Principle #1 - The approach must be smooth and in perfect timing

To bowl well, it starts with a smooth, rhythmic approach. The steps to the foul line will lead the bowler in perfect motion and timing for the ball to pass the ankle and finally release the ball. Regardless of how many steps you take to the foul line, it should be with balance and in exact timing with the rest of your body.

Principle #2 - The body must be in line with your target not the lane
Keep your body square with your intended target. So if you are aiming at the 7 pin, then your body should be facing that pin. It will hinder and possibly throw off your shot if your body is in line with the lane and not the pin.

Principle #3 - The release must have spin (hooking ball)
This is probably the most difficult part of the ball delivery because it takes place in a fraction of a second and must be done exactly when the ball is being released. Right at the precise moment when the ball passes the ankle, the thumb must exit the ball first. Then a fraction of a second later, the fingers must impart lift on the ball as they come out of the finger holes to execute the proper spin on the ball so it will hit strong on the pins.

Principle #4 - Keep your eyes on the target
It is essential to keep looking at the intended target through the ball delivery. It is even recommended to keep looking at the target until the ball is halfway down the lane to ensure an accurate release. If you look up to soon, the body will naturally follow where your eyes go.

These 4 principles are necessary in every shot. While there are other factors that will have a bearing in your bowling, these principles are at the foundation of every ball delivery.

Part of being a great bowler is to have the proper equipment and supplies in your bowling bag. You never want to be in a situation where not having something like grip tape, can cause you to have a bad release which leads to losing the game. By being prepared with the right supplies, you can focus on your game and not on your equipment.

I have omitted the bowling ball, bowling shoes, and bowling bag as these should be already considered the "heart" of your equipment list. Each bowling accessory list builds on the previous list. So you should start by stocking your bowling bag with the "must have" list then move to the next list of bowling accessories and so on.

"Must have" list

• Grip tape - helps the thumb come out of the ball easier and keeps it from slipping out prematurely.
• Bowling towel - useful to wipe excess oil from your bowling ball.
• Ball cleaner - keeping your ball clean means keeping it in top shape to last longer and perform better.
• Grip sac - helps keeps hands dry so your bowling ball doesn't slip.
• Skin patches - when blisters happen, these will definitely come in handy.

"Good to have" list

• Easy slide - this is a light powder/resin when applied, allows the thumb to easily exit the bowling ball.
• Shoe brush - when your shoe pads start to stick and you loosing your slide, a quick brush of the pads can help.
• Shoe covers - these are also known as "booties". These slip over your bowling shoes when you need to leave the bowling area so that the bottoms stay clean and free from debris when you return.

"Could use" list

• Tape insert tool - this is useful if you have difficulty applying tape into your ball or frequently apply tape into any of the finger holes.
• Accessories carrying case - if you have a lot of small accessories, this can keep all of them from getting lost inside your bowling bag.
• Round rasp file - sometimes you may need to make some adjustment to your thumb hole during a game. Using this file can help open up your thumb hole to allow for more room.