Develop A Bowling Pre-Shot Routine

By:bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 6/4/16; Updated: 3/18/2022

As a bowler trying to become as efficient and as well prepared for competition as possible, develop a bowling pre-shot routine.

There are several keys to being ready to begin your approach effectively. If you build a routine before taking your first step that is repeatable and emphasizes a few key checkpoints, your chances at making a good shot improves.

There are two forms of pre-shot routine, those checkpoints you make before stepping onto the approach and those you make when you do step onto the approach and take your stance position preparing to bowl.

Before stepping onto the approach, make your alignment decisions as to where you will place your bowling shoes and where you wish to deliver your bowling ball.

When you pick up your bowling ball off of the rack, take a deep breath or two to reduce anxiety and settle your mind before stepping onto the approach.

Visualize just briefly walking to the line and making a very good shot.

Once you do step onto the approach, spend only the necessary time aiming but not any extra time allowing confusion or indecision to creep into your mind.

The fact is there have been numerous succ top players in professional history who did not aim longer than 1 or 2 seconds on the approach before bowling.

Allow yourself up to about 7 or so seconds before beginning your steps.

Aiming a long time does not improve your shot making ability, it can only lead to tension in your bowling arm, neck, or shoulders.

A proven strategy is once on the approach, set your stance position comfortably and into an athletic posture, get a proper grip on the bowling ball, take a quick look at your spot on the lane, and then bowl.

Hesitation causes indecision.

Trust your decisions and your body to react as you have prepared over the course of time.

Aim just long enough to signal your brain where you want to deliver your bowling ball and then take your first step.



Get ready behind the approach, get set on the approach, and then bowl.

If you learn to develop trust in your game, trust in your strategy decisions, and develop the same routine before every shot you make, your chances of making quality shots improve.

Build your physical game during practice away from competitive sessions and then rely on your skills to help you make good shots in competition.

There is no need to fidget and spend excessive time before beginning your approach.

Develop a bowling pre-shot routine and avoid wasted time and motion when preparing to bowl.