Choose An Ideal Bowling Ball

If you are new to the sport and want to know how to choose an ideal bowling ball don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. People of all ages enjoy bowling and having the right ball is essential. Here are some tips on how to choose an ideal bowling ball; if you are interested in buying your own ball, there are a few additional tips.

To choose an ideal bowling ball, you will need:

• The USBC and PBA rules and regulations
• Your local bowling alley pro’s recommendations
• A few games under your belt

1. Experience is the best teacher. Many experts advise bowling at least three games with balls of various weights until you find the weight that is best suited for you. Check the printed weights on the balls and look for one about ten percent of your body weight. Start out bowling with the heaviest, but most comfortable weight that you can handle. You want to be able to roll the ball without hurting your back. If you are buying a ball, a rule of thumb is to choose a ball one to two pounds heavier than the house ball you usually use as a custom fit ball will feel much lighter because it will be easier to hold on to.
2. Check the holes. Once you locate a bowling ball of the correct weight, it’s time to put your fingers in the holes of the ball you have chosen. If you can’t fit your fingers in the holes, you will need to find another ball in the same weight that is not too small. Part of how to choose an ideal bowling ball is letting your fingers slide into the ball with your thumb coming out freely when you throw the ball with your palm flat against the ball.
3. Two is the magic number. You want at least two bowling balls at your disposal—one for strikes and one for spares. Novice bowlers definitely are good with two balls. (Some pros use four or five different balls.) You want the strike ball to provide maximum pin action by moving out and hooking in. For your spare ball, you want a harder ball because optimally you will only have one or two pins left to pick up. Your spare can just aim straight at them.
4. If you want a perfect fit, get your own. The easiest way how to choose an ideal bowling ball is to purchase your own. House balls are fine for a quick game or your 10-year old nephew’s birthday party, but if you decide to get serious about bowling you will eventually want to purchase your own ball and have the holes drilled especially for your fingers. You can choose an ideal bowling ball at your local bowling alley or sporting goods store.

Warning:

Make sure your bowling ball conforms to United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) specifications. If you are using a house ball you probably don’t have to worry about this.

League bowlers may need more than one ideal bowling ball, because the lanes change as they bowl necessitating them changing balls.