There is no replacement for proper bowling “technique” at any skill level of bowling.  Running up to the foul line and heaving the ball as hard as possible will sometimes make a great crashing sound and might even get a strike or two, but it won’t knock down any more pins than will a shot that is slower in the course of a game or evening out with friends.

If there is one aspect of bowling technique that I want to stress, over stress, and stress too much is the FOLLOW THROUGH.  Watch this 3 minute video for a great discussion on arm swing and follow through.

For you guys out there I most often see the arm swing going wild everywhere except in that 4 inch groove.  That is, on your backswing your arm is most often moving the ball behind your body.  This might feel like you are really winding up your swing to impart a lot of velocity on the ball but you aren’t.  Especially with a beginner bowler with little or no hook, (and probably using a house ball with little or no hook potential) that wild back swing almost guarantees you won’t be able to throw the same shot twice.

And being able to throw the same shot over and over and over again is the name of the game in bowling.  Once you find the right “groove” in the lane you want to be able to throw your ball over the same boards in the alley, at the same speed, and with the same angle to start stringing strikes in a row.

For you guys (and gals), make your arm swing more deliberate, more thoughtful.  This is the foundation on which all other tips and techniques are built.

For the ladies, the number one violation of the arm swing rule I see is nearly zero follow through.  You will come up to the foul line and slump your arm down to your side “dropping” the bowling ball on the alley.  The ball will skid a few feet and begin to roll in one direction or another.  The same as with the men, there is no possibility to develop any consistency and repeatability to your game.

You must consciously push the ball forward and even after letting go of the ball continue with your follow through so your arm is pointing towards the ceiling.  Go to a lighter ball if necessary, even trim your luxurious fingernails, but get a better and LONGER grip on the bowling ball.

So, the absolute Foundation of Better Bowling is the arm swing and follow through.  Just keeping this Bowling Tip in mind with each shot you make your scores, whenever you go bowling, will improve.