Jackson County Junior Bowling League

08/24/2026

3 essential moves to make when the bowling lanes start to dry up!

08/24/2026

Are you ready to start a new Jr league season? First meeting and sign ups is beginning September 12th from 10am to noon! @ Le Ella Lanes. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
Looking forward to seeing everyone and have another year of fun and success!

08/06/2026

🎳 How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Bowling Balls

A bowling ball collects lane oil, dirt, dust, and belt marks every time it is used. Regular cleaning helps preserve the coverstock, maintain consistent reaction, and extend the life of your equipment.

The key is knowing the difference between everyday cleaning and deep cleaning.

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Everyday Cleaning After Bowling

Clean your ball after every league session, tournament block, or practice session.

What You Need

- Bowling-ball-approved cleaner
- Clean microfiber towel
- Ball cup or stable surface

Step 1: Wipe the Ball During Play

Use a dry microfiber towel before each shot to remove visible lane oil.

This helps the coverstock contact the lane more consistently and reduces the amount of oil absorbed into the ball.

Rotate the ball while wiping so the entire surface is cleaned.

Step 2: Spray the Cleaner After Bowling

Place the ball on a ball cup and apply a small amount of approved bowling ball cleaner.

Avoid spraying excessive cleaner directly into the finger or thumb holes.

Step 3: Wipe the Entire Surface

Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the ball thoroughly.

Rotate it several times and clean every section, including the track area where the ball contacts the lane most often.

Step 4: Remove Belt Marks

Dark marks from the ball return can usually be removed with an approved cleaner and gentle pressure.

Do not use harsh household chemicals, abrasive pads, or solvents unless they are specifically approved for bowling equipment.

Step 5: Let the Ball Dry

Allow the surface to dry completely before placing the ball back into its bag.

Store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

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When Does a Ball Need Deep Cleaning?

Reactive resin bowling balls gradually absorb lane oil into their coverstocks.

Even when the surface looks clean, absorbed oil can reduce traction and weaken the ball’s overall reaction.

Signs that your ball may need deep cleaning include:

- The ball hooks less than before
- The surface feels unusually slick
- The ball skids past the breakpoint
- Regular cleaning no longer restores its reaction
- Oil appears on the surface after the ball becomes warm
- The ball has been used for many games without maintenance

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Deep Cleaning and Oil Extraction

A professional detox or oil-extraction service uses controlled heat to draw absorbed oil from the coverstock.

Best Option: Use a Pro Shop

The safest method is to take the ball to a qualified pro shop.

Professional equipment controls the temperature and rotates or supports the ball correctly, reducing the risk of cracking, warping, or damaging the coverstock.

Important Warning

Do not place a bowling ball in a household oven, microwave, dishwasher, or direct sunlight.

Uncontrolled heat can damage the ball, weaken adhesives, affect the core, or cause the coverstock to crack.

Hot-water methods can also create problems if water enters the holes or if the temperature changes too quickly.

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Resurfacing the Ball

Deep cleaning removes absorbed oil, but it does not completely restore worn surface texture.

Over time, the lane smooths the microscopic peaks and valleys of the coverstock. This is called lane shine.

Resurfacing restores the ball closer to its intended finish by using sanding pads with specific grit levels.

A ball may need resurfacing when:

- Its reaction has changed significantly
- It no longer reads the lane at the expected point
- The surface has become polished or uneven
- The track area looks noticeably different
- Cleaning and detoxing do not restore performance

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended surface finish or ask a pro shop to match the ball to your desired lane reaction.

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Recommended Maintenance Schedule

After Every Session

- Wipe the ball before each shot
- Clean the surface after bowling
- Check for belt marks, scratches, or damage

Every Few Sessions

- Inspect the finger inserts and thumb hole
- Clean the bowling bag
- Wash or replace dirty microfiber towels
- Check the surface for lane shine

After Heavy Use

- Consider oil extraction
- Restore the surface with the correct grit
- Inspect finger inserts and grips
- Ask a pro shop to check deeper scratches or cracks

The exact schedule depends on how often you bowl, the lane conditions, and the type of coverstock.

