How to Increase Bowling Ball Speed (Without Losing Accuracy)
- Erikas Jansonas
- May 23
- 4 min read
Increasing your bowling ball speed can help you handle tricky lane conditions, improve pin action, and become a more versatile player. But the key to success is doing it without losing control.
Think throwing harder makes you a better bowler? Not quite. The secret to faster shots is smooth timing—not brute force.
Whether you're just getting started or you're a league bowler averaging around 180 looking to level up, here’s how to add speed safely, effectively, and consistently.
And who knows—there might even be a tip or two in here for more advanced players.
Why Ball Speed Matters
Most bowling coaches recommend a release speed around 20 mph at the foul line, which slows to about 17 mph by the time the ball hits the pins. This range allows the ball to be the most predictable on the lanes, and to have decent pin carry.
A controlled increase in speed can help delay hook on dry lanes or increase pin carry. But trying to “throw harder” rarely works—it often leads to off-balance shots, poor accuracy, and even injury. So, knowing how to increase bowling ball speed without loosing accuracy is very important.
Speed Starts With Your Legs
The biggest source of speed in bowling is not your arm—it’s your legs. The faster and more efficiently you move toward the foul line, the more momentum you create for your swing.
If you want more speed:
Start your approach a few inches farther from the line
Walk with slightly quicker footwork
Let your body momentum naturally build into the swing
This approach helps generate speed without having to muscle the ball or strain your upper body.
Tip: When releasing the bowling ball, try engaging your glutes. It might sound odd, but the gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in your body by mass—and activating it can help generate more power through your legs during release, increasing your ball speed.
Use a Free, Relaxed Arm Swing
Ball speed comes from gravity and timing—not tension. Think of your swing as a pendulum. The more relaxed your arm is, the faster and smoother it can swing.
To maximize your swing:
Keep your grip pressure light
Avoid controlling the downswing with your shoulder
Let the ball fall naturally into the swing arc
Follow through fully toward your target
Avoid jerky or forced movements at the release. A smooth, tension-free swing generates more speed and leads to better consistency. These tips are universal and apply to both one-handed and two-handed bowlers.
Coordinate Swing Height With Footwork
Raising the ball in your stance gives your swing a longer arc—but that only works if your foot tempo matches. Many bowlers raise the ball but keep the same footwork pace, which forces them to muscle the swing. This throws off timing and reduces speed.
Instead, when you raise your starting position:
Pair it with a slower, more deliberate approach
Or, if you're looking to increase speed, lower the ball slightly and quicken your foot tempo
Keep your swing and footwork in sync to avoid bad timing.
Adjust Grip and Release for More Skid
On dry lanes, even a small increase in speed can help delay hook and improve control. One way to achieve this is by reducing your rev rate.
Try:
Releasing the ball with less finger rotation
Avoiding a sharp wrist snap
Letting the ball “roll off” your hand more naturally
These adjustments help the ball skid longer and maintain a straighter path, giving you more control with added speed.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Some bowlers try to generate speed by muscling the ball, but this usually backfires. Here’s what not to do:
Don’t use more than 85–90% of your maximum effort
Don’t tense up your shoulders and arms.
Don’t delay your swing start—this forces your arm to catch up, reducing speed and throwing off timing
Instead, rely on balance, tempo, and body momentum.
Build the Right Muscles
Physical conditioning can help you increase and maintain speed over time. Focus on:
Leg strength: squats, lunges, step-ups
Core stability: planks, rotational work
Wrist and forearm endurance: light resistance training, wrist rollers
Stronger legs and a more stable core provide a solid foundation for generating consistent ball speed. It's not all about the upper body and arms—your lower body plays a crucial role, so don’t overlook it.
Work With a Coach
If you’re serious about making long-term improvements, consider working with a bowling coach. They can help you:
Analyze and improve your timing
Match swing tempo with footwork
Fine-tune your release for better speed and accuracy
A few small adjustments from an experienced coach can lead to significant results.
Final Takeaway
More speed isn’t always the answer—but controllable speed is a powerful tool. Use your legs to build momentum, keep your swing relaxed, and match your timing from stance to release. Practice these techniques until they feel natural, and you’ll start to see real improvement—not just in ball speed, but in consistency and confidence.
