Should I Change My Bowling Shot? Or Keep Trying to Master It

Every bowler faces this frustrating question: should I keep working on my current shot, or is it time to change my approach completely? You've been practicing for months, maybe even years, but your scores aren't improving. You watch other bowlers throw beautiful hooks while you're still struggling with consistency. So what's the answer?

The truth is: it depends. But don't worry—we'll help you figure out exactly what you should do.

Signs You Should Keep Practicing Your Current Shot

1. You're Still Learning the Fundamentals

If you've been bowling for less than six months, stick with what you're doing. Changing your shot too early prevents you from building muscle memory. Even professional bowlers took years to develop their signature style.

You should keep practicing if:

• You can't consistently hit your target yet
• Your approach feels awkward or rushed
• You're still learning proper footwork
• Your release timing varies from shot to shot

The problem isn't your technique—it's that you haven't given yourself enough time to master it.

2. You're Seeing Gradual Improvement

Check your average from three months ago. If it's gone up even 5-10 pins, your current approach is working. Bowling improvement is rarely dramatic. Most bowlers improve slowly and steadily over time.

Keep going if:

• Your average is climbing, even slightly
• You're converting more spares than before
• You're getting more consistent, even without more strikes
• You're understanding lane conditions better

Patience pays off. That slow improvement will compound into major gains.

3. You Have a Solid Foundation

If your four-step approach is smooth, your arm swing is straight, and you're releasing the ball cleanly, you've got good fundamentals. Minor adjustments beat complete overhauls every time.

You have good fundamentals if:

• Your feet and ball timing sync up naturally
• You finish balanced and can hold your follow-through
• You're hitting your target board consistently
• Your ball speed stays relatively constant

At this point, small tweaks to hand position or target line will yield better results than starting over.

Signs It's Time to Change Your Shot

1. You've Plateaued for Six Months or More

If your average hasn't budged in half a year despite regular practice, something fundamental isn't working. You might be reinforcing bad habits instead of improving.

Consider changing if:

• You practice weekly but see no improvement
• Your average has been stuck at the same number for months
• You're working harder but not bowling better
• Other bowlers with less experience are passing you up

Sometimes you need a fresh start to break through a plateau.

2. You're Fighting Your Natural Ability

Are you forcing yourself to throw a big hook because it looks cool, even though you naturally throw straight? Are you trying to be a power player when you're naturally accurate and controlled?

Change your approach if:

• Your current style feels physically uncomfortable
• You're constantly fighting your body's natural motion
• You get worse the harder you try
• Your best shots happen when you "stop thinking"

Work with your natural tendencies, not against them. A comfortable straight ball beats an awkward hook every time.

3. You Have Physical Limitations

Maybe you started with a heavy hook but developed wrist pain. Or you're getting older and can't generate the same rev rate. There's no shame in adapting your game to your body.

Adapt your technique if:

• You experience pain or discomfort
• You've had an injury that affects your bowling
• Your physical capabilities have changed
• You're exhausted after just a few games

The best shot is the one you can repeat without hurting yourself.

4. Your Equipment Doesn't Match Your Style

Sometimes it's not your shot that needs changing—it's your ball. If you're throwing a aggressive hook ball with a stroker's release, or a straight ball with a cranker's rev rate, you'll struggle.

Get a proper ball fitting if:

• Your ball feels too heavy or too light
• Your fingers hurt or get stuck
• The ball hooks too much or not enough
• You can't control your ball consistently

Visit a pro shop for a proper fitting before changing your entire approach.

The Smart Way to Make Changes

If you've decided it's time to change, don't overhaul everything at once. Here's the right approach:

Step 1: Identify the One Thing

What's the biggest issue? Is it your release? Your footwork? Your target line? Fix one thing at a time.

Step 2: Get Professional Help

Invest in a lesson with a certified coach. They'll spot issues you can't see and give you a specific plan. One good lesson beats six months of guessing.

Step 3: Commit for 30 Days

Give any new technique at least a month before judging it. Your average will probably drop at first—that's normal. You're building new muscle memory.

Step 4: Track Your Progress

Write down your scores, note what feels good and what doesn't. Keep a bowling journal. Data tells you if you're actually improving or just feeling different.

The Hybrid Approach: Small Adjustments First

Before making major changes, try these smaller adjustments:

For accuracy issues:

• Move your starting position one board left or right
• Adjust your target arrow by one board
• Slow down your approach by 10%

For power issues:

• Increase your backswing height slightly
• Focus on a faster armswing
• Try a different hand position at release

For consistency issues:

• Develop a pre-shot routine
• Count your steps out loud
• Focus on one specific target, not the pins

Sometimes tiny tweaks make huge differences.

What the Pros Say

Professional bowlers change their shots all the time—but they do it strategically. They adjust for:

• Different lane conditions
• Changing oil patterns
• Physical aging
• New ball technology

But they keep their core fundamentals consistent. The four-step approach stays the same. The smooth swing path stays the same. Only the details change.

The Bottom Line

Keep your current shot if:

• You're still new to bowling (under 6-12 months)
• You're improving steadily, even slowly
• You have good fundamentals
• It feels natural and comfortable

Change your approach if:

• You've plateaued for 6+ months despite practice
• You're fighting your natural ability
• You have pain or physical limitations
• You've tried small adjustments with no results

Remember: There's no "perfect" bowling shot. The best technique is the one that's comfortable, consistent, and gets results for YOU. Some pros throw straight balls. Others crank huge hooks. Both can average 220+.

The key is finding YOUR game and mastering it completely.

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Ready to practice your shot, whether it's the one you have or a new approach? Find a quality bowling alley near you on BowlingAlleys.io. Look for alleys with pro shops that offer lessons and proper ball fittings.

The right coaching plus the right practice will tell you exactly what you need to do. Book your lanes today and commit to improvement—whatever that looks like for your game.