How do I reduce my backswing and/or reduce my ball speed?

[Jovan Evans]

This is probally my worst enemy when it comes to bowling. I have a high back swing which creates a great amount of ball speed so im asking for a solution. Can anyone tell me how to slow down my ball speed or reduce my back swing.

[Randy Russell]

I fought this when I was in my first couple of years bowling. The key is getting the swing "free", meaning let gravity do the work. The pros with really high backswings (Mike Fagan, Tommy Jones, Steve Harman) don't necessarily throw the ball hard because gravity is bringing the ball down. Many times we get into muscling the ball down which adds ballspeed.

A couple of things you can try is lower the ball in your starting position. One other thing you can do is see about doing a "hinge" with your pushaway rather than a full pushaway. Tommy Jones is the best example of a hinge pushaway. The ball doesn't go away from the body as much as the arm just hinges from the elbow. This keeps the arm more loose and free.

The biggest key will be slowing your feet down. Slow feet = less of a need to pull the ball down into position at release.

Just be patient..it will take a little bit of time and practice whatever you try.

Good Luck!

[Jovan Evans]

alright ive already put my lowered the ball in the starting position but i never really slowed my feet down. And can you explain what a hinge pushaway is.

[Randy Russell]

It's hard to describe...but I'll try :) Think of your starting position with the ball in front of you body. Instead of pushing the ball towards the target you let the ball just "drop". You hinge your swing at your elbow instead of extending your body out in front. Go to youtube and find some good videos of Tommy Jones in his approach..he has the best hinge pushaway I know of.

It doesn't work for everyone...I dont' do it. I tried it but couldn't get used to it, but it is just something else you could give a shot. My biggest key is my feet...especially the first step. If my first step is fast...I will get fast with my swing and pull the ball down. This makes you 'grabby' at the bottom of the swing as well as muscling it.