How To Control Bowling Ball Loft For Better Scores

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 | Updated On: Monday, October 21, 2024

If you wish to learn how to control your bowling ball loft, then here are some tips to help improve your technique. Your ability to know how to control bowling ball loft will help you regulate your release, control bowling ball speed, ball direction, and maintain a consistent rev-rate. All of which will work in helping you improve your scores.

When your bowling ball exits your hand at the “moment of release” between the back of your slide shoe and the laces of the shoe, allow your hand to continue moving toward your target down lane following the ball path. Ideally, the front part of your bowling arm (where blood is normally drawn in a laboratory) should be facing the pins at the “moment of release.”

By releasing the ball too soon, your ball will fall onto the approach floor behind the foul line and any chance at maintaining an effective roll on the ball is eliminated. Dropping the ball too early onto the approach floor behind the foul line means that the ball first contacts the floor where no oil conditioner has been applied and will leave unnecessary "smudge marks" on the approach surface behind the foul line, a certain indicator that you are releasing your ball behind the foul line.

Lane machines apply oil onto the lane surface starting at the foul line. To conserve ball energy until your ball arrives at the break point, release the ball out onto the lane surface and not on the approach floor behind the foul line. Dropping the ball behind the foul line stifles any effective roll that your release technique may have provided.

If you are releasing the ball too soon and it contacts the floor behind the foul line, hold onto the ball longer so the ball will land on the lane surface beyond the foul line. You might need more gripping pressure with your bowling fingers, or a wrist support device to prevent your wrist from tilting backward during release.

A good practice tip is to place a bowling towel on the approach floor with one end in front of the release point beyond the foul line and the other end back toward the center of the approach. Ensure the towel does not interfere with your sliding shoe. Practice delivering the ball so it clears the towel and lands onto the lane surface without moving the towel. If you can do this successfully for 10 consecutive deliveries, you'll avoid dropping the ball too soon and will control your loft distance.

You can adjust the towel's position relative to the foul line to practice varying loft distances. Some of the best players in the world vary loft control from just beyond the foul line (6-12 inches) for a quicker roll, to 5-6 feet beyond the foul line when they want to delay the roll and create a longer skid distance. Once you control a consistent loft distance and ball speed, you can work on changing loft distances by releasing the ball later for more loft or sooner for an earlier roll.

A good objective when releasing the ball is to visualize an airplane landing smoothly on a runway. If it comes in too steep, the plane will bounce before settling into a smooth roll. The same applies to your bowling ball—releasing at too steep an angle will cause bouncing before the ball settles into a roll. Aim for a release angle of about 20-25 degrees.

Make sure you follow through on all deliveries. Hold your form until the ball passes the target, and with practice, you’ll develop a good bowling release and control your loft distance beyond the foul line.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind:

Controlling the loft you apply to a bowling ball can greatly impact your ball's overall reaction down the lane. Loft refers to how far down the lane the ball is released before it contacts the lane surface. Too much loft can cause the ball to skid too far, reducing hook potential, while too little loft can make the ball hook early, losing energy before hitting the pins. Here are some of the best tips to help you manage your loft:

1. Maintain Proper Timing: Timing plays a big role in controlling loft. If your timing is early (where the ball is released too soon), you'll tend to have less loft, causing the ball to hit the lane early and potentially hook too soon. If your timing is late, you'll have too much loft. Focus on consistent timing in your approach to control how far the ball travels before hitting the lane.

2. Relax Your Grip: Overgripping or squeezing the ball at release can cause you to apply too much loft. A relaxed grip allows for a more natural release, helping you better control loft. Avoid "muscling" the ball—let it swing freely for a smoother release.

3. Focus on Release Point: Your hand position at release plays a big part in controlling loft. A lower release point with your hand closer to the lane will result in less loft, while releasing with your hand higher up will create more loft. Experiment with different hand heights and angles to control how early or late the ball lands on the lane.

4. Smooth, Consistent Approach: A smooth approach helps maintain consistent loft. Rushing your approach or steps can lead to an uncontrolled release and excessive loft. Focus on maintaining a fluid motion throughout your steps to deliver the ball with more control.

5. Adjust Your Wrist Position: Your wrist plays a key role in the amount of loft you generate. A cupped wrist (where your wrist is bent backward slightly) will typically produce more loft, while a straight or relaxed wrist will generate less. Adjusting your wrist position based on lane conditions can help control how far the ball travels in the air before making contact.

6. Control Ball Speed: Faster ball speeds can sometimes lead to more loft, as the ball naturally travels further in the air. If you're lofting the ball too much, try reducing your ball speed slightly. Conversely, if you're not getting enough loft, slightly increasing your ball speed can help. Remember, speed adjustments should be subtle and smooth.

7. Keep Your Arm Swing Relaxed: A relaxed, pendulum-like arm swing contributes to a smoother, more controlled release. Tension in your arm swing can lead to too much loft or a jerky release, so focus on letting your arm swing naturally and smoothly.

8. Work on Footwork: Good footwork supports proper timing and release. If your steps are too fast, you may release the ball too late, increasing loft. Practice keeping your footwork consistent and in rhythm with your arm swing for better loft control.

9. Understand Lane Conditions: Loft is often affected by lane conditions. On oily lanes, more loft can help delay the ball’s reaction, while on dry lanes, less loft can prevent the ball from hooking too early. Adjust your loft based on the specific lane conditions to optimize your ball's reaction.

10. Practice with Purpose: Finally, consistent practice is key. Try different lofts during practice sessions and take note of how the ball reacts based on different releases. Using video recording can help you analyze your release and see how different lofts affect your ball motion.

By mastering these techniques, you'll gain more control over your ball's loft, which will lead to better consistency and improved scores.

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