Balance From Start to Finish – Part 2

We left off last month practicing a balance drill on one foot with your eyes open AND closed. When you closed your eyes, that simple drill became more difficult. When your eyes close, you become so much more aware of every little body movement. I hope that some of you had a chance to try that small but effective drill. More drills to follow later.

Start smart

We all tend to take things for granted and that may cause us to become careless. Please be aware of maintaining your balance when you pick up the ball from the rack. It may seem ridiculous even discussing this, but I have seen bowlers reach across the rack for their ball, pick it up one handed, slightly lose balance, and almost fall forward across the ball return.

I recommend moving to the side of the rack where the ball is and picking up the ball with both hands. In the stance, get the non-bowling hand completely under the ball to help support the weight. You often hear that the ball should be in line with the bowling shoulder. I fully agree with that in most cases. Sometimes, due to the width of the shoulders (very wide or very narrow), the bowler may be in better balance placing the ball closer to the body’s centerline. From wherever you start the ball moving, ensure that the bowling elbow is going toward the target.

As the body starts to move into the approach and you are taking four or more steps, use both hands to place the ball into motion. ...