How Do I Make Bowling Adjustments With My Spot And Feet?

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 1/13/2015; Updated: 3/14/2024

If you ask yourself "how do I make bowling adjustments with my spot and feet?", the answer is to follow the simple parallel adjustment strategy.

The "parallel" system is one dependable method for moving your spot on the lane and your feet on the approach.

When lane conditions change or when you change bowling balls, you must make needed adjustments to hit the pocket.

As a rule of thumb, if your ball misses the pocket right, move your feet and siting target to the right.

When your ball misses left, move your spot and your feet to the left.

The system is essentially that simple and will generally be effective on many house lane conditions you are likely to face.

You can move your feet 2 boards to the left or right depending on your ball reaction and then also move your spot on the lane one board, half as much, in the same direction.

This adjustment is commonly used as a 2:1 parallel adjustment.

You can move 1:1 where you move both your feet and your target the same amount in the same direction as a fine tune adjustment.

You can move your feet 3 boards and your spot only one board, a 3:1 adjustment, when a larger angle of adjustment is required to match the best delivery path your ball must take to hit the pocket repeatedly.



If the lanes change enough, you may have to make multiple parallel adjustments such as 4:2 (feet to spot) or perhaps 5:3 to get the favorable ball reaction you seek.

Your eyes are your best ally - trust what you see and adjust accordingly.

Don't be stubborn; if you ball does not contact the pocket, then next time on the same lane, try to make a parallel adjustment in accordance to your previous ball reaction.

This is very important - if you know you made a good delivery and the ball misses the pocket, MOVE! Make an adjustment. Fear prevents talent from prevailing. Trust your eyes, use your adjustment system.