Correct Bowling Form

The correct bowling form is all about free flowing movement. There is a major difference between a bowling stance and bowling form. Bowling form has to do with the actual motion the ball takes down the lane; from hand to pin.

1. Hold the ball properly. Be sure to place the middle finger and ring finger in the top two holes. The thumb should be placed in the single hole toward the bottom. The correct form of holding the ball is that it should be held slightly to your side with your bowling hand underneath the ball and the opposite supporting it underneath as well.
2. Making the approach. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders centered squarely toward the target at which you are aiming. Keeping your knees slightly bent, keep your slide foot a little in front of the other one. The slide foot is the foot that is opposite the hand you bowl with.
3. During the aiming, look for the arrows. It usually takes highly skilled bowlers to know where their breaking point is. This is when the ball starts to move toward the "pocket" in which you are aiming. Often times, bowlers aim at an angle. Its best to begin at the second arrow as this is the usual place to begin for most bowlers.
4. The four step approach. The first step is done by stepping out with the back foot on the ball side. Extend your arms and push the ball straight out at floor level. The second step is to let the ball swing straight back without forcing it. This should be done as smoothly as possible. The third step should be the ball on its way back. Again, its important to emphasize not to force the ball. This can cause your shoulder to twist and potentially create pain and damage. The fourth step is to let the ball release as your knees are bent and your back is straight. Keep your head up and your eyes on the pins.
5. As you move forward, stay straight. Moving forward toward the target, it is important to remember to not twist the body in any way. The thumb should come out first followed by the remaining fingers. Remember to walk away from the lane as soon as you can in order to give other bowlers in the lane next to you a chance to bowl. And remember to have fun!