Equipment and Accessories for Bowling

Monday, 13. December 2010

Bowling is a very popular sport and a leisure activity. A person does not need to be a pro to enjoy this kind of sport. Over 50 million Americans are into bowling and more and more people around the world are becoming addicted to it.

Whether a professional bowler or not, it is recommended that you have the proper equipment and accessories before heading to the lanes. Here are some accessories that should be considered:

Bowling Balls

Bowling balls are the most important equipment in bowling. When buying bowling balls, some features should be considered. They are the weight, size of the ball holes, and whether the balls are designed for right-handed or left-handed persons. There are also three types of balls: beginner, intermediate and the advanced bowling balls. Kids may also buy bowling balls that are designed specifically for them. There are also bowling alleys that providerent bowling balls to players…

Bowling Shoes

Bowling shoes are also necessary in bowling. Bowling shoes are not just ordinary shoes; each shoe in the pair serves a purpose. One shoe is designed for better sliding while the other is for braking. Most bowling alleys providerent shoes to their customers. When choosing bowling shoes, it is important to consider the size. They should not be too loose or too tight on the feet. The bowler must be able to move comfortably.

Bowling Shirts

Like other sports, proper clothing is necessary and must be comfortable. Specially designed bowling shirts with collars are worn by professional bowlers. However, if the player is just an ordinary bowler, any regular shirt with collar will do as long as it fits comfortably and not be a distraction while bowling.

Bowling Gloves

Bowling gloves are very beneficial to bowlers. These are used to provide a better grip of the ball. Bowling gloves help players throw a ball accurately and with power. Gloves are helpful in supporting the wrist and making a smooth delivery possible.

Bowling Towels

Towels are important and used to wipe the oil residue from the balls. Towels may be improvised or there are special bowling towels available in sports supply stores.

Other accessories may also be considered like bags, face towels, wristbands and bowling ball cleaners and polishers. All these accessories are beneficial in providing mobility and comfort to bowlers. If one is interested in getting into the bowling lanes, then he may avail one of these accessories for his own.

Delivering Hook Techniques in Bowling

Sunday, 28. November 2010

Bowling is a sport and leisure activity that involves creativity and discipline. To be able to perform well, one should be familiar with the different movements and techniques in bowling.

Bowling has been a sport for many centuries. As the years passed changes evolved and modern bowlers are now able to execute different techniques and strategies. They have started making movements that create sharp angles to the pocket that are able to hit the pins with maximum energy.

With the variety of modern balls available, bowlers are able to create styles that help them hook the balls. Bowling balls that are designed today are able to provide stronger and better hooking capacity.

Here are some tips to help in learning the hook techniques:

1.    It is necessary to choose the right ball. The size and weight of the ball should be perfect for the body and capacity of the bowler so that he can execute properly. If the ball is not right, then it will not get to the target.

2.    A good grip of the ball is essential. He needs to hold the ball with the two fingers of his dominant hand – if he is left-handed, then he can handle the ball with his left hand and vise versa. Other players will tuck their “pinky” finger under the ball to add force and support when releasing it.

3.    The player needs to focus on the lane and concentrate where he wants it to cross. He can make use of the arrow markings of the lane to help him visualize where he would like the ball to roll.

4.    Perfect timing for the release is needed. He can take four steps making the third step a half step. This will insure that he gets the right position. While doing the steps, the player will swing the ball at the same time he is stepping and then release the ball at the exact time the ankle touches the ground once he starts sliding. The ball should be released at the end of the slide.

5.    The last step is the swinging and releasing of the ball. If the player would like to execute the hook, then he should make the ball rotate while it is rolling down the lane. This is done by bending the elbow while swinging and then straightening it at the time of the release.

When practicing the hook technique for the first time, the bowler should take extra care to prevent injuries. Beginners are advised to practice with an experienced bowler so that they may be taught of the proper movements and execution.

Choosing Your Bowling Gear

Friday, 12. November 2010

Bowling is a fun sport and it should be. Although it’s a sport which was initially not meant to be played by everyone, choosing the right kinds of gears makes it possible for almost all people to enjoy the game.

Choosing the right bowling gear can elevate one’s game if he is serious about bowling. One can actually play the game without going through the hassle of buying and bringing his own gear, but it’s so much better to play with your own gear. It’s like playing a guitar, once you buy a guitar and you get used to it and the same is true of bowling.

Here are some of the essential bowling gears which one must have to step up his bowling game:

Ball

A serious bowler must have his own bowling balls. Bowling balls differ in weight, which is probably one of the most important things to consider when choosing a bowling ball. The general rule in bowling is that a person can use a ball which weights 10% of his total body weight. This means that a person who weights 140 pounds can use a ball which weights up to 14 pounds.

In choosing a bowling ball, one must also assess the comfort that it brings to the hand and the wrist, the right distance of the finger holes, and the general feel of the ball.

Shoes

Some people may find bowling shoes funny-looking, however, they are very important in bowling. The right kind and size of bowling shoes allows the bowler to concentrate more the game and less on the little irritating details that come along with rented shoes from the alley.

Bag

Bowling bags should be bought if one desires the convenience they bring. Today’s bowling bags can accommodate more than one bowling ball and the other accessories that might be needed.

