3 Training Drills to Improve Your Physical Game

Are you struggling with consistency in your bowling game? How you train will result in how you perform, so if you’re throwing for score when you go to practice, you’re not doing your game any favors.

Fundamentals are the key to any good foundation in any sport. Keeping them sharp is where you will find consistency in your game.

The three drills covered in this article are a tactical approach to improving your physical game that you need to work into your training sessions.

Foul Line Drill

This drill simulates the finish position at the foul line, and it’s also used as a release drill.

With the ball in your hand get your wrist below the knee of your slide leg, somewhere near your ankle.

Your trail trail legs position should be around seven o’clock and your head is going to be positioned around one o’clock.

Now begin to lean forward, your non-bowling arm should be out to the side and its thumb is going to be turned down towards the ground.

The ball is going to be inside of your shoulder and placed as close to the ankle as possible. The forearm is going to be forward.

Here’s the key: The swing needs to be about 8 to 12 inches from start to finish.

Practice unloading the hand at the bottom, letting the hand kind of go to the floor. Try to roll the ball without throwing it hard.

Swing and slide drill

This is one of the toughest drills to work on.

Start about one step from the foul line. Place both feet together with the majority of your weight on your right leg for a right-handed player.

Next, bring your heel up a little bit on your left leg while keeping it back slightly. The ball will hang down by your side. Don’t swing it until you are completely set.

Push the ball up to your hand and let the ball swing back. When it gets to the top of the swing, make sure that your slide foot gets in front of the ball and then release it and post your shot. It’s really important that you do not pull down from the top of the backswing.

Remember you’re not trying to throw this ball fast. Let your body move the ball from the top of the swing through the release.

Three step drill

In order to get the proper sequence with your footwork, the last three steps in a five-step approach should be long, short and slide.

The three-step drill starts by placing the ball into the swing with a hinge so you don’t over push out, but the ball will not go down either.

As you get a little momentum with your swing, you’re going to wait for the ball to get to where it’s hanging down from their shoulder. The ball in the video below starts red and changes to its normal color, giving you a visual representation for when it’s time to go.

For that first step with your left foot, it will be elongated.

The reason why the foot needs to get long is that it gives the ball time to climb to the top of the swing.

At the same time, you’re going to just slightly go forward with your body angle and then it’s going to be a short step and slide.

The rhythm is important because it’s a way to recall the cadence as you bowl. You can feel that rhythm. It’s a long step, short short step, and slide. This is a great drill to better your timing on the approach.