Hi everyone,

My question is How high is to high?

I'm asking this question because I'm trying to get the fundamentals of my approach down and I ran across something that didn't make sense to me at the time. I ran across about 4 or 5 articles/books that state that the arm swing should never go any higher then shoulder level.
Now, I normally wouldn't argue the information unless I've seen or have read something that contradicts the information. Now, if you have read my "Newbie" post you know that I study the classic PBA bowling tournaments on ESPN Classic to help me get my approach down mentally. On my ventures I took the newly found informtaion and observed that most of the bowlers do not follow what the articles say. Most of the bowler's back swing is higher then shoulder level (I'm assuming for greater speed on the ball). So, now I am conflicting on what is the best arm swing to bring to the shooting match. Can you help?

Thanks,
DAWG

One thing as a bowler i have seen is what is comfortable for you or the other bowlers. I have bowled with lots of bowlers that have a very high backswing and they use it mostly for power like you were asking, but also they turn the ball alot. So i would say it is whatever is comfortable for the bowler. most of the successful bowlers i have watch have high back swings. I dont know if it helped you but gives you something to go off of.

Your backswing is a product of your starting position. If you need more speed, you start the ball higher. With a free armswing, the ball will have more speed going in the swing, and it will end up higher, possibly above shoulder height. If you need less speed, start the ball lower, again, keep a free swing, and the ball will end up lower.

The key is that, no matter if your swing is high or low, you should not be pulling the ball up, and you should not be stopping the ball short and pulling it down.

Gravity is key.

High is anywheres from the top of your head to up to a foot and a half above your head. To accomplish this requires opening up your shoulders and hips to an extreme degree during the backswing, after which the hips are pivoted back so that your shoulders are 90 degrees to your intended target line. When done properly the result is increased ball speed and a stronger release. It is the 90 degree requirement that is so critical for this method to work and would require much time and diligence in achieving it and then maintaining it on a consistent basis.

Unless you are willing to devote much time and money in perfecting the above, I would recommend that you keep the height of your backswing below the top of your head.

One thing you have to look for is the forward bend of some of the classic bowlers. Some lean forward a lot and that raises the backswing higher. Those who keep their forward bend to 15 degrees or so, do not raise their backswing.

Backswing is a function of the starting position and the pushoff. It should not be forced, but swing with no muscular effort.

Some food for though from Ron Clifton's great site, http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm

How high can a free swing go? SPOILER: Above the head. http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip41_files/tip41.htm

Timing article, but has a great picture of a high free armswing: http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip13a.htm