I recently started bowling and would like to settle on an “ideal” bowling form, so I can practice good form, over and over, to develop consistency. Just wondering, what do people think is the best thing to do with your left arm? (Or right arm, for lefties.) [Feel free to discuss or make recommendations regarding good bowling form.]
My library has some “Sybervision” training tapes about bowling. Are they worth looking at?
It’s been years since I have bowled, but back in the day when I was taught the proper form was to start with both arms outstretched in front of you with the right hand holding the ball and the left arm underneath the ball. As you start your approach the left arm goes back in parallel with the right and then remains at your side while you release the ball with your right hand.
Ohh, I throw the ball with it 
Curse you! I’m never fast enough.
Sigh, what he said.
Me three. Not very well, mind you, but I try.
You hold your beer with it.
Really though, I think a certain swing of the left, or right arm if that is the non-dominant one, helps you keeps your balance. I’m not offering much help here, though.
You wipe your ass with it the next day because it hurts to do it with your other arm.
I bowled for a while, stopped a couple years ago because of work and school. My left arm always stuck out sideways for better balance, and from what I can remember of my family and other people we bowled with, pretty much everyone else’s did some form of sticking out sidways.
If you’re interested in bowling as a serious hobby, and can spare the cash, you might consider investing in a coach. That’ll cut down on any bad, painful, or possibly dangerous habits. Otherwise, stick your left arm out sideways and make sure your left knee bends and your right foot slides behind you toward your left side (if that made sense). 
Now I really miss bowling!
I’ve found that it will naturally swing outward and slightly to the back in an effort to balance oneself against the additional weight that is the bowling ball on one side of the body.
Me four.
My right arm goes backslightly.