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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Shopping
Bowling
Ball
