Home

Average Joe ...Bowling Tips and Instructions by Mr. Bill

 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 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 lane position works best for us, depending on the alley conditions. Oily to 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 hinders 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, move to the left. If your ball is moving too far to the left, move right. This is for more of a straight ball shooter. There is much more to this when you can hook the ball which I not going into at this time. 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 (in the Wisconsin Bowling Hall of Fame) once told me when I was a youngster, 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 three or so spares. A great bowler gets 90% of their spares, and gets a few strikes for good measure. Now go have some fun!

If you should need some instructions the bowl has some great coaches to help your game along. Contact a staff member to get you in touch with the right coach.

No One Sits Out in Bowling

Bill Heyden