One of the most beautiful things about bowling is the release.
When an experienced bowler approaches the lane and rolls the ball with a perfect push-away motion, all seems right in the world.
Some bowlers release the ball in a perfectly straight line. Every rookie bowler wants to experience this, but it seems like the stuff of dreams. But it can be a reality for you too.
Let me help you learn all about straight bowling and the art behind this simple yet beautiful throw.
How to Throw a Straight Ball in Bowling: Step-by-Step Guide
Throwing a straight shot is the easiest thing in bowling.
The first thing you have to learn is that only experienced bowlers – professional bowlers, in fact – can throw a straight shot with any bowling ball.
But to be on the safe side, they go around with multiple balls, one of which is specifically for straight shots.
There are bowling balls that are tailor-made for straight shooters. Get them (they cost around $100), familiarize yourself with them, and things will be a lot easier for you.
Other steps to throwing a perfectly straight shot are:
Straighten Your Wrists
If you cannot get your wrists to remain straight, you will not be able to throw a perfectly straight shot. At best, you throw a diagonal or a hook (curve) shot. At worst, your ball falls in the gutter.
Keep Your Bowling Hand Directly Underneath the Ball
Bowling shots are a factor in where your bowling hand is placed. Always place your hand directly under the bowling ball for straight shots.
Practice Your Swing
Practice swinging your arms back and forth in a straight line with a bowling ball. In a game, release the ball from your ankle when you approach the lane.
Where Do You Aim When Bowling a Straight Ball?
Your bowling hand determines how you aim. As a straight bowler, your technique is already settled upon. You already know your dominant bowling arm.
So, where do you aim?
You aim for the pocket (the spot between pins one and two or one and three in a formation).
For right-hand bowlers, the sweet spot is between pins one and three while for left-hand bowlers, between pins one and two.
The target pins are usually placed in ways that affect other pins if they fall. Aiming for this pocket causes the target pins to fall and tip the others so that all pins fall.
The power behind your bowl is important, or you’ll only succeed in knocking a few pins off even if you hit the pocket.
How Do You Release a Bowling Ball Straight?
Of all the tools in your kit, your release is probably the most important.
Developing your release ups your performance by 2000 percent in friendly and professional games.
So, as a beginner bowler or an experienced one who wants to learn to perfect their straight bowling, these are the tips you need to follow to release a bowling ball straight.
Understand What Makes a Perfect Release
First, you pull out your thumb from its hole in the ball. Next, you rotate your wrist (forward for straight shots), then you release your grip fingers and the fingers from the hole.
Practice these motions together because, in actual bowling, pulling all of them off takes about a second.
Relax Your Grip
There are three bowling grips – relaxed, firm, and strong.
To get a straight shot, i.e. to release a straight ball, adopt the relaxed grip. This is when you pull your palm as far away from the ball’s surface as possible, allowing only your fingers full contact with the ball.
Pay Attention to the Tips in the First Section
Before rotating your wrists, straighten them. Keep your bowling hand directly underneath the ball. Finally, swing from front to back with your wrists.
Final Thoughts
You can describe yourself as any kind of bowler. A hook bowler, a cranker; it doesn’t matter. One thing you must know, though, is that all bowlers started straight.
Straight bowling is fundamental bowling. This foundation helps to set you up in the art of bowling so that you can easily pick up any new tips and tricks that can make you a better bowler.
A good mastery of the techniques for straight bowling sets you up to become the best. You can even win over some groupies at your favorite bowling alley if you’re into that kind of stuff.