The swing in bowling as in many sports such as golf and tennis is probably the most important aspect of the game. The strokers of the game tend to have flatter backswings (shoulder high) and more of a pendulum motion. Examples are Dick Weber, Brian Voss, Marshall Holman, Carolyn Dorin and Kim Terrell to name a few. The power players tend to have higher backswings, Jason Couch, Pete Weber, Ameleto Monacelli, Kelly Kulich and Dede Davidson are examples.

All of these players swings are different but effective. If you want to achieve a swing that is free and natural, one of the great teachers of the game John Jowdy preaches using the opposite hand (the left hand if you are right handed) to help to support the weight of the ball as you gently push the ball away into the swing. The left hand has to leave the ball once the ball is pushed away in order for the ball to drop freely into the down swing. You should feel the weight of the ball hinging from the shoulder. In order to obtain some natural pendulum you must generate some momentum at the beginning of your swing, this motion is called the pushaway.

If you do not generate enough momentum from your swing you will be forced to muscle the ball at release point when you need more speed. This is one of the reason why modern day power players tend to have higher backswings. Because they have higher rev rates they need the extra swing momentum to get the ball down the lane further before it starts hooking without having to muscle it at release point.

There are many things that influence your armswing: the grip, your timing, your bodybuild and footwork to name a few. Make sure your ball fits you properly, go to a reputable pro shop and get your equipment drilled. One key thing that is often overlooked is your footwork. Your pushaway step (first step if you take four) should be slightly left (righthanders) to give you more clearance for the ball to swing back freely. Think of walking a tightrope with one step slightly in front of the other. Your stance is important too: Keep your knees slightly flexed and open your hips by starting with the left foot slightly ahead of the right foot (righthanders). Try these things and improve your swing.

If you have any bowling-related questions or have a problem with your game and could use some advice from a professional bowler, Mrs. Daniels can be contacted one or two ways. Snail mail: Cheryl Daniels, P. O. Box 250014, West Bloomfield, MI 48325. Email address: Cheryl_Daniels@msn.com. Also, please visit Mrs. Daniels' website: www.my.freeway.net/`Shebe.