By Bryan O'Keefe
USBC Coaching Specialist

If you look up and down the lanes, you'll see several different setup positions, some good, and some bad. While every setup is unique, there are some common features found in fundamentally solid setup positions. Here are three things you should be aiming for:

First, stagger your feet. If you are right-handed, your left foot should be slightly ahead of your right foot. Obviously, if you're left-handed, reverse it.

Second, hold the ball right around waist height. There are reasons to raise or lower the ball from time to time, but waist-height should always be your base line.

Finally, in terms of horizontal placement, the ball should line up between your ball-side shoulder and chin. This should promote a straight arm swing that keeps your bowling arm tucked close to your body, which is where you want it to end up at release.

If these positions are new to you, it will take some time for you to feel comfortable with them; however, once you become comfortable, you'll find yourself more stable during your setup, which will lead to better shots and higher scores.

If you need additional help, contact your local USBC-certified coach.