The two-handed approach is revolutionizing the sport of bowling, so I want to share a few things that will help coaches and players as we continue to see more people opting to bowl this way.
Two-handed bowling is for anyone and everyone. From the beginner to the professional, this style is a viable option for all players.
Beginning Youth Bowlers and the Peewee Push
When starting out, we teach young, small bowlers is to use two hands. We call it the peewee push and it's intended to help those who wouldn't otherwise be able to hold the ball, either because it's too heavy or simply too big. The technique is used to get the ball out onto the lane and into the pins. The player stands at the foul line and pushes the ball from underneath with both hands.
For most young players, we're not establishing an average. They're simply trying for a new high game by getting the ball to the end of the lane between the gutters. Once they grow and can support the ball all the way through the approach, their style needs to change. At this point, they can adopt a traditional one-handed delivery, or stick with two hands by learning to move the ball to the side of their body.
Technique
To begin teaching this technique, have bowlers stand at the foul line with feet staggered, one in front of the other, and swing the ball by their side before releasing it onto the lane. Next move them back on the approach and practice getting the ball to their side as they walk (or run) to the foul line. With the ball swinging closer to the body than the traditional one-handed swing, most of the weight is supported by the legs and core instead of the shoulders and arms. This offers control and leverage, which helps with balance and repeatability.
High School and College Bowling
There's more information about two-handed bowling than in the past, so coaching and developing the style is very approachable. The object of the game is to knock down the pins, and a two-handed style can potentially give a player several advantages: more speed, a higher revolution rate and more power at the pins.
Players should begin to develop their individual technique at an early age and should be practicing enough to create balance, speed, accuracy and versatility.
High school and college programs are great for players to develop skills-whether traditional or two-handed - and with the information available, coaches are better equipped to help players maximize their potential.
Professional Bowling
One reason we're seeing young players use the two-handed style is many of the top players use it. As with any sport, young kids want to be like their professional idols.
The more successful two-handers we see, the more we can learn and teach the science behind it. Bowlers using the two-handed technique are rising to the top of the game and it's natural for young players and coaches to want to emulate them.
A Shortage of Female Two-Handers
Right now, there are far fewer women than men bowling two-handed. We hope to see more ladies adopt the style, and we think that will happen soon.
Two-handed bowling can help create extra power on the lanes. Explosive pin action and extreme entry angles can quickly increase scoring potential. The things two-handed bowlers can do with a bowling ball are impressive to watch, and if we can create interest and excitement in our sport, it's good for the game and everyone involved.
Stephen
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