When I first started bowling, I thought timing was all about releasing the ball at the right moment. Boy, was I wrong! After years of inconsistent performances and more splits than I care to remember, I finally discovered a crucial secret: great timing starts with the push away.
The push away, that initial movement of your bowling ball as you begin your approach, is the cornerstone of proper bowling timing. Itโs often called the โmake or breakโ moment in bowling because it sets the rhythm for your entire shot. Get it right, and youโre setting yourself up for a smooth, powerful, and well-timed throw. Get it wrong, andโฆ well, letโs just say your timing will be as off as a broken metronome.
In this comprehensive guide, weโll dive deep into how to execute a proper bowling ball push away and explore its profound effect on your timing. Weโll cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques, common mistakes, and how to troubleshoot your form. By the end of this article, youโll understand how the push away can revolutionize your bowling timing and, consequently, your entire game.
Note: While this article provides detailed textual descriptions, visual learners may benefit from watching instructional videos or seeking in-person demonstrations to fully grasp the techniques described. Also, if youโre new to bowling or considering getting your own ball, you might be wondering How Much Does it Cost to Drill a Bowling Ball. Itโs an important consideration as a properly fitted ball is crucial for executing a good push away.
Bowling Glossary
Before we dive in, letโs clarify some key terms youโll encounter throughout this guide:
- Foul line: The line marking the end of the approach area and the beginning of the lane. Stepping over this line during delivery results in a foul.
- Sliding foot: The foot you slide on during your final step of the approach. For right-handed bowlers, this is typically the left foot, and vice versa for left-handed bowlers.
- Backswing: The backward motion of your arm as you prepare to throw the ball.
- Downswing: The forward motion of your arm as you bring the ball down and forward to release it.
- Split: When two or more pins are left standing with at least one pin between them after the first roll of a frame.
- Lane dots: Small dots or markers on the approach area of the lane, used as visual guides for foot placement and timing.
Understanding the Bowling Lane Layout
To better understand the references made throughout this article, letโs quickly review the layout of a bowling lane:
1. Approach Area: This is where you stand and begin your bowling approach. Itโs typically 15 feet long and contains:
- Approach Dots: Two rows of dots about 12-15 feet from the foul line, used for foot placement.
- Lane Dots: Smaller dots closer to the foul line, used for timing your steps.
2. Foul Line: A solid line marking the end of the approach area and the start of the lane.
3. Lane: The 60-foot long wooden or synthetic surface where the ball rolls.
- Lane Arrows: A set of triangular markers about 15 feet down the lane, used for aiming.
- Lane Dots: Small dots at various points down the lane, also used for aiming.
4. Pin Deck: The area at the end of the lane where the pins are set up.
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Understanding this layout can help you visualize the various references made throughout the article about timing and positioning.
For a visual demonstration of the bowling lane layout and how to use the lane dots, watch the following video:
Understanding the Bowling Ball Push Away and Its Relation to Timing
The push away is a crucial first step in achieving proper bowling timing and technique
What is the Push Away?
The push away is a smooth, controlled motion where you move the ball out and slightly down from your starting position. Itโs not just shoving the ball away from you โ itโs a precise movement that initiates your entire bowling approach and sets the timing for your shot.
How the Push Away Affects Timing
1. Initiates the Timing Sequence โ The push away is the first movement in your bowling approach. It starts your timing sequence, setting the rhythm for every subsequent motion.
2. Synchronizes Arm and Foot Movement โ A proper push away coordinates your arm movement with your footwork, ensuring that your arm swing and steps are in harmony.
3. Controls Swing Speed โ The speed and smoothness of your push away influence the speed of your entire arm swing, affecting when the ball will arrive at the release point.
4. Determines Backswing Height โ The push away influences how high your backswing goes, which in turn affects the timing of your downswing and release.
5. Affects Ball Release Timing โ A consistent push away leads to a consistent arrival at the foul line, promoting a well-timed release.
Itโs worth noting that the push away is crucial regardless of whether youโre throwing a Curve Ball vs. Straight Ball in Bowling. Both styles require precise timing that starts with a good push away.
For a visual demonstration of the push away technique and its effect on timing, watch the following video:
Executing the Perfect Push Away for Optimal Timing
1. Starting Position:
- Stand with your feet slightly apart, knees relaxed.
