Anatomy Of A Bowling Release: An Introduction

Many would describe Ten Pin Bowling as an individual sport similar to golf. The individual, the ball, the bowling alley and the oil pattern.

Yes, all oil patterns are not equal. Self-competition means consistent execution under different conditions. It doesn't matter how anyone else is bowling, be it good, bad or average. An individual score is based on the individual's execution and consistence, along with the ability to read the ball path and the lanes.

The only opponents are the lanes and the pins. There is no defender between the foul line and the pins to throw your game off track, just oil.

Pin fall is dependent on many factors including the ball's angle of entry into the pocket. For a right-hander this is between the 1 pin and the 3 pin The angle of entry is a function of the individual's delivery, specifically arm swing and ball release.

The focus of this blog is the ball release because Joe Slowinski, a top 100 professional coach who writes for the Bowling This Month, (BTM), has succinctly described a ball delivery which will improve any individual's bowling score and game. Joe also recommends a few drills to help gain confidence and consistence.

During childhood, bowling was a social gathering which did not receive much attention.   Other sports, like racquetball, for me, took priority. Bowling in Florida was purely sociable until I met my friend Gary, a serious bowler. The community group gathers at 9 a.m. and is organized into six member teams.

All are retired, starting the day with friends. Some serious, others not so serious. However everyone is eager to improve. High score – score plus handicap – per game can win about $4 dollars depending on the number of bowlers. It makes everything a little bit more interesting.

While talking with Gary, it was apparent that many factors enter into the game of bowling. To name a few: type of ball surface, finger and thumb layout, finger and thumb fit, and yes, delivery.

It didn't take much to get hooked. 

In the second installment, coming soon, look for a breakdown of the BTM method and how you can sharpen your skills.