Bowling is one of the best ways to improve fitness and coordination while having fun with your family and friends. It's a lot more than simply throwing a heavy ball down a long corridor'it?s one of the most complicated and competitive sports around. By learning to master the top-ten techniques of bowling, you'll gain confidence, have more fun, and beat the competition!

The top 10 bowling techniques:

1. Have perfect Posture

In bowling, posture counts! Keep your head up, looking straight at your target. Your shoulders should remain square to the foul line, especially through the swing.

2. Grip the ball properly

If you use a house ball, make sure the thumbhole is loose fitting. The thumb frequently swells a little during bowling and if you're forcing your fingers into the holes before you bowl, they're likely to get stuck! If you have your own ball, have your pro shop custom drill your finger holes. If your thumb routinely swells, wrapping it in bowler's tape can help. If your hands sweat, be sure to carry a towel to wipe them on and then dust your hands with a little rosin. If you have a hard time gripping the ball, your pro shop can insert grips into the finger holes.

3. Remember where you are

If you're right handed, a good place to start is 2 arrows right of the middle. If you're left handed, start 2 arrows to the left of center. Adjust your position right or left after you have bowled a couple of balls, depending on where your ball ended up.

4. Focus on your target

Decide where you're going to aim. If it's your first ball, aim to bowl just to the right of the 1 (front) pin if you're right handed or to the left of it if you're left handed.

5. Breathe

Relax yourself by taking three slow, deep breaths. It's common to feel anxious before bowling? but the calmer you are, the more control you will have over your ball.

6. Smooth moves

The way you carry yourself to bowl decides the speed and power of your ball. Position yourself so you will take four consistently paced steps to throw the ball.

7. Slow down!

One of the most common traits beginning bowlers have in common is to rush. It's important to have some speed to deliver the ball correctly, but too much speed is the #1 reason for both gutter balls and 7-10 splits in beginning bowlers!

8. Maintain your balance

Be sure to stay upright and focused on your target as you approach the foul line. Keep your shoulders square as you use your leg as a counterweight to keep your balance during the release.

9. Release the ball

Keeping your arm slightly bent at the elbow, retract your arm behind your body, cradling the ball in your hand. Keep a smooth straight arc from back to front. Be careful of arcing around your body and back?that's a common habit in many new bowlers! At the low point of your swing, release the ball. A relaxed arm and wrist make for an effective shot!

10. Follow through

Keep your target in sight and your arm continuing its arc forward even after the ball has been released. Just ?letting the ball go? and pulling your arm back will cause the ball to roll off-course.

The most important thing to remember when learning to bowl is to have FUN! By learning proper bowling techniques you will make the game much more enjoyable for yourself and for those who bowl with you.