• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Live to Bowl

Bowling tips and strategies to bowl like a pro!

  • Home
  • Tips & Advice
  • Product Reviews
  • Search

Mobile Menu

  • Home
  • Tips & Advice
  • Product Reviews
  • Search
how to play bowling like a pro

Bowling Techniques for Beginners

You are here: Home / Tips & Advice / Bowling Techniques for Beginners

Bowling has always appealed to me.  Unfortunately, I’ve never had the time to devote to really learning to bowl.  I mean, I can hold my own with other non-bowlers. I even took my girlfriend to the bowling alley a couple of times and managed to not make a fool of myself. I’ve always been athletically inclined, playing sports all the way through high school and college.

I never considered bowling to be a game that was heavy on technique.  It was just a game you played, as much for the socializing and camaraderie as for the game itself.  Which is why I was thoroughly deflated when I tried to play with buddies of mine who had been playing for a long time. I had just assumed my athleticism would carry me through.  It turns out that I was clueless to the nuances of bowling technique. My competitive nature rose to the challenge. I found an instructor and went to work.

best bowling balls for hurl

Equipment

To learn the best bowling techniques as a beginner I turned to many resources and, for better or worse, started with the most fundamental aspect of the game: the equipment.

Golf shoes are a must.  The highly polished floors of the lane and the approach area are slippery. The soles of golf shoes help one to glide through the approach and the rougher heal aids in stopping at the foul line.  Street shoes will damage the finish in this area.

The bowling ball must fit the hand properly, as well as be the correct weight for optimal bowling. A general rule of thumb, according to some experts, is that the ball should not exceed 10 percent of the bowler’s weight. (Personally, I did not find this to be a useful guide.)  The thumb should fit snugly into the hole but have room to turn. The middle fingers should fit into the holes exactly and there should be a slight space between the palm of the hand and the ball.

Check out our articles on the best bowling shoes and best bowling balls available on Amazon.

I invested in a 14-pound ball with a polyurethane covering.  The plastic balls available in commercial centers do not work as well for hook shots, I learned (more on that later).

The Basics

  • Stance
  • Approach
  • Swing
  • Release

The ball should be held with both hands, the bowling hand held close to the body, just above waist level, and gently supported by the other hand.  The player should stand erect, knees very slightly bent.

There are two approaches to shooting a straight ball (the name of this basic shot): the four-step approach and the five-step approach.  To determine starting position, the player should begin at the foul line and, facing away from the pins, take four and a half or five and a half steps, depending on the approach chosen.  This will bring the bowler to a line of dots that are meant to indicate where he stands. There is a dot on every fifth board. You want to stand with the left foot lined up with the middle dot. The half-step is for the slide: on the last step, the left foot goes forward and the right slides behind the bowler’s body four-step approach is the more common.  In executing this approach, the player “pushes off,” moving the right hand and right foot forward in synchrony. (I’m right-handed, so these instructions are for right-handed bowlers. For lefties, everything is reversed.) The half-step mentioned above is for the “slide” as it’s called. On the last step, the left foot is forward and the right foot slides behind the bowler.

The swing should be timed with the movement of the feet, the bowling arm lowering and moving slightly forward in a single, flowing movement, as the right foot steps forward, then going backward for the back swing, then forward for the release.

SaleBestseller No. 1
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb
Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb
  • Coverstock: Aggression Solid
  • Cover Type: Solid Reactive
  • Core: Gas Mask
  • Finish: 500, 1000, 2000 Siaair
$144.37
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Pink/Black, 10LB)
Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Pink/Black, 10LB)
  • Perfect for all ages and skill levels
  • Polyester coverstock for straight shots
  • Pyramid quality
  • Perfect Scale Rating: 5.0
$54.99
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As the arm comes forward from the backswing, the ball is released when the arm is lined up with the ankle. The thumb is the first finger to release from the ball. The arm continues forward for the follow through.  During execution of this movement, the shoulders remain square and the wrist and forearm face forward firmly (no twisting action here). The bowler’s aim during the approach and release is between the second and third arrows, markings painted on the lane to line up with the dots at the starting point.  As a lane is 18 meters long, aiming for the pins places too much distance between player and target. The arrows are painted at four meters from the foul line, making for an easier mark to aim for.

