Bowling Practice Routines

A lot of bowlers make comments like, "I practiced on Tuesday and bowled terrific; but, in tonight's league, I'm doing terrible," or "I shot a 268 in practice on Wednesday and now I can't hit the pocket to save my soul."

I try to explain to them that those comparisons are "apple-to-oranges" because it's a different day, different lane condition, and different environment.

Somehow, they can't understand so they continue to practice their bowling only thinking about their score rather than working on their game.

We all have to practice to become better bowlers.

Are you the type that only cares about how high your practice score is or are you the type that ignores the score and works on improving the fundamentals of your game?

If you're the latter, than this article may be of interest to you.

There are, no doubt, many different practice routines out there. Over the years, I've picked up a few that I use at various times when I practice.

The first and foremost thing you have to get in your mind is to never, ever worry about your score when you're practicing.

Here a “Choc-List” of routines I use from time-to-time:

1) Bowl using only your spare ball. This forces you to try a different and tighter line or angle to the pocket. This practice routine improves your overall game and in particular, your armswing and targeting accuracy. Moreover, what happens if you get into a situation where you only have your spare ball to bowl with?

2) Bowl using a different target (mark) in each frame. Do this exercise as follows: 1st frame, 1st arrow (five board); 2nd frame, 2nd arrow (10 board); 3rd frame, 3rd arrow (15 board); 4th frame, 4th arrow (20 board); 5th frame, 5th arrow (25 board). From the 6th frame on, reverse the steps starting with the 25 board. This will force you to think about how your ball normally breaks and how you have to adjust your shot to the pocket in order to accommodate the different angles.

3) Bowl to practice the 10 pin spare. Here are two methods - a) shoot every shot only at the 10 pin until you can pick it off cleanly without hitting any other pins in the rack; and, b) aim at the 10 pin on your first ball and pick up what's left with your second ball.

4) Use a different ball for each throw. I set my four balls on the ball rack in no particular order. Always picking up the last ball in line, I just keep going until the 10 frames are completed or I choose to stop. This gives you a pretty good workout because, again, you're having to concentrate and focus on making your shot for the ball you picked up.

Use your imagination and make up some more, useful routines to keep your mind off the score.

Remember that improving and sharpening your bowling skills are what's important.