By Stephen Padilla
USBC Coaching Specialist

If you struggle controlling where your ball goes, you might benefit from throwing the ball harder. That should keep your ball on the lane more often, which will lead to more pins and more fun. Here's how you do it:

To throw the ball harder, get your feet moving as quickly as you can toward the foul line without losing control. This will accomplish two things. First, it will force your arm to move through the swing more quickly in order to keep up with your feet. This will cause your ball to travel down the lane more quickly. When throwing a straight ball, more speed equals more power.

Second, throwing harder gives your ball a better chance of staying on the lane because, as long as you get it started somewhat on target, there is less time for the ball to get off track and find the gutter. Obviously, fewer gutter balls means more pins falling shot after shot, which will keep your scores improving.

Eventually, you may choose to abandon the straight ball in order to learn how to make it hook. When that happens, you'll most likely have to take the speed down a notch. But until that day arrives, get your feet moving, and let her rip!