One of the biggest mistakes beginning bowlers make, and I was guilty myself, is to aim for the pins.  Accuracy is greatly enhanced by aiming at the arrows. This one change made a significant improvement in my game almost immediately.

Bestseller No. 1
Himal Bowling Ball Bag for Single Ball - Bowling Ball Tote Bowling Bag with Padded Ball Holder - Fits Bowling Shoes Up to Mens Size 14
Himal Bowling Ball Bag for Single Ball – Bowling Ball Tote Bowling Bag with Padded Ball Holder – Fits Bowling Shoes Up to Mens Size 14
  • 【Sufficient Space】The Himal bowling bag has enough space to store all your bowling accessories &…
  • 【High-Quality Materials】Made of durable and sturdy materials to ensure that it can withstand…
$27.99
Buy on Amazon
SaleBestseller No. 2
Mangrove Bowling Ball Bag for Single Ball, 2020 Bowling Ball Tote Bowling Bag with Padded Ball Holder - Fits Bowling Shoes Up to Mens Size 14 and Accessories (Black) (Black)
Mangrove Bowling Ball Bag for Single Ball, 2020 Bowling Ball Tote Bowling Bag with Padded Ball Holder – Fits Bowling Shoes Up to Mens Size 14 and Accessories (Black) (Black)
  • 【All Bowling Gear In One Bag】MANGROVE Bowling Ball Bag is large enough to carry all your bowling…
  • 【Padded Bowling Ball Cup】The main compartment is equipped with a thickly padded, foam bowling…
$24.99
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I must confess that I had never paid attention to the dots, the number of steps I took as I approached or even moving my arm and foot in synchrony.  I had always just played the way that felt right to me. And, it had served me well, except for those situations where one or two pins was left standing.  My second shot tended to be hit or miss, and I now know that this was due to my lack of technique.

For a right-handed bowler, the surest way to hit a strike (knock all the pins down) with a straight ball is to hit pins 1 and 3, called the 1-3 pocket.  For left-handed bowlers, you would want your ball to hit the 1-2 pocket. But, what if you don’t hit a strike? Maybe one or two balls are still standing.  The technique for this situation is called the 3-6-9 Rule. For every ball to the right, we position ourselves three boards to the left. For every ball to the left, we position ourselves three boards to the right.  Our aim remains the second arrow.

I must confess that my biggest challenge is timing.  As someone who considered himself athletic, it is frustrating to say the least.  At times, I feel that my coordination has abandoned me entirely. Step forward with right foot, bring right arm down and forward, left foot forward, right arm moving back…  It is like trying to dance with a girl without stepping on her feet. I’m happy to say that that feeling is disappearing with practice.

how to play bowling well

More Advanced Bowling Techniques

  • Hook Ball
  • Curve Ball
  • Back Up Ball

The hook shot is the one that most consistently produces strikes.  My own experience (once I regained my coordination) has supported this.  In this shot, the hand and wrist are turned inward, facing the body. During the follow-through, the hand is in the handshake position.

The curve ball is an exaggerated form of the hook ball.  However, it is difficult to control and therefore, if not executed properly, it allows too much room for error.

The back up ball, as its name implies, is rarely used.  The shot is executed from left to right, in exactly the opposite order of a straight ball (which would mean that a left-handed bowler would shoot it right to left).

SaleBestseller No. 1
KR Strikeforce Maui Grey Size 9 Women's Lightweight Athletic Bowling Shoes with Komfort Fit Construction
KR Strikeforce Maui Grey Size 9 Women’s Lightweight Athletic Bowling Shoes with Komfort Fit Construction
  • Soft, Lightweight, breathable knitted upper
  • Lace-up closure with Komfort-FitTM Construction
  • Bubble Rubber CMEVA outsole with raised rubber heel pod
$45.00
Buy on Amazon
Bestseller No. 2
KR Strikeforce Flyer Mesh Steel Men's Size 10 1/2 Bowling Shoe with FlexSlide Technology
KR Strikeforce Flyer Mesh Steel Men’s Size 10 1/2 Bowling Shoe with FlexSlide Technology
  • The KR Strikeforce Mens Flyer Mesh bowling shoe is equipped with universal slide soles and great…
  • Mens Flyer is simple yet stylish and is made with a soft durable man-made upper so its comfortable…
  • Engineered Mesh Upper with Universal soles Lighter and more breathable Komfort-Fit construction…
$52.95
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Next Steps and Where to Purchase Equipment

When you’re ready to make the leap, you can read these articles to learn what bowling equipment we recommend for every different kind of player and choose what suits you better. We try to review the best bowling equipment in the market every few weeks to keep up-to-date with the current trends.

