Beginner Bowling Tips

Improve Your Bowling and Have Fun Doing It

  • Home
  • Bowling Articles
  • Our Book
  • Blog
  • Bowling Balls
  • Contact

Long Layoff? No Problem! Returning to Bowling After a Break

By Joseph (BBT Writing Staff) Leave a Comment

If you’ve been on a bowling hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down alleys across the country, or for any other reason, it may seem like an intimidating proposition to return to the lanes after a long layoff.

After such an extended break, there will be inevitable questions about your skills being rusty, whether your equipment needs maintenance, and other potential worries. The bottom line, however, is just to take the plunge and get out there and enjoy your return to bowling.

Pros and Cons of Bowling After a Break

You will inevitably need quite a few games to get back your consistency and confidence, and one area that is especially useful to look at carefully is the release technique and timing, since many bowlers can have a tendency to speed up their feet after not bowling for a while.

But your hiatus can come with unexpected benefits as well. If you had been overthinking things before your hiatus, for example, you may find yourself now throwing in a more natural state, which can do wonders for your performance. You also may find that some of your old bad habits can be broken after a break, as well as unhelpful mental blocks and distractions that you may be able to banish.

It’s also a good idea to get some additional sets of eyes on your bowling form as you return so that you aren’t just guessing at how you are doing. This can just be your teammates or other bowling companions if they have a keen eye for technique, but it can also be helpful to get some professional help in the form of a lesson. (As COVID-19 continues to spread you may want to keep close in-person interactions to a minimum, so be sure to look carefully into the safety before scheduling a lesson. Another possibility could be to record your shot and share that video with others for feedback.) You may find that your break from bowling can be a perfect time to take the leap and finally seek out some outside help to improve your game.

Another area where you can take advantage of the natural break from routine is your equipment, which will surely need some attention after a long hiatus. At the very minimum it’s a good idea to get your ball resurfaced and your gripping holes replaced so that you can be sure you’re getting the performance and comfort you’ll need. Returning from a break may also be an ideal time to get a new ball as you recommit to regular bowling.

Overall, there can be some benefits to your bowling hiatus, as well as some challenges, but the bottom line is to simply get out there and have some fun as you reacquaint yourself to the game you love.


Ready to improve your game faster?

bowling mental game ebook
Master the Mental Game and Systematically Improve Your Scores Get Started Today - Button Orange

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Better At Bowling – Faster!

bowling mental game ebook
Master the Mental Game and Systematically Improve Your Scores
Get Started Today - Button Orange

Popular Bowling Articles

  • A Guide to Getting Your Own Custom Bowling Ball
  • How to Bowl a Hook with Correct Technique
  • 5 Common Bowling Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • Why Buying a Pair of Bowling Shoes Will Actually Save You Money
  • Aiming Your Shot Using the Arrows and Dots
  • Visit Our Articles Homepage

Recent Bowling Blog Posts

  • A Quick Primer on Good Bowling Shoe Brands
  • How Do Finger Holes Get Drilled in a Bowling Ball? the Lowdown Behind the Perfect Fit
  • Why Can’t I Hook? Tips for Improving Your Hooking Technique
  • Developing a Pre-Shot Routine to Benefit Focus and Consistency
  • Essential Warm-Up Exercises for Senior Bowlers

Recent Comments

  • Travis on Skid, Hook and Roll: the Phases of Ball Rotation
  • Taylor Hansen on How To Alleviate Shoulder Pain During Bowling
  • Joshua Spiegel on Bowling Tips for Left Handers: How to Succeed as a Southpaw
  • Michael Maston on Bowling Scoring: How to Keep Score at the Lanes
  • Bill on 5 Most Common Bowling Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Copyright © 2025 · News Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in