5 Bowling Strike Tips

Every bowler is looking for 5 bowling strike tips to help them improve their game. Learning how to hold, release, and follow through can mean the difference between a gutter ball, spare, and a strike. Using these bowling strike tips, you can improve your stance, technique and throw to help knock down those pins and rack up your strike score.

1. Watch your feet. The first step to success is in your feet – literally. If you’re right handed, you should begin your approach with your right foot. If you’re left handed, you’ll begin with your left foot. Starting on the wrong foot can throw you off balance and could result in a gutter ball.
2. Let it go. The point at which you release the ball can determine how much power it has to knock down the pins. According to Dick Ritger, release too early and the ball won’t have enough power to knock them all down. Release too late and the ball will hit the lane hard, probably resulting in a gutter ball. The optimum time to release the ball is at the bottom of your swing, just as the ball begins to swing upward. Gravity will be pulling at the weight of the ball and you will be able to feel that pull. This is the time to let it go.
3. Follow through. At this point you may be tempted to look at your ball. Don’t. Keep your eye on your target completely through your follow through. As you release the ball, allow your arm to swing forward, arching up toward the ceiling. Your body, namely your shoulders and your feet, will follow your eyes. If you look away from your target, your ball will go that way, too.
4. Roll it; don’t throw it. One of the soundest bowling strike tips is to roll your ball down the lane. If you throw your ball, you will lose some of the control as to speed, distance, hook and power. However, a rolled ball is delivered smoothly down the lane in a precise, powerful manner every time.
5. Don’t rush. Don’t feel you must approach, release or follow through at a certain speed. Whatever speed you feel comfortable with is the speed at which you should perform your actions. Don’t rush your movements. A good bowling strike tip: how you deliver the ball is more important than how fast you deliver it.