How to Increase Bowling Ball Speed: Power Secrets

This comprehensive guide is written by Eran Akrewi, a 45-year-old bowling enthusiast and the editor-in-chief of BowlingView.

Looking to add some serious zip to your bowling ball? When I first started bowling competitively, my ball speed was hovering around a measly 14 MPH. Trust me, I know the frustration of watching your ball hit the pins with all the force of a gentle summer breeze! But here’s something that changed my game forever: just a 1 MPH increase in ball speed can dramatically improve your pin carry and scoring potential.

As an experienced bowler and the editor of BowlingView, I’ve learned and researched every effective technique for increasing ball speed – and I’m about to share them all with you. Whether you’re throwing too slow or just looking to add some extra oomph to your game, these proven techniques will help you generate more power without sacrificing accuracy. If you’re currently struggling with slow ball speed, check out our guide on best bowling balls for slow speed bowlers to ensure you’re using the right equipment.

Watch this comprehensive guide to mastering ball speed techniques:

This video demonstrates the key techniques we’ll cover below, showing you exactly how to implement these methods in your game. Pay special attention to the form and timing demonstrations.

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Understanding Ball Speed Fundamentals

Before diving into specific techniques, it’s crucial to understand how ball speed impacts your bowling game. The right speed can mean the difference between solid strikes and frustrating leaves. Through my years of experience and research, I’ve seen how mastering ball speed leads to improved pin carry and consistency.

Why Ball Speed Matters

Let me share an interesting observation from my local bowling alley. One of the regulars there was consistently leaving 10-pins standing because his ball speed was too low, causing the ball to lose energy before impact. See, proper ball speed isn’t just about throwing it harder – it’s about finding that sweet spot where your speed and revs work together like a well-oiled machine.

From what I’ve observed and researched, most house bowlers throw somewhere between 14-16 MPH, while pros typically average 17-19 MPH. But here’s the thing – your optimal speed depends on factors like your rev rate, lane conditions, and even the bowling ball you’re using. I’ve watched players score incredibly well at 15 MPH because they matched their speed perfectly to their style.

Measuring Your Current Ball Speed

Before diving into speed improvements, you need to know your starting point. I learned this lesson myself – many bowlers actually throw faster or slower than they think!

Most modern bowling centers have speed meters built into their lanes – usually displayed right on the scoring screen. But if your center doesn’t have this, don’t sweat it! Your local pro shop can measure your speed with their specialized equipment. These tools can measure both your speed and rev rate accurately.

Ball Speed Classifications and Ideal Rev Rates

Speed Category	MPH Range	Ideal Rev Rate (RPM)	Best Suited For
Slow Speed	12-14	250-300	Beginners, Seniors
Medium Speed	14-16	300-375	Recreational Bowlers
Medium-High	16-17.5	375-425	Advanced Players
High Speed	17.5-19	425-475	Competitive Players
Pro Level	19+	475+	Professional Bowlers

Want to see these speed techniques demonstrated by a pro? Check out this excellent tutorial:

Watch this professional bowling tutorial from YouTube that shows exactly how to increase ball speed through proper footwork and tempo. You’ll learn why focusing on leg movement and timing, rather than muscling the ball, is the key to generating more speed naturally.

Proper form is the foundation of generating increased ball speed. Through my research and discussions with professional players, I’ve learned that many bowlers try to muscle the ball down the lane, but the real power comes from a combination of smooth mechanics and proper timing. For a detailed breakdown of proper swing mechanics, check out our guide on 7 tips for improving your bowling swing.

Perfecting Your Approach

After spending countless hours observing and analyzing professional bowlers, I’ve noticed something fascinating: the bowlers who generate the best speed rarely look like they’re trying to throw fast. It’s all about smooth, controlled momentum.

The key is a proper 5-step approach. Think of it like a locomotive getting started – you begin slowly and build momentum with each step. Here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Start with a controlled first step
Gradually increase your pace
Keep your timing smooth and natural
Let your momentum build naturally

Your timing is crucial here. Think of it like a dance – each step needs to flow naturally into the next. Start with your pushaway on your first step, let your arm swing freely like a pendulum, and focus on gradually building speed through your approach.

Arm Swing Mechanics

Here’s a common mistake I see at my local lanes: forcing the arm swing. From my experience and research, a proper arm swing should be relaxed and natural, like a pendulum. The height of your backswing plays a huge role in generating speed – aim for shoulder height, but don’t force it higher than what feels natural.

The key is keeping your arm relaxed throughout the swing. Think about it like this: your arm is just along for the ride while your legs and core do the real work. Through my own practice and observation of top players, I’ve found that focusing on keeping your shoulder loose and letting gravity do most of the work leads to much better results than trying to force the swing.

