PBA Champion Instruction Series
How to Get Better at Bowling: 7 Pro Principles
The definitive guide to scoring higher, mastering lane transition, and making tour-tested adjustments.
Introduction: Breaking Scoring Plateaus
If you want to know how to get better at bowling, the answer is not buying every new ball that hits the pro shop or throwing harder. Scoring improvement comes from mastering a few high-leverage physical and tactical habits.
Retired 2-time PBA Tour Champion and former Storm Products Head Coach Mike DeVaney breaks down the 7 core principles that transform recreational bowlers into high-average league and tournament competitors.
1. Lock In Single-Pin Spare Conversion (The 3-6-9 System)
Converting single-pin spares (especially 10-pins and 7-pins) is the fastest way to add 15 to 25 pins to your series. Use a plastic spare ball to eliminate oil pattern hook, cross the lane at sharp angles, and break your wrist back to deliver straight end-over-end roll.
2. Make Proactive Lane Transition Adjustments
Never wait for a strike to become a split before moving. Recognize midlane oil breakdown (ball hooks early, leaves flat 10-pins) and move your feet inside into fresh oil. Recognize backend oil carrydown (ball skids late, leaves weak pins) and add coverstock surface grit.
3. Manage Coverstock Surface Texture
Coverstock surface finish controls over 70% of ball motion on the lane. Keep Abralon sanding pads (500 to 4000 grit) in your bag and refresh your ball surface every 6 to 9 games.
4. Focus on the 15-Foot Targeting Arrows
Aim over the 7 arrows located 15 feet past the foul line rather than looking at pins 60 feet away. Target accuracy increases dramatically when your visual point is closer to your feet.
5. Smooth 4-Step Approach & Pushaway Timing
Coordinate your footwork with your swing: push the ball forward as your first step starts, allowing gravity to create a relaxed, unforced armswing.
6. High-Speed Slow-Motion Video Analysis
Recording your approach from back and side angles reveals hidden timing flaws, posture breaks, and early thumb releases that cannot be felt in real time.
7. Private 1-on-1 Tour Instruction
Working directly with a PBA Tour Champion accelerates your learning curve, eliminating trial-and-error and giving you direct feedback on physical mechanics and equipment selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the fastest way to get better at bowling?
The fastest way to raise your bowling average by 15 to 25 pins is eliminating open frames through systematic spare conversion (using the 3-6-9 system and a plastic spare ball).
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How often should you adjust ball surface?
Adjust surface using Abralon sanding pads every 6 to 9 games. Coverstock texture controls over 70 percent of ball motion on the lane.
Take Your Game to the Next Level
Book a private session at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield, IN or submit video for remote analysis.