Wrist supports

Not all bowlers use wrist supports but they do help in training the wrist to perform the correct release of the ball with the right position.

Buying essential bowling gear is important if a player wants to move up to another level. Gear refers to the tools which you use to be able to achieve a better style of play or simply to train yourself to play properly…

Bowling Balls : Choosing the Right Coverstock

Tuesday, 10. August 2010

Bowling balls are available in a variety of coverstocks, top weights, pin locations, weight blocks and more.  Choosing the proper bowling ball to best suit your game can prove to be a challenge.  Fortunately, there are quite a few resources available online to research your bowling ball decision.

Below, is a brief breakdown of how the coverstock of a bowling ball can determine the reaction of the bowling ball on a specific lane condition.

Coverstocks refer to the surface of the bowling ball.  For example, most bowling balls will have either a dull surface or a shiny surface.  From the manufacturer, the new bowling ball will already have this characteristic.  However, you can alter the surface to your liking by adding a bowling ball polish to the ball or simply dulling the surface by using a dulling compound or even a scotch brite pad.

When a bowling ball is shiny, the reaction of the bowling ball tends to have more length before it reaches the breakpoint and hooks.  When it is dull, the ball will roll up earlier, giving the appearance of more hook.  In reality, the bowling ball just reaches it’s breakpoint sooner when it is dull compared to when it is polished.  Depending on the lane condition, you will be able to determine which bowling ball surface is right for you.

If the lane is slick (more oil on it), you will want a reaction from the ball that will roll earlier.  The reason being is that the oil delays the rotation of the ball being able to reach its mass bias, the point of where the ball flips and begins to hook.  By using a coverstock that is dull, it creates more friction between the surface of the ball and the oil on the lane, in turn having the ball reach its breakpoint sooner.

When the lane condition is on the drier side (less oil on the lane), you will want to use a bowling ball with a little more shine to it.  A shiny ball will have less friction in a sense that the shine makes the bowling ball skid further down the lane before it starts to turn.  However, it should be noted that on dry lanes, the bowling ball will want to naturally go into its roll sooner because of the small amount of oil that is on the lane.

The coverstock is one important aspect of bowling balls and being able to properly match up your game to the lane condition.  Ideally, you will want to speak with your local bowling ball pro shop operator about your next bowling ball purchase.  It is best to have them watch you bowl as well as talk about what bowling balls are currently in your bag.

If a bowling ball pro shop is not located in the center you bowl at, many excellent resources are available online.  One such resource for www.birddogbowling.combowling balls is BirdDogBowling.com.

Bowling Balls

Tuesday, 3. August 2010

Bowling balls are available with a wide range of options.  Such options as coverstock, weight block, top weight, and pin location to name a few.  With so many variables, how do you choose the right one for you?  Many factors, should be considered when making a decision on your next bowling ball purchase.

Let’s briefly breakdown what each of the above mentioned terms mean in reference to bowling balls.

-Coverstock is essentially to outer surface of the bowling ball that creates the shell.  Typically, the coverstock can either be dull or shiny on a bowling ball.

-A weight block is the core of the bowling ball.  Depending on the shape and density of the weight block, it can influence the reaction of the bowling ball.

-Top weight is the core variation within the bowling ball.  If the core is higher in the ball, it produces a higher top weight.  If the core is lower, then the bowling ball will have a lower top weight.

-Pin location simply designates the location of the top of the weight block in a bowling ball.

These definitions simply apply to the bowling ball itself.  What factors not related to the makemodel of the bowling ball?  For this we are referring to factors such as your bowling game itself.  Things such as ball speed, track flare, axis tilt, etc all play an important role in bowling.  Each person has their own unique way of bowling.  Knowing your game and style will make it easier for you to make the proper selection when buying a new bowling ball.

Below is a brief breakdown of a few key definitions.

-Ball Speed is simply the speed at which you roll your bowling ball.  Many of the newer scoring systems measure the speed of your bowling ball.  However, not all are 100% accurate, but it can give you a general idea of what the speed is.

-Track flare is the “oil rings” that appear on your bowling ball after you throw it.  These rings show the progression of the rotation of your ball as it is rolling down the lane and the ball changing its axis of rotation while seeking its preferred spin axis.

-Axis tilt is the angle of rotation of the bowling ball.

Depending on your style and lane conditions, making the right decision can be tricky at times.  The easiest and best way to decide which bowling ball is right for you is to visit your local bowling pro shop.  Many pro shop owners have been around the game of bowling for quite some time.  With their knowledge and experience, as well as watching you bowl, they can give you strong recommendations on which bowling ball will suit your game.

However, not every bowling center has an on-site pro shop.  Luckily the internet provides a plethora of information regarding bowling balls.  Many of the manufacturer sites provide in depth analysis of reactions and characteristics and even a few videos with the bowling balls in action.  Customer reviews found on various bowling ball message forums can also provide real life insight as to what a particular bowling ball can do on certain lane conditions.  There are even a few retail sites that provide bowling ball reviews, which are customer reviews for various products.

As you can see the internet can be an excellent resource in helping you determine which bowling balls will take your game to the next level.