Fundamental Skills

Starting a relaxed swing

Using too much muscle will pull your swing off line and make it difficult to be consistent. In addition, using muscle causes the swing to feel restricted, which actually slows it down.

A relaxed swing starts in the stance by keeping your grip relaxed. The hand and arm muscles need to feel relaxed. To develop this feel, try this drill from the USBC Athlete Development Drills package.

1. Get into a comfortable stance position holding the ball about waist high. Move your ball-side foot back more than usual to have additional balance.
2. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible and hold it for seven to 10 seconds. You should feel the tension in your hand, arm and shoulder.
3. Relax your grip and feel the difference

When ready to bowl, make sure your arm and hand are relaxed before you start your approach.

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