Balance Is Key For Senior Bowlers

Updated 7/20/2020

If you are a senior bowler 65 years of age or more, then maintaining balance while you bowl is key in making an effective delivery. Let’s face it, we lose flexibility, strength and endurance as we reach our senior years and it sure shows up on the lanes.

Maintaining a good athletic posture from your stance position on the approach and throughout your approach and delivery of your bowling ball is key in maintaining good balance. A stable upper body posture at stance and throughout the approach will encourage a consistent bowling ball delivery during your sliding step.

Here are a few tips for balance directed to senior bowlers:

In the stance position, lean forward about 10-15 degrees upper-body tilt, allow your backside to push outward slightly, and flex your knees. The front portion of your shoulders and knee caps should be directly positioned over the toes of your bowling shoes. This stance will encourage a solid, athletic body set-up position. This may be practiced from the safety of your home as well to prepare your body to return to bowling.

Avoid dropping your bowling shoulder tilt in the stance position more than normal and while you are walking to the foul line. For most senior bowlers, the bowling shoulder should be no more than one or two inches below the level of your other shoulder at all times.

Keep your head steady with your chin at or above shoulder level for balance and stability throughout your approach. Visualize walking to the foul line with a glass of water balanced on your head.

Fix your eyes on your target. Keep your upper body as motionless as possible during your approach. Avoid unnecessary upper-body position changes, either upward, downward, forward, or back, during the approach and the release.


Avoid unneeded shoulder rotation while you are swinging the bowling ball. Excessive shoulder opening-closing motions can cause a realignment of the swing path resulting in errant deliveries.

Keep your non-bowling arm (your balance arm) fully extended along the line created by your shoulders and about waist height throughout your approach, release, and follow through. Avoid grabbing your sliding leg with your non-bowling hand while sliding and releasing your bowling ball.

Good balance leads to good results. Your chances for error increase when you introduce unneeded body movement during your approach. Visualize only your legs and your bowling arm moving during your approach. Maintaining good balance will help you improve accuracy and your bowling scores.

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