  • How To Choose A Bowling Ball Easily
  • The 3 Best Bowling Balls For Hook
  • Best Bowling Balls For Women
  • The 3 Best Bowling Shoes For Beginners
  • Best 4 Bowling Shoes For The Money

Filed Under: Tips & Advice

Bestsellers on Amazon

Bestseller No. 1 Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 14LB) Pyramid Path Bowling Ball (Black/Silver, 14LB) $54.99
SaleBestseller No. 2 Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball (9-Pounds) Brunswick TZone Indigo Swirl Bowling Ball... $61.03
SaleBestseller No. 3 Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb Hammer Black Widow 2.0 15lb $144.37

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

bowl a strike for beginners

How To Bowl A Strike Consistently

differences between bowling ball coverstocks

What Are The Differences Between Pearl, Solid And Hybrid Bowling Balls

balls that hook the most

What Bowling Balls Hook The Most?

how to bowl properly in bowling

The 6 Necessary Components To Improve Your Bowling Results

The Bowling Scoring Rules

A Comprehensive Guide Of The Bowling Scoring Rules

how to score in bowling

How To Write Down Boluses When No Electronic Score Is Available

bowling tips to bowl a strike

How To Become Great At Bowling

bowl a strike every time

11 Tips To Bowl A Strike Every Time

bowling ball different throws

9 Best Ways To Improve Your Bowling Skills For Beginners

Simple Tips For Better Bowling

A Detailed Analysis On How To Convert A Spare

The 4 Factors To Improve Your Bowling Skills

The 4 Factors To Improve Your Bowling Skills

bowling tips to bowl a strike

How Did Bowling Start? A Brief Summary Of Bowling History

Previous Post: «how to bowl like a pro Bowling Techniques To Get A Strike
Next Post: Bowling Tips for Left-Handers best bowling balls»

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

bowl a strike for beginners

How To Bowl A Strike Consistently

differences between bowling ball coverstocks

What Are The Differences Between Pearl, Solid And Hybrid Bowling Balls

best bowling balls for dry lanes

The Best 3 Bowling Balls For Dry Lanes

balls that hook the most

What Bowling Balls Hook The Most?

Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball (12lbs)
Hammer Black Widow Legend Bowling Ball (12lbs)
$156.88
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

New Releases

New Hammer Purple Solid Urethane Bowling Ball (15)
Hammer Purple Solid Urethane Bowling Ball (15)
$149.95
Buy on Amazon
New PJ PAUL JONES Polo Shirts for Men Mens Retro Lightweight Slim Fit Pullover Polo T Shirts for Golf Bowling Beige L
PJ PAUL JONES Polo Shirts for Men Mens Retro Lightweight Slim Fit Pullover Polo T Shirts for Golf Bowling Beige L
$26.99
Buy on Amazon
New PRIMESTY Personalized Bowling Shirts for Men, Christmas Bowling Shirts, Custom Bowling Jerseys for Bowlers, Size S-5XL
PRIMESTY Personalized Bowling Shirts for Men, Christmas Bowling Shirts, Custom Bowling Jerseys for Bowlers, Size S-5XL
$24.99
Buy on Amazon
New Humorous I Wonder if Bowling Thinks of Me Meme Team Dad Mom Tote Bag
Humorous I Wonder if Bowling Thinks of Me Meme Team Dad Mom Tote Bag
$24.99
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ultimate Bowling Guide

Ready to ramp-up your bowling skills?

ultimate bowling guide bowling tips

This all-in-one guide is a shortcut to bowling success. Click here to learn more.

 

Site Footer

  • Tips & Advice
  • Sitemap
  • Product Reviews
  • Privacy Policy

LiveToBowl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright © 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT