A few years ago, I wrote Bowling Ball Surface Management, where I covered some basic rules and techniques for adjusting ball surface. This time around, in keeping with my recent series of adjustment-focused articles, I wanted to dig a little... [Read More]
Lane Play Fundamentals for Better Ball Reaction
Angle changes and parallel moves
Over my last three articles, we’ve covered three of the physical adjustments that a bowler can make to alter their ball motion: axis control, ball speed, and loft. However, the most common adjustments—and the first ones we learn as bowlers—are... [Read More]
Introduction to Loft Manipulation
So far in this series, we’ve covered two of the physical tools that a bowler can use to manipulate ball motion: axis control and ball speed control. The third physical skill that a bowler can use to manipulate ball motion... [Read More]
Introduction to Adjusting Ball Speed
Following up on July’s article about axis control, this month we’ll go through the finer points of ball speed control. Speed generation, and control, is an issue that plagues many bowlers, from beginner to expert. As bowling equipment and technique... [Read More]
Choosing Your Bowling Ball Toolbox
Selecting equipment for tournaments
In June, I introduced the idea of building your bowling ball toolshed, equating bowling balls as the tools you use on the lanes. Like the tools in your toolshed, you don’t necessarily need every one of them for every job.... [Read More]
Introduction to Bowling Ball Axis Control
A how-to for adjusting axis rotation angle and axis tilt angle
Two of the key variables in ball reaction that a bowler has control over are the axis rotation angle and axis tilt angle of the bowling ball. These angles, along with rev rate and ball speed, are the main variables... [Read More]
Building Your Bowling Ball Toolshed
Without doubt, one of the most common topics that bowlers ask me about is how to select a bowling ball. Whether it is advice about what to drill next, or which balls to bring to a tournament, it remains a... [Read More]
Troubleshooting and Fixing Thumb Exit Problems
One of the most complicated issues to fix in bowling is the concept of “clearing the thumb." This refers to how consistently your thumb exits the ball as part of your release. Thumb exit problems are so difficult to fix... [Read More]
A Primer for the 2019 USBC Open Championships
Topography, oil pattern impressions, lane play suggestions, and equipment recommendations
Having just finished bowling in the 2019 USBC Open Championships, I thought it might be helpful to share my experiences. However, I'd like to start with a few important disclaimers: I was only able to bowl twice in the month... [Read More]
The Three P’s of Bowling Success – Part 3
Perform
After perceiving everything you need to perceive, and then processing the appropriate tactical, mental, and physical reactions, the final step is to simply perform. It’s a relatively simple concept, but it's not easy to accomplish. I hope that by the... [Read More]