Controlled Armswing

This strategy calls for good muscle control and the strong use of them. Few players have
achieved success with the controlled swing. Mike Miller and Jim Godman are exponents
of the controlled arm swing.
The bowling hand is in charge of all its weight. The muscles of the arm control all the
pushaway, downswing, backswing and the forward swing. This kind of movement is a
great strain on the arm and may lead to injury. Extraordinary strength is required to drive
the ball, which usually takes its toll on the player with the passing of time.
Controlled swing bowlers tire sooner than the other bowlers. As muscle power propels
the ball, it gathers speed while on strike. When you generate speed, bowling accuracy
decreases which is why a free armswing is the most recommended style.
Continuity, consistence, and effectiveness are instrumental for a bowlers success; and
the free armswing enables you to achieve this with dedicated practice.

The Figure-8 Swing

The figure-8 swing is actually shaped as half of a figure 8. It was a common push away
style of the previous decades, and star bowlers adopted it in tournaments.
The Action:

The ball is swung straight back

During this movement, the hand actually traces a half figure-8 pattern
The armswing again returns in the half eight pattern to the top of the forward
swing
The swing then descends in a straight path
During this action the hand always remains under and on the inner side of the ball
Ned Day in the 1940s was a figure 8 bowler. His movements were always
smooth, perfect and a delight to watch as the swing artistically traced the number
8.

As you may have gathered, this swing is a tricky one and is better performed by seasoned
players. For a beginner - or for a person who is still to carve a niche for himself in the
sport - the simple synchronized push away, leading on to a free armswing, is the best
choice.
- 28 2004, HowToBowlStrikes.com