Building Bowling-Specific Strength

Physical conditioning plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining higher ball speeds. However, it’s not about becoming a bodybuilder – it’s about developing the right kind of strength for bowling. For a comprehensive workout routine specifically designed for bowlers, check out our guide on best exercises for bowlers].

Weekly Training Program for Increasing Ball Speed

Day	Training Focus	Exercises	Duration	Intensity
Monday	Upper Body	Resistance Bands, Light Dumbbells, Core Work	30 min	Moderate
Tuesday	Bowling Practice	Speed Drills, Timing Exercises	60 min	High
Wednesday	Rest/Recovery	Light Stretching	15 min	Low
Thursday	Lower Body	Squats, Lunges, Balance Work	30 min	Moderate
Friday	Bowling Practice	Form Work, Video Analysis	60 min	High
Saturday	Full Game Practice	Implementing New Techniques	90 min	Moderate
Sunday	Rest/Recovery	Mental Practice, Visualization	20 min	Low

Upper Body Exercises

Through my research and discussions with sports physiotherapists, I’ve found that targeted strength training can work wonders for your bowling speed. You don’t need to look like a bodybuilder – instead, focus on these key exercises:

Resistance band shoulder rotations
Light dumbbell arm swings
Core planks and rotations
Push-ups with a focus on controlled movement

The key is not to overdo it. We’re looking to build functional strength, not bulk up. I recommend doing these exercises 2-3 times a week, always with proper form.

Lower Body Power

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that your legs are your real power generators in bowling. Here are some exercises that I’ve found particularly effective:

Squats (bodyweight or light weights)
Lunges with rotation
Balance exercises on one leg
Yoga for flexibility

Start slowly with any new exercise routine. From personal experience, jumping into heavy workouts too quickly can leave you too sore to bowl effectively.

Equipment Considerations

Making sure your equipment matches your goals is essential fo developing higher ball speeds. One crucial factor is choosing the right ball weight – if you’re unsure about this, check out our detailed guide on what weight bowling ball should I use.

Ball Weight Optimization

Here’s something interesting I’ve observed at tournaments: sometimes throwing a slightly lighter ball can actually help you generate more speed. I’ve seen many bowlers switch from a 16-pound ball to a 15-pound ball and gain 1-2 MPH almost immediately!

The ideal ball weight is one that you can control throughout your entire bowling session without fatigue. For most adult bowlers, this is between 14-16 pounds. Don’t feel pressured to throw the heaviest ball possible – control and consistency are more important than raw weight.

Selecting Speed-Friendly Equipment

Through testing different equipment and analyzing professional choices, I’ve found that your ball’s surface and coverstock can significantly impact your speed potential. Balls with smoother surfaces tend to maintain speed better down the lane. Consider these factors when selecting equipment:

1. Ball surface – Polished surfaces maintain speed better

2. Core type – Symmetric cores are often easier to control at higher speeds

3. Coverstock material – Pearl coverstocks tend to glide better

Common Speed-Building Mistakes

Throughout my time running BowlingView and analyzing countless bowling techniques, I’ve noticed several common mistakes that bowlers make when trying to increase their speed. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them in your own game.

Form Issues to Avoid

Here are the most common form mistakes I’ve observed:

Muscling the ball
Running to the line
Forcing an unnaturally high backswing
Squeezing the ball too tight

The most frequent mistake I see at my local lanes is bowlers trying to generate speed by rushing to the line. This usually leads to timing issues and actually reduces your effective ball speed!

Equipment Mistakes

Based on my research and discussions with pro shop operators, here are the equipment-related pitfalls to watch out for:

Using too heavy a ball
Bowling with a ball that doesn’t fit properly
Not maintaining your ball’s surface
Using the wrong layout for your style

Advanced Speed Techniques

After studying professional bowlers and analyzing tournament footage, I’ve discovered some advanced techniques that can help fine-tune your speed game. These methods require practice and patience, but they can make a significant difference in your performance.

Pro Player Tips

Here are some advanced tips I’ve gathered from watching and interviewing professional bowlers:

Focus on leg drive through your slide
Use your core rotation effectively
Practice speed control drills
Learn to adjust your speed based on lane conditions

Practice Drills

From my experience and research, here are the most effective drills for developing speed:

1. One-step drill focusing on arm swing

2. No-step swing practice

3. Approach timing drills

4. Video analysis sessions

Conclusion

Increasing your bowling ball speed is a gradual process that requires patience and practice. Through my years of experience as a bowler and running BowlingView, I’ve found that focusing on these key elements brings the best results:

Perfect your approach and timing
Develop proper arm swing mechanics
Build bowling-specific strength
Choose and maintain appropriate equipment

Remember to always prioritize accuracy over raw speed – the goal is to find your optimal power zone where control meets performance.

Have you tried any of these techniques? Share your experience in the comments below!