10 Pin Bowling Techniques

Bowling is a little like golf–a deceptively difficult sport that leads to its fair share of frustration–but with hard work and following these 10-pin bowling techniques, you can increase your scores. And this goes for the after-work league bowler as well as the play-for-fun family man or birthday party organizer.

1. Pick the right ball. Balancing your physical capabilities with a ball with the right weight is significant in determining your success on the lanes. Pro bowler Bob Strickland suggests a basic test - pick up a ball and hold it straight out in front of you. If you can hold the ball steady for five seconds, without your arms shaking, it is light enough for you to use, Strickland says. The holes should comfortably fit your fingers.
2. Plan the approach. Line up opposite the head pin, starting at the second line of dots on the lane. Don't stand straight on with the head-pin, though–stand slightly to the right or the left. If you're lined up straight on the head pin there is a risk of splits. 
3. Start your delivery. Keep it simple by using a four-step delivery because it's easiest to identify and fix problems.  Push the ball straight out on the first step.  The middle part of the delivery should emphasize the pendulum effect.
4. Finish strong. The fourth step is the slide step, when you cover the last part of the delivery before the foul line with a slide. At the line make sure to follow through–move your arm directly to the ceiling naturally.
5. Square up at the line. Then, watch the ball hit the pocket, and when the pins go flying–look like you've been there before. Practice and the strikes and spares will start coming!