Technique and Fundamentals
- The 4-Step approach
-recommended for most bowlers
-provides added ball speed
Procedure for a right handed bowler:
The bowler will take the first small step w/ the right foot as the ball is carried forward.
Next, as the ball starts the back swing the step is taken w/ the left foot and then continue w/ the forward swing as you step w/ the right foot.
(These 2 steps should be smooth and blend w/ the upper body and lower body movements.)
The delivery of the ball (release) occurs w/ a final slide step of the left foot.
The coordination of the swing and the 4-step approach is:
STANCE+ PUSH AWAY+ DOWNSWING+ BACKSWING+ FORWARDSWING+ DELIVERY+ and FOLLOW- THROUGH. (Left-handed bowlers follow the same swing pattern; however, the first step will be the LEFT foot.)
- SpotBowling-the most common method of aiming
-The spot bowler aims at a spot on the lanes not the pins.
-For the beginner, the second arrow from the right is usually the target. The bowler concentrates on rolling the center of the ball over this spot.
III.Straight vs. Hook Ball
A bowling ball can take different paths down the lane. All bowlers should learn to roll thehookball if possible. Although mastery of the straight ball can be effective for those lacking the necessary strength for the hook ball. BOTH require a firm wrist and firm fingertips as the ball is released out over the foul line.
Straight ball will roll end-over end straight toward the target (point of aim). The hand position is to have the palm of the hand directly underneath and behind the ball not only during the stance, but also throughout the entire approach and release! The hand position is described as one in which the THUMB is pointed to 12 o’clock and the middle and ring fingers are at 6 o’clock.
When in this 6 o’ clock position, the ball will leave the fingers and will roll end-over-end in a straight path w/ no sideward spin. Thus, it has only the force of the forward roll acting on the pins.
Hook Ball is the most effective generally speaking. Correct hand position is that in which the THUMB is pointed at 10 o’clock and the middle and ring fingers are within the 4:00 o’clock and 5:30 range. For the left-handed bowler, the thumb is pointed at 1 o’clock, and the bowling fingers are between 6:30 and 8 o’clock.
IV.Bowling Etiquette
-Watch bowlers on the left and right. The first person that is ready to bowl must be allowed the courtesy of delivering the ball first. Two bowlers on adjoining lanes are never to start their approaches at the same time.
-Return to the head of the runway when you have delivered the ball. Do not stand at the foul line waiting for the ball to be returned.
-Always be ready to bowl when it is your turn!
-Do not bring food or drink into the bowling section.
-Return bowling shoes to the desk and return house ball to the proper storage rack.
(Students in the high school physical education class are responsible for setting up pins, and returning equipment to its proper place. Students must stay in their lanes and not disturb others- or others’ equipment. The bowling balls are to be rolled and not dropped or bounced. Failure to use equipment for purposes other than which it is intended could result in loss of points as well as other disciplinary actions.)