Improve Your Average By Following Through Properly

Written By: bowlingball.com | Written On: Friday, October 11, 2024 | Updated On: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Improving Your Bowling Average: The Importance of Follow-Through

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bowler, one key aspect to focus on for improving your bowling average is your follow-through. A proper follow-through enhances accuracy, consistency, and power in your throws. Mastering this technique requires attention to detail, practice, and understanding of the mechanics of your shot.

What is Follow-Through?

The follow-through in bowling is the final motion your arm makes after releasing the ball. This often-overlooked part of the throw is essential for maintaining control over the ball’s speed, direction, and spin. Neglecting the follow-through can result in reduced power, inaccurate shots, and a lower bowling average.

Steps to Follow-Through Properly

1. Start with the Approach

Before releasing the ball, ensure a solid stance and balanced approach. Keep your steps smooth and steady to set up for a strong follow-through. A well-executed approach sets the stage for a more consistent throw, which contributes to improved accuracy.

2. Focus on a Proper Release

As you release the ball, keep your hand behind and under it to generate lift and spin. The hand should move directly toward the target, not angled or forced. Avoid rushing the release, as this can lead to inconsistencies in ball speed and direction.

3. Keep Your Arm Extended

Continue your arm motion forward after releasing the ball. Your arm should stay extended toward the pins, swinging smoothly like a pendulum. A smooth, controlled arm extension can help you maintain the ball’s intended path toward the target.

4. Hold the Finish Position

Briefly hold your position after your arm is fully extended. This helps with balance and ensures your hand is pointing at your target. Holding your finish position also allows you to assess if your body is aligned correctly, aiding future adjustments.

5. Hand Positioning and Rotation

Keep your hand neutral or slightly turned without over-rotating the wrist. Avoid forcing spin; let the ball’s weight generate natural rotation. For beginners, it’s essential to focus on a relaxed hand position for better control.

6. Stay Balanced

Maintain balance during follow-through, using your non-bowling arm as a counterbalance if needed. Proper balance enhances control and accuracy. Consistent practice with your balance can help you avoid stumbling or shifting, especially in high-pressure moments.

7. Check Your Footwork

Ensure that your slide foot points toward the target and remains stable as you finish your throw, keeping your body aligned. Good footwork promotes a smooth follow-through, reducing the chance of misalignment or errors in shot accuracy.

8. Practice and Consistency

Developing a proper follow-through takes practice. Over time, focus on consistency, and consider working with a coach to improve form. By repeating correct follow-through motions, you create muscle memory that leads to smoother, more automatic throws.

Advanced Tips for Improving Your Follow-Through

As you progress in bowling, refining your follow-through can further enhance your performance. Consider these advanced tips to build a sharper follow-through:

Refine Your Release Timing

Paying attention to release timing is crucial. A delayed or rushed release can impact follow-through. Focus on finding the right moment when your arm swing naturally guides the ball, ensuring smoother forward motion. Practicing release timing helps the follow-through flow naturally, leading to increased shot accuracy.

Experiment with Targeting Techniques

Advanced bowlers often use specific lane markers to aim their throws. Experimenting with different targeting methods can help you better understand how your follow-through impacts ball trajectory. This awareness lets you adjust your release and follow-through to better align with the pins.

Analyze Your Follow-Through Motion

Recording your follow-through can help identify areas for improvement. Watching footage of your throws allows you to notice any inconsistencies, like arm angles or body alignment. Use these observations to make small adjustments that enhance accuracy and control.

Common Follow-Through Mistakes to Avoid

• Stopping the Arm Too Early: Avoid cutting off your follow-through, which can decrease accuracy and power. A natural, extended arm swing helps maintain shot momentum.
• Over-Twisting the Wrist: Don’t force a hook by twisting your wrist, as this can cause inconsistent shots.
• Losing Balance: Maintain good balance throughout the shot to avoid stumbling or swaying.
• Tension in the Arm: Keep your arm relaxed for a smooth follow-through. Tension in the arm can lead to a forced, unnatural throw.

Conclusion

A well-executed follow-through in bowling is crucial for consistent performance. By focusing on balance, fluidity, and correct arm positioning, you can guide the ball accurately toward the pins. With practice, follow-through will become second nature, improving your chances of achieving a higher bowling average. Remember that follow-through is not just a finishing touch; it’s the key to aligning all elements of your shot and maximizing effectiveness on the lane.

Quick Guide for Beginners

For new bowlers, follow-through is an important technique to focus on. Start by aligning your grip and aiming toward your target on the lane. As you release, follow through toward the target with your bowling fingers pointing in that direction. Keep your shoulder aligned with your spot on the lane for an easier release.

Maintain a 90-degree angle with your bowling arm, finishing the follow-through with your elbow at shoulder height. This technique enhances accuracy and ball control, increasing your chances for strikes and spares. Focus on a consistent arm swing tempo, guiding the ball smoothly toward the pocket for the best results.

Mastering follow-through will bring you one step closer to consistent scores!