What is the tool that will make the single biggest difference in your bowling game? Your ball, of course! If you're just starting out, you may not have your own ball. Luckily, the bowling alley has many "house" balls to choose from. They're the balls that fill the racks around the walls of the bowling alley, and they're free to use.
Light Ball or Heavy Ball?
Bowling balls usually range in weight from 10 to 16 pounds. Many alleys do have children's balls that weigh 6 to 8 pounds, but they aren't heavy enough to be useful to an adult-sized bowler.
Most beginning bowlers are comfortable with a 10 or 12 lb. ball. While it might make you feel macho to hurl a 16-pounder down the lane, if it's too heavy for you to throw comfortably a minimum of 20 times in the span of half an hour, it'll be too hard to control. How macho will you look throwing gutter balls, or worse yet?dropping the ball?
However, if your ball is too light, it won't have the power to knock the pins down. A light ball thrown by a strong person has little power and tends to bounce down the alley. However, a small woman may feel most comfortable with an 8 or 10 pound ball to start.
House balls are free to use, so consider selecting 2 of different weights. You'll find the weight engraved on the outside of the ball.
Fits Like a Glove?
The grip of the ball is very important. If the finger holes are too tight your fingers can get stuck, if they are too loose, you could have a hard time keeping hold of the ball.
Check the position of the finger holes as well. Are they too close together or too far apart? Your fingers should slide in and out comfortably, without feeling cramped or stretched out.
Beauty is Only Skin Deep?
Take a good look at the outside of the ball. It should be smooth and shiny, free of pits, chips, cracks or scratches. If your ball is damaged, it won't roll smoothly down the lane or go where you want it. Many house balls have these flaws, but if you're careful you can usually find one in good condition.
Have a Ball
Of your own, that is! The best way to be certain that you have the right ball for you is to purchase your own ball. The pro shop in your bowling alley will have many choices, and the folks at your pro shop will be able to help you select just the right ball and drill your finger holes for a custom fit.
Whether you choose to use a house ball or buy your own, take into consideration the weight of the ball vs. your physical strength, the size and width of the finger holes and the condition of the outside of the ball. By selecting the right ball for your size and strength, you'll give yourself a distinct advantage on the lanes.
If your bowling ball fits properly, your hand does not feel cramped. If the ball doesn't fit, your hand is not loose and comfortable, and the results at the pin-end of the alley will not be to your liking.
To determine the proper fit for your hand, insert your thumb almost its complete length into the thumb hole of your ball. The thumb hole should be comfortably loose. The hole should be sufficiently large to allow for a slight expansion of your thumb-for the thumb is likely to puff up during a bowling session. The finger holes may be snug.
After you insert your thumb into the ball, lay your hand flat on the surface of the ball, with the fingers extended over the finger holes. The second joint from the end of your finger (or fingers), should extend at least one quarter of an inch beyond the near rim of the finger hole. If your hand is bulky and not too flexible, the second joint should extend to the middle of the finger hole. This extra span allows you to manipulate the ball better.
After you have selected a ball according to the method described, make a further test to complete your diagnosis. Place your thumb and fingers into the proper holes, pick up the ball, and then insert a pencil into the space between your hand and the ball. If the pencil fits snugly without strain, you are fitted correctly.
When the fit is right, you can carry your ball comfortably up to the foul line. Your hand has a natural feel to it, there is no straining of the thumb or fingers, and you do not squeeze to hold the ball.
You may use either a two or three finger grip. If you have reasonable success with a two-fingered grip, stick to it, and vice versa. The proper fit is the important thing.
Bowling shoes are, of course, a prime necessity. One cannot expect, or even hope, to develop correct footwork and timing without them. While most bowlers are aware of the fact, many persons unfamiliar with the sport do not know that bowling shoes are made differently for each foot. The reason for this is that the sliding shoe is equipped with a sole that permits a slide, while the other shoe, which acts as a brake for the slide, has a rubber sole to accentuate the braking action.
A right-handed bowler slides on the left foot while the right foot acts as a brake. In all of our discussions we are referring to right- handed bowlers. Left-handed bowlers wishing to apply the lessons to themselves need only transpose the word "right" to "left" and vice versa.
A bag in which to carry your ball and shoes is necessary.
With a ball properly fitted to your hand, and a pair of comfortable shoes, you are ready to begin your campaign for a spot in the top bracket of bowlers. If you are able to walk naturally and possess natural co-ordination, there is no limit to the bowling" heights you may attain. Many star bowlers are small men, positive proof that muscle is not the determining factor.
Both John Tenn & Bill Weaver are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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