Keys to playing up the boards

[baker]

Going into tournament season I've always struggled early in the block when I need to play straighter. I'm going to practice this weekend, but what are some of the keys to keep in mind when trying to go more up the boards?

[RobLV1]

It's all a matter of angles. Make sure that your shoulders and hips are perpendicular to the foul line. You should also start with your feet parallel to the boards. These things will help you to keep the ball in front of you to play up the boards.

[Hot_pocket]

It's all a matter of angles. Make sure that your shoulders and hips are perpendicular to the foul line. You should also start with your feet parallel to the boards. These things will help you to keep the ball in front of you to play up the boards.

Keeping your feet parallel to the boards meaning what exactly? As in, as you transition to the foul line, or at set-up? I've been bowling for years but have just begun to learn the game.

[bowl1820]

Going into tournament season I've always struggled early in the block when I need to play straighter. I'm going to practice this weekend, but what are some of the keys to keep in mind when trying to go more up the boards?

While you might not be playing the "Twig", You might want to look at Ron Cliftons article "How to play the twig" Here:

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip6.htm

[RobLV1]

Keeping your feet parallel to the boards meaning what exactly? As in, as you transition to the foul line, or at set-up? I've been bowling for years but have just begun to learn the game.

At set-up. Where you start, and with what angles, dictates how you will deliver the ball.

[2handedsniper]

ho do u overcome the light/ heavy ball reaction when u play up the boards?

[baker]

Thanks for the advice, I went out today and practiced. I really focused on setting my angles during setup and staying square. I was playing straight up 7 with plastic and for one of the first times ever I was consistently hitting 7 at the arrows and 7 at the break.

I really only got into trouble when I didn't keep my armswing tight, or over rotated my shoulders at release. This is probably contributing to my poor spare shooting this year as well. I'll continue to practice, but I'm feeling more confident already.

[fokai73]

While you might not be playing the "Twig", You might want to look at Ron Cliftons article "How to play the twig" Here:

http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip6.htm

being able to play the twig is a perfect ballet...

[JerseyJim]

This is a useful article on 3 point targeting. This would help with playing a straight line. http://www.bowlersreference.com/Approach/Targeting/3PointTargeting.htm