Do you ever feel like your ball isn’t going where you’re aiming for? Maybe your ball is going too left or too right or just hitting the wrong pins and pockets. This is probably because your timing was off the charts. But hey! Look at the bright side. The solution to your problem is pretty simple. All you need is better coordination between your footwork and armswing. While some pro bowlers use the late-timing technique to correct inconsistencies, others mostly do it unintentionally which jeopardizes their shots. So how do you fix late timing in bowling? Read on to find out!
Why is Timing important in Bowling?
Bowling isn’t that simple. You can’t just pick up a ball, roll it down the lane, and call it a day. To all the serious bowlers who want to be successful, you gotta learn to estimate the right timing and coordinate all the movements carefully. Every major to minor move matter when you are bowling. And so, a subtle change in your arm and foot coordination timing will have a high chance of messing up your shots.
Timing in bowling is basically a measurement of exactly what’s moving and over what distance. It indicates the relationship of what the upper body is doing versus the lower body. Correct timing can make you more versatile and also promote better tempo and consistency of fast and slow ball speed as a whole. Versatility is going to be key when it comes to timing. Timing in bowling is greatly prioritized and is considered one of the most important elements that you can’t just ignore. So not maintaining your timing is a big no!
What causes late timing in Bowling?
Anyone can bowl, but pairing attention to detail with your motor ability is important. So what makes bowlers create this delay in armswing and footwork coordination? There are a few factors that can cause this trouble. Allow me to demonstrate them to you.
1. Lack of Synchronization
When synchronization between the upper body (posture and/or the swing shape of the ball path) and the lower body (footwork and the tempo/direction) is not up to the mark, you are late timing your throw. You don’t want these two to happen separately or one faster than the other. What you need is for your body to stay as one complete unit from the beginning of the approach up to the foul line.
2. Hand position during Armswing
Most of the time when we talk about ball height, we mean how much a bowler raises it up. Is your ball height higher or lower? Let’s say, your upper and lower body synchronization is standard, but you have raised your ball too high. Now what will happen? It will take longer than usual to move and go through the shape all the way. This is going to delay you because you had to cover more distance.
3. Untimely Ball Release
Time maintenance at the ball release is a big deal. To get the ball on the lane on time, you have to get your hand out of the ball’s holes and at the same time try not to injure yourself. Improper timing of ball release is definitely going to throw off your shot and your timing will be considered late.
4. Extra step during the approach
Bowling is also a mind game, did you know? When you’re taking your steps to approach, you have to think about every little detail that will promote a perfect shot. Some bowlers need a 5-step approach, while others need a 4-step approach to roll their balls. If you think you have facing late timing in bowling, consider reducing a step and see now if your upper body is in sync with your lower body.
How to fix late timing in bowling?
The solution to your problem is pretty easy. You just have to practice them in a way that the late timing doesn’t occur anymore. Here I am including some tips that can help you with your bowling timing.
1. Adjust your Speed
The first thing to do is adjust your walking speed so that it syncs with your arm movements. As soon as you start walking up to the foul line, lean your upper body in a 10 to 15° forward tilt. However, don’t stay fully focused on your feet speed.
2. Lower the ball height during your armswing
While you’re focusing on your feet speed try to correct yourself by changing the length of your arm swing by adjusting the height of the ball right before you throw the ball. The lower the distance, the faster you will be able to throw your ball on the lane.
If you think you have missed a mark to your right, lower your bowling ball slightly in your stance. As a result, back swing will be decreased and that will place you back in sync. And what if you miss your left? For that, you should try to raise the ball to add length to your backswing and of course, correct your timing.
3. Take a step off
If your 5-step approach is making you late, simply start practicing the 4-step approach until you reach perfection. Make sure you don’t move your upper body too much, not if you need to. Keep counting your steps as you walk toward the foul line.
4. Right bowling Shoes
Some bowling shoes have rubber soles. They often tend to stick to the floor. What do you do when this happens? Chances are you will be late delivering the ball. So make sure you are wearing bowling shoes that give you enough support and adequate slide.
5. Focus
Focus is by far the biggest factor. You cannot afford to lose your attention when you’re delivering your ball. Just set your eyes on the target, keep your tempo, and your body will take care of the rest naturally. Make sure your head is motionless while you release the ball. Keep your chin at your shoulder level (or above your shoulder for some bowlers) and watch your ball height.
Conclusion
Indeed, late timing bowling works out for many professional bowlers. But they have the tricks to pull it off somehow. If you have not learned them yet, it is safer not to opt for de-synchronization. Once you learn how to throw the ball timely, you will be unstoppable. As a bonus, it will improve your overall bowling performance and your bowling score. So the sooner you fix your late timing, the better. I have put together some basic guidelines for you. The rest is yours to take care of. So good luck and best wishes!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
