How To Get More Revs On A Bowling Ball

In bowling, your rev rate is important because it correlates to the speed at which your bowling ball travels down the lane. But how do you increase your rev rate? We did the research to bring you the answer.

Work on these fundamentals in order to increase your rev rate:

  • Posture
  • Finger grip
  • Release
  • Exercises
  • Coaching

In order to increase your rev rate in bowling, you have to practice your fundamentals. In this article, we will discuss each of these in detail to help you increase your rev rate. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about bowling, so keep reading!

Man's hand holding a red bowling ball ready to throw it - How To Get More Revs On A Bowling Ball

How Do You Increase The Bowling Rev Rate?

Before we get into how to increase your bowling rev rate, let's first define it. Rev rate is the RPMs or rotations per minute that your ball makes as it travels down the lane.

Rev rate directly correlates with the speed at which your ball is traveling. The faster the rotations, the faster the ball will travel.

So, why would you want a higher rev rate? Well, a higher rev rate means that your ball has more momentum and will give more pin action.

In addition, the high rev rate will help the ball strike with more hook potential. If you're a bowler who likes to bowl on the dryer, flatter lanes, having a high rev rate will also help increase your entry angle into the pocket, which is important for hitting those strikes.

Now that we know what the rev rate is and why you want a higher one, let's look at how to increase it.

Young man playing bowling at the sport club.

Posture

Your posture plays a big role in how you bowl and your rev rate. If you have proper posture, you're more likely to make a smooth, repeatable swing that will increase your rev rate. Here are some tips for proper posture:

  • First, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Second, hinge at your hips and bend your knees slightly so that you're in an athletic stance.
  • Third, keep your chest up and shoulders back.
  • Finally, keep your eyes focused on the target.

Finger Grip

One problem bowlers have that affects their rev rate is their finger grip. A tight finger grip will increase pressure on your hand and forearm, leading to inconsistent release and reduced rev rate.

Your grip should be firm, but not too tight. You should be able to slide your fingers in and out of the ball without it falling out of your hand.

Release

Another tip is to release the bowling ball with your fingers below the equator of the ball. This will give you more lift and help increase your rev rate. It won't make a tremendous change in the rev rate, but every little bit helps.

Exercises

One way to increase the rev rate is by doing exercises that target the muscles used in bowling. These exercises will help build up your forearm, wrist, and hand muscles, which are important for a smooth, consistent release.

One exercise you can try is called the "foul line" drill. In order to do this exercise, follow these steps:

  1. First, get into a finish position.
  2. Next, bring the bowling ball 6 inches out.
  3. Then, load your elbow by bringing the ball back.
  4. Finally, release the bowling ball like a YoYo.

By doing this exercise, you will be building power in your wrist and elbow, which will lead to a more consistent release and higher rev rate.

Coaching

If you are getting serious about bowling competitively, then you may want to consider getting a coach. A coach can help you with your posture, grip, and release, which will increase your rev rate.

A coach can also give you feedback on your form and help you correct any flaws that are affecting your game. In addition, coaches can give you analytics on your bowling which can help you identify areas that need improvement. If you're serious about bowling, a coach is a great investment.

How Fast Should My Bowling Ball Be Going?

Bowling strike hit with fire explosion

The answer to this question depends on the type of bowler you are. If you're a beginner, your ball should be going about 16-17 mph. Your ball should be going about 20-21 mph if you're more advanced.

Of course, these are just averages, and your speed may be different based on your bowling style and the type of lane you're bowling on.

So does that mean you should use a lighter ball? No, not necessarily, because the heavier the ball, the more momentum it will have.

A good rule of thumb is to use a ball that is 10% of your body weight. So, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should use a 14-pound bowling ball. You need a balance of speed and ball weight in order to get the most pin action.

What Is Considered A Good Rev Rate?

A good rev rate varies from bowler to bowler. It really depends on your bowling style and the type of lane you're bowling on.

If you're a beginner, a good rev rate to aim for is about 200-250 rpm. If you're more advanced, a good rev rate to aim for is about 300-350 rpm. Anything over 400-500 rpm is considered to be a high rev rate.

As a beginner, it is important to get your form down before you start worrying about increasing your rev rate. Once you have a good foundation, then you can start working on increasing your rev rate.

Remember, the goal is to have a smooth, consistent release. If you can do that, then you will be on your way to bowling those strikes.

Man bowling, friends cheering in the background

How Often Should I Practice Bowling?

How often you should practice will depend on your goals. If you're just bowling for fun, then you don't need to practice as often.

But if you're trying to improve your game or bowl competitively, then you should be practicing at least 2-3 times a week.

However, if you are already in leagues, then you don't want to over practice because that can lead to injury. Instead, try to give yourself 3-4 days of rest in between practice sessions.

It's important to find a balance and listen to your body. If you're feeling burned out or sore, then take a break. It's better to have quality practice sessions than to try and practice every day and risk injury.

Going to the bowling alley doesn't always need to be with your coach or friends. Instead, a good time to practice is by yourself so you can focus on your form and technique.

This is especially important for beginners because they need to get a feel for the game before they start worrying about scores.

By practicing by yourself, you can take your time and focus on your form without feeling pressure from other bowlers.

Is A Clean Bowling Ball Important For Speed?

A clean bowling ball is not only important for speed but also for accuracy. When your ball is clean, it will reduce friction and make it easier to control. If you're trying to increase your speed, then you should clean your ball after every session. In addition, if the lanes are oily, you should clean your ball more often.

A good rule of thumb is to wipe down your ball with a dry towel after every game or frame. Then, use a microfiber towel and a small amount of bowling ball cleaner to wipe down your ball.

Lastly, every 50-75 games, you should give your ball a deep clean. This means using a stronger cleaning solution and giving your ball a good scrub.

man holding and cleaning bowling ball in sport club

Should I Spin The Bowling Ball?

If you have watched experienced bowlers, you have probably noticed that they spin the ball. You want to spin the ball because it increases your chances of hitting the pins at the right angle. When you hit the pins at the right angle, they are more likely to fall down.

If you don't spin the ball, then you are more likely to hit the pins straight on, which is less likely to result in a strike.

Perfecting the spin on your ball takes time and practice. If you're a beginner, then don't worry about it too much. Just focus on hitting the pins and your form. As you become more experienced, you can start working on perfecting your spin.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, your rev rate is an important part of your game. If you are serious about bowling, then increasing your rev rate is something you should work on. Remember, the key is to have a smooth, consistent release. If you can do that, then you will be well on your way to bowling those strikes.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might enjoy:

Why Does My Bowling Ball Hook Too Much?

Why Is My Bowling Ball Speed So Slow?

How Fast Should A Bowling Ball Go?

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