

Most people will bowl by either taking three steps or four steps. For simplicity, I will deal with a four step approach and a right handed bowler. Standing at the foul line, your back to the pins, take four steps and go through the motions as if you are delivering a ball with the slide you will normally take with your follow through. Where your toes of your front foot stop on the approach should be noted, since this spot will be your starting point on the approach in which you will set yourself up to bowl.

For simplicity's sake again, I am going to assume that you deliver a ball at the middle arrow in order to hit your pocket or the head pin. Standing at your determined distance from the foul line on the approach, stand with your right foot in line with the middle (big) dot on the approach.

If you go through the motions of delivering the ball (discussed later), you should have your left foot as your front (or leading) foot at the foul line. Your foot should end within three to four inches of the foul line with your toes pointing directly at the pins.

3. How do I hold the ball?

The ball should be held with a space between the ball and the palm of your hand. The ball should be supported with your fingers so when you deliver, you will get the 'lift' and 'rotation' on the ball.

4. Did I follow through?

Proper follow through will be achieved when your timing is right. As a four step right handed bowler, start with your left foot bearing most of your weight. Take your first step with your right foot. At the same time your right foot starts moving, you should be moving your right arm forward.
On your second step, your left foot should be moving forward while at the same time, your right arm should be swinging straight behind your back. On your third step (right foot moving forward), your right arm should have completed your back swing and started moving forward.
On your fourth and final step, your left foot should be sliding forward with your arm and body moving forward also. Your left foot should reach the foul line at the same time your forward swing reaches the foul line.

5. Was my body in proper alignment when I released the ball?

At this point, your left knee should be bent, shoulders 'square' at the line and arm moving forward as a pendulum swing. Arm follows through so that when a ball is delivered, your right foot should be on the floor directly behind you, left knee bent and right arm is brought through so it follows straight up over the shoulders so that there is almost a diagonal line (in relation to the floor) made by your right foot and right arm.

6. Did I hit my intended target?

To determine if you hit your intended target/spot, you have to keep your eyes looking at that spot until the ball rolls over it. It is always a good habit to stay in your follow through position until the ball not only rolls over the target, but until the ball actually hits the pins. This way it will become easier to consistently follow through.

This article is just a guide to some of the common things we should always be thinking about when we bowl. The article is intended for the average league or open play bowler who would like to improve their game and have fun while doing so. Should you have any questions about any part of this article, or your game, please feel free to e-mail me and I'll be sure to give you some feedback. Remember...bowling can be, and is a lot of fun, but the fun and enjoyment starts with you!

Dave is a NCCP certified Level 2 coach in Surrey, British Columbia. He is actively involved in the youth programs and regularly contributes his time to the B.C. Bowling School. He was named British Columbia's 'Elite Coach of the Year' in 2002/2003 and has coached many teams to the Gold Medal at numerous National Finals.

Dave is also a member of the Master Bowlers' Association of Canada (since 1974) and is the MBA Vice President in British Columbia.