Expert: Chip Aki - 10/17/2005

Question
I have just started on a ladies bowling league. I was basically asked because thier other teammate was injured, and was not able to play this season.
In all honesty, I have to be the worst bowler of all time. My average is 70. When releasing the ball, my arm tends to fly to the side, and I never follow through. I can see the error in my ways, but can not seem to get it right.
Do you have any, I mean any, tips that you can give a new bowler?

Answer
Having never seen you throw a shot, this will be just a suggestion or two, but hopefully they will help.

When you start the ball into the swing, make sure you do not push the ball up, but only out in front of your right foot. (if you are right handed).  Once you do that, just walk by the ball and let it swing.  Do not try to throw the ball, but let the ball provide all the energy.  If you can do that, all you have to do is give the ball some guidance.  The follow through will happen on its own if you can do this.  Just try to have you hand follow the ball towards your target.  As long as you follow through towards the pins, you will be fine.
Once you get the hang of this, let me know and I can give you a couple of new things to work on.

Good luck,
Chip