Want to know the secrets to consistently knocking down all 10 pins for a strike in bowling?
While throwing a strike may seem like an impossible feat for amateur bowlers, it’s definitely achievable with the right techniques and strategies.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step process to help you master striking skills and improve your bowling game. With the right bowling ball, stance, aim, power, and delivery, those strikes will start racking up in no time!
What is a Strike in Bowling?
Before we dive into throwing techniques, let’s clarify what exactly a strike is in the game of bowling.
A strike occurs when a bowler knocks down all 10 pins with the first roll of a frame. This is the best possible outcome for a turn.
When you bowl a strike, you’re then allowed to roll two more bonus balls in the next frame. This gives you the opportunity to score even more points if you manage to hit more strikes consecutively.
As you can imagine, throwing back-to-back strikes (also known as a “double”) or three successive strikes (a “turkey”) is a significant boost for your overall game score.
That’s why every bowler strives to master the perfect strike shot. Now let’s go over each step you need for bowling success:
Choose the Right Bowling Ball
Having the proper bowling ball is a key factor that many amateur players overlook. Your ball should be fitted specifically to match your skills, hand size, grip strength, and predominant throw style.
Here are some important considerations when selecting a strike-enhancing ball:
Ball Weight
Heavier balls between 12-16 pounds are best for generating momentum and hitting power. But don’t go too heavy or it can throw off your mechanics. As a rule of thumb:
- Women: Select a ball between 12-14 pounds
- Men: Select a ball between 14-16 pounds
The holes on bowling balls are not universal, so you need a ball that’s fitted to match your hand size and grip strength.
Finger Hole Size
The size of your finger holes directly impacts your release and ball revolution. The holes should be snug enough to get a clean release off your fingers, but not so tight that it restricts your swing.
Having your pro-shop operator measure your fingers and drill the ball accordingly is crucial. You want a customized bowling ball fit.
Bowling Ball Material
Coverstock material affects how much friction the ball produces. For example, urethane balls are smooth and ideal for accurate shots while reactive resin balls grab the lane better for more power.
High-end reactive balls made from composite materials are best for generating speed and maximizing your striking power. But they are costlier.
As a beginner, prioritize fit and comfort then upgrade your equipment as your skills progress.
Adopt a Proper Bowling Stance
Now that you’ve chosen a ball suited for your skill level, it’s time to focus on stance and approach. Adopting proper form sets you up for an accurate delivery.
Stand With Shoulders Square to Target
Stand with your dominate foot slightly forward, hips open, knees bent, and shoulders square to your intended target—the bowling pins.
Remaining squared keeps your body aligned and allows a straight swing through the ball’s release. Don’t angle your shoulders.
Bend Knees In an Athletic Stance
An athletic, ready position balances your weight and sets your body in motion. Bend your knees slightly and keep your back straight.
This gives you the flexibility to shift weight between steps forward. Don’t lock your knees.
Position Feet Comfortably Apart
Spread feet about shoulder width apart for stability. Position your forward foot around the center dot aiming down the lane.
You want a balanced, powerful base to drive momentum on your swing. Keep feet hip-width for optimal comfort.
Utilize a Proper Bowling Approach
Once in your starting stance, you’re ready to begin your approach to release the ball. A proper approach sets up speed, power, and accuracy.
Take Five Steps Total
The standard approach is five steps total. Take slow, short steps at first to build momentum. Then progress into slightly longer strides.
Your last two steps are the fastest down the lane before your release. Give yourself time to build power.
Keep Steps in a Straight Line
Each step should move directly forward down your target line towards the pins. Visualize walking a tightrope keeping feet straight.
Stepping offline can angle your hips and throw off your shot. Concentrate on linear forward steps.
Time Your Steps to Your Swing
Syncing your footwork to your swing tempo is key for consistently nailing your release point. As you step, your arm mirrors the motion.
Rushing your steps or getting ahead of your arm throws off timing. Find your personalized rhythm.
Control Your Speed
Approach speed sets the foundation for ball speed. Move too fast and you’ll sacrifice power and accuracy. Go too slow and you’ll lack momentum.
Find your optimal speed to generate force while maintaining control. This takes practice!
Aim for the Pocket
Visually targeting the ideal strike zone on the pins boosts your chances of knocking them all down. This sweet spot is called the pocket.
What is the Pocket?
The pocket refers to the 1-3 pin side of the head pin. Specifically, it’s the gap between the 1-pin and 3-pin.
Hitting this gap allows the bowling ball’s angle to evenly distribute energy into the pin deck. This results in a higher likelihood of a strike.
