Coordinating the Swing: Just Get The Ball Out and Over The Foul Line

Written By: Tom Kouros, Tony Ruocco, Keith Spear | Written On: Friday, July 30, 2010 | Updated On: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

THERE ARE MANY FUNDAMENTALS

In golf and bowling that are similar, none more pronounced than where to effect the "explosion point" in the swing. This phrase signifies the point in the swing where the hand is utilized to apply all the action-producing factors on the ball—extension, turn, and lift.

The tendency in golf is to "release" the hands before they get over the ball. Likewise, in bowling, overanxious players tend to start the release too early in the downswing, before the ball is adjacent to the knee of the last step. Others wait too long, releasing the ball only after it has moved well beyond the knee.

The legendary Sam Snead, who possessed one of the greatest swings in golf, underscored that talent when he began to sing the old ballad, "You ain’t got a thing if you don’t have that swing." It emphasized the critical importance this aspect has on the game.

One of bowling’s great coaches, John Jowdy, would enthusiastically endorse this idea. In fact, knowing John, he’d probably write his own song.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed bowlers like Paul Krumske, Bill Lillard, Dick Weber, Don Johnson, George Pappas, and David Ozio with great swings. But unquestionably, the Sam Snead of bowling was Dave Davis. Where the swings of other notable bowlers were like orlon, nylon, or fine wool, Davis’ swing was pure silk—smooth and flawless, it was a gift from the bowling gods.

When a bowler "hits" the ball early, some or all of the action efforts are negated because the thumb is still partially inserted, countering the hand and fingers' action. This mistake creates an ineffective and inconsistent release, leading to "dumping" or "pitching" the ball onto the lane, often due to re-gripping after the initial hit.

A bowler must develop the patience and discipline to wait for the ball to reach the proper release point before "playing his hand." Early in my career, I often turned bad outings around after a sympathetic "old-timer" would say, "Relax, kid. Just get the ball out over the foul line." These words often worked like magic.

However, as mentioned, it’s also possible to wait too long to release the ball. If the ball isn’t released before it gets 2 feet beyond the sliding knee, leverage is progressively sacrificed. Exceptions apply based on the bowler’s height, arm length, etc., but hitting early is usually the issue.

Even advanced bowlers sometimes regress by making this mistake, so it’s important to guard against it. Many players use mental cues to assist them in releasing at the proper point. One I used with success for years was "wait-roll-stroke," meaning wait for the ball to reach the proper position, roll the ball by moving the hand through it, and then lift through it. Most bowlers don’t fully trust their ability to get everything right, leading to mentally contrived mistakes.

Practice Exercises

Finally, here are two practice exercises for correcting faulty set-down points on the lane. If you tend to set the ball down early, place a towel about a foot beyond the foul line and practice getting the ball over it.

If you tend to release too late, focus on rolling the ball to the target instead of reaching for it or pitching it onto the lane.

Posted with permission from Luby Publishing Inc.

Also, here are 20 quick mental tips to keep in mind from the staff at bowlingball.com and Tony Ruocco.

20 Tips for a Smooth and Successful Bowling Arm Swing

• Proper Grip: Ensure your grip on the bowling ball is comfortable and secure without being too tight.
• Relaxed Shoulders: Keep your shoulders relaxed to allow for a fluid swing.
• Consistent Stance: Start from a balanced and consistent stance to set the foundation for your swing.
• Correct Posture: Maintain good posture with a slight forward lean, keeping your back straight.
• Use Your Legs: Initiate the swing with your legs to create momentum.
• Backswing Technique: Allow the arm to naturally go back in a smooth motion during the backswing.
• Focus on Timing: Coordinate your footwork with your arm swing for a smooth transition.
• Keep the Elbow Straight: Maintain a straight elbow during the backswing to prevent jerky movements.
• Use Your Hips: Engage your hips to help drive the swing and maintain balance.
• Consistent Speed: Maintain a consistent speed throughout the swing for better control.
• Follow-Through: Complete the swing with a strong follow-through, extending the arm toward the target.
• Watch Your Target: Keep your eyes on your target to help guide your swing.
• Controlled Release: Focus on releasing the ball at the proper point in your swing.
• Breathing: Practice deep breathing to stay relaxed and reduce tension in your body.
• Practice Drills: Incorporate drills to focus on specific aspects of your arm swing.
• Visualize Your Swing: Mentally visualize your perfect arm swing to improve muscle memory.
• Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to check your form and make adjustments.
• Warm-Up Exercises: Perform stretching and warm-up exercises to prepare your muscles.
• Seek Feedback: Get feedback from coaches or experienced bowlers to refine your technique.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset to boost confidence and improve performance.