5 Common Bowling Mistakes and How to Fix Them Fast

You're at the bowling alley, you've got your shoes on, and you're ready to roll.
But frame after frame, something feels off. The pins aren't falling the way they should, and your score isn't improving.

Here's the truth: Most bowlers unknowingly repeat the same mistakes that sabotage their game.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, these mistakes are surprisingly easy to fix.

In this guide, we'll cover the 5 most common bowling mistakes that hold people back — and show you exactly how to correct them today.

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Mistake #1: Looking at the Pins Instead of Your Target

The Problem:

Staring at the pins 60 feet away is like trying to thread a needle from across the room — it's too far to be accurate.

What happens: Your aim becomes inconsistent, and you miss the pocket repeatedly.

The Fix:

Look at the arrows instead.

The targeting arrows are located about 15 feet down the lane, giving you a much closer and more precise aiming point.

How to Do It:

1. Find the arrows on the lane (there are 7 of them)
2. Pick a specific arrow as your target (usually the 2nd or 3rd from the right for right-handers)
3. Focus on rolling the ball over that arrow
4. The lane's angle will carry the ball to the pocket

Pro Tip:

Never look at the pins during your approach. Keep your eyes locked on your target arrow from start to finish.

Result: Dramatically improved accuracy and consistency.

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Mistake #2: Gripping the Ball Too Tight

The Problem:

When you squeeze the ball like you're holding on for dear life, you create tension throughout your entire arm and shoulder.

What happens:

• Jerky, inconsistent releases
• Less control and accuracy
• Faster fatigue
• Risk of injury

The Fix:

Relax your grip.

The ball should sit comfortably in your hand — you shouldn't be actively squeezing it.

How to Do It:

1. Insert your thumb fully into the thumb hole
2. Put your middle and ring fingers in up to the second knuckle
3. Let the ball rest on your palm
4. Your fingers should feel snug but not tight

Quick Test:

If your forearm muscles are tense while holding the ball, you're gripping too hard.

Think of it like this: You're guiding the ball, not strangling it.

Result: Smoother releases, better control, and less arm fatigue.

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Mistake #3: Rushing Your Approach

The Problem:

Many bowlers walk too fast or speed up as they approach the foul line.

What happens:

• Timing gets thrown off
• Balance is compromised
• Inconsistent release points
• Lower accuracy

The Fix:

Slow down and find your rhythm.

Bowling is about timing and tempo, not speed.

How to Do It:

1. Use the four-step approach (most common and effective)
2. Start with a deliberate first step — don't rush
3. Keep a consistent pace throughout all four steps
4. Let the ball's weight guide your timing (don't force it)

The Four-Step Rhythm:

• Step 1: Push the ball out
• Step 2: Ball swings down
• Step 3: Ball swings back
• Step 4: Release and slide

Pro Tip:

Count "1, 2, 3, 4" in your head to establish a rhythm. Same tempo every time.

Result: Better timing, improved balance, and more consistent strikes.

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Mistake #4: Crossing Over the Foul Line

The Problem:

Stepping over the foul line doesn't just cost you the shot — it can become a bad habit that throws off your entire approach.

What happens:

• Frame is counted as zero
• Inconsistent foot placement
• Loss of balance control

The Fix:

Shorten your approach and focus on your slide.

The foul line is there for a reason — respect it.

How to Do It:

1. Start closer to the foul line than you think you need to
2. Practice your approach and notice where your slide foot lands
3. Adjust your starting position backward if you're consistently close to the line
4. Keep your eyes on your target (not your feet)

Pro Tip:

Use the dots on the approach as consistent starting markers. If you start from the same spot every time, your slide will be predictable.

Bonus: Bowling alleys use sensors to detect foul line violations — you'll know immediately if you cross it.

Result: No more wasted frames, and better approach consistency.

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Mistake #5: Not Following Through

The Problem:

Many bowlers release the ball and immediately drop their arm or pull it to the side.

What happens:

• Ball veers off target
• Less power and pin action
• Inconsistent results

The Fix:

Complete your follow-through.

Your motion doesn't end when the ball leaves your hand — it ends when your arm finishes high.

How to Do It:

1. After releasing the ball, continue your arm swing upward
2. Your hand should finish near your shoulder or head
3. Point toward your target
4. Hold the position for 1-2 seconds (this ensures balance)

Visualization:

Imagine you're reaching up to shake hands with someone standing on a ladder.

Pro Tip:

Your arm should follow the same path as the ball — straight toward your target. No pulling across your body.

Result: Better accuracy, more power, and higher strike percentage.

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Bonus Mistake: Using the Wrong Ball Weight

This one is so common it deserves a mention.

The Problem:

• Too heavy: Causes fatigue, poor control, and potential injury
• Too light: Reduces pin action and accuracy

The Fix:

Use a ball that's about 10% of your body weight, up to a maximum of 16 pounds.

Example: If you weigh 150 pounds, use a 15-pound ball.

Pro Tip:

When in doubt, go lighter. Accuracy and consistency beat raw power every time.

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🎳 Final Thoughts

These 5 common bowling mistakes sabotage more games than any other factors.

The best part? They're all fixable — and you can start correcting them your very next game.

Quick Recap:

1. ✅ Look at the arrows, not the pins
2. ✅ Relax your grip for better control
3. ✅ Slow down your approach and find your rhythm
4. ✅ Respect the foul line with proper foot placement
5. ✅ Follow through to your target

Make these adjustments, and you'll see immediate improvements in your accuracy, consistency, and scores.

Remember: Even the pros work on fundamentals. Small changes lead to big results.

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Ready to put these fixes into action?
Find a great bowling alley near you on BowlingAlleys.io — discover venues, read reviews, and start bowling better today.

Because avoiding these mistakes is the fastest way to level up your game.