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Beginner's Guide
Family bowling alleys from FamilyFun
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Want to make those pins come tumbling down? The secret is to harness the power of the pendulum formed by the heavy ball at the end of your swinging arm. Here's how to do it.

1. From a starting point roughly four-and-a-half steps from the foul line, hold the ball at waist level with both hands. Your weight should be on your left foot (reverse for left-handers). Don't aim at the pins; line up your shot using the arrows located 10 to 15 feet down the lane. Step 1
2. With both hands, push the ball straight out from your body, a move known as the pushaway. Take a first short step with your right foot, release your left hand, and let the weight of the ball carry it downward on a smooth arc. Step 2
3. As the ball continues its backswing, take a second step with your left foot. Your arm should be close to your body and fully extended. Keep a straight wrist and swing your arm in a smooth, pendulum motion. Step 3
4. On your third step, the ball should be at the height of its backswing--but no more than shoulder high. Try to keep your shoulders parallel with the foul line. Step 4
5. For the fourth step, the ball comes forward full force and the legs bend to allow the ball to be released at floor level. Your arm and sliding left foot should reach the foul line together. Let the ball do the work; don't try to throw it. Step 5
6. Once the ball is released, let your swinging arm continue in a smooth follow-through toward your target arrow, ending at about shoulder height. Apply vocal encouragement and body English as needed. Step 6


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