How Do I Improve My Bowling Scores Without My "A" Game?

If you are averaging between 170 - 190 and are asking how do I improve my bowling scores without my “A” game, then there are a few tips to help you improve.

It is possible to perform well in competition even when you are not bowling your best.

The great Earl Anthony, PBA Hall of Fame Champion and maybe the best ever, used to say that he could win with 85% of his “good stuff” if he just bowled smart.

When you learn to accept that you will not be at your very best each time you bowl, you can relax and trust your skills regardless of how well you feel you are bowling on any given occasion.

Bowl smart, as Earl would say.

If you are making poor shots, as example, then do not try to overpower the lanes but rather get smooth, stay balanced and focus on delivering your bowling ball over your spot on the lane.

Reduce your release activity by reducing finger rotation and allow the ball to flow off of your hand without “grabbing at it” while you are letting to go.

Try to eliminate as much tension as you can in your swing on both your backswing and forward swing.

Avoid forcing your shot by rushing the downswing and trying to hurry your delivery.

Take steady and even-tempo steps and keep your feet moving directly under the center of your body to improve balance.

Keeping your head void of movement when taking your approach and when delivering your ball also improves balance.

Use a bowling ball which provides a controllable ball reaction so your alignment and adjustments give you the best chances at hitting the pocket with regularity.

Bowlers tend to panic when they lose an ability to hit the pocket repeatedly. Instead, relax, make the best alignment adjustment you can, and use a ball which gives you good control in the mid-lane.



Do the next very important thing; deliver your ball at the same speed each shot so you can maximize your accuracy by controlling your skid distance in the front end of the lane even when you are not bowling your best.

Speed control, walking with good balance, reducing tension in your swing and in your legs, avoiding forcing your shot, and keeping focused on your target are keys to bowling well at any time, not only when you are not feeling your “A” game.

There are no short cuts to success in bowling. Use your skills to help you get the most out of every competitive performance. Bowl smart.