How To Choose The Correct Bowling Equipment
You don’t need much equipment to go bowling, but it is important that the equipment you have is the correct fit and size for you. You need the right kind of shoes and a bowling ball – that’s it! You might want to wear a pair of fingerless gloves to help you grip, but these are optional.
Bowling shoes have a special smooth sole which slide across the floor. You can hire these from the bowling center, or if you want to take your bowling more seriously, you can buy your own pair. You should never wear your bowling shoes outside – the slippery sole will make them dangerous to walk in, and the rubbing on the soles from the street will ruin the smoothness needed for bowling.
The other essential piece of equipment needed is a bowling ball. You can choose these by size and weight. As a rough guide, you should choose a ball which is about a third of your body weight, but this doesn’t always work. Try the different sizes and weights of house balls before you decide to purchase your own ball. When you’re playing, check to see if the ball speed decreases towards the end of your game – if this is the case, then the ball is probably too heavy for you. If you’re not sure, check your score – a general rule is that the lower your score, the lower the ball speed.
Another way to try a ball is to put your fingers in the holes and swing the bowling ball. If you’re struggling to keep your shoulder up on the back swing, then the ball may be too heavy for you. If the ball leaves the ground and is in the air when you roll it, then it’s probably too light for you. A rough guide is that adult males should be able to handle fourteen to sixteen pound balls without difficulty; adult females might prefer balls ranging from ten to fourteen pounds – these may suit teenage boys as well.
It’s also important that you check how the ball fits your fingers. You need to put two fingers and your thumb into the finger holes. You should be able to put your entire thumb in without difficulty, and your fingers need to go in as far as the first joint, or just between the first and second joints. Make sure your fingers aren’t tight in the holes – you need to be able to move your fingers easily out and in. Your hand should be stretched, but not to the point of discomfort. Some bowling balls are designed to be held by only the fingertips – so the holes in this type of bowling ball aren’t as deep.
If you have your own bowling equipment, you’ll need to buy bags for the ball and shoes. You will find that a small towel is useful to clean any dirt off the ball during and after your game is useful. If you play regularly, you might find that a rosin bag is useful for keeping your hands dry.
