Bowling shoes can be rented at most lanes, but many people hesitate to wear a pair of shoes that someone else has worn. If you feel that way, you should purchase your own. Owning a pair of bowling shoes will also give you a bit more confidence. And they aren't expensive.

There are many brands of bowling shoes on the market. You're better off, however, with a good name brand. You can purchase either the high - or low - cut type. Most of the better bowlers today buy low-cut shoes.

There isn't much use of taking the beginning bowler farther than this right now, but it should be pointed out briefly that after you go into league play you'll probably wind up wearing a bowling shirt or blouse and trousers or skirt. You'll be comfortable in them, and should bowl better.

When possible a bowler should buy his own ball. Every beginner should be fitted with conventional grip.

It's no real problem for the young bowler to secure a ball he or she can use at any lane but such a ball might do them a lot of harm. They might think it's a perfect fit but it may not be and can possibly make their hands sore.

Not only that, if the ball doesn't fit them, they might bowl so badly that they become discouraged and lose interest in bowling.

Of course, there is one advantage to picking up a house ball. Most of them have the conventional grip which every beginner should use.

The trouble is that the bowling balls you find in many establishments are old and so worn that they often cause physical damage to the bowler's hand.

Whenever possible a bowler should buy his or her own ball. And it should be purchased from a competent person, someone who knows how to measure the hand for a ball.

Well, first of all let's consider what type of ball will serve the beginning bowler to the best advantage.

Every beginning bowler should be fitted with a conventional grip. There are three standard bowling grips: the conventional, semifingertip and the full fingertip. The semi has the advantage of added leverage, but, unless you bowl in a couple of leagues a week or do quite a bit of bowling, you shouldn't go for it. As for the fingertip, I wouldn't recommend it unless one does a lot of bowling. The disadvantages of the fingertip far outweigh its advantages.

I think bowlers should start out with a three-hole ball and if they decide to change later to a two-hole ball, well - okay.

So it seems to be the general agreement that the conventional grip and a three-hole ball are musts for beginners. But how can a beginner be sure he or she gets the proper fit in purchasing a ball? Any reputable dealer should be able to take care of them.

Being measured correctly is most important in purchasing a ball whether you buy the conventional, semi or full fingertip. When you put your thumb in the hole you should be able to turn it easily, but not sloppily. And for the conventional grip, the center of your knuckles should be over the center of the finger holes. Also, the finger holes should not be too loose. Better a bit the other way.

A new ball retails at from $25 to about $28.

The price of shoes varies for men and women. You can buy ladies' shoes for from $6 to $14, while men's shoes run from $9 to about $16. These prices might vary a bit, depending on where you live, but it certainly won't be appreciable.

You want a bowling-ball bag one for carrying of your new ball and shoes.

You can pick up a bag at very low cost or you can really plunge. Bags start at $4 and run up to about $40 for the really elaborate ones.

Once you are set with this equipment, it is time to start bowling.