Comments on: How to Bowl a Strike

By: Spencer

Spencer — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:39:30 +0000

Hi. I’m Spencer and i’m 12 years old. I’ve been bowling since I could pick up a bowling ball without an adult’s help. I know a lot. And the first thing I know is that some of the information on your how to bowl a strike page is incorrect. First, the weight limit for a bowling ball is 16 pounds. Second, the lighter ball is not for pin action, but for less hook. More and more balls are now made for hook. Pros like to reduce that most times. Third, the arm doesn’t necessarily need to be straight.(Don Carter, for example) You should slide using the sole of the shoe on the last step. Lastly, ho many pros do a dance after a strike? Keep it cool and KEEP CALM. No need to make a scene.
Hope these tips help you with your game, Brett.

Spencer

By: John

John — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:12:49 +0000

Remember that the narrow line (path of the ball) in the picture at the top of the page is not really the path of the ball. The ball is roughly 9″ wide so the deflection path of the pins is not as it appears bouncing off that imaginary line. The one and three pins are deflected back at about 45 degrees taking out pins along the way. Same for the 5 pin.

By: John

John — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:08:37 +0000

The path the ball takes when knocking down pins is 1 pin, 3 pin, 5 pin and 9 pin. If rolled correctly the 1 pin takes out the 2, 4 & 7, the 3 pin takes out the 6 and 9 pins, and the 5 pin hits the 8 pin. The ball finishes its path through the pins by hitting the 9 pin.

By: Jake Jacobs

Jake Jacobs — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:24:54 +0000

There are trivia sites that claim that the ball hits the five pin when a perfect strike is bowled. However, the ball hits the one-three pocket and the headpin hits the two pin, turns at a ninety degree angle, and hits the five pin, driving it through the pin deck, the ball is the last thing to exit the pin deck. The only pins that are hit with the ball are the one and three pins. Anyone that watched the PBA Bowling tournaments were privilaged to see this in slow motion, as far back as the sixties and seventies. It was televised on ABC TV, hosted by Chris Shenkel.

By: T

Sat, 07 May 2011 03:24:18 +0000

my experienced bowling friend told me that custom bowling balls have an off-set weight in them. they have a little bit of “natural” curve when you bowl. HOWEVER lane balls (the kind the alley provides) do not have this off set weight. so, it is easier to bowl straight with them. this is usually why pro-bowlers, or league bowlers have more than one ball with them when they bowl. one is for the initial throw, the second is when they need to be more precise. at least….. that is what my bowling friend told me. (my friend is in a league btw – and really good). just sharing. thanks.

By: Brax

Brax — Sun, 01 May 2011 08:30:21 +0000

How is bowling a manly pursuit? I’d say it’s pretty much a sport for both genders. My Mum was a pretty handy bowler back in the day.

By: Gary

Gary — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:26:53 +0000

This is a tip many people don’t know. Always pick the ball up with both hands, cradle it in the crook of the elbow of the non-throwing arm until you insert your fingers, and then support it with that arm while you are lining up the shot.

Novices tend to walk up to the ball return, stick their fingers in the ball, haul it up to the approach, swing the ball up to their chest and then start their shot.

Over the course of three games the fingers will tire, causing a myriad of problems like letting the ball go too early, or on the backswing. Once the fingers tire it’s difficult to control the ball and have a consistent delivery.

By: John Rose

John Rose — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:10:18 +0000

If you don’t have a ball and you’ve only bowled a few times in your life, I would suggest learning how to bowl straight first. Then after a few months, jump up to a reactive ball and start learning to curve it. The reason I say learn to bowl straight first is so you can understand how the ball reacts to the pins and you learn the pin fall. If you notice how the pins fall, you learn how and where to hit the pins. Basically how the ball interacts with the pins. You also will learn better form and timing on your approach. I would suggest a T-Zone ball drilled for your hand and a pair of shoes. Shouldn’t cost more then $125. Always bowl with people that are better then you and that will have the patience and no how to show you what to do and more importantly, what not to do.
There is an amazing amount of instructional videos on the internet from the Team USA bowling team, along with other professionals that show you everything from lane reading to timing, to ball selection. Watch them and take mental notes for your next visit to the lanes. When you start learning to curve the ball into the pocket, the best advice I can give you is that it’s just like throwing a football underhanded. If you’ve ever underhanded a spiral football before, it’s the same motion. You pull your arm strait back, release at your front foot, and follow through into a handshake. Best thing to do is run the ball up the right gutter (if you’re right handed), and if you’re flaring the ball to far right, try to keep your arm straighter. If the ball is running up the gutter but crosses over the pins and you go Brooklyn (left of the front center pin), then start more left and then flair the ball out towards the right gutter. Once you find your position that’s most comfortable, start refining and get consistent. Good luck, and have fun. Also, big TIP: Go to your local bowling alley website, or swing by to see what days they have specials. My local alley has $5 Wednesdays. All you can bowl, including shoes for 5 bucks after 9. They also have other nights of really good deals.

By: kevin

kevin — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:55:51 +0000

I have been bowling since I can remember and I’m only 22, but I worked at my local lanes for 5 years when I was in high school and go tot bowl for free all the time because of the job, that of course opens up a lot of opportunities that most don’t have but I can say, if you want to get better just keep at it, don’t stop and don’t feel like you are always doing something wrong everyone throws and approaches and does everything different. The basics are the same but after enough time and effort you will progress into your own style.

By: Faisal

Faisal — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:56:01 +0000

I believe it all takes a good imagination than on hand skills for it. Practice cannot make perfect all the times