Before anything else in bowling, the basics of correct fit of the ball and correct footwear must be attended to. After this, the mastery of the fundamentals of bowling requires knowing what they are, a desire to make them a natural part of your bowling form, and a willingness to practice until your approach to the foul line is a well-coordinated glide, and your delivery of the ball is a grooved swing with a smooth follow-through.

There is no such thing as a "perfect bowler". By this, I mean that there is no one bowler who does every one of the fundamentals exactly right every time. Some stars have a very high backswing, some take a zigzag approach to the foul line, and still others use no slide. Yet they succeed, because they have learned to overcome the otherwise bad effects of such procedures and to integrate the "fault" into their game so smoothly that it remains only a style that sets them apart from other bowlers.

The Fit of the Ball

The first thing I do when a bowler approaches me for advice is to examine the ball he is using - to determine if it is properly fitted to his hand. Proper fit is most important, for a badly fitted ball handicaps any bowler.

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.

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 and Bag

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. We are of course referring to right-handed bowlers. Left-handed bowlers wishing to apply this 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 coordination, 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.

With the correct fit of the ball and the right shoes and bag you are off to a great start in bowling!