- Hold the ball at waist height, directly in front of your bowling armโs hip.
- Your non-bowling hand should support the ball from underneath.
2. The Motion:
- As you take your first step, simultaneously begin your push away.
- Move the ball out and slightly down in a smooth, controlled motion.
- The movement should take about 1-1.5 seconds, coinciding with your first two steps.
3. Arm Position:
- Keep your bowling arm straight but relaxed throughout the motion.
- Your elbow shouldnโt be locked, but it shouldnโt bend either.
4. Using Gravity:
- Let gravity do most of the work in moving the ball forward and down.
- Youโre guiding the ball, not forcing it.
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5. Timing Coordination:
- Your push away should start with your first step.
- It should end as your sliding foot (right foot for righties, left for lefties) lands on your second step.
- This coordination is crucial for maintaining proper timing throughout your approach.
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Remember, a good push away sets you up for a proper What Is Meant By Follow-Through In Bowling?, which is essential for accuracy and power.
For additional practical tips on executing the perfect push away, watch this video:
Precise Push Away Timing
Imagine your bowling approach as a smooth, flowing dance in four counts:
- Count 1: As you take your first step, begin moving the ball forward and slightly downward. This is the start of your push away.
- Count 2: Your second step coincides with the completion of your push away. The ball should now be at its furthest point forward and lowest point.
- Count 3: As you take your third step, your arm begins to swing back, initiating the backswing.
- Count 4: On your final step (with your sliding foot), your arm should be at the top of the backswing, ready to come forward for release.
Practice this timing in slow motion initially. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the rhythm.
Ideal Backswing Height
The ideal height of your backswing depends on your individual style and physical characteristics, but here are some general guidelines:
- For most bowlers, a backswing where your bowling arm is parallel to the ground or slightly above is ideal.
- Your backswing is too high if it causes you to lose balance or if your hand goes above your shoulder height.
- Your backswing is too low if it doesnโt generate enough power or if it causes you to muscle the ball.
To check your backswing height:
- Have a friend video your approach from the side.
- Freeze the frame at the top of your backswing.
- Your arm should form roughly a 90-degree angle with your torso.
Remember, consistency is more important than height. Find a comfortable backswing height that you can repeat consistently.
Lane Dots Location and Usage
Lane dots are typically arranged in three sets on the approach area:
- First set โ About 2-3 feet behind the foul line
- Second set โ About 9-11 feet behind the foul line
- Third set โ About 15-16 feet behind the foul line
For a four-step approach:
- Start with your toes aligned with the third (farthest) set of dots.
- Your first step should land near the second set of dots as you begin your push away.
- Your second step (and the end of your push away) should coincide with reaching the first set of dots.
- Your final sliding step should bring you to the foul line.
Adjust your starting position based on your stride length and comfort. The key is to use these dots as consistent reference points for your timing.
Common Push Away Timing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Mistimed Push Away Initiation:
- Mistake: Starting the push away before or after your first step.
- Correction: Practice synchronizing your push away with your first step until it becomes second nature.
2. Rushed Push Away:
- Mistake: Completing the push away too quickly, throwing off your timing.
- Correction: Focus on a smooth, controlled motion that takes about 1-1.5 seconds.
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3. Delayed Push Away:
- Mistake: Extending the push away beyond your second step.
- Correction: Ensure your push away ends as your sliding foot lands on the second step.
4. Inconsistent Push Away Speed:
- Mistake: Varying the speed of your push away from shot to shot.
- Correction: Practice maintaining a consistent speed that matches your approach.
5. Muscling the Ball:
- Mistake: Using too much force, causing a jerky motion that disrupts timing.
- Correction: Let gravity do the work. Focus on guiding the ball rather than pushing it.
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Drills to Perfect Your Push Away Timing
1. The Timing Step Drill:
- Start in your stance position.
- Take only two steps, focusing on timing your push away with these steps.
- The push away should start with the first step and end with the second.
- Repeat 20-30 times, concentrating on the rhythm.
2. The Metronome Drill:
- Use a metronome app set to about 50-60 beats per minute.
- Start your push away on one beat and complete it over the next two beats.
- This helps internalize a consistent timing rhythm.
3. The Video Analysis:
- Record your approach, focusing on the push away.
- Review in slow motion, checking that your push away starts with your first step and ends with your second.