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Products to Avoid

Never use random household products without confirming that they are safe for bowling balls.

Avoid:

- Bleach
- Acetone
- Gasoline or strong solvents
- Furniture polish
- Automotive wax
- Household ovens
- Extremely hot water
- Rough scouring pads

These products can damage the coverstock or permanently change the ball’s reaction.

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Quick Maintenance Checklist

✅ Wipe oil before every shot
✅ Clean the ball after every session
✅ Use only approved bowling products
✅ Store the ball away from extreme heat or cold
✅ Deep clean when reaction begins to fade
✅ Resurface when the coverstock becomes smooth
✅ Visit a pro shop for serious damage or oil extraction

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Final Takeaway

Daily cleaning removes surface oil.

Deep cleaning removes oil trapped inside the coverstock.

Resurfacing restores the ball’s texture.

Using all three at the proper time helps your bowling ball maintain a predictable reaction and perform consistently for much longer.

Clean after every session. Detox when needed. Resurface before the reaction disappears.

08/06/2026

The Biomechanics of the Slide Leg: Stability, Braking and Power Transfer

The slide leg does much more than stop the bowler at the foul line. It absorbs forward momentum, stabilizes the body and creates a strong platform for an accurate release.

A weak or unstable slide can cause the upper body to fall sideways, the swing to move off line and the release point to change from shot to shot.

🦵 What the Slide Leg Does

During the final step, the sliding foot moves toward the foul line while the knee bends to absorb the body’s momentum.

The slide leg helps:

• Control forward movement
• Lower the body into release position
• Keep the head and shoulders stable
• Support the weight of the torso
• Create room for the ball to pass near the ankle
• Transfer approach momentum into the shot

The leg acts like a controlled braking system—not a sudden stop.

⚖️ Why Knee Bend Matters

A flexible knee allows the body to decelerate smoothly.

With proper knee bend:

• The release stays closer to the lane
• Balance improves
• The swing passes freely beside the leg
• Less stress reaches the hip and lower back
• The bowler can hold the finish

Too little knee bend often causes a high release, excessive loft and poor balance.

Too much collapse can make the bowler lose posture and fall forward.

🛑 Braking Without Stopping the Swing

The lower body slows at the foul line, but the arm swing must continue.

A stable slide allows the bowling arm to pass through the bottom of the swing without being interrupted.

When the slide stops too suddenly:

• The upper body may jerk forward
• The shoulder can pull the ball
• Ball speed becomes inconsistent
• The bowler may step over the foul line

The goal is gradual deceleration through the foot, ankle, knee and hip.

🦶 The Role of the Sliding Foot

The sliding foot should move in the direction of the intended shot while staying controlled.

A smooth slide provides:

• Better timing
• A stable release base
• Consistent body alignment
• Less strain on the knee

A slide that moves sideways can change the swing path and force the bowler to release around the body.

A foot that sticks unexpectedly can send the upper body forward and increase injury risk.

🏗️ Hip and Core Stability

The slide leg cannot work alone.

The hip and core must stabilize the upper body as the trail leg moves behind or beside the bowler.

Good stability keeps:

• The head over the slide knee
• The shoulders from opening too early
• The swing under the shoulder
• The release close to the ankle

The trail leg acts as a counterbalance, helping prevent the body from falling toward the bowling-arm side.

⚡ How the Slide Leg Transfers Power

Bowling power begins with controlled movement through the approach.

The feet create momentum. The slide leg absorbs and stabilizes that momentum while the arm continues through the release.

Efficient power transfer looks like:

Approach momentum → stable slide → free swing → clean release

If the slide leg collapses or moves off line, some of that energy is lost through unnecessary body movement.

🚨 Signs of an Unstable Slide

• Falling off the shot
• Trail foot touching down early
• Head moving sharply sideways
• Knee collapsing inward
• Sliding foot turning excessively
• Release occurring far from the ankle
• Inconsistent loft and ball speed
• Difficulty holding the finish

These signs may also be related to approach timing, shoe traction or physical limitations.

