The Balance Line Drill Part 1

Following on from last month’s detailed look at the kneel down drill, we need to take the logical step and start standing up, using the balance line drill. This drill is so-called because in the drill the toe, knee and shoulder are kept above each other, i.e. in a “line”. This is the foundation of the good balance.

How to build the Balance Line

The Balance Line is most easily learnt without actually using a ball.

Stand about two feel behind the foul line. Take a step forward with your sliding foot. The foot should either point straight down the lane, or outwards in the direction of the non-bowling arm (i.e. heel turned inwards towards the bowling arm).

Lean forward from the ankle so all the weight is on the sliding foot (shoulders directly over the foot). Raise the non-bowling arm outwards to about waist height for counterbalance (ready for when the drill is performed with the ball).

Lift the back leg off the approach and bend the knee of the sliding leg enough to cover the sliding foot so that the knee obscures the foot. At the same time, allow the trailing foot to make contact with the approach, but with no weight on the trailing leg.

Either the toe can be in contact with the lane (photo 5), or the foot can be on its side (photo 6), both positions permitting no weight on the trailing foot.

The trailing leg plays no weight-bearing role in the balance line drill at all. When built correctly, the large thigh muscle of the sliding leg should be supporting the entire upper body weight. This muscle will ache when the drill is first done, but as the muscle strengthens this aching will subside.

The arm should now be in a position to swing freely (i.e. directly under the shoulder) and close to the ankle (photos 6 & 7). Practice building your balance line in front of a full-length mirror. This will also strengthen the thigh muscle. Try to hold the position as long as it is comfortable.

Performing the drill

1. Assume the balance line position as described, this time with a bowling ball, holding the ball as in the kneel down drill.
   [See photo 8]
   The non-bowling arm may need extending outwards slightly more, offering more counterbalance to the weight of the ball. The trailing leg can also be moved further round for the same purpose. When moving the trailing leg, be careful not to move it so far round that it causes the hips and shoulders to be pulled to one side.
2. Begin the swing by pushing the ball in a backward motion.
   [See photo 9]
   Then relax, and let gravity act on the ball, allowing the ball to swing forward as far as gravity wants to take it. On the second swing, increase the backward push, and then let the ball swing once again. On the third swing, increase the backward push even more, again letting gravity bring the ball forward. As the ball comes level with the knee release the ball as described in the ‘knee down drill’ article. Note – the bowling arm is the only moving part of the body throughout the drill.
3. After the ball has left the hand, let the arm carry on to its natural end. Let the arm swing back as if it still had the ball, and relax as it travels forward again. Repeat this one more time, making five complete swings in total.

The 4th and 5th swings after the ball has been released are to help determine whether your balance position can be held and maintained. If you lose your balance in these stages it indicates that you have pushed or pulled the ball by using muscle in the swing. Try to keep all five swings the same and in doing so the body will accept much faster these new feelings. When practicing this drill do not turn the hand, wrist or elbow, i.e. try to make the ball hook. The only concern is with maintaining balance and developing a free swing. Emphasis of ball motion is in the backward direction, learn to relax on the forward motion and let gravity and ball weight create the swing.