| It
is important for athletes to be able to recognize and understand
how equipment works and impacts their performance for the
specific events. Choosing a bowling ball, like many other
types of sport equipment, can be somewhat confusing -- especially
for beginning or novice bowlers. However, there are a few
things to consider that will make choosing the right bowling
ball easier. First, you should decide how often you plan to
use a bowling ball and how much you are willing to spend.
* Your bowling ball has to fit your hand.
If your ball does not fit well, you will - without thinking
- squeeze the ball to hold on, tensing up your muscles, or
avoid a movement which causes some pain. In extreme cases
you may injure yourself. Sports injuries are too common and
getting your ball checked by a certified pro-shop operator
is a simple step to take to avoid such pain.
* A bowling ball that's too heavy will be
difficult to handle, while a ball that's too light will have
too much lift. As a rough guide, men should try balls in the
14, 15, and 16-pound range and women should look for balls
from 10 to 14 pounds. Children need lighter bowling balls.
* Bowling balls are constructed of one of
four basic types of material, and each is designed for a different
purpose. The bowling ball most commonly purchased and used
by beginning bowlers is plastic, though the balls are actually
constructed of polyester.
* The plastic bowling ball is the least expensive
type of ball, very durable, and the same construction as most
in-house balls at bowling alleys. A plastic bowling ball generally
stays on the course it is thrown and remains straight as it
skids down the alley. The plastic bowling ball works well
for kids and those learning the sport, but more experienced
bowlers prefer a differently constructed ball.
* Generally, heavier balls have larger holes
and lighter balls have smaller holes. Make sure the holes
fit your hands comfortably.
* Right-handed balls are drilled with the
ring finger hole an eighth of an inch further away from the
thumb hole. Left-handed bowlers may find that specially-drilled
left-handed balls more comfortable.
* The fingers and thumb should fit relaxed
and loose inside the holes and also touch the inside of the
ball all the way around. The athlete should test the fit by
lightly swinging the ball at arms length. The "span"
between the finger holes and the thumbhole allows full extension
of the hand between the second joint of the fingers and the
thumb when placed in the holes.
Selecting the proper bowling ball isn't difficult,
especially with help from a pro-shop. Remember to buy a bag
to house your bowling ball for transportation, and if you
are planning to bowl regularly to develop and perfect your
release and your game, it's worthwhile to invest in a pair
of comfortable bowling shoes and avoid repeated rental charges.
Bowling
Rules | Bowling
Equipment| History
of Bowling| Bowling
Ball| Bowling
Techniques|
Length
of a Bowling Alley| How
to Score| How
to Create A Hook Ball|
12
Tips on Bowling Etiquette|
Bowling
Ball Buying Guides|
Bowling
Tips For The Recreational Bowler |
