Chapter 3

Stance
Ball Position
There are many ways the ball can be positioned, but just one correct way. There are
quite a handful of players, who have achieved great status in bowling following an
unorthodox style. However as a rule it is best to follow the textbook fashion of bowling
so that you begin to build your practice and strive towards consistent accuracy.

Textbook ball position:

To pick up the ball
The body weight matters when you choose the ball. Ideally, a ball approximately 1/10th
your body weight is considered most suitable. If you weigh 120 lbs, pick up a 12lb ball.
First, put in your middle and ring fingers into the 2 adjacent holes, up to the second
knuckle. Then put the thumb in the singly placed remaining hole. The thumb goes in
fully into the drilled hole. The fingers and thumb should have all round contact with the
hole, but should not be in a tight fit.
To hold the ball:
9 Keep the elbows close to the hips.
9 Clasp the ball gently, from below, with right palm, thumb and the middle and ring
fingers into the holes. The thumb should point upward
9 Support this hold with your left hand
9 The ball should be held waist high, slightly to the right from the centre of the
body for right-handers.
9 The circled backswing is the movement of taking the ball right behind you and
bringing it back for the push away. This requires a realignment of feet and
position. This is not a stance for beginners and is best avoided.
9 Completely relax all muscles
9 Give a small upward thrust
9 Release the ball gently, allowing gravity to work on the balls weight to begin the
back swing
9 Be comfortable
- 16 2004, HowToBowlStrikes.com