Do you want to make turkey (three strikes in a row) or consecutive strikes like the pros? This is certainly within the physical abilities of most people. What you need is to find the right starting position, develop repeated swings that have a solid foundation, then practice. If you are naturally athletic and quite good at repetitive movements, a lot of practice may even be required. However, be warned, bowling is addictive.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing equipment
Step 1. Decide whether to use a "house ball" or buy your own
Most people start with a "house ball" and "house shoes" because these are the cheapest options. There are usually many "house balls" to choose from and they are provided free of charge by the bowling alley. Shoes can be rented for a fee to use throughout your bowling session.
- Another option is to get your own ball and have it specifically fit your hand, for your own personal swing and release. Fitting and drilling can often be done on-site (if the home professional is at the bowling alley at the time). A professional will be able to advise you on the best ball composition and weight for your level, budget, bowling style and aspirations.
- You may be able to find a ball deal online or at your local store, but you will most likely have a hard time sifting through all the options and have to expect to pay a professional to fit your hand and drill the ball. It is not recommended to fit and drill your ball at a major retail store unless they specialize in sports equipment, specifically bowling equipment. However, if you buy from a professional shop, you will get free advice and drilling.
Step 2. Determine your grip type
If you buy your own ball, you will have two basic choices:
- Conventional handle, where the middle and ring fingers enter the ball up to the second joint of each finger. This is the only grip option available if you use a "house ball". In this option, a special ball will be drilled to accommodate the natural slope of your radius with respect to one another and to the radius of the ball. However, don't worry about this. The professional will take care of all the measurements and should be making adjustments over the course of your few bowling sessions. There should be no charge for the adjustments, but ask just to be sure.
- Fingertip handles, where the middle and ring fingers enter the ball only up to the first joint. The fingertip grip provides more leverage on release, which allows you to give the throw more "push," i.e. give the ball more spins per unit of time. Usually, with a fingertip grip, there is a rubber insert in each finger hole. This results in a firmer grip. Again, a professional will set it up for you and should make adjustments for free.
Step 3. Do the fitting and drill your ball
If you buy your ball, a professional will take care of your hand measurements. Ask a professional to watch some of your pitches. That way, the fit will take into account your natural throwing style. If you've never played bowling before, chances are you'll want to get a little instruction before showing your pitch to a pro. If you ask, a professional will quickly give you the basic steps and direct you to get started on the right foot. In the meantime, finish reading this article to get a basic idea of the bowling alley's fundamentals, which will give you strike after strike.
Without a doubt, the professional will offer you the opportunity to purchase a recommended bag and accessories. You can buy these items on the spot or wait and see what will be available at your local thrift stores. Often, bowling gear appears in good condition and you can buy a ball for the kids and a bag for yourself. In fact, what you need at this point is a bowling ball shoulder bag, otherwise known as a support bag
Step 4. Choose your bowling shoes
It is mandatory for you to use shoes that are specifically designed for bowling. These shoes have a medium-soft rubber heel, which will stop you subtly, but quickly at the point of release. The sole is leather and designed to slide smoothly along the release board, as you get ready to release your throw. Rental shoes are available at the counter and are usually paid for when you get your lane assigned.
- If you plan to join a weekly bowling league, house shoes are often included in the weekly fee. Ask about this. If your bowling center doesn't include free shoes for the league, you'll save money overall by buying your own shoes ASAP. They will be available in the pro shop or you can buy them through special offers around town or online.
- A message to be careful about the shoes: Be careful not to step on any liquids or spills. Bowling shoes are designed to glide smoothly right up to release. If you step on water, for example, your slide will stop as quickly as you started, which is very dangerous and can cause injury.
Step 5. Choose a house ball
The ball comes in a variety of weight options which will most likely be printed on the ball. Alternatively, the balls will be color coded. For color coded options, the information should be prominently displayed in the bowling center. If not available, ask the counter.
- Determine the appropriate initial weight. Choose a ball that looks light enough. Holding the ball with both hands, extend your arms fully in front of your chest. If you can hold the ball for just a few seconds without getting tired, you've found a good starting weight. If the ball wants to drop as soon as you push it away from your body, then the ball is too heavy. Try something a little lighter. If you can hold the ball with your arms straight for a long time, the ball is far too light. You need the heaviest ball that you can adequately control. If it's too light, you'll be able to jerk it during swing and you'll get inconsistent results.
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Choose a ball with the appropriate range. Hold the ball with your non-dominant hand under it. Insert the thumb of your bowling hand (your dominant hand) into the hole with the largest diameter and insert your middle and ring fingers into the two remaining holes.
- Look for balls that have holes, where if the fingers are inserted, the joint folds of the two fingers right on the edge of each hole. If the finger holes are too far apart and the edge of the hole is between your first and second joints, you can't fit your fingers into the hole completely. The range is too big. On the other hand, if the span is too small, your palm will not be able to rest on the surface of the ball and you will, of course, adopt a pincher grip. This is not a strong hold and will result in a weak throw and relatively few strikes.
