Rev Rates, Carry, and the Areas Where Less Accomplished Bowlers Should Focus to Excel

Hello bowlers and welcome to the Round Table. I hope all of you are having a good summer and using this time to improve your game. Maybe some of the thoughts and advice from this stellar panel of coaches will make you think about what you can do to make your game even better. The questions this month deal with the always popular rev rate issue as well as addressing what the pros and other high-level players do better than the rest of us.

Editor’s note: The format of The Round Table column consists of posing technical questions submitted by readers to several top bowling coaches and educators and having them respond in “round-robin” style.

I feel like my carry percentage when I hit the pocket is lower than most other bowlers and I think it would be much better if I had a higher rev rate (mine is only about 270). When I try to “crank” the ball more it doesn’t seem like I get more on it. What can I do to have a higher rev rate?

Chris Barnes

Good question. First, your rev rate is approximately the same or a little higher than Walter Ray Williams’ and he is nearly always in the top five in strike percentage on the PBA tour. The key for him is that he matches his rev rate and his speed so that his ball is into a roll at or just before it hits the head pin.

I also understand the desire for more. If your rev rate doesn’t go up when you try to get on it, then you need to improve your finish position. By keeping your head behind your knee at the slide and the outside of your trail foot on the floor you will be in better position to strengthen your release.

Carolyn Dorin-Ballard

I don’t think having a higher rev rate will necessarily help you strike more. Today’s game is based more on having productive ball roll than rev rate. With equipment being so aggressive, using your “A” game to your advantage will increase your score. As one of the top women bowlers with a low rev rate, I’ve worked to make sure my roll was productive and consistent so I could have the ball reaction I needed. Making sure your thumb gets out of the ball as ...