Have you ever wanted to learn how to curve a bowling ball? It’s not as difficult as you may think! With a little practice, you can be curving the ball like a pro in no time. Learn how you can master this skill with our 5 step guide.
Step 1: Choose the Best Bowling Ball for You
The first step to curving a bowling ball is to choose the best ball for you. Not all bowling balls are created equal, and some will be better suited for beginners than others. It’s a good idea to select a ball that’s not too heavy or too light. A good rule of thumb is to choose a ball that weighs about 10% of your body weight.
Step 2: Focus on the Arrows, Not the Pins!
When you’re ready to throw the ball, it’s important to focus on the arrows on the lane rather than the pins at the end. It’s easier to aim for the arrows than the pins because the arrows are closer to you. In addition, the arrows are meant to help you. If you’re consistently shooting too much to the left or right, the arrows will help you know where to position yourself so you’ll be able to aim and have the bowling ball go where you want it to.
Step 3: Have Proper Technique Before Releasing
- Start with a Hook Grip: Your middle finger and ring finger will be hooked around the hole of the ball while your thumb and index finger rest on top. This grip will give you more control over the ball and help you throw it with more accuracy.
- Keep Your Wrist Straight: As you swing the ball back, be sure to keep your wrist straight. This will help you throw the ball with more power and accuracy.
- As You Swing, Release Your Thumb: Releasing your thumb first will help you get more spin on the ball and make it easier to curve.
- Use Your Wrist to Throw the Ball: This will give you more power and control of the ball. As you swing your arm forward, release the ball from your hand and allow it to roll off your fingers.
- Focus on the Momentum of the Ball: The key to curving a bowling ball is to focus on the momentum of the ball. As the ball rolls down the lane, you want to make sure that it has enough speed and rotation to make it around the pins.
Step 4: Releasing Speed to Curve Your Bowling Ball
Your release speed, timing, and position determine the curve of the bowling ball. For example, if you want to curve the ball to the left, you’ll need to release the ball slightly to the right of center. If you want to curve the ball to the right, you’ll need to release it slightly to the left of center. The further away from the center you release the ball, the more extreme the curve will be.
When it comes to releasing speed, if you release the ball too early, it will have a more gentle curve. If you release the ball too late, it will have a sharper curve.
You can also use different amounts of curve depending on how fast you’re bowling. If you’re bowling slowly, you’ll need to use more curve. If you’re bowling quickly, you’ll need to use less curve.
Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to learn how to curve a bowling ball is to simply practice. The more you do it, the better you’ll become at it. Curving a bowling ball takes time and effort, but it’s definitely possible with some practice.
Curve Bowling Balls at Stars and Strikes
If you want to get some practice curving bowling balls, come to Stars and Strikes! We have state-of-the-art bowling lanes that are perfect for practicing your skills. We also offer premium lighting, fresh food, bumps and ramps, VIP lanes, and more. Find a location closest to you to start practicing today!