- Take the time to at least find a ball with the right range and comfortable for your hand. If you're really having trouble finding a ball of the weight you're looking for, that has the right range, you're more likely to choose a ball that's either too heavy or too light. The heavier the ball, the greater the range, so you'll need to find a heavier or lighter ball to suit your needs. If you're having trouble, ask a bowling center staff for help. They will help you to find a suitable weight and range.
- Choose the best finger hole size. If you've found several balls of weight with the right starting range, look for the one with the narrowest and most comfortable finger hole. Usually, finger holes are drilled too large. If you find that your fingers don't fit inside the ball, you have chosen a ball that is too light in weight, perhaps heavy for a child with a smaller proportion of finger holes. You'll need a hole that's fairly narrow, but still can release your fingers easily.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right starting position
Step 1. Determine your starting distance from the foul line
Stand with your back to the pins and your heels on the foul line. Take a normal four and a half steps towards the scoring area and mark the location where the tip of the big toe is. Generally, this will be between the five round dots and the start of the drop off area.
- If you find that your normal stride is taking you off course, you should start with your heels slightly off the delivery area and start with shorter strides, building your pace and stride distance as you approach the foul line. This way, you can avoid crossing the line that runs from trench to trench (at the beginning of the trench).
- If you cross the foul line or any part of your body that touches the lane past this line, the number of fallen pins will not be counted and the pins will be reset. However, you still lose your throws (maximum two shots per frame, but maybe as many as three shots, only in the tenth frame).
Step 2. Start with your big toe on the board with the dot in the middle
Before you start making strikes on each frame, you need to figure out the best possible position to start your delivery in. Your non-dominant foot, whichever, will be opposite your bowling hand. If you play bowling with your right hand, then this will be your left foot. Place your left foot forward, aligning it with the back of the center point.
Eventually, you'll be able to adjust the starting base of your alignment based on your natural inclination, but to start and measure your shot, try to start from the middle
Step 3. Aim the second arrow from the trench on your dominant side
About 4.57 meters from the foul line, you will see a directional arrow that helps you to aim.
The middle of the track is usually the oiliest part. Keeping the ball to the side is a good way to maximize your traction on the track
Step 4. Do some practice throws to see where the ball goes
Play bowling naturally, keep your shoulders parallel to the foul line and swing your arms forward as straight as possible. Make a follow-up motion after you take it off. Your hands should be open as if you wanted to shake someone's hand. Notice where the ball lands.
The "pocket" is the area directly off of one side of the front pin and this is the area you want to hit to consistently produce strikes. Did you hit the pocket? If so, you have found the correct starting position for your swing. You will need to align your non-dominant foot with the midpoint
Step 5. Move towards the pin you missed
If you miss the right, start your next throw one point to the right from the center point. If you miss the left one, do the opposite. While this may seem counterintuitive, missing a side means your ball is turning too fast or too slow. Keep the ball on target by moving towards the pins you missed.
After some practice throwing, you should be able to find the optimal starting position from which you will be bowling. From there, you can adjust your pitch to increase your chances of making a strike each time
Part 3 of 3: Improving Your Accuracy
Step 1. Practice your arch ball
Professional bowlers play bowling with a little "English" or curvature of the ball. Since the pocket you are aiming for is at an angle, the best way to hit it is to bend the ball into the pocket from the edge of the lane. This is why you aim from an arrow to the side of the center.
The best way to ensure English on your pitch is to maintain a good "handshake" position in the follow-up motion of your throw. Once you've released the ball, your hand should be up as if you wanted to shake the hand from the pin you're aiming for
Step 2. Find the right bowling ball
Using a ball that is too heavy or too light can have a drastic impact on your accuracy. Experiment with some balls that are a little heavier than what you normally feel and some that are a little lighter than what you normally use. Did your accuracy improve with either one?
Step 3. Find the right speed
Shooting the ball from the rocket launcher, that is, your bowling arm, may seem like a good idea at first, but it's certainly not the most accurate way to throw. The extra power will often leave the pins on the floor than a weaker force and a more accurate throw will have. However, in general, you should throw the ball with as much force as you can to throw it accurately.
Some modern rinks can measure the speed of your ball. Try and reduce the speed of your throwing with small, gradual reductions, if you bounce the pins out of the way. A slower, more precise pocket throw will keep the pins on track and allow them to mix, increasing your chances of clearing the pin arrangement and making a strike
Step 4. Adjust your grip on the bowling ball
Holding it too tight, especially on the thumb, can deflect the ball in a less accurate direction. Put your fingers into the ball first. If you have a bowling ball that fits just right, they should go as far as your big knuckle. Use your non bowling hand to steady the ball during your delivery.
You usually want your thumb to release the ball just before the rest of the fingers. Make sure your nails are neat and trimmed to avoid getting them caught in the finger holes and throwing the ball sideways
Tips
- Find a ball that you are comfortable with. Don't start with a #16 ball if you can't use it. Instead, start with a medium weight, such as a #12 (or lighter) ball.
- If you usually leave pin 5 (behind the head pin), you should either throw your ball harder into the pocket or throw it a little higher on the head pin. The lighter ball turns easier and can't carry pin 5 so easily.
- If you usually leave the pins on the sides, you're hitting the head pins too much.
- Make sure you have the heaviest ball that you can handle comfortably.