How to Hit the Pocket
Aim to roll your ball over the arrow aligned with the second dot on the lane, approximately 15 feet from the foul line. This lines you up with the pocket.
As you approach, keep your eye on the target arrow so you release your ball over it. Trust your aim!
Generate Power on Your Swing
Now that you’ve got the approach and aim down, it’s time to focus on your actual swing technique. This builds striking power.
Utilize Your Legs and Hips
Strong legs drive momentum on your forward swing. Bend knees and engage hips to utilize power from your lower body.
Don’t just rely on your arm. Your leg and core strength transfers into the swing for extra force.
Keep Wrist and Elbow Straight
Imagine your arm as a swinging pendulum on release. Keep your wrist and elbow straight, not bent, for an upright swing plane.
This creates a straighter ball path targeting the pocket. Bending wrist or elbow angle projection.
Follow Through Completely
Don’t quit your swing halfway through the release. Fully extend your arm forward and swing through past the foul line.
Follow-through generates up to 30% extra power on your shot. This knocks down more pins.
Minimize Muscle Tension
While strength generates power, over-muscling your shot reduces control. Try to relax arms and grip pressure on release.
Imagine effortlessly swinging your arm like a pendulum. Let gravity guide your smooth swing.
Develop a Consistent Delivery
Mastering a repeatable bowling delivery ensures each shot sets you up for success. Stick to what works as you gain experience.
Find Your Tempo
Experiment to find your optimal tempo, or rhythm, through the approach and swing. Then ingrain this timing through repetition.
Rushing throws off your technique. Find your personalized tempo and groove it into memory.
Repeat Your Mechanics
Revisit the proper stance, steps, aim, and swing outlined above. Then drill repeatedly to develop muscle memory.
Repeating the exact motions builds consistency for the highest strike percentage.
Make Minor Adjustments
Observe where your ball impacts the pins and make minor form tweaks as needed. For example, adjust the approach angle or swing straightness.
Stay committed to your core mechanics, but refine subtly. Don’t overhaul your form.
In Summary
With the right bowling ball, dialed approach, perfect aim, robust swing, and repeated practice, you now have the complete formula to knock down strikes!
It will take time and repetition to master these bowling techniques. But stay determined in your practice, and you’ll be racking up strikes and spares in no time.
Remember to keep your eye on the target, bend your knees, swing straight, follow through completely, and stick to what works. Strike out your opponents and triumph over the pins!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a strike every time in bowling?
While it’s impossible to strike 100% of the time, you can increase your chances by using the proper ball, practicing the techniques for stance, approach, aim, swing, and follow-through consistently, and making minor adjustments as needed. Developing muscle memory through repetition is key.
How can you increase your chances of getting a strike while bowling?
Using a bowling ball fitted to your fingers and drilled for your style, targeting the pocket, generating power from your legs and hips, releasing with a straight wrist and elbow, and fully following through your swing can all help increase strike probability. The consistent, dedicated practice also boosts strike rates over time.
How do you throw a strike with a straight ball?
Maintain an upright ball orientation through the swing by keeping your wrist straight and following through down the target line. Aim for the pocket while utilizing proper footwork to generate power and release the ball over the second arrow for a straight, accurate strike shot.
How do you find the strike line in bowling?
The strike line refers to targeting the pocket (the 1-3 pin gap) by standing at the center dot, visualizing an aiming line over the second arrow about 15 feet down the lane, and swinging straight down that target line on release to hit the pocket.
Why do I keep missing in bowling?
Inconsistent form, rushing your shots, improper aiming, lack of power, and not following through can cause misses. Ensure you have the right ball, take your time, aim for the pocket, use your lower body, release straight, and fully follow through your swing.
How do I stop missing in bowling?
Analyze where your ball is impacting the pins and make minor adjustments. Improve consistency by sticking to proper form on your approach, stance, swing, follow-through, and release. Ingraining your personalized technique through repetition develops muscle memory to minimize misses.
How do I aim better in bowling?
Pick a target arrow aligned with the pocket, position your body square down the lane, visualize the strike line, and concentrate on rolling your ball over the target arrow at release. Keeping your eye on the target improves aim.
How do I stop leaving 10 pins?
Increase ball speed and power from your legs and hips to knock down all 10 pins. Aim closer to the pocket to hit more pins, and/or move left to adjust the angle. Consider switching to reactive resin bowling balls that deflect more on the backend.
What is 5 strikes in a row called?
In bowling, five consecutive strikes are known as a “turkey” (or sometimes a “five bagger”). Keep dialing in those strikes to achieve even higher accomplishments like a “six bagger” or elusive 300-perfect game!
