If you've ever watched a professional bowling tournament, you've seen the excitement two-handed bowlers bring to the lanes. One standout in this rising style is 900 Global staffer Chris Sloan, a bowler turning heads from Ireland to the United States. His journey across continents and competitions highlights not just his skill, but the growing influence of two-handed bowling. In this post, we'll dive into tips from Sloan’s recent video with Storm’s VP of Sales and R&D, Hank Boomershine, that can elevate your game.

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Master Two-Handed Bowling: Pro Tips from Chris Sloan | 900 Global

In this video, professional bowler Chris Sloan and Storm’s VP of Product Development, Hank Boomershine, share 3 essential tips to help two-handed bowlers improve their game.

The Importance of Footwork and Body Position

The secret to successful two-handed bowling often lies in meticulous attention to footwork and body positioning. Mastering these elements can transform your game, as they have for PBA bowler Chris Sloan. His experiences emphasize balance, stability, and proper alignment—offering essential insights for bowlers looking to improve.

Fundamentals of Footwork

In two-handed bowling, footwork is the cornerstone of effective shot execution. It's not just about moving your feet, but doing so with precision and purpose. Balance and tempo are key components.

• Balance:Keeping your center of gravity stable is crucial. This means maintaining a comfortable posture and ensuring your weight is evenly distributed. Chris highlights that consistent balance allows for a more controlled release, which is essential for maintaining accuracy.
• Tempo:The pace of your movement dictates the rhythm of your swing and release. A smooth, steady tempo helps hone focus and timing, allowing you to sync your upper and lower body. Chris spends 20 to 30 minutes of practice calibrating his rhythm, emphasizing that a strong start can make or break a session.

Focusing on these basics can lay a solid foundation for improvement. Consistent practice will seamlessly integrate these principles into your routine.

Body Positioning Techniques

Proper hip alignment and posture are vital for enhancing a bowler's performance. For Chris, these elements aren't just part of his routine—they're fundamental.

• Hip Alignment: For two-handed bowlers, the hips must stay centered and avoid collapsing during steps. Maintaining this alignment allows for better energy transfer and precision. Chris stresses the importance of not letting your hips drop too early in the approach, as this can throw off your balance and result in inconsistent shots.
• Posture: Staying tall while approaching the release is crucial. It prevents energy from dissipating too early. Chris practices adjusting his posture to ensure a tall, stable stance until the ball is released.

By practicing these techniques, you can gain more control over the ball and enhance your performance. When footwork and body positioning are in sync, they create a reliable foundation for consistent shots.

Choosing the Right Ball Layout

Perfecting your game isn't just about skill and practice; it's also about using the right equipment with the optimal setup. What should two-handed bowlers consider regarding layout strength?

• Pin Placement: Pin placement is like the steering wheel of your bowling ball. A higher pin placement typically results in more flare, making the ball hook more once it hits the lane. Conversely, a lower pin placement offers a smoother, more controlled motion. Understanding pin placement can help you adapt to various lane conditions and maximize your ball's potential.

In Sloan’s video, he demonstrates how the Sublime Focus is capable of striking in two different zones, due to the difference in layouts between the balls.

The Rise of the Backup Ball Technique

In the evolving world of professional bowling, adaptability can make the difference between winning and losing. One controversial technique gaining traction, first demonstrated on TV by Roto Grip staffer Anthony Simonsen, is the backup ball. This release method involves reversing the typical ball path and can be advantageous for bowlers facing challenging lane conditions. Let's explore when to use this technique and how to execute it effectively.

When to Throw a Backup Ball

• Tough or Overplayed Oil Patterns: When right-side shots aren't working due to broken-down oil patterns (which happens when an abundance of bowlers are playing the same part of the lane, often right-handed bowlers), switching to a backup ball can help you navigate fresher parts of the lane on the left side. It offers an alternate angle that bypasses hang spots and carry-down.

Backup Ball Techniques

• Hand Positioning: Chris Sloan shares his technique for throwing a backup ball: grip the ball with your palm slightly shifted to the right of center (for right-handed bowlers). This encourages the ball to roll off your index finger, allowing it to spin in the opposite direction.
• Release Focus: During release, aim to steady your wrist and guide the ball smoothly off your hand. Think of the mechanics like a yo-yo—smooth control is key, not force. This helps the ball maintain energy and precision as it travels down the lane.
• Practice Consistency: Like any technique, repeated practice is essential. Drills focused on balance and a consistent release will improve results.

Conclusion

Consistency and precision are the cornerstones of a successful two-handed bowler's game. PBA bowler Chris Sloan has shared valuable insights, emphasizing footwork, body positioning, ball layout strategy, and the creative use of throwing a backup ball. These strategies not only enhance technique but equip you to better handle varying lane conditions and patterns.

Key Takeaways for Two-Handed Bowlers

• Focus on Stance and Movement: Your setup, including foot positioning and hip alignment, lays the foundation for a stable and consistent release. Spend time refining these aspects to improve consistency.
• Adapt Ball Layouts: Different lane conditions call for varied ball layouts. By understanding pin placements and layout strengths, you can customize your arsenal for optimal performance.
• Utilize the Backup Ball: This technique is gaining popularity for a reason. It's a useful tool to navigate tricky patterns, offering fresh angles of attack and keeping your game adaptable.

By incorporating these elements into your practice, you can enhance your skills and gain an edge in competitive play. As Chris Sloan’s journey shows, continuous learning and adaptability are key to mastering the evolving game of two-handed bowling. Remember, success in bowling isn't just about the pins you knock down, but how you approach each frame with strategy and confidence. Keep exploring and refining your skills, and let these tips guide you to better performances and higher scores.