1. Exercise and Stretch to Prevent Back Injuries While Bowling
The best method to prevent back injuries while bowling is to exercise and stretch before a match. All bowling related exercise should focus on the legs and lower back. Studies show that people who bowl and do not exercise have double, or even triple, the risk of incurring a back injury than a bowler that exercises his back. You should always stretch thoroughly immediately before you step onto the lanes. Stretching the back properly before a bowling match gets the blood flowing more freely to that area, which limbers you up for the challenge ahead.
2. It's Gotta be the Shoes
People overlook shoes when it comes to preventing back injuries. Slipping due to the slickness of the lane or the shoes can cause or exacerbate a back injury when you bowl. Conversely, if shoes do not slide properly on the lanes they might stick, which can cause a back injury as well. To prevent your bowling shoes from sticking, wear shoe covers over your bowling shoes. Test your shoes in the lane each time you get started, to make sure the shoes don't stick or slide too much.
3. Weighty Issue
Choose the right sized bowling ball for your body composition and strength level. People who use bowling balls that are too heavy for them increase their risk of developing back injury while bowling. Bowling balls commonly weigh between six and 16 pounds. Women generally bowl with a 10 to 14 pound ball and men use a bowling ball that weighs anywhere from 12 to 16 pounds. Be sure try out different balls before settling on an ideal weight. If you feel any pain while bowling, try a ball that's a pound or two lighter.
4. Bowling Mechanics
Checking your bowling form can help prevent back injuries as well. Be sure you bend your knee properly when you release the ball. Also note the way you bring the bowling bowl back before you let it go. Does the ball move behind your back at all? To use correct form, bring the bowling ball straight back as you prepare to release the ball. Ask a fellow bowler to observe your swing and alert you to any problems.
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