- Look for smooth, consistent motion throughout.
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4. The Eyes-Closed Drill:
- Set up in your starting position, then close your eyes.
- Perform your push away and first two steps of your approach.
- Open your eyes and check your arm position and ball location.
- This helps develop muscle memory for consistent timing.
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These drills not only improve your push away but also contribute to making Is Bowling Good Exercise?. The repetitive motions and focus on form can provide a good workout for your arms, legs, and core.
For additional practical drills to improve your push away timing, watch this video:
Adjusting Push Away Speed
To find the right push away speed for your approach:
- Start with a comfortable walking pace approach. Time your push away to this pace.
- Gradually increase your approach speed, adjusting your push away to match.
- If you find yourself rushing or your timing is off, slow down both your approach and push away.
- If you feel youโre moving too slowly and losing momentum, speed up both elements.
Key indicators:
- If your arm is still swinging back when you reach the foul line, your push away is too slow.
- If your arm is already coming forward before your sliding foot plants, your push away is too fast.
Practice different speeds and pay attention to how they affect your overall shot. The right speed will feel smooth and natural.
Self-Identifying Timing Issues
To identify your own timing issues:
1. Feel โ Pay attention to whether your approach feels rushed, delayed, or smooth.
2. Ball Return โ Watch where your ball enters the ball return. If itโs consistently left or right, it may indicate a timing issue.
3. Pin Action โ Observe how the pins fall. Weak pin action often indicates timing problems.
4. Video Analysis โ Record yourself and watch in slow motion. Look for:
- Does your push away start with your first step?
- Does your arm swing feel rushed or delayed compared to your feet?
- Is your release point consistent?
5. Foot Slide โ If youโre sliding too far or not enough, it could indicate timing issues.
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Remember, consistent practice and self-awareness are key to identifying and correcting timing issues.
Practicing the Four-Count Method
To master the four-count timing method:
1. Start without a ball:
- Practice the four-step approach, counting aloud: โOne, Two, Three, Fourโ
- Ensure each count coincides with a foot touching the ground
2. Add arm swing:
- Swing your arm as if holding a ball, coordinating with your counts
- โOneโ โ start push away, โTwoโ โ complete push away, โThreeโ โ backswing, โFourโ โ forward swing
3. Use a lightweight object:
- Practice with a small, lightweight ball or even a water bottle
- This helps you get used to the motion without the full weight of a bowling ball
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4. Gradually increase speed:
- Start slowly, then gradually increase to your normal bowling pace
5. Move to the lanes:
- Once comfortable, practice with a real bowling ball
- Focus on maintaining the rhythm youโve established
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Remember, this method is a tool to help you develop consistent timing. With practice, it will become second nature and you wonโt need to count aloud.
Conclusion
As weโve explored throughout this comprehensive guide, the push away is a fundamental element that can dramatically improve your bowling game. Letโs recap the key points and consider how you can apply this knowledge to enhance your performance on the lanes.
Mastering the push away and its effect on timing is a game-changer in bowling. Itโs the foundation upon which the rest of your shot is built. A well-timed push away leads to a smooth backswing, a powerful downswing, and a clean, well-timed release.
Remember, perfecting your push away timing is a process. It takes practice, patience, and persistence. Donโt get discouraged if you donโt see immediate results. Keep at it, and soon enough, youโll find that perfect push away becoming second nature, your timing will improve, and your scores will reflect your hard work.
As you practice, pay attention to how small changes in your push away affect your overall timing. Experiment with slight adjustments to find what works best for you. Every bowler is unique, and part of the journey is discovering your own perfect rhythm. If youโre a tweener (a bowler between a stroker and a cranker in style), you might want to check out the 10 Best Bowling Balls For Tweeners to find equipment that complements your improved technique.
Now, armed with this comprehensive knowledge about the crucial relationship between the push away and timing, itโs time to hit the lanes and start practicing. Remember, every great bowler started somewhere, and with dedication to perfecting your push away, youโre on your way to more consistent, higher-scoring games. Good luck, and may all your shots be perfectly timed!
Weโd love to hear about your experiences with improving your push away and timing. Have you tried any of the techniques discussed in this article? Do you have any tips of your own to share? Please leave a comment below or join the discussion in our bowling forum. Your insights could help fellow bowlers improve their game!
