How Do I Keep Balance When Releasing My Bowling Ball?

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Sunday, October 29, 2023

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 12/21/15; Updated: 10/29/2023
If you ask how do I keep balance when releasing my bowling ball, then focus on a couple of simple fixes for balance and control?
Losing balance at the foul line means while sliding and releasing your bowling ball.
It also may mean you are stepping across your body with your trail leg to keep from falling after delivering your ball.
Improving your slide step direction is the first focus point.
Walk toward the center of your body on your step before your slide. This technique will keep the center of your body over your leg so you have a stable platform off of which you may begin your slide step.
Next, slide under your chin (the center of your body) which will develop another stable platform when delivering your bowling ball and will prevent you from leaning or falling off off the shot and losing control or accuracy.
If you slide away from your body center in either direction, you will either “hop” after sliding or need to use your trailing leg to support you from falling.
If you allow your trail leg to remain in contact with the approach floor (your trail leg bowling shoe) while sliding and releasing your ball, you will improve your chances at retaining good balance throughout your slide step and release motion.
Keep your forward swing closely tucked in to your body where your bowling ball narrowly missing your sliding ankle as the ball passes your sliding step.
The center portion of your bowling ball should swing under your bowling shoulder on your forward swing missing your sliding ankle by a fraction of an inch.
Maintaining good balance is key for good shotmaking.
Another “fix” for losing balance when releasing your ball is to avoid walking stiff-legged with no knee flex during your approach.
If your knees are flexed just enough so the big muscles of your legs support your body weight while walking to the line, you can easily retain balance when swinging and delivering your bowling ball.
These simple fixes will help you improve your balance when releasing your bowling ball.