Bowling BackSwing Thoughts

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 2/2/2014; Updated: 12/16/2022

Let’s discuss some generalities of the bowling backswing without “How To” tips, rather highlighting the important areas of a good backswing and why it helps you establish good position before making the critical forward swing.
Your bowling backswing is a crucial part of the overall swing cycle. A well timed and well balanced backswing will set you in proper position to make an effective forward swing.
An effective forward swing which will match your intended swing delivery-path, will generate good ball speed, provide you time to make a precise release, and allow you to make a full and complete follow through.
It is vital, therefore, to execute an effective backswing so you can attain a proper positioning to begin your downswing and forward swing motions.
First, it is very important that you have a solid setup position before you start your approach and developing your backswing. You can not take advantage of a great bowling swing with a poor setup position which includes poor body posture.
A good set-up position provides you the opportunity to make the initial movement of the bowling ball into the beginning of the swing cycle, the “pushaway” motion, and will help set the ball into the swing arc smoothly, quickly and in a timely manner relative to your first steps.
Good posture enables you to make a balanced approach and set you in good position to deliver your bowling ball accurately. Your upper body weight should stay above your feet throughout your approach and delivery.
The length of your swing is actually irrelevant. It is far more important as to how you get there, as opposed to how long your backswing is and how high it gets at the top of your backswing.
How flexible you are as an individual is one factor in determining how high your backswing is at the top of the backswing. It is your own flexibility that will help determine how long and how high your swing level will achieve.

A shorter swing with the proper timing and with no tension is far more effective than a swing that is too long, uses unneeded shoulder rotation, and is out of position.
Your backswing should arrive at its peak (the top of your backswing) when the momentum you generate from your backswing no longer allows your arm to continue moving comfortably.
Since your flexibility will dictate how long your backswing will be, you don't need to strive for a super long and high backswing to build power and sufficient ball speed.
There have been many great players who used short backswings and generated good speed because of a synchronized swing and because of briskly paced steps.
Once you start to try and go beyond your own level of flexibility your bowling ball will get off off your intended delivery line and it makes it very hard to maintain accuracy.
Remember, if you tighten up your legs and arm muscles, it will cause your swing to get off line. Bowling needs to be played relaxed.
Training your body to physically perform to your optimum efficiency must include flexibility training. The reality is that a stretching regimen to maintain his flexibility is equally as important as the weight training.
So...if you want to create greater swing speed and a longer arc, work on your flexibility.