Learn new tips and instructions for your bowling game! This is a great resource for both beginners and avid bowlers alike.
Before you put those rented bowling shoes on, there are a few things we need to discuss. First of all, are you bowling in a league? This means that you are on a team and that you bowl once a week at a scheduled time. If your answer is yes, then here is what you need to get started.
Bowling in a League
Although you do not have to own your own bowling ball and shoes to bowl in a league, many people find that it helps them to own their own equipment. Not only will you feel much more comfortable in your own shoes, but also your feet will thank you. That's not all though, the biggest reason is so that you will become used to your ball. Using an alley ball, you are never sure if you will get a good fit or weight for your needs. Also you may use a different ball each time. This is not a good for the consistency of a bowler.
When you're Not Bowling in a League
If you are only bowling for entertainment once in awhile, there is no need to purchase a ball or shoes. Just grab a pair of well-worn rental shoes, and pick out an alley ball that is the right weight for you. The fingers should fit, but not be tight. Remember that our hands sometimes swell from being stuffed in those little holes.
Also make sure that the hand span is right. Spread your hand over the holes, Your second knuckle should line up with the finger holes. Your thumb should line up with the thumbhole. Now we need to judge the right weight for us.
How Heavy Should the Ball be?
Well, this depends on who you are and how big you are. Children need a ball that is very light- under 8 pounds. Ask for these at the customer service area of the bowling alley. For women, the correct weight can range from 8-15 pounds. For a man, a bowling ball weights normally between 14-16 pounds. Of course, everyone is different. Some women that are very experienced may use a sixteen-pound ball, and small men may use a twelve or thirteen pound ball.
The Right-handed and Left-handed Bowler
Now that we have a ball and shoes, let's head over to the alley. If you are unfamiliar with your ball, it is a good idea to stand in the center of all the dots and arrows. This is true for both left and right-handers. For a beginner, use the second set of dots, not the ones near the ball rack.
Now as you stand in the center of the dots, gaze over the alley. You will see arrows that stretch from one side to the other. Standing in the middle of the dots with your eye on the second arrow from the gutter (right side for right handers and left side for left handers), throw the ball. Try not to loft the ball, but lay it over the alley with speed and ease.
Now watch the ball. I don't mean the pins. No, watch the ball travel down the alley. Is it hooking? Is it hooking to the right or left, and is it curving away from the head pin? The head pin is the front pin that stands at the point of the triangle, ahead of the rest. If you are a left hander, you want your ball to hit in the nook just between the head pin and the pin to the left of it. If you are a right hander, you want your ball to strike right between the head pin and the pin to the right of it.
How to adjust your Stance
Now, where did yours hit? If it was the right, move left a board on the alley. If it was to the left, move to the right a board. It is trial and error. This is why it is important to get to the bowling alley early for practice or 'shadow balls' if you bowl in a league. Often we need to find our line. This means what alley position works best for us, depending on the alley conditions.
Are the Lanes Oily or Dry?
The best way to determine the lane conditions is to watch your ball. If it goes "Brooklyn" (to the left of the head pin for right handers and vice versa for lefties), then normally the lanes are dry. When the lanes are dry, your ball will hook more. If the lanes are oily, your ball will not hook enough; it will hit to the right of the "pocket". The "pocket" is the nook just to the right of the head pin for right-handers and just to the left of the head pin for lefties. You must adjust your stance for lane conditions as mentioned above.
Remember this: If your ball is going too far to the right, first try moving to the right. I know it sounds crazy, but give it a shot. If that doesn't improve your direction, try moving to the left. Likewise, if your ball is moving too far to the left, first try moving left, then right if left does not improve your accuracy. This is the single most important bowling tip to learn. If you learn to do this well, you will soon see your scores steadily rise.
Also remember that a strike is great, but that spares are what really boost your score. Let's face it, we can't always get a strike. (A strike occurs when you knock down all the pins with one ball. A spare is when you get some of the pins knocked down with the first ball, and you pick the rest of the up with the second ball.)
My father once told me that if I got a 9 and a spare each and every frame that I would have a score of 190. He's right, and you know what? I have never forgot that. A good bowler gets the occasional strike and misses four or so spares. A great bowler gets 90% of their spares, and gets a few strikes for good measure. Now go have some fun!
