It's one of the most infuriating things for any bowler - watching your perfectly crafted shot take an unexpected angle and head straight into the gutter, resulting in an embarrassing '0' on your scoreboard.

While even the best bowlers can make the occasional error and land a gutter ball, there are some simple changes you can make to your game to reduce the chances of this happening.

So next time you're team bowling with your crew from work, avoid humiliating yourself by following these easy tips!

Position yourself

How you face the lane can prove the difference between hitting a clean strike and watching your ball roll sheepishly into the gutter.

You should always begin by facing the lane straight-on, approaching its centre and aiming to launch the ball at the arrow in the middle of the lane.

Hold the ball correctly

A correct grip on the ball can go some way in ensuring your ball reaches its intended destination.

Maintain a firm but comfortable hold on the ball, keeping your wrist straight the whole way. You should aim to release the ball at the lowest point of your arm's swing, when the ball is at its closest to the ground.

Don't forget your shoulder

One of the biggest mistakes novice bowlers make just as they release the ball is to drop the shoulder too low, forcing it into an awkward angle and into the gutter.

Make sure your shoulders are parallel to the ground every step of the way, right until you release the ball.

Perfect your approach

You should walk up to the lane in a straight line as you begin your throw - there are no prizes for guessing where you ball will end up if you approach at an angle!

It's also a good idea to make sure your leading foot is pointing straight down the centre of the lane as this can help guide the ball towards the pins.

Feeling ready to eliminate those pesky gutter balls from your game? Head down to AMF and show off your skills today!