🛠️ Drills for Better Slide Stability

Hold-the-finish drill

Stay in the finishing position until the ball reaches the pins.

This reveals whether the slide leg and core are supporting the body.

One-step drill

Begin close to the foul line and take one controlled slide step into the release.

Focus on knee bend and balance.

No-ball slide drill

Practise the final step without a ball.

Keep the chest stable, bend the knee and allow the trail leg to counterbalance naturally.

Slow-approach drill

Use a reduced-speed approach to feel how the foot, knee and hip absorb momentum.

💡 Key Takeaway

The slide leg is the foundation of the release.

It slows the body, supports balance and gives the arm a stable platform to swing freely. A controlled slide produces cleaner timing, more consistent ball speed and a repeatable release.

07/31/2026

You just left the 1-2-4-10! What's next?

➡️ Are you throwing your reactive ball or grabbing plastic?
➡️ How many boards are you moving?

07/31/2026

What is the 3 6 9 rule in bowling?

The ⁠3-6-9 spare system is a footwork adjustment method used by bowlers to pick up single-pin spares, adjusting your starting position by 3, 6, or 9 boards while keeping your normal strike target and swing.
How It Works for Right-Handed Bowlers
Spares on the Left (2, 4, 7 pins): Move your feet to the right on the approach and keep your normal strike target.
2 Pin: Move your feet 3 boards right.
4 Pin: Move your feet 6 boards right.
7 Pin: Move your feet 9 boards right.
Spares on the Right (3, 6, 10 pins): Move your feet to the left on the approach and keep your normal strike target.
3 Pin: Move your feet 3 boards left.
6 Pin: Move your feet 6 boards left.
10 Pin: Move your feet 9 boards left.
For a clear demonstration of how to shift your feet across the approach while keeping your target steady

07/27/2026

With Junior leagues coming just around the corner, I’m wanting to start a conversation about video learning vs in person. What strategies work best for your child?
This is just a discussion so be polite and honest as coaches we learn as we go to and want to do better every single year. So if there are any suggestions please let us know. Thank you

07/12/2026

5 exercises you can do at home to build strength and balance for a better approach and stability!
This will help with your game development!

💪 5 Exercises Every Bowler Should Do Weekly

Bowling isn't just about technique—it's also about strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. A stronger body helps you stay consistent, generate more power, and reduce the risk of injury. Adding a few simple exercises to your weekly routine can make a noticeable difference in your game.

1. Squats

Squats build leg strength and improve stability during your approach and slide. Strong legs help you maintain better balance from start to finish.

2. Planks

A strong core keeps your body stable throughout the swing and release. Planks improve posture, balance, and overall consistency.

3. Wrist Curls

Your wrist plays a major role in ball control and release. Wrist curls strengthen your forearm muscles, helping you create a more consistent release and better ball motion.

4. Lunges

Lunges improve lower-body strength, flexibility, and balance. They also help you develop a stronger, more stable finishing position at the foul line.

5. Shoulder Stretches

Flexible shoulders allow for a smoother swing and reduce muscle tightness. Stretching regularly can also help prevent injuries during long practice sessions.

Weekly Routine

🎳 Perform these exercises 2–3 times per week.

🎳 Focus on proper form instead of heavy weights.

🎳 Stretch before and after bowling to improve flexibility.

🎳 Stay hydrated and allow your body enough time to recover.

Final Tip

A stronger, more balanced body leads to a smoother approach, a more consistent release, and better scores. Even 20–30 minutes of exercise a few times a week can help you become a more confident and consistent bowler.

Question: Which area are you working on the most right now—strength, balance, flexibility, or endurance? Let us know in the comments!

🎳

07/11/2026

Two handed bowling
VS
One handed bowling

Two-Handed vs One-Handed Bowling

One of bowling's biggest debates.

Two-Handed

Pros:

Higher rev rate

Bigger hook

More pin carry

Easier power generation

Cons:

More physical

Harder spare shooting

Requires flexibility

One-Handed

Pros:

Simpler spare game

Less physical stress

Traditional mechanics

Cons:

Harder to create revs

Neither style is "better." The best style is the one you can repeat consistently.